[tevake]

Haven't come across any sailing clubs here in the fl panhandle yet.
But there are lots of large bodies of salt water just inland from the coast, big bays that could be good training areas on your way to sailing off shore. There is an inter coastal waterway, aka the ditch connecting many of those bays. Plenty of sheltered waters.
And for that matter the gulf is usually quite mellow as open water goes.

I've just scratched the surface of the sailing scene so far. There may well be the sort of sailing club you are thinking of. Let's see what other come up with.

I've been thinking a trailerable 20'/24' centerboard cuddly cabin sailboat would be a good fit for these waters.
Keep it at home when not using it.

Cheers Richard