Bay Biz Winter 2024

WINTER 2024 | VOL. 14 / ISSUE 1 PANAMACITY.ORG

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE Rice's Whales in the Gulf of Mexico and Proposed Vessel Speed Limit

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DEFENSE INTEL Eastern Shipbuilding Group Christens And Launches U.S. Coast Guard’s First Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter

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HEALTH SMART Goals in 2024

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EDUCATION Empowering Educators: Strategies to Fulfill the Teacher Workforce Gap

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TECHNOLOGY Small Business: Large Threat

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ECONOMIC PROFILE

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WORKFORCE CONNECTION

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BAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEMBER TO KNOW

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BIZ LIST

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NEW MEMBERS

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MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

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features 18

COVER STORY The 31st Coast Guard Community

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A LOOK BACK AT OUR 2023 FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, PO Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 or email information@baychamberfl.com. Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. To have your story considered, please email communications@baychamberfl.com. To request additional copies, call 850-785-5206.

PUBLISHER Carol Roberts

ART DIRECTION, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sydney Clifton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Bodine, Aimee Bright, LTJG Kristen Carson, Sydney Clifton, Jessica Ditto, Joe Ezell, Sharon Michalik, LTJG Quinn Morley, and Elizabeth Smith CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sydney Clifton, Bay District Schools, Eastern Shipbuilding, Destination Panama City, and Coast Guard Panama City Division

BAY BIZ MAGAZINE c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1850 Panama City, FL 32402 850-785-5206 panamacity.org | information@baychamberfl.com

COVER U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

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Of course, there are hundreds of past Board members, committee chairs, committee members at all levels that have led to the success of the Bay County Chamber. I am grateful to all of those volunteers too.

Where to begin? As this is my last President’s message in this publication, I want to spend some time reminiscing, so please allow me to take a step back in time.

When I walked through the doors in July of 1977 to apply for a receptionist position, I never dreamed I’d be writing this message as President, to my many friends, family and the community. I’ve always said my short story was – turned 20 in June, got married in July and started at the Chamber in August of ’77. So far, it’s all the same as I celebrated my 66th birthday in June, my 46th wedding anniversary in July to my husband Leo, and my 46th year with this amazing organization in August.

I want to first thank my family for supporting my career and putting up with the early mornings and late nights. It was a labor of love for me. To my dear daughter, Kelly, we are a team and thank you for especially understanding and being a part of the journey. We both bleed Bay County. To my granddaughters, Katelyn and Ashlyn, I’m hoping I didn’t cheat you too much on having Grammy time, but I did give it my best and love you dearly. Now, I have a great granddaughter, Magnolia Catherine, that I hope to spend lots of quality time with in the near future.

Throughout my career with the Chamber, I have developed deep friendships I would have never had the opportunity to gain. To my past Chairs of the Board, thank you for your tremendous level of support. In my 46-years, I’ve had 45 Chairs. One Chair, John Robbins, served a two year term, due to an officer that was transferred by his company. Rayford Lloyd, owner of Lloyd Pontiac Cadillac, was my first Chairman I worked for and Kyle Shoots, owner of Systems Services & Engineering, is my last and final. I am honored to have worked for these folks, and words cannot express my feelings for them and every one in between. The lessons I have learned from each of these amazing folks have shaped my life. What stands out most to me is how our Chairs literally turn their lives upside down to serve in this capacity with no financial gain, only the knowledge of knowing and making a difference in Bay County. I hope you’ll peruse the list in this story and just take a look at those community leaders that made the commitment, and most still to this day are involved at some level not only in the Chamber, but also in the community through elected or appointed positions, or just simply still volunteering and giving back to Bay County. Thank you all!

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I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my two predecessors. Frank Bacen led the organization through some pretty tough times. I remember him actually turning off the air conditioning during a board meeting to get their attention on the funding crisis we were experiencing at the time. Lol! Whatever it takes! It worked and they all came to the table to increase revenue. I worked for Frank for 20 years in many positions, including receptionist.

Frank was a brilliant man, and the knowledge and skills I gained from him helped shape my career.

When Frank retired, the Board conducted a national search, and Jim Cherry was hired to lead the organization. I don’t think it’s any secret Jim and I had challenges in the beginning, but we ended up best of friends. Jim had Chamber experience and education that helped take the organization to the next level. My lasting memory of him was when he was adamant we were going paperless and I caught him throwing boxes of historical photos in the dumpster across the street! I was mortified. By that time, I was the self-proclaimed protector of all things Chamber. I darted across the street and we went at it.

Afterwards, he was in the dumpster retrieving boxes and taking them back to storage. Success! I did enjoy working with Jim, and as I said, we became very good friends. Sadly, both of my predecessors have passed, but their memory lives on with me.

When Jim resigned, he used half of his letter of resignation to recommend me for the President/CEO position. Karen Hanes, publisher of the News Herald, was the Chair of the Board at that time and had started the planning stages for another national search. She had asked Joe Tannehill, former Chair, to lead the Search Committee and that he did. Joe stopped the process and submitted one name for consideration by the Board. As they say, the rest is history. In 2002, I was announced as the new President/CEO after 25 years of service.

I could not be prouder to have been at the helm, and most importantly, had the opportunity to grow in just about every position in the organization. It gave me respect for the employees that followed, and the role they play. Speaking of employees, this story wouldn’t be complete without mention of the many who have actually worked at the Chamber running the day to day operations and serving as the glue that keeps it together. Of course, in 46 years, many have come and gone, but I’ve always encouraged them to better themselves and never criticized them for moving on. Currently we have three on staff that have been with us for nearly 20 years, and it makes me proud to know they’ll serve as that historical element to carry the torch. To all of the Chamber Chicks and Dudes, thank you!

It has been a pleasure working with each of you. Thank you for putting up with my non-traditional management style and my foul mouth. You know me, what you see is what you get, but I think we’ve had lots of fun along the way and made lots of memories for one another. Love you all!

When I reflect on the organization itself, man, we’ve come a long way. We have put a stake in the ground as an advocate for business and community development.

Although we thought it was the end of the world when we separated and stood up the Bay EDA, it actually forced us to focus on a real mission to serve as a community development organization preparing Bay County for the growth we’re experiencing now.

Can you imagine a two-lane Back Beach Road currently? No, but it was the Bay County Chamber that led a coalition of fourteen organizations to agree upon Bay County’s top three transportation priorities to send a strong message to the Department of Transportation that we could all agree instead of pulling in fourteen different directions. Topping that list was the four-laning of Back Beach Road. Now we’re talking about six.

Some of the shorter-term successes we’ve taken the lead on was the Infrastructure Surtax. Yes, we did that, along with our strategic partners and local government. The surtax is generating well over $25M a year for infrastructure improvements, and it has been said by local government leaders that, “we’re now getting projects done that would not have been possible within the next 25 years.” For you to better understand the impact of this surtax, as a surtax, everyone pays, not just property owners. The best part is our number one industry, tourism, is paying the majority and supporting infrastructure improvement in Bay County.

The Panama City Bed Tax is yet another one of the shorterterm successes. Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach have thrived for many years with their bed taxes being in place.

Panama City had never had one. On three other occasions it had been taken to the voters and failed. Well, we love a good challenge and the worst thing anyone can ever say to me or our team is, “it isn’t worth it, don’t waste your time”. Well, we took

that as a challenge and again the rest is history. Destination Panama City is thriving, and Panama City now has the dollars to promote itself as a true tourism destination, breathing new life into our business community.

Those are just a few examples of the impact the Bay County Chamber has on this community. The list could go on and on.

I am extremely proud to say while at the helm, the Bay County Chamber was named Chamber of Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) on five different occasions every time we applied. Not to mention the numerous other awards for Bay Biz Magazine, Guide to Bay County, Legislative Agenda and many more communications awards.

Our role legislatively makes us stand out among the crowd in keeping business issues top of mind on a local, state, and federal level. We are well respected among our elected officials as they support our initiatives and recognize the role we play.

I encourage you to make sure we stay the course as an award winning, respected organization. Without community development, you don’t have economic development and good bones to support your growth. I respectfully ask our investors to continue their support in helping the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to Build A Better Bay! I leave you with a financially sound organization, a practically new facility and a seasoned staff. The timing couldn’t be better for my retirement.

Again, thank you all for your friendship and I look forward to my next adventure! Not sure what that might look like, but if the last 46 years have been any indication of what I can get into, the sky is the limit!

Carol A. Roberts President/CEO

PAS T C HAI R ME N 1977 Rayford Lloyd 1978 Abbott Browne 1979 Fred Lindholm 1980 Don Crisp 1981 Travis Crosby 1982 Gene Crist 1983 Larry Tyree 1984 Pedro Mandoki 1985 Gary Muller 1986 Scott Fischer 1987 Ted Haney 1988 Charles Jordon

1989-1990 John Robbins 1991 Jim McIntyre 1992 Bob McSpadden 1993 Larry Dantzler 1994 Anne Hull Dick 1995 Vic Jones 1996 Jerry Smithwick 1997 Thomas Neubauer 1998 Raymond Powell 1999 Franklin Harrison 2000 Joe Tannehill, Sr. 2001 Hugh Roche

2002 Karen Hanes 2003 Joey Ginn 2004 Scott Clemons 2005 Elizabeth Walters 2006 Glen McDonald 2007 Steve Southerland 2008 Andy Phillips 2009 Sean McNeil 2010 David Powell 2011 Bo Rivard 2012 Al McCambry 2013 Bill Fenimore

2014 Larry Carroll 2015 Andrew Levy and Michael Sears 2016 Robert Carroll 2017 Claire Sherman 2018 Doug Moore 2019 Will Cramer 2020 Andrew Rowell 2021 Chris Moore 2022 Garrett Anderson 2023 Kyle Shoots

POL ITI CAL PERSPEC TIVE

Rice's Whales in the Gulf of Mexico and Proposed Vessel Speed Limit by: Aimee Bright, Vice President of Governmental/Military Affairs, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

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he Gulf of Mexico is home to a diverse array of marine life, and among its inhabitants, Rice's whales (Balaenoptera ricei) stand out as one of the most enigmatic and least understood species. Earlier this year, non-government organizations brought forth a petition to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) to implement vessel speed limit restrictions. This proposed vessel speed limit rule raised concerns about negative effects it would have on our communities, port operations, and overall economy.

Rice's Whales: An Enigmatic Subspecies Rice's whales, named after the American marine biologist Dale W. Rice, are a relatively recent addition to the world of marine mammal research. Despite their unique status as the only resident baleen whale in the Gulf of Mexico, little is known about their biology and behavior. Initially identified as a subpopulation of Bryde’s whales, they were determined to be a distinct subspecies in 2021. Their estimated population is believed to be fewer than 100, and they are usually seen alone

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or in pairs, but may form larger, loose groups associated with feeding. Limited data suggest Rice's whales spend the daytime diving near the seafloor bottom and spend much of their time at night within 50 feet of the water’s surface, similar to some Bryde’s whales.

There is little information on the Rice’s whales diet, lifespan, and reproduction rates. Much of what is known is based on information from closely-related Bryde’s whales. They are uniformly dark gray on top with a pale belly. The head of a Rice's whale makes up about one quarter of its entire body length. The whale has a broad fluke, or tail, and a pointed and strongly hooked dorsal fin located about two-thirds of the way back on its body. Like other baleen whales, Rice’s whales engulf large amounts of water and strain it through baleen plates that hang inside their mouths to catch their prey. Rice's whales are likely able to reproduce every two to three years, have a gestational period of 10- 12 months, and mate year-round.

According to the NOAA Fisheries website, their lifespan is unknown.

and below the surface of the water would jeopardize Florida’s appeal to retain or attract military installations, missions, training and defense contractors. Loss of such activities would negatively affect the $96.9 billion defense related economic impact in the State.

Concerns Regarding Proposed Vessel Speed Limit The proposed rules petition was submitted by the Healthy Gulf, Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice and the New England Aquarium in 2021. In April 2023, the “Vessel Slowdown Zone” petition receipt and request for comments was published by NOAA in Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 67. The “Zone” would implement a year-round no night-time vessel transit rule and a 10-knot vessel speed restriction within waters between 100 meters and 400 meters deep from approximately Pensacola, FL, to Tampa, FL. (plus an additional 10 kilometers around that area).

Upon discovering the proposed rule petition, the Bay County Chamber initiated a research effort to gain a deeper understanding of the potential repercussions of the rule within Bay County. This examination raised significant concerns.

Much of the Gulf of Mexico fishing grounds used by recreational and commercial fisherman would fall under the 10-knot rule. Maritime activities in Florida account for nearly 13% of the state's GDP and contributes $4.2 billion in state and local taxes. Requiring a vessel to operate at a maximum speed of 10-knots and halting nighttime vessel transits, would greatly reduce the significant impact of these activities on the state's economy.

Florida's 16 seaports, which play a vital role in both cargo and cruise operations, are responsible for adding $117.6 billion to the state's economy and supporting approximately 900,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. Specifically, Port Panama City USA, at the local level, handles over two million tons of cargo and sustains 10,790 jobs, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced employment opportunities within the community and its surrounding region. The port's cargo operations have contributed over $57.6 million in state and local taxes, and have a substantial economic impact of $1.6 billion. Any restrictions on its operations would have widespread and far-reaching consequences.

The Bay County Chamber was also gravely concerned about the impacts this rule would have on Florida’s Joint Gulf Training Range Complex. It is the largest military training range in the continental United States and provides military training activities essential to our national security. Threats to this unique military testing and training area on, above

Through its research, the Chamber concluded while protecting endangered species was important, restricting marine activity was not an effective or reasonable option.

Because of limited data in regards to Rice’s whales’ population and lifespan, along with insufficient information showing vessel strikes were contributing to whale mortality rates, the Bay County Chamber Board of Directors voted to oppose the proposed vessel speed limit rule.

Stated in the letter of opposition sent to NOAA, Chamber Board members noted rather than limiting marine activity, they advocated for conducting real-time monitoring of Rice’s whales through tagging, acoustic detection and pushing location information to operators. They also specified support for development of avoidance technology, outreach/education, and increasing compliance with existing regulations to help develop effective conservation strategies for Rice’s whales.

Advocacy In Action The Chamber notified its members of the formal commenting period for the proposed vessel speed limit rule through a Governmental Affairs Action Alert. In the alert, the Chamber provided background information and talking points so members could submit an informed statement.

Many organizations and lawmakers also led the charge and wrote letters of opposition, as well as encouraged the public to submit statements during the formal comment period. The result, over 75,000 comments were made on the issue and in October of 2023, NOAA denied the petition to implement the “Vessel Slowdown Zone”.

According to a bulletin released by NOAA, the organization said it would prioritize "other conservation actions for Rice's whales." The bulletin also affirms NOAA's alignment with the suggestions made by various commenters, advocating for educational outreach with fishermen, vessel operators, and other stakeholders to discuss voluntary protective measures before contemplating regulatory actions.

Although the current denial may be considered a "victory," the matter remains unresolved. The Chamber will stay the course in monitoring this issue and evaluating potential future consequences for Bay County.

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DEF E NS E INTEL

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Christens And Launches U.S. Coast Guard’s First Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter by: Jessica Ditto, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

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n Friday, October 27th, Eastern Shipbuilding Group christened and launched USCGC ARGUS (WMSM915), the U.S. Coast Guard’s first Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC). The ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson St. Shipyard in front of more than 3,000 dignitaries, employees, community leaders, and guests. Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, delivered the keynote address.

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Ship Sponsor, Captain (Ret.) Beverly Kelley, had the honor of Christening the vessel. In her distinguished military career, Captain (Ret.) Kelley was the first woman to command a U.S. military vessel as the Commanding Officer of the 95foot patrol boat, USCGC CAPE NEWAGEN and was the first woman to command both a medium endurance cutter and a high endurance cutter in USCGC NORTHLAND and USCGC BOUTWELL respectively.

“We are proud to christen this first of class national security asset in front of her crew today,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “With each milestone we reach, our employees are constructing the most advanced and capable ship the U.S. Coast Guard has ever seen.”

“The Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) is one of the Service’s highest acquisition priorities and is absolutely vital to recapitalizing the capability provided by our legacy fleet of 210-foot and 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters (MEC),” said Adm. Linda Fagan.

“We have overcome unprecedented challenges to arrive at this pivotal moment to witness this spectacular vessel enter the water for the very first time. People are only just beginning to see what this vessel is truly capable of and like the steel forged on her, we will not compromise,” said Joey.

coordination between Eastern Shipbuilding and the Coast Guard that now gives the service a much needed upgrade with the tools and capabilities needed for the great women and men of the Coast Guard to take the service even further in the future. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I am fighting every day to support the continued success of Florida businesses and our Coast Guard as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of Americans across the nation.”

“The story of Offshore Patrol Cutter Argus is one of perseverance. Eastern Shipbuilding started working on Argus prior to Hurricane Michael. In the days that followed the storm, the Eastern Shipbuilding team returned to their yard ready to do their part,” said Congressman Dunn. “Despite the challenges of recovering from a catastrophic hurricane, this team stuck together to see this project through. This offshore patrol cutter means so much more than many realize. Argus is a reminder of not only how proud Eastern Shipbuilding and Florida’s Second Congressional District should be of their hard work and determination, but it is also a crucial asset to maintaining national security dominance.”

Over 1500 highly skilled craft employees and program professionals at Eastern Shipbuilding Group and 200 businesses from over 25 states are supporting the production of the first four Offshore Patrol Cutters in Panama City. The OPC is designed to conduct an array of missions including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other homeland security and defense operations in support of the nation’s maritime security and border protection. The OPC design includes the capability of carrying an MH-60R or MH-65 helicopter and three operational over-the-horizon small boats. The vessel is also equipped with a highly sophisticated Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) suite that will greatly enhance the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission capabilities.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s truly a monumental occasion in enhancing our national security as Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Nelson Shipyard officially christens and launches the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter ARGUS (WMSM915). Over the past few decades the need for our Coast Guard has grown globally with operations spanning the Arctic, Antarctic, Middle East and Indo-Pacific, all while it continues to protect our valuable United States shoreline.

This first-in-its-class vessel is a testament to the great

The first OPC is named for the Revenue Cutter Argus, which was one of the first 10 ships assigned to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, a predecessor service to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Revenue Cutter Argus began 13 years of service to the newly formed United States of America in 1791.

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H EALTH

SMART Goals in 2024 by: Sydney Clifton, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

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anuary 1st is a pivotal day of each year. As the calendar turns a fresh page with the arrival of the New Year, many individuals begin a journey of self-improvement.

Whether through small daily habits like making the bed or daring adventures such as skydiving, most people are looking to make a change.

First, be realistic. Create a SMART goal. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific.

One of the most common resolutions is the commitment to lose weight. Fueled by a desire for personal betterment and often inspired by the abundance of food during the holiday season, people set their sights on adopting healthier lifestyles.

Whether it's physical fitness, dietary adjustments, or the embrace of holistic wellness practices, these resolutions sum up the human pursuit of a healthier and happier self in the coming year.

Achievable: Goals should not be too difficult or restrictive.

People are much more likely to fail when the goal feels daunting.

A new year means new inspiration, but as humans, we lose motivation. The goal then slips and we are right back to where we started, waiting for a new year to be a “new me.”

Many people set lofty goals without considering the gradual, incremental nature of lifestyle changes, leading to frustration and demotivation when instant results are not achieved. The start of a new year offers a symbolic opportunity for positive change, but how do we work to achieve the goals that have been set?

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Specific: Goals shouldn’t be vague or ambiguous. They should be clearly defined and detailed.

Measurable: There should be a way to track progress.

Relevant: This lifestyle change should be used as a step to achieve an overall goal.

Time-Specific: Set a timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal.

When the characteristics of the SMART goal are pieced together, the goal can look something like this, “I will be more active by walking outside for 30 minutes, three days a week for a month in order to fit in my clothes better.”

Starting with a small goal will build success. Once you have attained that goal, set a new one, progressively advancing towards more significant achievements.

Panama City Beach Conservation Park

Embarking on this goal to lose weight can begin with incorporating activity into your leisure time, such as taking a walk around your neighborhood or using a treadmill. As you increase your activity, you might decide to explore a few of the extensive and varied choices of walking trails that Bay County has to offer.

Rails to Trails With the brand new Rails to Trails project completed in Lynn Haven, FL, visitors and residents are able to walk a 12-footwide, freshly paved path that stretches over three miles long.

This trail is great for simple strolling, running, riding a bike and more. The trail boosts community involvement, with residents utilizing it at any time of the day, connecting with the outdoors.

Harder’s Park This park is a bit off the beaten path, but offers a secluded experience. Located on John Pitts Road, this 76-arce recreation complex provides a variety of outdoor activities, but the trails are what have drawn in most visitors. Harder’s Park is a great transition from a beginner path to a slightly more elevated path, with the choice between a paved quarter mile circle and a much longer, mostly wooded trail bordering the facility. Explore the trails and you might find some wideopen fields.

Lynn Haven Conservation Park Nestled in the heart of Lynn Haven, Florida, the Lynn Haven Conservation Park stands as a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural beauty. This park offers paved and unpaved walking trails, another great option for transitional walkers. The park also overlooks the Lynn Haven Bayou providing a gorgeous view for its visitors.

Of the largest in Bay County, the Panama City Beach Conservation Park provides the longest and most challenging trails in the area. With over 24 miles of trails and over a mile of boardwalks leading through cypress domes, the park offers a vast amount of wildlife. There are 12 different trails to choose from with varying distances, allowing intermediate trail walkers a wider range of options.

A SMART activity goal can be extended to include the whole family. Walking trails can provide families a way to stay active together. Trails offer a chance for every family member, regardless of age or fitness level, to participate.

Exploring nature and engaging in light physical activity fosters not only a healthier lifestyle, but also creates shared experiences and memories.

Additionally, all the trails mentioned welcome four-legged family members to join in the adventure, so leash up. Get both you and your pets active, turning your walks into an exercise routine that benefits not only your health, but also strengthens the bond between you and your fur baby.

As you progress over time, you might feel inspired to explore more challenging trails only a small trek away. Travel north and visit “The Little Grand Canyon” in Providence, Alabama or head east to the Garden of Eden trail in Bristol, Florida.

The community is surrounded by natural beauty, so get out and explore what it has to offer. Visit Floridahikes.com for more information on trails to check out.

By adhering to the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific parameters, your journey for self-improvement in the New Year can be a reality. Whether your goal is to improve your health or to reduce stress, incorporating small, sustainable changes over time will increase your success. Now that you have the tools to shape your goal for 2024, seize the opportunity and turn it into a reality. See you out on the trails!

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

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E D U C ATION

Empowering Educators: Strategies to Fulfill the Teacher Workforce Gap by: Sharon Michalik, Director of Communications, Bay District Schools

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f you’ve heard newly-appointed Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen speak recently, then you’ve heard him reference the "Team of Teams" approach mentioned by author Stanley McChrystal in his leadership book "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World." This concept highlights the symbiotic relationship of various smaller teams within large organizations/communities who work together to solve complex problems. In Bay County, the recently formed Bay District Scholars embodies this approach, aiming to address the widespread issue of teacher shortages through a collaborative effort involving Bay District Schools, Gulf Coast State College, Florida State University Panama City Campus, Grand Canyon University, the St. Joe Community Foundation and the Bay Education Foundation.

The central idea behind Bay District Scholars is to encourage experienced classroom paraprofessionals and support employees without four-year degrees to pursue higher education and secure the qualifications required to become certified teachers. The three educational institutions involved Gulf Coast State College, Florida State University Panama City Campus, and Grand Canyon University guide each student individually through the intricacies of financial aid applications. After students secure primary funding, the foundations try to bridge any remaining financial gaps.

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Superintendent Mark McQueen noted the foundations play a critical role in the program. "GCSC, FSU-PC and GCU are doing a phenomenal job of securing financial aid for our students,” he said. “But the foundations are mission critical as well because even a $200-$300 gap in funding each semester can keep someone from being able to afford college.” McQueen said Bay District Scholars is a wise investment for all of Bay County. “We’re investing in our employees, and we're taking this journey with them every step of the way,” he explained. “By investing in our employees, we’re investing in our community and the ultimate academic achievement of our students.”

Bay District Scholars receive one-on-one support, problemsolving assistance, and tutoring when necessary, with a commitment to teach for Bay District Schools for at least two school years in return. Most of the members of the inaugural 2022-2023 cohort of more than 50 employees have completed two semesters of college without incurring any personal expenses, thanks to innovative financial aid teams and foundation support. Another 75 employees are enrolling for the Spring or Summer of 2024.

The program's success hinges on the unwavering commitment of the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Bay Education Foundation, GCSC, FSU-PC and GCU. April Wilkes, Director of the St. Joe Community Foundation, is a

strong supporter. “We believe in investing in education, and we’ve made significant contributions to Bay District Schools over the years,” she said. “This program aligns completely with our mission and vision, and we’re excited to invest in our own BDS employees and to help them achieve their dreams, which, at the same time, guarantees our children have trained, certified educators in their classrooms.”

The Bay Education Foundation, with its history of funding educational grants and enhancing educational opportunities, echoed those sentiments. Director Dr. Kelly Langenberg said the foundation “believes in empowering educators with quality professional development and support, so adding our support to Bay District Scholars absolutely makes sense.”

The Bay District Scholars program has already achieved remarkable success, thanks to the dedication and perseverance of all involved. Participants like Terry Rigdon, a veteran classroom paraprofessional, are achieving success one college class at a time. Rigdon said one-on-one support through Bay District Scholars gave her the courage to go to college.

“I always felt like I could be a teacher, but the steps involved with returning to college were just too daunting for me to get started,” she said. Terry, who has two adult children of her own, said working full-time and going to college is challenging but possible thanks to the support she has received. “I was struggling in my math class, but the college found me tutors, and then the district recruited certified math teachers to help tutor us, which made all the difference.”

While foundation funding is crucial, the program's success is only possible through the dedicated efforts of the staff from the three participating colleges and universities.

GCSC Executive Director of Community Outreach, Katie McCurdy, explains their commitment to mentoring these adult students. “Many of the Bay District Scholars have been out of school for a long time, so coming to college can be intimidating,” she said. “We’re here to literally walk them through every single step of the process, from application to financial aid to scheduling classes and finding textbooks. We want to be a constant source of support in their lives, and we’re determined to help them all succeed.”

That personal approach is replicated across the street at FSUPC. “FSU Panama City has a long history of training future educators for teaching positions in the Florida panhandle,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Crowe, Program Director of Elementary Education. “We are excited to expand what we do already to support future teachers who are already making a difference in Bay County classrooms,” she added.

Crowe noted about half of the FSU-PC Elementary Education students are already classroom paraprofessionals for BDS. GCU, a new partner for Bay District Scholars, offers an entirely virtual education for BDS employees who cannot attend face-to-face classes. Their program consists of short six-week semesters, focusing intensively on one course at a time. GCU is a new but enthusiastic partner. “We’re very excited to kick off our first BDS cohort with about 30 students,” said Angie Walker, University Development Manager with Grand Canyon. “We think this program will be a model for many others, and we’re honored to play a role in such a worthwhile cause.”

With decades of experience as a paraprofessional for students with special needs, Terry is excited about the opportunity to become a teacher. “Our students need us now more than ever,” she said, “and there just aren’t enough certified teachers out there, so this is a great way that people like me, experienced paraprofessionals, can take the steps we need to become the certified teachers our students need and deserve.”

Ultimately, the Bay District Scholars program hopes to generate a pipeline of 100 teachers a year. This additional source of qualified and certified Bay County educators would establish a sustainable and robust source of educators for Bay District Schools. As the program's success grows, we hope it will serve as a model for other school districts, inspiring similar initiatives nationwide.

Superintendent McQueen is an ardent supporter of the program and those participating. "I am incredibly proud of the Bay District Scholars program and all the dedicated individuals who have joined this initiative,” he said. “This program exemplifies the spirit of our expanding BDS Team of Teams, where we collaborate to shape the future of our community. As we look to the future, we are excited about the positive impact this program will continue to make."

To support the Bay District Scholars program and make a difference in local schools and the community, you can get involved as a sponsor or partner by contacting BDS at BDScomm@bay.k12.fl.us. The initiative is committed to #BuildingABetterBay, one graduate at a time.

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

15

Travel Around Town the

Meet Bayway, Bay County’s local public transit system that offers both locals and visitors reliable, safe transportation. With a strong commitment to accessibility and environmental consciousness, we aim to make transportation easy and affordable for both locals and visitors. Whether it’s for work or play, hop on board Bayway to reach your destination!

Purchase your tickets today!

BaywayTransit.org/Tickets

Always here when you need us.

(850) 769-4888 | HuttInsurance.com Business, Homeowners, Auto, & Life

16

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

PARADISE has arrived ON THE EMERALD COAST

Live the life you’ve dreamed at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound!

Sunshine and cool breezes. Palm trees and margaritas.

Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-better community inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, built on food, fun, music and escapism.

Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet.

Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up.

Escape to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, located on Hwy 79, less than 8 miles from the beach.

New homes from the $300s

LATITUDE TOWN SQUARE – AMENITIES NOW OPEN! • Paradise Pool with Beach Entry and Tiki Huts • Latitude Town Square with Live Music Bandshell • Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant with Panoramic Views of the Intracoastal Waterway • Overlook Bar • Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool • Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts • Town Square Game Lawn • Barkaritaville Dog Park • Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court

SALES CENTER AND 13 MODELS OPEN DAILY! LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND (866) 594-3298

9201 Highway 79, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Mon. - Sat. 9:00am - 5:00pm | Sun. 11:00am - 5:00pm

Visit online for more information LatitudeMargaritaville.com

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001182. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. The facilities and amenities described are proposed but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2024. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license.

Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. St. Joe and the St. Joe logo are trademarks of The St. Joe Company and are used under license. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2024

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

17

T H E 3 1 S T C OA S T G UA R D C O M M U N I T Y by: LTJG Quinn Morley and LTJG Kristen Carson, United States Coast Guard

T

he Coast Guard’s multi-mission maritime nature inherently requires a strong connection between Coast Guard units and the local communities they serve.

Coast Guard units aim to foster connections that empower unit commanders to serve public needs and address public concerns.

Thus, many areas support initiatives that benefit Coast Guard personnel and family members assigned to their region. This hospitality towards Coast Guard members and their support networks boosts morale and enhances mission excellence. The service takes great pleasure in recognizing these areas as Coast Guard Cities and Coast Guard Communities. Bay County has recently earned this exceptional recognition.

Of 33 regions recognized as areas supporting the Coast Guard nationwide, Bay County has been acknowledged to recognize the local government support to both service members and their families. Bay County has made many impactful contributions to the military community, specifically the Coast Guard, however their most notable contributions are through their support of children and families of Coast Guard members, their commitment to high-quality and accessible education, and their observance and

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BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

celebration of Coast Guard Day and local units. The support of the local community has been noteworthy since the first Coast Guard Station was established in Bay County in 1933 servicing Saint Andrew’s Marina.

The county has even supported the launch of the Coast Guard’s highest investment priority, the Offshore Patrol Cutter. The first offshore patrol cutter of its class, CGC ARGUS, was built by Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City. The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, attended the commissioning of the vessel here in Bay County on 26 October 2023.

Bay County has committed to creating support services for Coast Guard families and spouses by ensuring military children have access to counselors who have been trained to assist with the many transitions and challenges that can arise as a result of being a child of a military member. These professionals are placed in 21 schools throughout the county, and provide an invaluable and unique support service that encourages success and resiliency.

In addition to incredibly valuable support services offered, Bay County is home to Gulf Coast State College, which has the prestigious distinction of being named a Gold Military Friendly®

School by Viqtory Media for “leading practices, outcomes and effective programs that dedicate resources to military students to ensure success in the classroom and after graduation. Along with their esteemed designation, Gulf Coast State College Foundation created a “Thanks A Million” fund which provides military affiliated people money for books and other related expenses involved with pursuing higher education. Along with Gulf Coast State College, the Bay Area Education Alliance promotes opportunities for military members and their families to be recognized by allowing children of military families from all services wear special cords at their high school graduation to symbolize their continuous support for their family member’s service.

Not only is Bay County a fervent supporter of Coast Guard families, but also partners with local commands strengthening the partnerships between the Coast Guard and the community it serves. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC) joined in the celebration of the Coast Guard’s birthday by touring the local small boat station in order to see firsthand the multifaceted missions the Coast Guard partakes in to help understand what Station Panama City does and what ways Bay County can better the lives of Coast Guard members. The

MAC warmly welcomes local Coast Guard units at every one of its meetings and eagerly participates in local Change of Command ceremonies exemplifying the tight knit connection between the Coast Guard and the Bay County Community.

Additionally, the MAC, with nearly 340 members, has been serving Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City and Coast Guard Units in Bay County as a liaison between the services and the business community since before the first Coast Guard Base’s development in 1946.

In the words of the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan, as stated at the official Coast Guard Community ceremony, Bay County is, “an incredible place for our sentinels to serve and live, an incredible place for them to call home… The community is part of the fabric of the Coast Guard Unit and they reflect some of the unique personalities of some of the communities…. Whether the station, the Sector, the Air Station, the Cutter or the Marine Safety Unit, we embrace and celebrate the culture and the nuance of anywhere we are stationed anywhere around the world. It is part of the joy of serving in the Coast Guard; experiencing life in so many different regions and corners of the world.”

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

19

TEC H N OLOGY

Small Business: Large Threat by: Joe Ezell

C

ybersecurity is an exciting concept, provoking thoughts of hackers and sometimes reminding people of their favorite movies such as Wargames (1983) and The Great Hack (2019). The reality is not as glamorous as movies depict. The internet and computing environments attract cybercriminals, with very real implications of lost time, money, data and privacy, all of which can equate to legal liability. Large businesses make the headlines with stories of ransomware incidents and demands for large sums of money, leading the public to believe they are more frequently targeted than small businesses (SMB). In actuality, large businesses usually have more funding and subsequently robust security infrastructure to prevent criminal attempts. SMBs often cannot boast the technological security resources and processes necessary to thwart cyber-attacks, making them prime targets for cybercrimes.

Attempting to list all of the threats could be overwhelming, but the top three are listed as follows: •

Social Engineering is probably the easiest and most common threat. It involves exploiting humans to convince them to divulge sensitive business information. Criminals pose as legitimate technical support members, or a vendor you often use in order to gather intelligence until they have enough to take action. The key to mitigating this is education: make your employees aware of social engineering, how to recognize it and how to avoid the threat.

•

Phishing is an attempt at data gathering. A criminal will attempt to gather your personal information through electronic means, such as an email with a legitimate looking link to a familiar website. Clicking the link will take you to a website that will ultimately collect and use your information asking you to update your personal information. Again, education is key here, but so is backing up your data in case of loss.

•

Ransomware is one of the leading cybercrimes to date.

The object is to infiltrate your system, steal and encrypt your data and ransom it back to you, usually at a price lower than your insurance deductible. Keeping your data encrypted and having encrypted backups stored in a separate location from your network is one of the easiest ways to prevent catastrophic damage from a ransomware attack.

So, what is cyber and why do I need cybersecurity?

According to Merriam-Webster, cyber is defined as, “of, relating to, or involving computers or computer networks”, making for a very broadly described term. Cybersecurity encompasses the protections utilized to secure your computer systems and data from potential loss. These safeguards can involve hardware and software components ranging from simple, low-cost firewall devices, to robust and costly tools, or even as the procedural efforts of risk analysis, employee training and industry best practices. Cybersecurity’s simple goal is to protect your assets and reduce the risk to your company from known threats.

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BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

How do I determine my risks?

For even the most powerful corporations, risk analysis can be a costly venture, but the return on investment can outweigh that cost exponentially. Risk assessment is a critical process to identify where to spend precious capital on defending critical resources. Rather than attempting to prevent all potential threats, and impossible endeavors, your team should focus efforts on defending the most critical assets to the business.

As an example, if your business is primarily online, you will rely on a public facing web page as a store front. What impact would this have if it were defaced? Public facing web pages can usually have security settings applied quickly and easily.

However, having your system infiltrated and your proprietary engineering drawings stolen or destroyed could cripple your business. Focus on backing up and restoring critical information and components, and protect them from cyber threats.

Cybersecurity seems a daunting concept but the necessity is real. Protecting your business from cybercrime by reducing risk can help prevent intrusions to your systems and support your business’ uninterrupted sustainment. Educating your employees is imperative in preventing or reducing damage from a cyberattack. A list of free, basic cybersecurity training is available on the National Institute of Standards and Technology website here: https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-

Prevention is the key!

cybersecurity/nice/resources/online-learning-content.

There is no single answer regarding how you should protect your business interests from the criminals. Each business is unique, with distinctive goals and objectives. After identifying your risk areas, you should next consider the other preventive measures you can easily accomplish.

Additionally, the Internet Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) offers a FREE, accredited cybersecurity certification: https://www.isc2.org/ landing/1mcc.

Below are some simple measures to help mitigate risks to your business: Educate your employees. The more they know, the more secure your business can be. Teach them how to identify phishing emails, educate them on good internet browsing practices, strong passwords and protecting company data. These steps will help reduce the risk to your company. Some free training resources are listed at the end of this article.

Keep your systems up to date. If you are running your own server and network equipment, regular updates can help prevent system infiltration. Older systems have well-known vulnerabilities hackers have already identified, making them a legitimate security risk to your systems. Eliminating these vulnerabilities will make it harder for a hacker to get in.

Encrypt and backup your data to the best extent possible.

Consider having a regular data backup plan. Encrypt your data backups and keep them in a separate location, unattached from your network.

Having well-written policies can help mitigate risks. One policy cannot cover everything, so you should have several to cover a broader area. Data backup policies, acceptable use policies (for computer and device use), and maybe even a training policy covering required training for employees are a good start.

Other policies should incorporate topics such as the use of social media, what makes an acceptable password and perhaps a policy talking about appropriate use of personal devices in the workplace.

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BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

21

THEIR FUTURE CAN BE

Your Legacy

The 1967 Society is a new, exclusive community of recurring donors whose generous commitment anchors the Gulf Coast State College Foundation Campaigns, currently – the Gulf Coast Guarantee, and charts the course for today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Since its inception in 1967, the Gulf Coast State College Foundation has been dedicated to our mission to create a scholarship program providing educational opportunities to deserving students.

In honor of our founding year, we are asking our donors to consider a monthly gift of $19.67. No matter how big or how small, every gift makes a difference. Society Members are also given the option to set their preferred gift amount. Gifts will be automatically made on your behalf until you choose to unsubscribe by contacting the Foundation.

Scan To Learn More

WWW.GCSCFOUNDATION.ORG/ WAYS-TO-GIVE/THE-1967-SOCIETY 22

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

CRAFTING YOUR DREAM HOME FROM START TO FINISH

SERVING CLIENTS ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA Over 500 Engineered Plans to choose from or Create-Your-Own with our Live Design Option

Let`s See What We Do? With transparent client communication, passion for our communities, first-class inspectors, Designers and Engineers, our Collaborative LIVE Design Process coupled with our Advocacy Approach to Project and Construction Management is the infrastructure to our one-stop shop design-to-build process.

Let`s See Who We Are? Our Founding Partners are Forgotten Coast locals that have a heart for the area, its community, and future. They also all have roughly 20 years in their prospective fields ranging from engineering, design, county permit officials, construction and project management, and inspection services. They only work with the best of the best builders and have an in-road or referral program in place for EVERY possible need that an out-of-town, busy client will need from concept through completion of a design-build project.

Our Services Design-Build Advocate Serving as your voice and eyes on the ground, treating your money, your vision, your needs as our own, we are your triedand-true Design-Build-Advocate and we can assure you that hiring us will save you significant time, headache, money, and ensure the outcome of your investment exceeds all expectations.

Builder Developer Wheelhouse can help you break into the market the right way. We will be your advocate, your liaison, your entryway into the right path and infiltration into the right circles so that your plans become reality and exceed your expectations on every front.

Inspections and Permitting As experts in Inspection and Permitting, our President, Lee Collinsworth, has the knowledge and experience to assist you every step of the way.

GET IN TOUCH (850) 896-6597

admin@wheelhousedba.com www.wheelhousedba.com

429 S Tyndall Pkwy, Unit T, Panama City, FL 32404

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

23

current labor statistics for bay county LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED RATE

July 2022

95,569

92,963

2,606

2.7

August 2022

95,488

92,933

2,555

2.7

September 2022

94,914

92,635

2,279

2.4

July 2023

98,368

95,626

2,742

2.8

August 2023

99,009

96,199

2,810

2.8

September 2023

98,676

95,864

2,812

2.8

real estate sales

EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES PANAMA CITY MSA

FLORIDA

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

July 2022

369

$346,750

23,705

$412,303

August 2022

479

$368,000

24,877

$407,000

September 2022

374

$387,750

20,099

$403,880

July 2023

371

$367,500

22,198

$415,000

August 2023

403

$374,000

22,917

$415,000

September 2023

358

$350,000

21,335

$409,243

CONDO-TOWNHOMES SALES PANAMA CITY MSA

July 2022

FLORIDA

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

97

$425,000

9,341

$305,000

August 2022

130

$422,500

10,000

$305,000

September 2022

145

$445,000

8,406

$307,250

July 2023

85

$380,000

8,463

$319,000

August 2023

124

$462,450

9,279

$324,000

September 2023

98

$445,000

8,387

$324,990

bay county sales tax collections

24

Bay County Demographic Snapshot Bay County Population: 182,599 Median Age: 41.8 Labor Force: 98,676 Average Wage: $48,645 Households: 73,552 Household Income: $62,119 Per Capita Income: $35,155

bay county building permits

GROSS SALES

TAXABLE SALES

TAX COLLECTIONS

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

July 2022

$1.12B

$712.0M

$49.8M

July 2022

1,017

106

August 2022

$1.13B

$729.9M

$49.6M

August 2022

1,078

101

September 2022

$905.2M

$540.6M

$36.4M

September 2022

899

54

July 2023

$1.12B

$685.9M

$48.4M

July 2023

992

65

August 2023

$1.15B

$704.9M

$48.9M

August 2023

1,294

119

September 2023

$925.2M

$567.1M

$36.7M

September 2023

1,071

95

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

July - September 2023 how bay county compares nationally...

BAY COUNTY, FLORIDA

UNITED STATES

Population estimates, July 1, 2022, (V2022)

185,134

333,287,557

Population, percent change - April 1, 2020 (estimates base) to July 1, 2022, (V2022)

3.50%

0.60%

POPULATION

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Persons under 18 years, percent

20.80%

22.20%

Persons 65 years and over, percent

18.50%

16.80%

Female persons, percent

50.20%

50.50%

White alone, percent

81.60%

75.80%

Black or African American alone, percent

11.50%

13.60%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent

0.80%

1.30%

Asian alone, percent

2.40%

6.10%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent

0.20%

0.30%

Two or More Races, percent

3.40%

2.90%

Hispanic or Latino, percent

7.40%

18.90%

White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent

75.50%

59.30%

Veterans, 2017-2021

20,560

17,431,290

59.00%

63.10%

ECONOMY In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021 In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021

55.30%

58.70%

Total accommodation and food services sales, 2017 ($1,000)

$757,414

$938,237,077

Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000)

$1,288,895

$2,527,903,275

Total transportation and warehousing recipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000)

$275,309

$895,225,411

Total retail sales, 2017 ($1,000)

$3,219,279

$4,949,601,481

Total retail sales per capita, 2017

$17,416

$15,224

BUSINESSES Total employer establishments, 2020

4,813

8,148,606

Total employment, 2020

60,002

128,346,299

$24,036,631

$8,272,573,947

1.46%

-4.30%

Total annual payroll, 2020 ($1,000) Total employment, percent change, 2019-2020 DATA VIA CENSUS.GOV

northwest florida beaches international

bay county bed tax collections

airport passenger traffic

PANAMA CITY

PANAMA CITY BEACH

MEXICO BEACH

July 2023

$262,933.11

$7,916,801.74

$173,531.44

2022

60,695

July 2022

$305,053.89

$8,354,609.33

$143,889.72

2023

57,026

% Change

-13.81%

-5.24%

20.60%

% Change

-6.04%

AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS (YEAR-TO-DATE)

TOTAL PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS (YTD)

August 2023

$142,851.43

$3,112,142.48

71.675.33

2022

602,356

August 2022

$158,213.23

$3,457,431.58

$51,707.17

2023

652,080

% Change

-9.71%

-9.99%

38.62%

% Change

8.25%

TOTAL PASSENGER DEPLANEMENTS (YTD)

September 2023

$124,844.93

$2,575,577.43

$67,997.66

2022

598,947

September 2022

$128,197.76

$2,557,898.21

$42,600.39

2023

653,024

-2.62%%

0.69%

59.62%%

% Change

9.03%

% Change

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

25

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WINTER STAY IN PANAMA CITY. Panama City loves its seasonal residents. Come to our Visitor Center during our special Spin-to-Win Hours, and we’ll give you expert travel recommendations, free coffee and donuts, and a chance to spin our prize wheel for a free gift.

Spin-to-Win Hours

January 12, 2024 8:30–10:30 AM

February 9, 2024 8:30–10:30 AM

DESTINATION PANAMA CITY VISITORS CENTER 101 WEST BEACH DRIVE, PANAMA CITY, FL 32401

Spin

Happy Retirement

Carol

!

After 46 years of dedication, we’re so pleased we each got the chance to work with you and most importantly, call you a friend.

From all of your past Chairs

W O R KF ORC E CON N E C TION

Update from CareerSource Gulf Coast by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast

T

he Bay County Job Fair is back on February 3, 2024, for its 37th year of connecting area employers with local talent.

with competitive wages, enhanced benefits, and training opportunities that foster career growth, as employers strive to entice new hires.

The event takes place at Gulf Coast State College in the Student Union East, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the first hour reserved for veterans, service members transitioning from active duty, and military spouses. General admission begins at 10 a.m.

To increase their chances of success, job seekers should bring several copies of their resumes, research the employers and their opportunities in advance, and rehearse a concise introduction. This “elevator pitch” should highlight their relevant skills, experience, accomplishments, and the unique value they bring to the company.

The Bay County Job Fair is not only the largest hiring event in Bay County, featuring 60+ employers with more than 1,000 jobs, but it is billed as an event for all jobseekers. Employers from a wide range of industries gather for this well-attended event each year to fill openings for a variety of positions within their organizations. Here, jobseekers can connect with jobs ranging from entry-level to advanced.

Job seekers will meet with hiring managers in leisure and hospitality, retail, healthcare, government, education, construction, law enforcement, corrections, business and professional services and more.

Positions include full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities as the region prepares for Spring Break to ramp up. Many employers are expected to conduct on-the-spot interviews at the event.

There is no better way to network in person with so many employers with opportunities under one roof, in one day, than at the Bay County Job Fair. By expanding their job search beyond online platforms, job seekers can uncover hidden opportunities that might otherwise remain undiscovered.

A low unemployment rate, a growing labor force, and thousands of open positions mean employers are actively vying for talent. Job seekers can expect to find opportunities 28

BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

CareerSource Gulf Coast will host several free resume workshops in January to help attendees prepare for the event.

One-on-one preparation assistance with a skilled career counselor is also available.

For event details and more information, including a list of participating employers, visit careersourcegc.com.

The event is brought to the community by a partnership between CareerSource Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast State College, Haney Technical College, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Tyndall Air Force Base Military & Family Readiness Center and Naval Support Activity Panama City Fleet & Family Support Center.

CareerSource Gulf Coast is the workforce development authority that provides services to job seekers and employers in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. Offices operate in all three counties. Visit www.careersourcegc.com to learn more about professional workforce development and job placement services, all offered at no charge. CareerSource Gulf Coast is a non-profit chartered by the State of Florida.

Alyssa Forker Tyndall Federal Credit Union Alyssa Forker is a Universal Financial Sales Representative with over six years of experience at Tyndall Federal Credit Union. She aligns herself with Tyndall’s goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of their members. Alyssa is a powerful force in the workplace. She uses her positive attitude, tireless energy, and passion in assisting others to identify and achieve their financial goals. This passion has driven her to create and present Financial Literacy programs to audiences throughout Bay County.

Alyssa came to Panama City in 2012 with her parents and siblings when her father received orders to Tyndall Air Force Base. Her father later retired in December of 2014.

Panama City is the longest place she has ever lived and has become her home. She has previously lived in Germany where she was born, Hawaii for 6 years, and Washington State for 6 years. She graduated from Mosley High School in 2016. While in high school, she played on the varsity soccer team. She loved the game and the team aspect.

Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Scout. She loves being a part of the community and contributes through volunteering.

37 TH ANNUAL

BAY COUNTY

FEB

JOB FAIR 3

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 | 9 AM - 1 PM Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East

THE MOST ANTICIPATED HIRING EVENT OF THE YEAR WITH 60+ EMPLOYERS AND HUNDREDS OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Brought to you by:

CareerSource Gulf Coast is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers of this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

In compliance with the Stevens Amendment. CareerSource Gulf Coast must provide percentages of the total cost of programs/projects financed with federal money and non-governmental sources as well as dollar amounts of the federal funds for projects and programs. You may find this information at careersourcegc.com.

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On October 27, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce held the Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon presented by Tyndall Federal Credit Union.

Local Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Communications were honored at FSU Panama City as the business community came together to show their thankfulness and gratitude.

During the event, Kyle Shoots, Chairman of the Bay County Chamber Board of Directors, introduced the keynote speaker, CFO Jimmy Patronis. CFO Jimmy Patronis is a native Floridian born and raised in Panama City and is a partner in a family-owned seafood restaurant, Captain Anderson’s. CFO Patronis was elected to serve in the Florida

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The First Responder of the Year Award was presented to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Surf & Rescue, the City of Panama City Beach Safety Division, Bay County Parks and Recreation Lifeguards, and the Bay County Fire Rescue

House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014. Following his term, he was appointed to serve on Florida’s Public Service Commission and the Constitution Revision Commission.

In 2017, CFO Patronis was appointed by former Governor Rick Scott as Chief Financial Officer and was elected to his first term in 2018. As the CFO, he wears many hats, but one of the most meaningful is the State Fire Marshal where they are dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment from the devastation of fire.

A challenge coin was placed at the seat of everyone in attendance at the luncheon. Bruce Harber, Director and Chair of Public Safety at Gulf Coast State College, and Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast, spoke about the history of the challenge coin and as a way to show our gratefulness, presented all Bay County First Responders with a coin.

The event's highlight came when Shoots and CFO Patronis awarded the First Responder of the Year Award.

This year, the First Responder of the Year Award was presented to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Surf & Rescue, the City of Panama City Beach Safety Division, Bay County Parks and Recreation Lifeguards, and the Bay County Fire Rescue. These awards were granted to recognize the extraordinary efforts of these agencies in going above and beyond each year to ensure the safety of our beaches.

The luncheon ended with a special video sponsored by Williams Communications. To view this project, visit PanamaCity.org.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event: Presenting Sponsor: Tyndall Federal Credit Union Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Peaden Award Sponsor: Emerald Coast Hospice Coin Sponsors: Gulf Coast State College & HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Lunch Sponsor: US First Responders Association Video Sponsor: Williams Communications Gold Sponsor: WMBB News 13, Chevron USA, Verizon Wireless, Peoples First Insurance and The St. Joe Company

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Please join us in welcoming our 2024 Leadership.

We commend these folks for giving of their time to the Chamber and the betterment of all of Bay County.

Board of Directors

Term Expires Dec 2024

Officers Chairman of the Board

Chairman Elect

Vice-Chairman

Shay Catrett BaySolutions Catherine McCloy The St. Joe Company John Pollman CWR Contracting, Inc. Mohit Samtani Maharaja’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Joe Holt Trustmark Bank

Shane Boyett Florida Power & Light

Allen Armstrong EPS Corporation

Treasurer

MAC Chairman

Vice-Chairman of Communications

Chris Stamps Stamps Family Dentistry

Board of Directors

Term Expires Dec 2025 Kaydee Albritton Central Panhandle Association of Realtors Jeremy Bennett Centennial Bank Chris Brooks Dermatology Specialists of Florida

DeDe Rowan Denise Hallman Rowan & Associates

Kyle Shoots System Service & Engineering

Tricia Berry Panhandle Pediatrics Dentistry

Board of Directors

One Year Chair Appointments Kirk Bedford Bay Line Railroad Jean Capps Hotel Indigo David Netusil JENSEN USA, Inc.

Board of Directors

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Lindsay Farris Roberts & Roberts Inc. Corbin McCall Maritech Machine

Board of Directors

Term Expires Dec 2026 Chase Christianson HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Paul Corbin Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Arthur Cullen Consultant Brendan D’Isernia Eastern Shipbuilding Group

Ex-Officio / Non-Voting

Ty Mitchell Bay County Tax Collector

Col. George Watkins, 325th Tyndall Air Force Base; Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, CONR 1st Air Force; Capt. David Back, Naval Surface Warfare Center PC Division; Cmdr. Michael Mosi , Naval Support Activity Panama City; Dan Rowe, Tourist Development Council; Jennifer Vigil, Destination Panama City; Tom Neubauer, Bay Defense Alliance, Glen McDonald, Gulf Coast State College; Randy Hanna, FSU Panama City; Becca Hardin, Economic Development Alliance of Bay County; Alex King, Port Panama City; Parker McClellan, NW FL Beaches International Airport; Mark McQueen, Superintendent of Bay District Schools

Clint Mizell First Federal Bank

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Sheriff Tommy Ford receives Lifetime Achievement Award Sheriff Tommy Ford was recently presented with the 2023 LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award. Gulf Coast State College proudly nominated Sheriff Ford for his unwavering commitment to the Bay County community.

The LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by The Association of Florida Colleges, recognizes individuals who have attended a state college and have made outstanding contributions on both the state and national levels.

The awards are held biannually, and serve as a platform for Florida’s state colleges to honor exceptional alumni whose achievements inspire and uplift our communities.

Sheriff Ford’s dedication to public safety, and his distinguished career accomplishments, have rightfully earned him this recognition on behalf of Gulf Coast State College.

“The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a true and lifelong success story in a state or national arena,” said Greg Williams, President of the Association of Florida Colleges. “Sheriff Ford has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community. He has shown exceptional leadership, integrity, and compassion across the state of Florida.”

Sheriff Tommy Ford’s remarkable journey includes several standout achievements, including an 18-year career with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, during which he specialized as a Special Agent investigating violent crimes, major drug crimes, public integrity issues, and officer-involved shootings.

He was elected as Bay County Sheriff in 2016, and re-elected in 2020, both times unopposed. Sheriff Ford has also held other leadership roles throughout his career as Operations Commander and Chief Deputy for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting his dedication to serving his community.

Destination Panama City welcomes Lauren Beauchamp

Meet Lauren Beauchamp, the newest addition to Destination Panama City, as the Interactive Marketing Manager. Lauren discovered her passion for marketing and media early in her career creating yearbooks for her high school. She later managed social and print media while lifeguarding at a waterpark in Dothan, AL. Lauren became the Marketing Director at the Dothan Regional Airport before moving to Panama City to complete her Corporate and Public Communications Graduate Degree at FSU Panama City. She has experience

working with marketing agencies, tourism councils, educational institutions, and government agencies.

A diverse background has shaped Lauren’s journey into marketing. Now, at Destination Panama City, she is enthusiastic about infusing interactive strategies into marketing initiatives. Lauren aims to help local businesses improve communication with travelers by teaching them how to optimize platforms like Google Business, Yelp, Apple Maps, and other popular travel apps for visitors.

What excites Lauren the most is the opportunity to showcase Panama City’s unique culture and charm through social media and paid digital advertising.

With a deep-rooted passion for the city, she envisions collaborative growth and endeavors to make Panama City the ultimate vacation destination, and to show travelers Panama City is #WhereLifeSetsSail!

ServisFirst Bank Announces Retiring CFO and new appointed CFO

William “Bud” Foshee

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), announces the retirement of founding Chief Financial Officer, William “Bud”

Foshee, effective after the filing of the Form 10-K in February of 2024. “Our industry-leading efficiency ratio is something Bud has strongly influenced with his relentless effort to reduce expenses. Bud’s integrity has been unflinching, and he has provided a strong foundation for our future,” states Tom Broughton, ServisFirst Bank Chairman, President and CEO.

Kirk Pressley

Kirk Pressley has been appointed as successor to the role of CFO. Pressley is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, Accounting, and has spent his 35-year career in Birmingham, Alabama, and Houston, Texas areas. “We anticipate a seamless transition from Bud to Kirk, given Kirk’s extensive experience in larger organizations. In addition, Kirk has worked with a number of ServisFirst Officers, which makes this a bit of a homecoming as well,” states Tom Broughton.

“We will continue to operate as a community bank with the capabilities of our regional bank competitors, and we feel confident Kirk will help us continue to achieve these goals.”

Have a submission for the Biz List?

Please email your news releases to communications@baychamberfl.com.

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Always here for you As your hometown utility, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is locally owned by those we serve.

We improve quality of life by safely providing affordable and reliable power. We also promote job development and support education and healthcare. In doing so, we help our communities and the people we serve: our member-owners.

It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

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Serving the Panhandle Since 1983 PANAMA CITY | DESTIN | TALLAHASSEE 850-769-4773

WWW.SOEARTH.COM

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NEW M E M B ER S from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2023 Air Methods 3689 Industrial Park Dr. Marianna, FL 32446 352-231-6143

Empire Real Estate 11 Harrison Ave., Ste. A Panama City, FL 32401 850-247-8868

Anderson Power Services 726 Airport Rd. Panama City, FL 32405 850-920-7313

Flippin’ Awesome Adventures 112 East 3rd Ct. Panama City, FL 32401 850-276-4796

B & T Fencing 6545 Bayline Dr. Panama City, FL 32404 850-728-6424

Flourish Health & Wellness 2430 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 850-783-9700

Bay Point Women’s Club P.O. Box 27045 Panama City Beach, FL 32411 850-960-1554

French Mechanical 850-208-6675

Best American Storage 3004 Minnesota Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 850-785-1300 BGN Contractors 25 W. Oak Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-890-6931 Cartridge World 622 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-257-5148 CBC Construction 11005 Clements Rd. Youngstown, FL 32466 850-819-5772 Checkers – Lynn Haven 2803 S. Hwy. 77 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 850-740-3559 Clean Care Restoration Academy 1816 W. 27th St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-481-0631 Concrete Coating Technology LLC. 850-890-4187 Duplin Winery 10101 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407 910-289-3888 Effective Wellness Solutions 730 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-821-2126 Elysian Med Spa 312 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-775-4498 Emerald Coast Realty Group 3127 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-235-2551

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Gingham + Gifts Boutique 1106 Ohio Ave., Ste. 5 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 850-571-5193 Goosehead Ins. – Shand Hayworth Agency 11 Harrison Ave., Ste. A Panama City, FL 32401 850-462-9091 Hope and Faith Wellness Clinic 3477 Hwy. 77 Panama City, FL 32405 850-262-9597 Hope Research & Development Foundation 303-929-6653 MC’s Luxe Bar Inc. 850-774-1523 Merchant Management Group 538 Harmon Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-747-0664 Meyers Electric 1806 Brown Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 850-588-4341 Neons Beach Shack 8501 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-588-7620 Panama Pedal Tours 972-898-9859 Relax Spa Escapes By Cinda Trexler 850-527-0755 Ruby Red Media 901-230-0865 SouthernCAT 1816 W. 27th St. Panama City, FL 32401 850-215-2280 TCS & Associates CPA’s 470 Harrison Ave., Ste. W1 Panama City, FL 32401 904-347-2050

Team Werner – Keller Williams 850-814-6266 United Lighting and Supply 201 Business Park Dr. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 Way’s Electric 22241 Inlet Beach Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 850-900-3705 Your Storage Units 1329 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32401 850-630-1119 Your Storage Units 7100 US Hwy. 98 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 850-252-4309

M E MB E R AN N I VE R S ARIE S

from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2023

50 years

15 years

5 years

Mr. Neil Graham

Ameris Bank

Bay Point Community Association

35 years

Legacy Golf Club

Cohen Law Group

Sunny Hills Golf Club

Doc's Tire Repair

Giles Appraisal Group Inc.

25 years Bay County Council on Aging JENSEN USA, Inc.

20 years

10 years Builders First Source

Home Outlet of Panama City Office of State Attorney Pruitt Health Care

GORGEOUS

Sharp Carpet & Ceramic Tile

Guyson Construction

South Oak Title 30A

Williams Communications, Inc.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerald Coast Answerphone Jim Dickerson State Farm

For All Your Electrical & Plumbing Needs

Residental • Commercial • Generators

850-622-4099

850-864-4099

www.metropower.com/request-service/

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WHEN LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES, OUR LOCAL LENDERS ARE HERE TO HELP! JASON CROWE

JASON MOREHOUSE

11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1001

11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1008

NMLS# 416015

NMLS# 653120

TY JOHNSON

CHRISTY COULTHARD

PRESIDENT, FLORIDA COAST DIVISION

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

1602 W 23RD STREET PANAMA CITY, FL 32405 850.704.4335

11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1016

NMLS# 1597521

NMLS# 791088

JENNIFER GUYNN

SARAH RACKLEY

VICE PRESIDENT

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

1602 W 23RD STREET PANAMA CITY, FL 32405 850.250.3511

11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1002

NMLS# 284506

NMLS# 1867768

TREY BROWNLEE LOAN OFFICER

11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1007 NMLS# 2140973

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PRESIDENT, BAY COUNTY DIVISION

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YOU DESERVE AN UPGRADE. 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500 Denali Crew Cab

2251 West 23rd Street • Panama City, FL 850-250-5489 • BillCramerGM.com BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024

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PO BOX 1850 PANAMA CITY, FL 32402

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