Get on SR 44 (southern edge of Brownwood), go west until your feet are nearly in the water.
Seriously, to the very end of 44.
You will be at FT Island Beach, on the Gulf. It is a State Park, beach only. Nice sand, nice water, nice scenery, bare amenities. Take your own chairs, food/drinks & shade.
A nice family beach, only 50 miles, about 1 hour max, for us. We are in-between Bonifay and Evans Prairie CC’s.
This is the closest beach to us that we have found.
By the way the eastern end of SR 44 terminates in New Smyrna Beach. About two hours depending on traffic.
Don