Yes, the Gulf is always hot in July. This July wasn't normal.

Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2023 were a record 1.09°C hotter than normal on average, putting marine life at risk and adding more fuel for hurricanes. 

July anomalies in sea surface temperatures averaged across grid points between the latitudes of 19.0°N and 29.0°N, and between the longitudes of 81°W and 97.5°W. Normal temperatures represent the period 1991-2020.
LANGSTON TAYLOR | Times Source: NOAA Extended Reconstructed SST V5