The Circuit - The Industry Issue

THE CIRCUIT THE

INDUSTRY ISSUE N OV E M B E R/D E C E M B E R 2016

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P C B E AC H.O RG

PANAMA CITY BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

T H E F A S T E S T G R O W I N G J E E P E V E N T I N T H E U.S.

MAY 15-20, 2018

OFFICIAL

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EVENT

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

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Pardon Our Dust We’re Building A Better Store For You!

Although we’re renovating one of the largest automotive showrooms in the Southeast, we’re working harder than ever to help you find the perfect vehicle.

855-299-1407 | PanamaCityToyota.com 959 West 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

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The Circuit DEPARTMENTS & FEATURES

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 11 From Courtney Calhoun A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 12 From Dave Trepanier BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 16 The Latest Updates from Businesses in Bay County

INDUSTRIES + FEATURES 13 Calendar of Events 18 Transportation - A Bright Year on the Horizon 24 Hospitality - A Part of Something Legendary 28 Government - Expanding the Sportfolio 32 Medical - Battling the Opioid Crisis 36 Tourism - Jeep Beach Jam

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

40 Education - Half-Cent, Whole Heart 48 Military - Why I Work Here 50 Military - Partners of a Different Breed 53 Construction - 23rd Street Flyover Project 58 Health + Wellness - Worksite Wellness 62 In Loving Memory - Bertie Reynolds SEE & BE SEEN 66 March Friday at the Beach 67 March Business After Hours 68 UNwineD COMMITTEES 70 HYPE 71 IdeaCamp 72 Ambassadors

AROUND TOWN 74 City of Panama City Beach, Mayor Mike Thomas 75 Film Commissioner, Julie Gordon 75 Downtown Panama City, Daric Freeman 76 Visit Panama City Beach, Dan Rowe 76 Gulf Coast State College, Dr. John Holdnak 77 FSU Panama City, Dr. Randy Hanna 77 County Commissioners, Philip “Griff” Griffitts 78 Bay EDA, Becca Hardin MEMBERSHIP 79 Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings 81 A Message from Your Chamber Rep 82 New & Renewing Members

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Photography by Richard Lombard

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EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Art Director / Publication Design Good Golden Creative Co. Executive Editor Courtney Calhoun Production Hartley Press Advertising Sales Shannon Richmond Distribution The Print Center, Lewis Advertising Contributors Parker McClellan, Lee Ann Swartzentruber, Thomas J. Monigan, D.K. Vijapura, Ken McVay, Andrea Hess, Sharon Michalik, Jesse Isaac Angle, Cody R. Miller, Heather Kretzer

The Circuit Magazine is designed and produced by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. All information in this guide is believed to be correct at time of production; the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

All unsolicited manuscripts become the property of the publisher and will not be returned. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2018 The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

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2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD DAVE TREPANIER

Chairman | Firefly / PCB Entertainment

RYAN DAVIS

Past Chairman | Capital City Bank

KAREN SMITH

Incoming Chairman | Beachy Beach Real Estate

MATT GRIFFITTS

Secretary | Sugar Sands Insurance

JEFF DIBENEDICTIS

Treasurer | Summit Bank

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR So, who agrees that Bay County is an awesome place to live? I sure think so and can imagine that most of our members would agree as well!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOPE ABBOTT

RE/MAX on the Gulf

JEREMY BENNETT

MidSouth Bank

PAUL BUSUTTIL

Buster ’s Beer & Bait

JEAN CAPPS

Sheraton Bay Point

SHAY CATRETT

BAYSOLUTIONS

MARVIN COLLEY

Beach TV

CATHERINE COLLINS

Resort Collection

MICHAEL DENTON

Pier Park/Simon Malls

BRAD GRIFFIN RICK KOEHNEMANN

Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center Koehnemann Construction

WILL LARK

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

LEE ANN LEONARD

Royal American Beach Getaways

JOSHUA ROGERS

Gulf Power Company

PAUL SCHREINER

Texas Roadhouse

APRIL WILKES

The St. Joe Company

Personally, I have been amazed by the transformation we have seen these past few years and excited to see how our community will expand over the coming years. I remember driving over the old Hathaway Bridge (I personally wasn’t driving because well…I was a child), and never would have imagined that the new Flyover Project would be happening.

Panama City Beach and its surrounding communities has become a hot spot, attracting tourists, new businesses, and families. Who wouldn’t want to have the beach in their backyard?

Bay County has so much to offer, not just our beautiful beaches.

There are so many businesses representing different industries

HONORARY BOARD RAMON DUVALL

Beachside Fellowship

DR. RANDY HANNA

Florida State University Panama City

BECCA HARDIN

Bay Economic Development Alliance

DR. JOHN HOLDNAK

Gulf Coast State College

PARKER MCCLELLAN

NWFL Beaches International Airport

DAN ROWE

Visit Panama City Beach

JOHN SKAGGS

Naval Support Activity Panama City

MAYOR MIKE THOMAS

City of Panama City Beach

in our area, and that is what this issue of The Circuit magazine is all about. The Industry Issue is unique, as it showcases several of the booming industries in our area.

I was a bit intimidated of the planning process for this issue due to the fact that we have so many members doing incredible things; however, I have learned so much about our area throughout the entire process.

This issue of The Circuit reminds us that we live in a place that is more than just our beautiful, white, sandy beaches and emerald

CHAMBER STAFF

green water, it is a community that is growing and expanding in

KRISTOPHER MCLANE

President/CEO

JENA LILES

Chief Financial Officer

HELEN ADAMI

Director of Marketing and Events

SHANNON RICHMOND

Director of Membership Services

COURTNEY CALHOUN

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

MISSY HOLMES

Information Specialist

Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce 309 Richard Jackson Boulevard, Suite 101, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 Phone: (850) 235-1159 | Fax: (850) 235-2301 | www.PCBeach.org

ways that we could have never imagined! I feel so fortunate to be able to call our beautiful beaches, home.

Courtney Calhoun

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN |

DAVE TREPANIER

After a cold winter, spring is finally

events. Don’t forget one our signature events, the Women’s Work

here and things are heating up!

Life Symposium May 18th. This is an outstanding event that is

From my perspective and from the

inspirational and motivational and shouldn’t be missed!

many members I’ve spoken with we’ve had a fantastic winter and

Our membership continues to grow as new businesses continue to

early spring, and we are off to the

open. Kristopher and his staff are here for you. Don’t hesitate to

races for the rest of the year. Both

reach out to them so you can get the most out of your Chamber

bed and sales tax numbers are up

membership. Take part in as many Chamber events as possible to

over 2017 and we are making great

help build your network of business associates and friends. These

strides in becoming a year round

are valuable tools to help you grow your business.

destination. Traffic has become an issue and I know the city and county are working hard on solutions.

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful place, so make sure you

Keep in mind that in a resort destination traffic is a good thing! Be

take time to enjoy it with your family and friends!

patient, keep your cool, and know that people are working on it.

Coming from Southern California, you folks haven’t seen real traffic!

Thank you,

I want to thank the members who have supported the events that keep people coming to Panama City Beach. Without your sponsorships, participation, and attendance at these events it would be impossible to bring the FUN to our beach! The City of Panama City Beach and Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors

Dave Trepanier, 2018 Chairman of the Board

Bureau should be commended for their continued support of these

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Beach condos & homes in Panama City Beach, FL 844-602-5246 | ResortQuestPCB.com

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

CALENDAR OF EVENTS •

FOR MORE EVENTS, VISIT PCBEACH.ORG/EVENTS

•

M AY E V E N T S 2-6

Everyday

20th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally

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Friday

Friday at the Beach | 7:30–9 am | Advanced Technology Center at GCSC

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Tuesday

TDC meeting | 9 am | Beach City Hall

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Thursday

Business After Hours | 5-7 pm | Boardwalk Beach Resort

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Sunday

Mother ’s Day

15-20

Everyday

Jeep Beach Jam | Frank Brown Park

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Friday

Women’s Work Life Symposium | 7:30 – 3:30 | FSU PC Holley Center

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Saturday

KidFest | Panhandle Fairgrounds | 10 am – 2pm

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Monday

Memorial Day

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Wednesday

IdeaCamp | Todd Herendeen Theatre | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

All information is subject to change after publication is printed.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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Fresh Seafood, Oysters, Steaks, and Mo’!

Since the doors first opened in 1999 and we served our very first customer, Montego Bay has been a favorite of vacationers and locals alike. Our Caribbean-themed “surf and turf” eatery serves up fresh Gulf seafood, mouthwatering steaks, barbecue ribs, fresh raw oysters, world-famous gumbo, and many more specialty dishes—all with a decidedly Southern twist.

Good value, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere has made Montego Bay a regular stop on so many tourist’s itineraries when they return each year.

Large Parties Welcome!

Book Your Next Event In One Of Our Three Private Dining Rooms.

Located in the Shoppes at Edgewater 473 Richard Jackson Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407

(850) 233-6033 MONTEGOBAYPCB.COM 14

THE CIRCUIT March/April 2018

CALENDAR OF EVENTS |

•

FOR MORE EVENTS, VISIT PCBEACH.ORG/EVENTS

JUNE 2018

•

JUNE EVENTS 1

Friday

Roots & Boots Tour | 7:30 pm | Marina Civic Center

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Thursday

Summer Concert Series | Aaron Bessant Park

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Tuesday

TDC Meeting | 9 am | Beach City Hall

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Thursday

Summer Concert Series | Aaron Bessant Park

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Sunday

Father ’s Day

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Thursday

Business After Hours | Bonefish Grill | 5-7 pm

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Thursday

Summer Concert Series | Aaron Bessant Park Summer Concert Series | Aaron Bessant Park

All information is subject to change after publication is printed.

The Gulf Coast’s Favorite Calendar!

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

CCS FLOOR CARE SPECIALIST MAKING YOUR CLEANING EXPERIENCE PLEASANT

"Enjoy what you do and you'll never work a day in your life."

This might be the best advice my Dad ever gave me and it embodies

the way we do business at CCS Floor Care! We love what we do— provide an excellent service experience for our customers.

What does this mean to you? Well, we believe that a service company should do just that—serve the customer. We strive daily to create

a service experience that’s a pleasure for you by providing friendly,

professional office staff; courteous, well-trained technicians; and a

follow-up system to guarantee your satisfaction. You, the customer, are the most important part of our day and we make every effort to make your cleaning experience a pleasant one.

Many people think of CCS as just “carpet cleaners," but the truth is that we do so much more! Our field staff of 6 certified technicians

is trained in many areas of cleaning such as tile and grout, VCT,

specialty stone, wood floors, upholstery, drapery, and area rugs. We also offer an in-house rug-cleaning facility to clean those oriental rugs that might need a little extra TLC.

We would love an opportunity to serve you! Please visit our website at floorcare911.com for more information.

RAM JACK

YOUR LOCAL FOUNDATION REPAIR COMPANY Ram Jack is your local foundation repair company that specializes in repairing foundation failure. Ram Jack started in Ada, Oklahoma in 1963 and now has over 40 dealerships throughout the US, Canada, and South America.

Common signs and symptoms of foundation failure are cracking in the brick, sheetrock, and crown molding joints, windows and doors not opening or closing properly, and unevenness in the floors. Foundation failure is most commonly caused because the soils beneath the structure are moving. Organic material, poor site preparation, poor water diversion, and clay soil that shrinks and swells are often causes of soil movement which can damage a structure. Our piles that stabilize the structure are driven passed what we call “ the zone of influence”. Once we get beneath the moving soils the home is not subject to move in the area we repaired.

Our patented system comes with a Lifetime Transferable Warranty.

Ram Jack also specializes in new construction applications. The same piles we use for remediation can go in before the concrete slab is poured for the new construction of homes and businesses.

This is a proactive step to avoid foundation issues.

We have serviced thousands of homes as well as bigger facilities such as Tyndall Air Force Base, The University of Florida, Florida State University, and The Coca Cola Plantation in Georgia to name few.

For more information visit www.ramjack.com.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

VBA DESIGN

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

VBA Design is a Woman Owned Small Business formed in 2012 providing superior architectural and interior design services to the private sector and Public/Governmental clients with high level design quality. They do this with LEED Certified Professionals, knowledgeable construction cost estimations and high client involvement.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based

MORE THAN HIGH LEVEL DESIGN QUALITY

VBA Design is licensed in five (5) states, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas with a host of credentials including FDOT DBE Certified, WOSB Certification in the state of Florida, LEED AP BD+C and over 20+ years’ experience.

Recent projects include residential, hospital renovations, K-12 campus planning/facility design, manufacturing, worship assemblies, homeland security and restaurants. “Our goal is to design a better experience for our clients. We do this by truly listening to their ideas and engaging them throughout the design process,” stated Victoria Williams, president of VBA Design.

In addition to operating her own company, Williams believes in giving back and encourages her entire team to help make a difference too. The team has served on many area non-profit organizations including United Way of Northwest Florida, Junior Achievement, Panama City POPS, FSU Development Board, Habitat for Humanity, Girls Inc., Rotary and others. Williams is always looking for ways to help others, recently becoming a published author of “Buying The Dream: Don’t Get Stuck With A Nightmare.” The book is a brief compilation of things to do before purchasing property and provides guidance during the process. Books are available on Amazon.com and Authorhouse.com. For more information visit at our website at www.vbadesign.us.

ON A MISSION TO FREE THE WORLD FROM CANCER

voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. While most people know us for our research,

we do so much more. We’re on a mission to free the world from

cancer. Until we do, we'll be funding and conducting research,

sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading

the word about prevention. All so you can live longer— and better.

At the American Cancer Society, we have two large fundraisers that support our mission to end cancer: Relay For Life and Making Strides

Against Breast Cancer (MSABC). In Bay County alone, we host two Relay For Life events and one MSABC event every year. 1 in 3 people

in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and nearly

250,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. One of those people could be you or someone you love. That's why we Relay and Make Strides. When you join one of these fundraising

events, you're helping to fund groundbreaking research, crucial patient care programs, and prevention information.

For more information, visit us online at www.cancer.org, or give our local office a call at 850-785-9205.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

TRANSPORTATION

A B R I G H T

Y E A R

ON THE HORIZON N O R T H W E S T F L O R I D A B E A C H E S I N T E R N AT I O N A L A I R P O R T

"As the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport moves into its eighth year, we are

excited for the growth of ECP. Looking back on our past is a true testament to just how far we

have come and how far we can still go. We have never been more excited to see what the future

holds for ECP and our surrounding community." — Parker McClellan Jr., A.A.E, Executive Director, NWFL Beaches International Airport

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

ENHANCED SERVICE

their strong East Coast connector from Charlotte Douglas (CLT)

With the announcement of the world’s largest airline landing at ECP

with more than 675 daily flights to more than 156 destinations in

this summer, American Airlines rounds out ECP’s list of legacy airline

25 countries.

partners, joining the ranks of Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines to bring passengers even more service to destinations

While our growth has not been an easy task, it is great to see our

across the United States and seamless global connections.

work continue to pay off. ECP is now offering more non-stop, direct and global connections than ever before. Among the more than

Starting June 7, 2018, American Airlines will provide daily non-stop

650 easy direct flights and international connections, enhanced

service to Charlotte Douglas (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

service this summer includes new non-stop flights to Denver, CO,

international airports. Those two airports serve as two of American

and returning non-stop service to Austin, TX, and Chicago, IL. During

Airlines’ largest hubs, opening up more east and west coast

the summer months, we anticipate that there will be nearly 7,100

destinations for local passengers.

passengers arriving and departing each Saturday – 28 arrival flights and 29 departure flights. We’re expected to see more passengers

American Airlines operates more than 760 flights daily from Dallas/

through ECP than ever before. Total operations at ECP increased by

Fort Worth (DFW) providing access to more than 206 destinations

2.38 percent from 2016 to 2017, and total passengers increased by

in over 30 countries, including recently announced service to Iceland

more than 4 percent.

and returning service to Venice and Amsterdam this summer.

American is also offering passengers even more options through

ECP flights and passenger numbers have continued to increase so

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

TRANSPORTATION

much – from about 225,000 passengers in its first year to more

in late 2016 and surprises random passengers at check-in and at the

than 939,000 last year – the airport board is considering a terminal

gate with small delights to let them know we are grateful for their

expansion several years before expected.

business. Past ECP Perks have included cookies, sunglasses, hand sanitizers and even the chance to win designer luggage, perfect for

C R E AT I N G A B E T T E R A I R P O R T E X P E R I E N C E

a passenger’s next ECP Escape. We appreciate our passengers and

Throughout the last year, we’ve created a better airport experience

want them to know it.

for travelers. ECP expanded passenger ground transportation

Additional internal enhancements include the Automated Exit

options with the addition of Transportation Network Companies

Lane Project and external enhancements include the realignment

(TNC) like Uber and Lyft. In addition to our existing rental car, taxi and

of SR 388 and new intersection through a partnership with Florida

shuttle services, passengers now have the option to call for an Uber

Department of Transportation.

or Lyft, adding to the convenience of our airport. Adding ridesharing services not only benefits passengers but adds economic benefit for

VA L U E D PA R T N E R S H I P S

the airport. Since March 2017, there have been more than 12,000

We cherish our community partnerships with local organizations

TNC pick-ups at ECP.

like the area Tourist Development Councils including Destination Panama City, Visit Panama City Beach, Visit South Walton, Bay

ECP is grateful for our loyal passengers, so we are saying thank you to

County Chamber of Commerce, Bay County Economic Development

them each month with our ECP Perks program. The program began

Alliance, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Walton

One of the biggest

driving forces for the work we do is our

goal to constantly

build upon and better our surrounding economy.

20 THE CIRCUITby May/June 2018 All photos provided NWFL International Airport

Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as our partners in education and with our Military Welcome Center. One of the biggest driving forces for the work we do is our goal to constantly build upon and better our surrounding economy. We’re able to accomplish this work by closely working with partners to attract businesses to locate on or near the airport campus. Last year, we, along with the Bay County EDA, helped formerly welcome our neighbors GKN Aerospace – a leading global independent supplier in the aviation industry. GKN Aerospace added 170 new jobs to the area. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to recruit new companies to the area and to grow our local economy even further. Over the last year, the Airport and the Bay County EDA have worked hard to advance two projects at the Airport closer to the finish line, Project SoHo and Project Blue Star.

Education is a key pillar when it comes to growing our community partnerships. Airport executive director Parker McClellan serves on the School Advisory Council for Haney Aviation Academy.

The Academy’s programs are designed to prepare students for certification by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).

COMMITMENT TO VE TERANS In March, Parker McClellan was recognized by the Military Welcome Center for his support and received a special challenge coin as a token of appreciation. The ECP Military Welcome Center welcomed more than 7,000 heroes last year and had more than 90 volunteers. ECP’s commitment to veterans runs

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deep and is underscored by programs like ECP Perks which last November encouraged passengers to visit our letter writing station in the airport where people could write a thank you note to our regional heroes. The letters were delivered to the ECP Military Welcome Center and shared with veterans passing through.

The Military Welcome Center at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport offers a quiet place for active duty, retired military personnel and Department of Defense employees to relax while waiting for a flight or a ride home. Open daily from 8am – 8pm, the Center offers snacks, drinks, television, internet access, Wi-Fi and a children’s play area. Additionally, the Center provides a variety of services to the travelers and guests at the airport.

SAFETY Safety is the focus of every airport person, whether you are the airport director, an airport police officer or a maintenance

OVER 11,000 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE - On-Site Property Management

- Fitness & Recreation Amenities

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For More Information Contact Treana Pitts: Phone: (850) 914 - 3273 | E-mail: treana.pitts@royalamerican.com

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

TRANSPORTATION

Last year, ECP partnered with Panama

City-based drone detection technology company, DeTect, to become the first

commercial airport in the country to install dual bird-drone detection radar systems.

person. Last year, ECP partnered with Panama City-based drone detection technology company, DeTect to become the first commercial airport in the country to install dual bird-drone detection radar systems. DeTect installed a dual function MERLIN™ Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar and a DroneWatcher™ Drone Detection and Defense system called DroneWatcher DSR. The DroneWatcher DSR provides a third layer of drone detection and defense for the airport. The DSR additionally functions as a bird radar providing real-time bird-aircraft strike risk alerts to airport flight safety managers. Drone incursion alerts and birdstrike risk alerts are provided to airport users via custom, realtime web displays and through automated text messaging.

Last April as phase one of the project, DeTect installed DroneWatcherRF sensors and APP enabled devices at the airport. The radar sensor installation completes the full system implementation to provide real time detection, tracking and automated alerting of both bird and drone strike risk to aircraft.

ECP is constantly striving to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and security of our passengers and staff. DeTect’s systems are the perfect way to do just that. Our partnership with DeTect offers the airport cutting edge technology that enhances safety measures, and we’re incredibly proud to say that we’re the first to do it.

DeTect’s President and CEO Gary Andrews said “ECP is the first airport in the US to install a comprehensive bird and drone detection system. We are pleased that our technology is being used to create probably one of the safest airports in the country.”

TSA at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport keeps passengers safe 22

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

with layers of security in place. Among the technology machines at the airport are the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units which have automated target recognition software, designed to ensure privacy while facilitating a streamlined checkpoint screening process.

This means that the system generates the same generic image for all passengers. The only difference is if a passenger has a possible threat on their person, a yellow box will appear on the screen. Additional technology includes the Explosive Trace Detection machines, liquid bottle scanners, and the Explosive Detection Systems for checked baggage.

To prepare for emergency situations, the Northwest Florida Beaches International airport conducts an FAA required Live Emergency drill Exercise. As a culmination of the Airport’s ongoing training efforts, emergency response agencies from Bay County, Panama City Beach, Bay County E.M.S., Red Cross, Salvation Army and other nearby emergency response agencies will join Airport personnel in exercising procedures needed in the event of an actual emergency. The Drill is designed to meet FAA requirements and is important.

LEADERSHIP None of this growth and success of the Airport would be possible, however, if it wasn’t for our strong staff and board at the helm of the whole operation.

Last year we were very fortunate to welcome; Glen McDonald – V.P. of Strategic Initiatives and Economic Development for Gulf Coast State College; Ken Nelson – Owner of Nelson Marine and former vice mayor of the council; Sandy Sims – Gulf Powers Eastern District General Manager; and Jay Tusa – Executive Director of the Walton Tourist Development Council, and this year we welcome James Johnson – CEO of Fowhand Furniture. With their diverse strengths and visions, our newly appointed board members are working with the airport staff to make ECP the best version of itself possible.

Pardon Our Dust We’re Building A Better Store For You!

Although we’re renovating one of the largest automotive showrooms in the Southeast, we’re working harder than ever to help you find the perfect vehicle.

855-299-1407 | PanamaCityToyota.com 959 West 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

HOSPITALIT Y

Legendary A PART OF SOMETHING

•BUDDY GANDY'S SEAFOOD•

by Lee Ann Swartzentruber

B

uddy Gandy’s Seafood, a family-owned business

serving

Bay

County,

the

FL

panhandle and numerous restaurants all

over the United States and Canada, including New York’s famous Fulton Fish Market, just celebrated 63 years in existence. They’re known for fresh seafood, being advocates in the fishing industry and were ahead of their time in the early days with finding innovative ways to accommodate tourists and area fishermen. Buddy Gandy and his brother Kenyon, began serving up a variety of seafood and providing ice to fishermen and the community six decades ago and after the brother-duo retired in 2017, a younger generation of partnership was formed between Kenyon Gandy, Jr. and Rebecca Buffington, a close family friend and long time employee at Gandy’s. The ‘fish house’ as many locals refer to it, has since undergone several changes and upgrades to include a retail market make-over, the addition of a steam bar and more!

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

Although it may look a little different, rest assured it’s everything

fish companies. In 1952 he bought a new truck, closed the fruit stand

it’s always been and more with three constants - fresh seafood, fish

and started hauling fish and by 1955, I got my fishing license and we

cleaning and ice.

formed Gandy and Son’s. That same year we opened a fish market at the end of 11th Street in St. Andrews for retail and wholesale

To appreciate the longevity of this local family business, it’s important

business,” recalls Kenyon Gandy.

to learn about the history and how they got to where they are today.

Soon after, Captain George Davis, owner of the Queen Fleet party There once was a time when no saltwater fish was too small or too

boat fishing business, approached the Gandy’s and said, “The

big to catch, there were no limits to the amount you could keep and

fish cleaning on our dock has gotten messy and I don’t want my

it didn’t matter what month of the year you caught them. One boat in

customers walking through it. Would you be interested in cleaning

a single day could bring in thousands of pounds of mullet, numerous

customer’s fish for pay?” The Gandy’s knew it would be good for their

sharks, piles of red snapper or oysters by the tong-full; filling

business because no one else was doing that at the time, so they took

enough sacks to

Captain Davis up

keep

on his offer. They

of

hundreds

oystermen

in

created a number

Kenyon

system to keep up

Buddy

with people’s fish -

remember

they cleaned them,

business. and Gandy such

in

iced and packed

history when life

a

time

them and stored

revolved

their

around

fish

until

fish of the Gulf

the people were

of Mexico. Times

ready to go home.

have changed, but

In

through it all the

Gandy’s pioneered

Gandy

brothers finding

KENYON AND BUDDY GANDY REMEMBER SUCH A TIME IN HISTORY WHEN LIFE REVOLVED AROUND FISH OF

new and innovative

THE GULF OF MEXICO. TIMES HAVE CHANGED, BUT

persevered adapted,

and

ways to succeed and thrive. Their type of business is one of the oldest of

its

kind

THROUGH IT ALL THE GANDY BROTHERS PERSEVERED AND ADAPTED, FINDING NEW AND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO SUCCEED AND THRIVE.

and

they’re revered by

essence,

the

‘fish cleaning for hire.’

In

1957

the

Andrews closed

St. pier

so

the

family pursued a new

opportunity

on Thomas Drive.

They struck a deal

those in the seafood industry for their leadership and advocacy of

with the Herbert Sapp family that owned the land and agreed if they

local fishermen.

developed it, the Gandy’s would build a fish house and operate their marina. “Buddy and I built the fish house ourselves and started on the

“My daddy, Melvin Gandy, started in produce and opened a fruit

dock and then the Sapp’s contracted out the rest of the construction

market when we moved here from Georgia in 1948. Buddy and I

on the dock that ultimately accommodated over 40 boats. That was

worked it when we were young and Daddy would make produce

the creation of Treasure Island Marina,” explains Kenyon. By June of

deliveries across the panhandle, but he was wearing his trucks out

’57 there were party boats hauling passengers and when the word

hauling produce and not making enough pay. One day a neighbor

got out about the nice facility, the tourists flocked in. Gandy and

introduced my Daddy to a load of fish. He trucked it to Mobile,

Son’s had rights to bait sales, the fish market and party boat fish

made some money and soon established a good reputation with

cleaning. Ice was being delivered to them so often that they had to WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

25

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

HOSPITALIT Y

PANAMA CITY’S SUV HEADQUARTERS

build an ice house to store it to distribute to the boats and for bait.

They were also simultaneously wholesaling fish to customers all over the country including New York and Canada.

Within three years the Gandy’s were buying three-fourths of the ice being produced in the St. Andrews ice plant and finally, the owner offered to sell them the plant so they bought it. By ’61 they were operational and continued their wholesale business with a retail market in the front of the plant. “It was a family effort, but Buddy primarily managed everything at Treasure Island while my

2018 CHEVROLET TRAX

Daddy and I were at St. Andrews. We made 100 ice blocks a day, weighing 320 pounds each to sell to the commercial and party fishing boats and it allowed us to be able to store large amounts of bait. We froze bait, processed it, and trucked it to other towns as far away as Texas,” said Kenyon. In 1968 they sold their interest in Treasure Island and their business thrived for many years in St. Andrews with a few changes here and there. “One of those changes was when the Vietnamese fishermen came to the area in

2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

the 70s because they needed to sell their shrimp and we were the only ones capable of handling their volume. They brought us their catch; we would weigh it and load it on our truck and I would call our customers for orders and then haul it all the way to Louisiana and back,” explains Kenyon.

Over time the ice plant machinery became obsolete requiring expensive equipment upgrades so the Gandy’s chose to shut it

2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

down in 1982. Their father, Melvin, got sick and passed away that same year and Kenyon was having hip problems that eventually required several surgeries. They ultimately sold the property to the family that later opened the Captain’s Table restaurant in its current location in St. Andrews. “Honestly, after we closed the ice plant we were going to get out of the business altogether, but we couldn’t just quit. Buddy found a rusted-out car wash that had been shut down for ten years on Hwy 98. It was a perfect set up because it had a retail front space and corridor in the back (where the cars

2018 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

went through) that had a full drain system and water supply. He bought it and turned it into Buddy Gandy’s Seafood in 1983 and the rest is history,” shares Kenyon. The seafood market still has many of their original customers across the country, including the Fulton Fish Market in New York City, an internationally known fish and produce market started in the early 1800’s and they’re still doing business with Canada.

2251 West 23rd Street • Panama City, FL

850-250-5489 • 877-361-1815 BillCramerGM.com

26

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

How does this family business obtain their seafood? “Basically people fish for us, we buy from their boats, pack it up and sell

“WHEN I FIRST MOVED HERE I WAS SEARCHING TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING LEGENDARY. GANDY’S GAVE ME THAT PLACE IN MY LIFE AND I’M HONORED TO NOW BE CARRYING ON THE HISTORY AND HELPING LEAD THE FAMILY BUSINESS INTO THE FUTURE.” —REBECCA BUFFINGTON

to other markets or ship it by truck or freight it wherever it needs

steamed plate of seafood, or call ahead to pick it up. Now, Gandy’s

to go. In the past we furnished our own trucks to transport fish, but

has a full service steam bar and a variety of dips that they sell as well,

the government started requiring people to buy a license in every

along with new freezers and more capacity to serve the community.

state and they required you to have a facility in every state. It was cost prohibitive so we had to stop our own transporting. Also, now

This new generation of ‘Gandy’s’ have made adaptations to the

we fill orders for Panama City Beach and surrounding areas, mostly

seafood display in the retail market to look like a boat so that

restaurants and other markets, based on relationships built up from

customers get the feel of buying fresh from the boat, which is exactly

years of doing good business,” said Kenyon. They sell seafood in the

what the business has always done in order to provide fresh seafood

retail market, including live crawfish (when it’s in season) trucked over

to the community. Many have referred to Kenyon, Jr. as the best

fresh from south Louisiana by someone that usually gains some extra

fish dresser in Bay County and Rebecca learned first hand from the

attention while in the market. Gandy’s crawfish is supplied personally

Gandy’s about how to run the business. The lineage of family doesn’t

by History Channel’s Swamp People TV star, Chase Landry, so it’s

stop here because Rebecca’s son, Chase also works there along with

not unusual that he will be roaming around the market talking to

other nephews and nieces. The new generation of owners of Buddy

the locals. They’re also known for their supply of live blue crabs and

Gandy’s Seafood is already experiencing success and have more on

affectionately refer to the frenzy that occurs when customers come

the horizon for what they will offer Bay County and beyond, but they

in to get them as the ‘Crab Hustle.’

definitely want to continue the traditions of service to the area. A recent example was in September of 2017 when Hurricane Irma was

Throughout the years, many family members have worked in the

approaching Bay County, they gave away over 50,000 pounds of ice

business. Aside from Buddy and his wife, Debbie, Kenyon’s wife, Jo

to local families so they would be prepared.

Ellen helped to manage the business for years, along with numerous employees that were nephews, sons, grandsons, and most notably

At the recent 63-year anniversary celebration, hundreds of locals

Kenyon Gandy, Jr. (aka Little Kenyon) and Rebecca Buffington, a

attended to give tribute to the Gandy brothers and to embrace the

long time employee and as close to a family member as you can be

new ownership with their love and support. “I saw the emotion in Mr.

without an actual birth certificate bearing the Gandy name! “My son,

Kenyon’s and Mr. Buddy’s faces and felt their pride in what Kenyon,

Kenyon has worked alongside me since he was five years old and

Jr. and I are doing with the business. That makes it all worthwhile,”

worked nights in high school at this market. Now, he handles the

said Rebecca Buffington.

buying and selling on the wholesale side,” said Kenyon.

When asked what they envisioned for the future, Kenyon, Jr. shared, When the Gandy brothers decided to retire, Kenyon, Jr. and Rebecca

“We want to live up to the family name and continue the family

approached the Gandy’s about purchasing the business. They had

heritage.” Rebecca said, “When I first moved here I was searching to

a goal, a vision, and a passion to continue to carry on the family

be a part of something legendary. Gandy’s gave me that place in my

seafood business tradition. In the spring of 2017, they finalized the

life and I’m honored to now be carrying on the history and helping

deal and after many long days and nights of renovations, the facelift

lead the family business into the future.”

is complete and the new offerings in the market are available. While you could once drive through this establishment for a car wash over 30 years ago, you can now drive up to the window for a fresh WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

27

Projected look at the new sports complex

sportfolio E X PA N D I N G T H E

BY T H O M A S J . M O N I G A N

Panama City Beach is already an established destination for youth sports during the summer, and a new project scheduled for completion next year would make it a year-round magnet.

28

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

R

“

ight now, we’re anticipating

GOVERNMENT

Lacrosse national conference in Baltimore.

the first phase will be open in April 2019,” said Richard

“We have several organizations that are ready to book with us when we open,” Sanders said,

Sanders, Vice President of Sports and Spe-

“and we are ready to start booking dates at the new phase one facility as soon as we get

cial Events for the Panama City Beach Con-

close to the date to open.

vention and Visitors Bureau.

“And we’ve been at conferences throughout the year, where we’ve had some relationships Sanders has been in the area for 20 years,

for a decade,” he added, “and now we’re going to have the inventory to start taking in some

the past 10 with the CVB. “The main thing

of their events. And they’re really excited about coming in here.”

is this is being built with the offseason in mind,” he said, “and this will get us closer to

Sports Facilities Management, located in Clearwater, has been chosen to take charge of

being a 12-month destination.”

operating the new facilities. A study by this company projects an economic impact of $23.2 million for the first year, with 81,611 non-summer visitors as the contributors to 60,000 room

On land donated by The St. Joe Company

nights. Phase one could also mean between 100 to 150 additional jobs for the area, counting

at the east end of Breakfast Point, phase

on-site management, operational staff plus game officials and concession workers.

one plans call for 13 rectangular fields, with artificial turf on nine and natural grass on

CEO and founding partner Jason Clement said that, Sports Facilities Management counted

the remaining four. Estimated cost would

24 million visits to 30-plus venues last year in which it was involved.

be around $37 million.

“Part of the reason we’re so interested in Panama City Beach is that if we are making this “The sports that we would cater to would

impact in tourism destinations across the country, to be able to contribute in our state in

be soccer, lacrosse, rugby or football, and things of that nature,” Sanders said.

“Those are all played in the spring, fall and wintertime periods.”

Phase two will involve a 109,000 squarefoot indoor athletic facility. This would include eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts, space for gymnastics and other mat sports including cheer and dance competitions, meeting rooms, locker rooms and training/physical therapy rooms.

At the time of his February interview, Sanders said Chris O’Brien, Director of Sports Marketing and Special Events for the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau had just returned from a U.S.

Projected look at Phase 2 of the new sports complex project, an indoor facility

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

29

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

GOVERNMENT

Florida is something really special for us,” Clement said.

Born in Iowa, Clement is familiar with how folks in other parts of the country are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is a preeminent destination in the United States,” Clement said, especially for folks in the Midwest and the Southeast and up into the Northeast who are looking for a slice of paradise.

Many working families now are having to choose between a vacation and providing opportunities through sports for their children, and this evolution of what we call a ‘tournacation’ allows families to do both. And Panama City Beach is as good a location as there is in the country for that experience. We’re really excited about the potential for this complex.”

“What’s really interesting about this complex from a sports perspective is the capability for field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, flag football and football — as well as sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, archery and road races,” Clement said.

And for you Harry Potter fans, Clement mentioned that Quidditch could also be played there.

“And there’s a lot of flexibility for even some non-sports events,” Clement added. “Anything from trade shows to car shows, dog shows or RV shows. We’re not looking to compete with things that are already going on there. What we’re looking to do is to be additive and complimentary to what the city and county are already doing, so we can populate those shoulder seasons.”

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

31

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

MEDICAL

B AT T L I N G T H E

OPIOID

CRISIS

by Dr. D.K. Vijapura, MD provided by Emerald Coast Medical Association

President Trump has declared the Opiate Crisis a Public Health Emergency. Every day 100 lives are lost in America because of overdoses from Opiates such as Fentanyl and Heroin. Bay County is ranked #3 in the nation in terms of severity of this crisis.

U N D E R S TA N D I N G A D D I C T I O N Addiction is a brain disease. The reward circuit of the brain becomes “hijacked”.

Addiction is not merely a bad habit. It can start with wanting to get

chronic disease and requires long term strategic treatment. It affects every aspect of a person’s life, including mental preoccupation with drugs, social isolation and spiritual disconnection. Without intervention, addiction can be deadly.

CAUSES OF ADDICTION

high or wanting to relieve psychological pain, but within a brief matter of time, it is no longer a choice. If a person tries to stop,

Risk factors for addiction include high stress levels, having a parent

the unbearable withdrawal leads that person to reuse drugs. It is a

with a history of drug addiction, physical or psychological trauma, exposure to abuse of substances at an early age, and mental health

32

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

conditions such as depression and anxiety.

other common symptoms. Neglecting primary responsibility of life and using drugs to deal with routine challenges of life occurs as well.

SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION Twelve Step Fellowship describes addiction as a state of powerlessness that leads to unmanageability of life.

T R E AT M E N T Addiction, like any other chronic disease (hypertension and diabetes) can be managed. Now there are medications approved by FDA

Symptoms include a loss of control about how much drugs have

to treat Opiate Addiction, Alcoholism and Nicotine Use Disorder.

been used and an inability to stop. Other symptoms include self-

Combining treatment options gives the person a full fighting

destructive behavior and recklessness. Tolerance and withdrawal are

chance. The options include medication, individual counseling WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

33

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

MEDICAL

(trauma therapy), group therapy, family interventions, and 12 step

in dosage does not get higher and higher but titrates down as it

program participation.

stops craving and withdrawal. It frees me to engage in psychological aspects of recovery without the patient being consumed with the

There are also many different treatment options for addiction. These

obsessions. In my opinion, it must be used with psychological

include Inpatient and Outpatient rehabilitation programs or private

help to address stinking thinking. Second is Naltrexone or Vivatrol

clinics that have Medication Assisted Therapy. I like the concept of

Injections. These are complete blockers of the opiate receptors. Court

the following Five Prong Approach to treatment:

systems like this preparation due to the assurance of compliance to treatment. It can also help with Alcoholism. Third is Methadone. It

First, medication for detoxification minimizes cravings and maintains

has been reserved for severe cases of addiction. Due to concerns

the body to provide time to heal and the obsessing on drugs to

of potential overdose, lower safety issues and tolerance, it is used

be significantly reduced. It is very important during this time to

for people who are in and out of rehabs, jails and have medical

treat co-occurring symptoms of depression, such as PTSD or anxiety.

consequences such as Hepatitis or HIV. Methadone is considered to

Medication Assisted Therapy offers an opportunity to treat Opioid

be a full agonist, meaning it works just like Heroin.

Dependence in the privacy and confidentiality of a doctor’s office.

People treated with M.A.T. generally do not need to be hospitalized or make daily visits to a clinic. As a result, treatment with M.A.T. and counseling may allow more time for work, family and other activities. Second is treatment with individual counseling. Third is group therapy. Fourth is family intervention.

HOW WE CAN HELP There are some that believe the haphazard notion of prescribing pain pills is responsible for the current crisis. However, there are ways the community can help the Opiate Epidemic. One would be by eliminating excess/unused medication promptly. Patients

Fifth is participation in a 12-step program.

undergoing pill count compliance and point of care urine analysis,

Currently there are 3 agents available to treat Opiate Addiction. First is Buprenorphine, a partial agonist, like Suboxone. This is my favorite preparation because it is useful for both detox and maintenance.

As mentioned, it is a partial agonist with a “ceiling effect”. Increases

allowing Emergency Medical Personnel to have access to Narcan and allowing the prison system to be more therapeutic rather than punishment driven are also seen as ways to remove the excess of opiates prescribed.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR D.K. Vijapura, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and in Addiction Medicine. He is actively treating patients with Opiate Addiction with state of the art Medication Assisted Therapy.

To make an appointment with Dr. Vijapura, please contact his office at 850-784-9991.

34

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE CIRCUIT gift

guide

holidaY

maKe this Year's christmas shopping a breeZe

simple, delicious, & sure to impress

dining out

recipes

on the holidaYs? KnoW Which restaurants Will be open & When

the

holidaY issue

november/deCember 2016

|

PCBeACH.oRG

panama citY beach chamber of commerce WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

Nov-Dec Circuit NEW SIZE.indd 1

1

11/1/2017 4:06:46 PM

Visitors never want to leave.

We know the feeling.

2017 was record breaking.

Let’s do it again.

At Visit Panama City Beach, we’re working hard to make this year even better, with fun events like the ones below.

Come help celebrate our success.

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$1.9 BILLION supporting over 30,000 jobs

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Learn more at

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9th Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

35

JEEP BEACH JAM TA K I N G IT O N T H E B E AC H

By Ken McVay & Andrea Hess Photography by Kayla Shepard

36

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

TOURISM

T

he 2018 Jeep Beach Jam is scheduled for May 15th-20th in Panama City Beach. This annual event, started in 2016, i s o n e o f t h e f a s t e s t - g r o w i n g J e e p e v e n t s i n t h e c o u n t r y.

It’s an event of historical proportions. But more on that in a minute.

Combining the beautiful venue at Frank Brown Park with amazing activities for Jeep lovers, Jeep Beach Jam has something for everyone.

Leading Jeep industry vendors, daytime activities for every member of the family, concerts with some of the top talent in the region, along with a wide array of activities for Jeep lovers, Jeep Beach Jam draws enthusiasts from around the country.

Those reasons alone are enough to draw nearly 2,000 Jeep lovers to Panama City Beach in 2018. But they aren’t the main reason. That one is simple – the sugar white sands of Panama City Beach.

And here’s where the historical part comes into play.

Thanks to the Panama City Beach City Council and Florida Fish and Wildlife, Jeep Beach Jam will be allowed to have its parade of Jeeps on the very beach that has made Panama City Beach a top ten tourist destination for dozens of years.

“This is a historical change for this event,” said Jeep

Beach Jam organizer Mark Hess. “There are cities in Florida that allow you to drive on the beach, but to allow people to drive on the sugar white sands of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches is amazing”.

“For the first time ever, a parade will be held on the actual white sandy beach and we couldn’t be happier,” Hess said. “And the entire parade route will be right at sunset.”

This is the first time that any group has been given the authority to have motorized vehicles on the beach.

This puts Jeep Beach Jam in the same

category of larger, more established Jeep events around the country.

Jeeps for the Saturday parade will stage at Seahaven on Front Beach Road

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

37

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beginning at 4 p.m. Jeepers will cross Front Beach Road and get beach access just west of Sharky’s Beach Club and travel the 1.3 mile parade route to just east of the Panama City Beach City Pier near Pier Park.

From there, Jeepers will make their way through Pier Park Drive, ending in the main circle near Dave & Busters.

The parade is just one part of the five-day event. Centered around the Vendor Village at Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach and its attractions, restaurant, nightclubs and businesses will welcome Jeep Beach Jam with open arms.

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Each day, attendees will have events like scavenger hunts, offroad trail excursions, a poker run, a beach bonfire, outdoor movie night, an obstacle course, live music and concerts, and a Jeep Show & Shine with awards.

“Each year, we try to give our attendees more and more things to do,” Hess said. “This is a family event. We have Jeepers that

We have it all!

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38

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

are in law enforcement, some with military backgrounds, they come from all walks of life. Our pledge each year is to make it more and more fun for everyone who attends.”

After bringing in nearly 1,000 participants the first year in 2016, the event grew to more than 1,200 participants in 2017.

2018’s event is projected to grow to nearly 2,000 Jeeps.

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

TOURISM

And you don’t have to have a Jeep to enjoy Jeep Beach Jam. General

And before anyone wonders about the effect of driving nearly

admission tickets for Vendor Village are available by going to

2,000 Jeeps on Panama City Beach, organizers are working with the

JeepBeachJam.com. The number of total participants had grown

Panama City Beach City Council, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials

from 2,500 the first year to more than 4,500 in 2017. And that

and local officials to ensure that none of the natural inhabitants of

number will skyrocket this year, as Jeepers from around the country

Panama City Beach are harmed during the event.

come to participate in the event and the beach parade.

Panama City Beach’s motto of “leave no trace” will be honored by The festivities are only a small part of Jeep Beach Jam. From

the organizers of Jeep Beach Jam.

the beginning, organizers have wanted to provide back to the community. In its first two years, Jeep Beach Jam has given more

“We’re working with local law enforcement, city officials, Florida Fish

than $29,000 to area charities.

and Wildlife and local turtle watch programs to make sure that we are protecting the beautiful beaches and the marine life that lives

Some of the benefactors of the event include the Arnold High School

here,” Hess said. “Before we set our course for the parade with cones

Culinary Department, the Toys for Kids Foundation, the Boy’s and

and flags, we’ll make sure that Fish and Wildlife has approved the

Girl’s Clubs of Bay County, Beach Care Services, the Navy Booster

course and there are no current sightings of turtles.”

Group, Miracle Strip Women’s Club and various groups with Tyndall Air Force Base.

“Immediately following the parade, we’ll remove all the flags and cones and sweep the beaches and be off the sand by dark.”

“We work with about a half a dozen charities on this event,” Hess said. “All of them help with the event by volunteering. You’ll see

Friday night during the event, a free concert will be held featuring

them helping with registration, the events, the obstacle course,

the rock band “Eli” from Tallahassee and “American Super Model”

everything.”

from Tampa. The concert is FREE for everyone, whether they have signed up for Jeep Beach Jam or not. In addition, following the Jeep

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to donate back to the charities

parade on Saturday, a block party will be held in Pier Park, where

every year with the help of raffle tickets and door prizes and we

Jeepers will park their Jeeps, open their hoods and allow the public

hope to be able to raise $20,000 for the charities this year.”

to view their Jeeps.

Panama City Beach’s most popular restaurants and nightclubs

“We wanted to make sure that anyone who wanted to come out

will also be highlighted during the event, having signed on to be

and see what we’re about would have that chance,” Hess said. “The

locations for JBJ events, including Hammerhead Fred’s, Sharky’s

Jeepers will be in town for a weekend and will be up and down

Beach Club, Ms. Newby’s, Runaway Island, and the 4X4 Saloon Bar

Panama City Beach, dining in our restaurants and shopping in our

& Grill.

stores, giving Panama City Beach an economic boost”

Activities are planned each day during the event at these locations,

For ticket pricing and more information on the event, visit

to highlight the local area and what Panama City Beach has to offer.

JeepBeachJam.com.

But the highlight of the event will be the parade on the beach.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

39

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

EDUCATION

HALF –CENT WHOLE HEART

H O W T H E H A L F - C E N T S A L E S TA X I S H E L P I N G TO M E E T T H E N E E D S O F B AY D I S T R I C T S C H O O L S

BY SHARON MICHALIK

A

strong school system is the harbinger of a

and that our schools are equipped to deal with the

well-educated, and prepared, workforce which

additional safety and security requirements that are,

is exactly what business and industry looks

unfortunately, a part of our lives today.

for when considering new locations or opportunities for expansion. Mindful of this, Bay District Schools is constantly

The half-cent sales tax is a critical player when it comes

forging partnerships with business leaders to ensure that

to our ability to meet those needs and we’re so grateful

our Career and Technical Education programs are in line

that the citizens of Bay County have had the foresight to

with industry needs and that our vision is firmly planted in

approve it not just once, but twice, and that they value

the future when it comes to preparing our students for all

the education of their children enough to continue their

of their post-graduation options.

support.

An important piece of that puzzle is ensuring we have

“I’m humbled, really, that the taxpayers have faith in us,

the facilities needed to provide the advanced Science,

that they trust us with their money and that they continue

Technology,

to want the very best for their students,” explained Bay

Engineering

and

Mathematics

(STEM)

opportunities our students need, and industry demands;

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

District Schools’ Superintendent Bill Husfelt.

“I understand that voting to approve a tax is never easy but I think we have

Meanwhile, designers and architects are working on CAPs

shown them, and will continue to show them, that the Citizens Oversight

at Surfside Middle School, Breakfast Point Academy, J. R.

Committee does a phenomenal job of being good monitors of the money

Arnold High School, Rosenwald High School, Merritt Brown

and that they carefully consider each project and make sure we’re fulfilling

Middle School, C.C. Washington Middle School, Southport

needs, not just wants. It’s a big responsibility and one that we all take very,

Elementary School, Oakland Terrace Elementary School, Deer

very seriously.”

Point Elementary School, Waller Elementary School, St. Andrew Elementary School and Tom P. Haney Technical Center. Projects

At a recent School Board workshop, John Cheshire, a longtime member

are being expedited through the selection of a construction

of the Citizens Oversight Committee, also talked about that strong

manager and it’s an “all hands on deck” approach to getting

relationship with the community. “I think there’s residual goodwill in the

them from paper to fruition.

community with what’s been done in our schools with this money,” he said. “From the implementation of technology to the construction and

Most of the projects already completed were funded by the

renovation projects we have done … people can see that.”

half-cent sales tax, and they are a wonderful example of what we’re able to accomplish with this money. Now, at elementary

Ensuring that new construction meets the needs of tomorrow’s students and that our facilities are the best they can be makes perfect sense locally and it’s no surprise that these efforts are also encouraged on the state level. The Florida Chamber of Commerce notes that one of “the biggest concerns we hear from businesses of all sizes is the need for a qualified workforce and highly trained talent pool.” Chambers of Commerce on the local and state level believe that “a talented workforce is Florida’s best

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela

long-term economic development strategy” (www.flchamber.com).

schools like Cedar Grove and Lucille Moore, visitors can only

Unfortunately, our expansion, renovation and new construction plans

the front office. This door can only be activated/unlocked by

are being balanced right now with those related to a new buzzword – “hardening.”

Recent events have focused everyone’s attention on the need to ensure all school campuses are as secure as possible and that we’re taking every precaution available to “harden” those front offices and reduce campus entry to a single access point. We were already in the process of completing projects at our schools, and had many more slated for completion over the next few years as funds became available. Recent events, however,

access the school through a single point-of-entry located in someone in the office who has checked the visitor’s credentials.

Those, unfortunately, are the easy projects, according to Husfelt.

“When you look at a school like Mowat and you think about securing that school it becomes much more difficult,” he said.

“They’ve got classrooms that face the highway, that have doors that open to the outside. How do you make a single point-of-

have caused us to move these projects to the forefront.

entry at Mowat?”

We’re borrowing $4 million to complete all school “hardening” projects

Another school that concerns Husfelt is J.R. Arnold High

and to ensure that all of our schools are equipped with the very latest safety and security equipment available. We believe those measures, coupled with ensuring that every campus has the presence of an armed officer every day, will help ease the minds of our parents who are understandably

School. “That’s a beautiful campus,” he said, “but it wasn’t built to be a secure campus with a single point-of-entry. When you get there, you can go into any building.”

anxious given recent events in our state and across the country.

Part of the challenge going forward will be working with

Since 2015, we’ve spent $848,686 on projects that have solely focused on

schools like Mowat and Arnold without simply surrounding

securing front offices and several other large front office renovations were rolled into bigger construction projects. Currently we have four Controlled Access Projects (CAPs) that are coming out of the design/build process.

These involve the access and entry points at Jinks Middle School, Everitt Middle School, Rutherford High School and Tyndall Elementary School.

architects and designers who can find creative ways to secure them with chain link fences and making them “prison-like.”

“We want our schools to be welcoming,” Husfelt said. “We want our children, our employees and our parents to feel safe and comfortable and secure at school and so there are safety and

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

EDUCATION

Voters first approved the half-cent sales tax in 1998 and the first cycle generated more than $122 million for school construction and renovation at 29 schools. The second ten-year cycle was approved in 2010 and has, to date, generated more than $126 million for renovation and new construction projects at a plethora of different school sites.

The half-cent tax doesn’t apply to food, medicine or gasoline and there’s a $25 per purchase limit on the additional tax. So, in essence, the half-cent sales tax adds about .0145 cents to the cost of a $2.90 gallon of milk but it generates more than $120 million every ten years for our kids.

While no one likes the idea of taxes, School Board member Steve Moss notes that the “beauty” of this tax is that a large percentage of it is paid by people who don’t even live here. “When I’m home at night and I hear the motorcycles revving from Thunder Beach

security measures that we have to put into place. At the same time, I don’t want students rolling up in buses behind huge chain link fences and going through metal detectors in front of armed security guards.

That’s not what I want children to associate with school.”

Metal detectors have been a hot topic of conversation lately with many people asking for them to be used as a safety and security measure at local schools. There are many reasons, according to Husfelt and Safety

I think about our half-cent sales tax,” he said. “I think about all of that money coming in.” Moss said he has the same thoughts “when I am stuck in traffic; that’s when I am thinking about all of these tourists and what they’re buying and how they are contributing to our half-cent collections.”

Another benefit of the half-cent tax, according to School Board Member Joe Wayne Walker is that it has allowed the board to

and Security Chief Mike Jones, why these tools won’t work for us.

remain committed “to trying to keep the millage down.”

“To run metal detectors I’ve got to have armed security guards

“We’ve been able to keep the millage rate down and take care

stationed at every one and I’ve got to only have those points-of-entry open in the mornings,” Jones explained. “So now I’m funneling maybe 1,500 high school students through three doors and they’re going to bottle neck and gather outside while they wait. Now they become new targets.”

W H Y A S A L E S TA X ?

It’s important to understand why a sales tax is needed and there are many misconceptions about what the money can, and can’t be used

of business because of that half-cent sales tax,” he said. “That’s important.” That’s a sentiment echoed by Moss. “I think we’re one of 13 districts out of 67 that doesn’t max out their millage,” he added.

Other school districts are actually quite envious of the amount of construction and renovation work being done in Bay District Schools as a result of the sales tax initiative, according to Facilities Director Lee Walters. “That’s definitely something we talk about

to purchase.

when we talk to other districts,” he said. “They always want to know

First of all, those little half-cents certainly add up! Voters first

we’re doing and it’s nice to be able to tell them that it’s a sales tax

approved the half-cent sales tax in 1998 and the first cycle generated more than $122 million for school construction and renovation at 29 schools. The second ten-year cycle was approved in 2010 and has, to date, generated more than $126 million for renovation and new construction projects at a plethora of different school sites.

During that same time frame, Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds have been erratically disbursed by the state. In 2001, BDS received $3.2 million in state appropriations. That jumped to $14.4 million in 2007 but dropped to absolutely nothing in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Last year we received $760,000 for the entire district. Obviously that’s not nearly enough to meet the needs of our 28,024 students when you consider that PECO funds are all the state gives us for construction, renovation and maintenance.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

where our funding is coming from and how we’re paying for what supported by our voters.”

Dr. Sue Harrell, longtime principal of Surfside Middle School, is a huge proponent of the half-cent sales tax since her students and faculty have been beneficiaries of more than $12 million in sales tax-funded renovations. “The half-cent basically gave us the opportunity to move Surfside into the next century,” she said. “We got all of the latest safety and security equipment, new technology for our classrooms, new furniture, new lighting, new flooring, a new HVAC system. Basically, we got a new school because of the halfcent sales tax.”

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43

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

OPENING SUMMER 2018 INTRODUCING PANAMA CITY BEACH'S NEWEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

SOME MISCONCEPTIONS

by, the Citizens Oversight Committee

While more than $126 million has been

since they are the group charged with

collected and spent in half-cent sales

reviewing the “project list” for the Bay

tax revenue since 2011, misconceptions

District School Board. The committee

abound about where that money has

meets regularly to evaluate requests and

gone (or can go) in the public’s eyes.

needs and to ensure that the sales tax revenues are being applied in the most

“A lot of people ask us why we’re not

cost-effective manner possible.

using it for teacher raises or why we didn’t use it to buy new text books

W H AT W E’R E W O R K I N G O N N O W

or help the schools with additional

During

personnel,” Husfelt explained. “We’re

we’ve undertaken some HUGE projects.

constantly trying to explain that sales

Perhaps the signature project of this

tax money absolutely cannot be used

ten-year cycle is the completion of Joe

for those types of expenditures.” State

and Jeannette Chapman Field at Tommy

law, Husfelt said, is very clear about

Oliver Stadium. This project, which

what sales tax money can purchase and

included total demolition of the old

it most definitely cannot be used for

1950s-era facility, was funded primarily

salaries, raises or extra teachers.

by half-cent sales revenue and resulted

this

second

ten-year

cycle

in a stadium that will be enjoyed for Two of the most popular projects

generations to come.

completed with half-cent sales tax

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44

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

in the district and the provision of

Foundation, Tommy Oliver Stadium now

Chromebooks for every middle school

features a state-of-the-art electronic

student. While half-cent funds can’t

scoreboard and the eight-lane

purchase textbooks, the money can be

Terrell Track of Champions which can

used for technology and infrastructure

host regional, state and even national

and classroom-based technology and

meets. Soccer players, football players,

Chromebooks definitely fit that bill.

track members and band members are

Garry

an

at this stadium and families of seniors

amazing addition to our middle schools,”

Chromebooks

are sure to enjoy watching the giant

Husfelt

explained.

have

been

every

scoreboard light up with the faces and

week we hear stories about students

“Almost

names of their graduates during our

gathering in the mornings before school

graduations ceremonies.

to work on projects together using their Chromebooks and the research

“I really believe that the public is going

skills they are learning are so valuable.”

to be so impressed with this stadium

Students, he said, are now using email

once they get a chance to see it,” said

through the Chromebooks to connect

Husfelt. ‘We’re planning to have a big

with their teachers after school so the

grand opening and we can’t wait to let

communication is ongoing and available

people see what they’ve built for their

constantly.

students. People are going to be talking about this stadium and what a great

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850.588.0663

the Chapman family and the Whitehead

“The

INDEPENDENT LIVING APTS

THE

Thanks to generous donations from both

Boards in every core subject classroom

going to enjoy participating in events

G rand

RESIDENTIAL COTTAGES

revenues include the installation of Smart

ALF

License Number Pending

Requests for half-cent funded projects

accomplishment it is for Bay County for a

are continuously turned in, and reviewed

long time. Our students deserve the very

Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center

(Above) The new Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center at A. Crawford Mosley High School was partially funded with funds from the half-cent sales tax.

with sales tax money and in part with a $2.6 million donation from the Marion G. and Barbara W. Nelson Foundation); a brand-new cafeteria for Springfield Elementary School (the old one was originally built in 1950 and was beyond repair or renovation); a complete renovation of the cafeteria at Rutherford High School; extensive renovations at Bay High School (new projects at Bay High School are soon to break ground and will include a state-of-the-art STEM Building and a new fine arts center similar to the one recently completed

best and the voters and taxpayers of Bay County have really given it to them with this new stadium.”

Dan Rowe, President and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the new Joe and Jeannette Chapman Field at Tommy Oliver Stadium gives Panama City and Panama City Beach “a great opportunity to work together to attract regional and state track meets.”

The stadium, he noted, will be easy to market “as one of the newest sporting venues in our area” and should help both Destination Panama City and the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau in their efforts to bring more visitors to our area.

Other notable projects completed during this past funding cycle include the Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center at A. Crawford Mosley High School (funded in part

at Mosley, also funded in part with a significant donation from the Marion G. and Barbara W. Nelson Foundation); and a complete renovation of the administrative suite and cafeteria at Hiland Park Elementary School.

Additionally, we have a laser-like focus on school security as previously mentioned and Jones and his team are constantly writing grants to secure additional funding for safety-related equipment, training and personnel.

Since 2012, the Safety and Security team has spent $110,591 on new or upgraded fencing and gates at 13 different schools, secured more than $155,000 in funding for new camera systems for schools throughout the district, and purchased more than $283,000 worth of miscellaneous safety and security items for all schools.

Currently, the Safety and Security team is in the process of contracting with local law enforcement agencies to provide off-duty officers to staff the elementary schools not covered by the four full-time officers we employ. All secondary schools are currently covered by Bay County Sheriff’s deputies who are paid

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46

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

EDUCATION

Investing in education is not only the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do and our whole community wins when we do the right thing for our students.

for by the district in addition to the four full-time officers the district employs. There is funding in Governor Scott’s new budget to provide an increase in the number of uniformed officers but the Superintendent didn’t want to wait until next school year for this added layer of protection which is why we’re contracting with off-duty officers.

OUR FUTURE PLANS Assuming that the sales tax is renewed for another ten years (we’re hoping to have it placed on the ballot for the 2018 Primary Election on August 28th), we have some VERY exciting projects in the works (and on the draft plan) for the next ten-year cycle including major renovations for J.R. Arnold High school that will include classroom refurbishments and a new roof coating that will promote energy efficienc (major renovation projects are also planned for Patronis Elementary School, Lucille Moore Elementary School and Tommy Smith Elementary School); a complete overhaul of the front facade of Bay High School’s administrative buildings (the buildings will be restored to a more “vintage” look, according to Walters, who noted that the interiors of the buildings will also undergo a facelift at the same time); and a new swimming pool for J. R. Arnold High School (original construction plans for the school included a competitive swimming pool but those plans had to be scrapped due to construction costs).

The most successful school system is based upon a true partnership between educators, parents, business leaders and community members and there’s probably no better example of a strong working partnership than the half-cent sales tax and the opportunities it has provided for our students, our workforce, our growth and our future. Investing in education is not only the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do and our whole community wins when we do the right thing for our students.

There’s no doubt that we’re only as strong as our partnerships and our ability to ensure a productive workforce for our local companies, and those who haven’t even thought about relocating here yet, is dependent upon the trust placed in us by the citizens of Bay County. We work hard each day to be good stewards of the resources given to us and to meet the expectations of our community. Our marching orders are “every student, every day” and we look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders to accomplish that goal and to continue to change and improve our little corner of the world!

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47

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

MILITARY

WHY I WORK HERE

A WORD WITH NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PANAMA CITY DIVISION SCIENTIST DR. JESSE ANGLE

FULL NAME Dr. Jesse Isaac Angle JOB TITLE Scientist: Science and Technology Department DATE HIRED July 20, 2009 HOMETOWN Sumner, Washington EDUCATION

Two Bachelor's Degrees in Physics and Astronomy from

University of Washington in Seattle PhD in Physics studying Experimental Particle Astrophysics from University of Florida HOW I CAME TO BE A WC EMPLOYEE

During the spring of 2009, the

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) was hiring for several positions, which was due to a high rate of attrition. NSWC PCD was replacing a large portion of its workforce that had been hired in the early 1980s. I had originally applied for an Engineering position, but was hired as a Scientist.

WHAT I LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING AT NSWC PCD

That's easy: For

me, it's the people. The people I work with are some of the best people in the world. These are people my family has shared holiday dinners with, camped and some whom we’ve ridden motorcycles together. Our workforce represents some of the best and brightest in the Navy. They are continually doing amazing things to support the warfighter and most are a joy to be around. Every day I get a chance to be around someone who makes me laugh and smile.

HOW MY WORK CONTRIBUTES TO THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE WARFARE CENTER Much of Panama City’s mission spectrum is focused around warfare in coastal and littoral waters of domestic and foreign shores. As such, NSWC PCD works to advance technologies relative to

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

Mine Countermeasure (MCM), expeditionary warfare, and we leverage the most advanced technologies to apply towards alternative applications, most notably underwater Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) surveys. With a world-class workforce of subject matter experts, and some of the world’s most advanced technical facilities available, NSWC PCD works closely with our customers – including the end-user, our country’s warfighters – to ensure we are expanding the advantage and maintaining America’s technological advantage over adversaries. I’m proud to be a part of the NSWC PCD team!

PIVOTAL CAREER MOMENTS/EXPERIENCES

When my

career began in Panama City, I started working with the small magnetics team working with prototype magnetics sensors for mine countermeasures. It's a small niche group, but it gave me the opportunity to set myself apart from my colleagues working larger projects. Due to a collaborative environment, I was able to establish connections with a number of people outside my usual circle. Eventually, I found myself working a small project trying to fuse magnetic and acoustic data from our unmanned vehicles. And ultimately, this has been become one of the primary focuses of my career, pushing magneto-acoustic data fusion, leveraging geographic information systems to merge different data types and working to improve how we present and display different data products, in large part supporting UXO surveys for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the Army Corps of Engineers.

HOBBIES/PERSONAL INTERESTS

I like to travel, whether

cross country road trips or dragging the family along on

Our local team is here to lend you our expertise.

international work trips, there's a lot of world to see and only so much time with which to see it. I've been snow skiing for about 30 years, practicing Kung Fu for about seven, and I picked up amateur photography about six years ago. I still enjoy reading a good sci-fi/fantasy book or playing games with friends and family.

CAREER ADVICE

I’m a strong advocate for ‘never stop

learning!’ I feel fortunate to work where I’ve been encouraged to pick up new skills and knowledge. I believe we should all strive to remain flexible and open to change different opportunities, because if your area of expertise remains too specific, you won’t

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be able to contribute as much to our warfighters. I wouldn’t recommend striving for multiple degrees for the sake of notoriety. I know some world leading experts in their field who don't have Dr. in front of their name and they can absolutely do things I cannot. I believe it's important to surround yourself with competent people, learn who the experts are, and leverage their skills, that way everyone benefits.

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THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

MILITARY

PA RT N E R S O F A

DIFFERENT BREED

A LOOK AT A MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER

by Senior Airman Cody R. Miller, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

M

ost people who share a passion for dogs volunteer

Bourque attributes much of her motivations for the job to the joy

at shelters or adopt when they can, but some Airmen

she gets from bonding with Atila, her working dog partner, and

have a duty and bond with their canine friends that you can’t find

knowing the importance of her duty. She said her favorite missions

anywhere else.

are the ones, which allow her to spend more time with her partner.

Staff Sgt. Caitlin Bourque is a military working dog handler for the

“I would definitely say I have a passion for animals,” Bourque said.

325th Security Forces Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base. A military

“I love working with my dog and the other handlers every day.

working dog handler is responsible for the care and training of his

While being stationed at Tyndall, I have been on two Secret Service

or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad

missions for both the president and vice president. The best part

and installation security at home by providing target odor detection

about these assignments is that I get to spend more one-on-one

for both explosives and drugs.

time with Atila.”

Bourque joined the Air Force in 2013 to further her education and

Bourque said she enjoys the mentality and professionalism that is

travel. She enlisted as a security forces specialist, a prerequisite

instilled into all the Airmen in her unit.

for anyone wanting to become a working dog handler. She chose security forces because of family members serving previously in the

“The guys trust me and respect my abilities as a handler just like I do

very same job.

all of them,” Bourque said. “Here it’s about the work you put in and the final product you can produce.”

Bourque first realized her desire to work with canines when she was assigned a supervisor who was already a dog handler.

Along with her professional life, Bourque is married and balances a relationship while serving as an Airman.

“He showed me the ropes and I immediately fell in love with the job,” Bourque said. “Having a dog as a partner is the best option in

“With my job I travel a lot,” Bourque added. “That is one of the

my opinion. These working dogs are selfless, loyal and extremely

biggest challenges while serving and having a spouse. My family

courageous. You can’t ask for anyone better to watch your back.

time is huge to me so being separated can be hard. She understands

Working with them on a daily basis is a lot of hard work and

my job and its requirements though, so she never makes a fuss of

dedication, but it’s all worth it.”

it. We’ve been married going on two years this coming November.”

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

The partnership Atila and Bourque share has been a journey with its

Bourque said. “I’d also like to advance Atila in his training, since one

own unique set of challenges. Canines, like humans, have their own

of us can’t grow without the other. The reason I love being around

personalities and it can take time for a working dogs to get used to

these dogs is because I know that I impact their lives just as much as

a new handler.

they do mine on a daily basis.”

“Atila and I bumped heads when I was first assigned to him,”

Because of her dedication and enthusiasm on the job, Bourque

Bourque said. “He quickly proved to be one of the more difficult

was given the opportunity to show Col. Michael Hernandez, 325th

dogs I’ve handled. Eventually though, he started to warm up to me

Fighter Wing commander, what it is like to be a military working

and our bond started to grow. We are becoming a more cohesive

dog handler. She was able to give him an idea of what it’s like to

team every day.”

be a handler at Tyndall and how they would respond to various law enforcement scenarios that could occur on a military installation.

Bourque said for her personal goals she’d like to eventually open her own gym and finish her degree. She also said that she wishes to continue to work in the K-9 career field and grow as a handler.

CAPTION: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Caitlin Bourque, 325th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, pets her partner, Atila, during an

“I’d really like to become a trainer and guide other handlers,”

interview at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. March 2, 2018.

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51

Photo Credit: Ronald Jarmon "IA" Aerial Photography, LLC

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

CONSTRUCTION

23RD STREET F L Y O V E R

PROJECT AN UPDATE OF BAY COUNTY’S LARGEST CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

T

new signage, and minor side road improvements.

major milestones since its January 2016 inception.

“A major benefit the Flyover project provides

In addition to diverting traffic from U.S. 98 to

the community is the traffic signal at the U.S. 98

temporary U.S. 98 from east of the Hathaway

and 23rd Street intersection will cease to exist,”

Bridge to east of Brown Avenue in April 2017,

says Ian Satter, Public Information Director for

an additional milestone was reached when the

the Florida Department of Transportation District

Collegiate Drive realignment work was achieved,

Three. “The Bay Line Railroad will also have the

allowing for the reopening of the temporary U.S.

ability to move trains back and forth across U.S.

98/Collegiate Drive intersection.

98 without stopping traffic.”

When completed, the 23rd Street Flyover will

People across Bay County are curious about what

elevate U.S. 98 over 23rd Street, Collegiate Drive,

the new traffic pattern means for their commute

Seaport Drive, and the Bay Line Railroad. These

and for visitors coming into the area.

he 23rd Street Flyover project, now in year two of construction, has achieved

improvements will provide continuous movement along U.S. 98 and 23rd Street.

Additional

For the first time in Panama City history, the 23rd

improvements include bicycle lanes, sidewalks,

Street Flyover roadway system will utilize a ramp

drainage,

facilities,

system. Nine ramps (labeled Ramps A through

enhanced intelligent transportation systems,

I during the construction phase) will enable

signalization upgrades, utility relocation, lighting,

motorists to travel from elevated U.S. 98 to

stormwater

treatment

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53

AT-GRADE ROADWAY (STR

ELEVATED ROADWAY (FLY

UNDER U.S. 98 FLYOVER ( BAY LINE RAILROAD

RA RAMP A

RAMP E RAMP G

WEST RAMP H

RAMP B

ground level (at-grade) roadways. The ramp system will also provide

Travel east from the Hathaway Bridge on U.S. 98 and turn north

at-grade entrances to elevated portions of U.S. 98.

on 23rd Street Traffic will flow in designated travel lanes without having to stop by

T R AV E L S C E N A R I O S

utilizing the ramp system. In effect, travelers traveling east on the

Travel south on 23rd Street and turn east on U.S. 98 (15th Street)

Hathaway Bridge will fly over the traffic signal at Collegiate Drive

Travelers will go west to go east; however they will not incur traffic

and Seaport Drive (Ramp H) and continue traveling in designated

signals.

lanes that merge onto 23rd Street.

Designated lanes beginning on 23rd Street will guide

vehicles to travel west (Ramp E) and loop under the flyover, then travel east (Ramp D), and fly over the railroad on U.S. 98.

Travel west on U.S. 98 and turn north on 23rd Street Traffic will move in designated travel lanes without needing to stop.

Travel south on 23rd Street and turn west on U.S. 98 (towards

The travel lanes will fly over the railroad tracks and the U.S. 98 and

Panama City Beach)

23rd Street intersection (Ramp C), continuing westbound. Upon

Travelers heading south on 23rd Street will seamlessly travel west

passing this intersection, vehicles remain in their respective travel

in the designated travel lanes (Ramp G) and, in effect, fly over

lanes and loop east (Ramp F) where designated lanes guide traffic

Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive without stopping as traffic flows

onto 23rd Street north.

continuously onto the Hathaway Bridge.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

E

RAM

REET LEVEL)

YOVER)

(STREET LEVEL)

AMP C RAMP I

EAST

RAMP I

MP F

RAMP D

23rd Street Flyover Ramp System

Travel east or west on U.S. 98 from Cauley Avenue to Michigan

T H E 2 3 R D S T R E E T F LYOV E R R A M P S YS T E M

Avenue

Here is a brief description of each ramp’s travel pattern (see map):

Traffic will flow freely east which should make motorists happy.

Travelers will not encounter traffic signals when traveling eastbound on U.S. 98 between Cauley Avenue in Panama City Beach and Michigan Avenue in Panama City. Once eastbound on the Hathaway Bridge, drivers will fly over the intersection at Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive, and continue flying over the U.S. 98 and 23rd Street intersection and railroad tracks. The first traffic signal drivers come upon is located at Michigan Avenue.

Traveling westbound on U.S. 98 onto the Hathaway Bridge, drivers will fly over the same intersections (U.S. 98 and 23rd Street, and Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive) without having to stop for traffic signals until arriving at Woodlawn Drive in Panama City Beach.

Ramp A will allow Seaport Drive and Collegiate Drive at-grade traffic to enter westbound U.S. 98 and proceed to the Hathaway Bridge.

Ramp B will allow eastbound U.S. 98 traffic to access Collegiate Drive, Seaport Drive, and 23rd Street.

Ramp C will allow westbound U.S. 98 traffic to access Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive.

Ramp D will allow eastbound at-grade traffic to enter eastbound U.S. 98 west of the railroad.

Ramp E will allow 23rd Street traffic to access Collegiate Drive, Seaport Drive, Ramp A (westbound at-grade access to the Hathaway (Continues to next page) WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

55

Bridge) and Ramp F (eastbound U.S. 98 at-grade traffic access to 23rd Street).

Ramp F will allow at-grade eastbound U.S. 98 traffic to access 23rd Street.

Ramp G will allow 23rd Street at-grade traffic to access elevated westbound U.S. 98.

Ramp H will allow elevated eastbound U.S. 98 traffic to access 23rd Street.

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Ramp I, located east of 23rd Street, will allow at-grade westbound U.S. 98 traffic to access eastbound U.S. 98.

The 23rd Street Flyover will improve safety, commerce, reduce travel delays, and allow better access to Port Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, and Florida State University Panama City. Motorists will travel to their destinations by simply following the Florida Department of Transportation’s overhead signage and designated traveling lanes.

COLLEGIATE DRIVE INTERSECTION AT U.S. 98 AND 23 RD STREET Many commuters cheered when the intersection of temporary U.S. 98 and Collegiate Drive was reopened in January of this year. Realignment work performed along Collegiate Drive improved traffic flow into and out of the area. Sidewalks plus curb and gutter improvements were included in the Collegiate Drive realignment.

Additional improvements when exiting Collegiate Drive onto 23rd Street will consist of a left turn bike lane, two extended left hand turning lanes, and a dedicated right

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hand turning lane leading onto 23rd Street.

Signal improvements at the corner of 23rd Street and Collegiate Drive are also part of the project. When completed, once on Collegiate Drive, an extended left hand turning lane onto Commodore Circle is included.

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Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City students and faculty will have access to the college campuses throughout all phases of the construction improvements on Collegiate Drive.

“Although the 23rd Street Flyover project construction has been somewhat of an inconvenience at times to college students and employees, as well as other

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motorists passing through the area, the end result will be a much more efficient

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Department of Transportation (FDOT) has worked very closely with the college

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

roadway system that benefits the entire community,” says Gulf Coast State College’s John Mercer, Vice President, Administration and Finance. “The Florida to minimize the impact on those accessing the campus by providing continuous advance notifications of changes throughout the construction area and schedule.

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

CONSTRUCTION

In addition, FDOT has worked with college staff to ensure that the

The 23rd Street Flyover will have a unique look when completed.

end result includes several safe and convenient ingress and egress

Remaining phases of the 23rd Street Flyover project will include the

options to access the campus including improved turn lanes and

construction of the flyover bridges and ramps, connecting the entire

traffic signals.”

project. Familiar features utilized on the Thomas Drive Interchange, including MSE walls, Hammerhead Piers, and similar style lighting

PORT PANAMA CITY

fixtures will also be incorporated into the 23rd Street Flyover’s

Part of the 23rd Street Flyover project includes the widening of the

design. Landscaping intended to provide an overall aesthetically

Port Panama City entrance to better accommodate semi-trailer truck

pleasing appearance for Bay County travelers will be provided under

traffic.

a separate landscaping contract once construction is complete.

“The 23rd Street Flyover project is going to be a huge improvement for everyone, including the Port’s tenants and customers,” says Port

Many people are interested in knowing what will happen to

Panama City Executive Director Wayne Stubbs. “The design allows

temporary U.S. 98 once the Flyover project is complete and traffic

everyone to keep moving and totally eliminates the conflict with the

has been moved onto permanent U.S. 98. The Florida Department

railroad crossing. I think we will look back one day and wonder how

of Transportation will remove the temporary U.S. 98 asphalt and

we ever managed without it.”

maintain upkeep of the property.

When travelling U.S. 98 to either Port Panama City or the U.S. 98

The $67.9 million project is one-mile in length, from the east end

Collegiate Drive entrance, designated lanes will guide travelers to

of the Hathaway Bridge to west of Michigan Avenue. Traffic on

the signal light at U.S. 98 and Seaport Drive/Collegiate Drive. When

U.S. 98 will be maintained during construction, including access to

exiting the port or the college, drivers can travel both east and west

driveways and business entrances.

on U.S. 98 to get to their destination using the ramps and flyover design.

As with any project, all planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

weather. Drivers are always reminded to be aware of trucks and

The Florida Department of Transportation has gone to great

equipment entering and exiting the roadway and to pay attention

lengths to alleviate traffic slowdown by including the temporary

to the reduced speed limit when traveling through the construction

U.S. 98 route in the 23rd Street Flyover construction design. Phase

area. Speeding fines are doubled when workers are present.

One construction concluded in April 2017 and included erosion of storm drainage structures, and contractors building and opening

STAYING UP-TO-DATE WITH THE 23 RD STREET FLYOVER PROJECT

temporary U.S. 98.

There are many ways to stay up-to date and find out more

control measure installation throughout the work site, placement

information about the 23rd Street Flyover project, including several Phase Two construction is underway. Concrete placement operations

social media avenues. For more project information, to view videos,

on the permanent U.S. 98 bridge deck are ongoing for the next

and receive the latest traffic advisories, visit and like Facebook.

few months near the intersection (overhead) of 23rd Street and

com/my23rdstreetflyover or follow the project on Instagram at @

temporary U.S. 98. Traffic rail and pedestrian sidewalk construction

my23rdstreetflyover. You may also follow the Florida Department of

is also ongoing.

Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.

Between 23rd Street and Collegiate Drive, precast concrete retaining walls (known in construction terms as Mechanically Stabilized Earth or MSE walls) designed for elevated roadway travel are being constructed. Concrete structures supporting the overhead bridges (commonly called Hammerhead Piers) are near completion and ramp construction continues.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Worksite wellness INVESTING IN THE HEALTH OF YOUR EMPLOYEES

by Heather Kretzer, Public Information Officer Florida Department of Health in Bay County

A

s a leader in your organization,

Everyone in your organization is another

you

of

representation of that beautiful and well-crafted

business

picture you have given of your company. From

to prospected visitors. You make sure your

the first person your customer meets to the last

marketing messages are just right. You know

person they see before they leave is part of that

the importance of that repeat customer that

experience. This is where that person who has

visits your establishment year after year with

decided to invest in your organization decides

their family. That return on investment is a

if they will come back.

know

promoting

the your

value

number that you likely live by.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

59

What are you doing to show your employees their

Everyone in your organization is another representation of that beautiful and well-crafted picture

value? Are your staff members coming back season after season? Would you invest in something for your employees that is proven to a return of $2 to $3 for each dollar invested?

you have given of your company.

From

the

first

person

your

customer meets to the last person they see before they leave is part of that experience. This is where that person who has decided to invest in your organization decides if they will come back.

Worksite wellness programs can help you achieve this. The CDC sites a study that estimated the ROI for medical costs at $3.27 for every dollar spent. The ROI for absenteeism was $2.73 for every dollar spent. Healthy employees are happier, they work harder, and they miss less work. Your customers will notice these things that will further contribute to your bottom line with that repeat business.

Even a small investment in resources (staff time), could make a big difference for your company. Employees want their opinions to be valued, consider building a

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worksite wellness committee with people from different departments and ranks within your organization. One of the first things they can do is to complete the CDC’s Worksite Health Scorecard, HSC.

The HSC helps employers assess whether they have evidence-based

health

promotions

within

their

organization. The HSC is a free, online tool that

If You Can’t Find Your Business on Page 1 for your Keywords...

helps identify program gaps and set priorities for

…Neither Can Your Customers or Clients!

health. The 122-question evaluation covers; Worksite

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Demographics,

Organizational

Supports,

Tobacco

Control, Nutrition, Lactation Support, Physical Activity, Weight Management, Stress Management, Depression, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke, Emergency Response to Heart Attack and Stroke, Occupational Health and Safety, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and Community Resources. Another great way to select

(850) 800-7298 rankkrstmedia.com 60

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

goals is by surveying your employees. Ask them about

THE INDUSTRY ISSUE |

HEALTH + WELLNESS

interested in. Then you can compare the feedback of

INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN YOUR WORKSITE WELLNESS?

your employees with your ScoreCard for an optimal

Here are a few resources to help you get started:

the health topics, incentives, and benefits they are

plan that is evidence-based and meets the needs of the employees.

Centers for Disease Control Workplace Health Promotion www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County completes the HSC annually. We use this tool to shape

5210 Let’s Go

health interventions for our employees. These small

www.letsgo.org/toolkits/healthy-workplaces

changes are completed with the help of our Bay Morale, Welfare, and Recreation group.

Florida Tobacco Cessation Alliance Workplace Wellness Award www.ftcalliance.com/worksite-wellness

Department of Health-Bay is here to help provide you with technical assistance and workplace interventions

Florida Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award

that will help your employees reach their health goals.

www.flbreastfeeding.org/business-case-for-breastfeeding/

If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Healthiest Weight coordinator, Heather Kretzer at 850-252-9670 or Heather.Kretzer@FLHealth.gov. To learn more about DOH-Bay, visit our website www.Bay. FLHealth.gov, call us at 850-872-4455 or follow us on Twitter @FLHealthEmerald.

A B O U T H E AT H E R K R E T Z E R Heather Kretzer is the Public Information Officer and a health educator for the Florida Department of Health in Bay County. She holds a Worksite Wellness Specialist certificate from the National Wellness Institute and helps to provide technical assistance to those interested in starting workplace health programs.

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62

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

IN

Loving

MEMORY

OF BERTIE REYNOLDS

On April 6, 2018, the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce lost a very dear employee, one whose spirit will remain both in Panama City Beach and our Beach Chamber.

B

ertie Reynolds was with the Chamber since its

eventually wanted to come back and live here.

inception in June of 1987 and was so proud to live in Panama City Beach. Her southern charm and

strong work ethic were something to admire.

In 1931, Bertie's father relocated her family to Airport Road in Panama City, about half a mile from the old airport. Bertie attended St. Andrews Grammar School through the 8th grade,

Bertie moved to Panama City when she was two years old –

and then went on to attend Bay High School.

87 years ago – from Birmingham, Alabama. Her father, James T. Peterson, helped open the Canal Zone in the early 1900s.

As a teenager, Bertie was very into movie stars and read about

During that time he would come down from Birmingham to

them frequently. One of Bertie's favorite memories was in

work, he got a taste of Panama City Beach. He thought the

1948 when movie star Clark Gable had left Hollywood to serve

white sand was unbelievable, according to Bertie, and knew he

his country, with his famous statement to the media, “There is

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

63

FEATURE |

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BERTIE REYNOLDS

a war to win, and I consider it my right to fight.”

drank Coca-Colas.

Clark Gable was soon stationed in Panama City at Tyndall Air Force Base.

After graduating from high school in 1948, Bertie took commercial art classes at the Art Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, for two years. Afterward, Bertie moved back to

“I saw him one time, walking into Walgreens drug

Panama City Beach and worked for her family’s business, The Shell Shop, on Front

store on Harrison Avenue," Bertie said. "I saw him

Beach Road (where Barron Furniture now sits). Other jobs included Lerner’s and Mc-

from afar, but I could see that he was handsome. I

Crory’s 5 & 10 on Harrison Avenue.

was shocked and couldn’t speak!”

When Bertie was 21 years old, she met Olen Reynolds.

In the forties, The 98 Club on Front Beach Road was the place to see and be seen. Although not

“I was crossing the street to go to the drug store for lunch,” she remembered in a

quite old enough, Bertie went a couple of times

past interview. “Olen drove up in a little Coup, and asked me to go to the Bay High

and got in with the help of her older brother. She

football game.”

even saw Andy Griffith there one night telling jokes and entertaining. Bertie remembers enjoying

Bertie and Olen had been in the same grade at Bay High, but during high school,

his dry sense of humor. The 98 Club employed live

Olen had gone to war to serve in Tokyo. He came back to Panama City and graduated

bands playing love ballads of the day like ‘Stardust’

before he went on to work at the dam in Chattahoochee. By 1950, the two began a

and ‘Tenderly.’ After the club closed in the fifties,

marriage that would last for 23 years.

the establishment re-opened as Angelo’s Steak Pit. In those days, Bertie’s most memorable times were the weekends.

In high school, Bertie and her girlfriends frequented the famous Hang Out where they pitched pennies

“Olen and I would take our three daughters, Debbie, Teresa and Denise, down to the

into the wishing well, danced the jitterbug, and

Gulf and swim in the beautiful water,” she said.

“We lived in Long Beach on Beach Blvd., Just off Thomas Drive close to where Laketown Wharf now sits, in a thicket of cottages with a little post office up the street. We’d lie in the sun, walk up and down the beach, and later come back to the house and barbecue steaks and hot dogs. The water was always beautiful, just like it is now," she added.

In the late seventies, Bertie opened La Bon Appetite, a French café with an outside grapevine-entwined patio, serving quiches, French baguette sandwiches, crepes, beer and wine, and her famous Beer Cheese Soup on Tuesdays. Frequent customers included Rose Gheesling and Philip and Jerrilyn Griffitts. The popular café hosted numerous parties and gatherings throughout the year. Bertie recollected once serving a luncheon for 10 from the Navy Base with a dignitary they were hosting from Toronto, Canada.

“After that, a number of the Navy officers repeatedly came back for lunch,” she recalled. “They had been going to the Holiday Lodge but switched and came to my place. I was the first one that ever offered quiche and crepes.”

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018 Firefly64| Photo Courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach

Many whose families vacationed here for decades would stop by the Beach Chamber's office just to see her.

Though Bertie is no longer with us today, her quick wit and cheerful attitude will never be forgotten.

One year, the Hotel & Motel Association even held their fall Business After Hours at La Bon Appetite. ' “We had a full house!” she remembered.

During those years, Bertie served on the City Council for Panama City Beach. She served four years while Dan Russell was Mayor. In 1976, there was a nationwide 10-day conference

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in Cuba in which mayors and city councilmen from across the country were invited to attend. Bertie attended with Mayor Dan Russell and fellow councilmen William Gray and Bill Fields.

“We flew into Havana,” she remembered. “It was beautiful, just like people think it is.

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Banana trees, palm trees…most of the houses were open and didn’t have windows. We saw the bunker that Castro lived in. There were guards on every corner. I have a Cuban dollar bill that he autographed for me.”

While there, Bertie shook Fidel Castro’s hand and spoke with him for a moment.

“Though he speaks beautiful English, he spoke Spanish. I told him his island was beautiful," she said.

One night, Bertie went to the famous Copacabana in Havana.

“The bus dropped us off, and I danced all night until I had blisters on my feet!," she

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remembered.

In the late seventies, Bertie worked for the Panama City Beach Hotel & Motel Association as Referral Coordinator. In 1987, this association became the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, where Bertie served as Information Specialist. In 2010 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chamber, the only one of its kind every awarded. †Among adults over 50. *Discount off MSRP and

Bertie continued to work at the Beach Chamber until her passing in April 2018. Many whose families vacationed here for decades would stop by the Beach Chamber's office just to see her. Though Bertie is no longer with us today, her quick wit and cheerful attitude will never be forgotten.

Firefly | Photo Courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach

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65

SEE + BE SEEN FRIDAY

AT THE BEACH

1

A D VA NC ED T EC HNOL OG Y C ENT ER , MA RC H 9 1. Sarah Lee, Kathy Motley, Maria Lofton 2. Sarah Yohn, Steve Richmond 3. Cecily Smith, Gabrielle Unbehaun 4. Susan Velazquez 5. Payton Davidson, Tim Prather 6. Jessica Kilgore, Lynne Atkins

2

4

5

3

6

For all event photos, visit our Facebook: www.facebook.com/pcbeachchamber

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

S HA R K' S T OOT H G OL F C LU B , MA RC H 15

BUSINESS

1. Larry Thompson, Tim Gray, Missy Sparks 2. Jack Bishop, Jen Hamor 3. Dave Nivens, Joe Hall 4. Rebecca Ison, Matt Culpepper, Britt Matthews 5. Brandon Caldwell, Tiffany Dodson, Rachel Burke 6. Chuck Sowers, Evgeniya Stetsenko

AFTER HOURS

1

4

2

5

3

6

For all event photos, visit our Facebook: www.facebook.com/pcbeachchamber

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

67

SEE + BE SEEN UNWINED

A A RON BES SA NT PA R K , MA RC H 23– 24 Presented by Southern Living magazine.

For all event photos, visit our Facebook: www.facebook.com/pcbeachchamber

68

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

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69

COMMITTEE UPDATES | HYPE

HYPE

HELPING YOUNG P R O F E S S I O N A L S E V O LV E

BY JACLYN KOCHER

I

n the last update we discussed the successful Kick-Off Social at Firefly and introduced our new 2018 HYPE Chairman, Jaclyn Kocher, owner of Southernista Fashionista. Now, let’s recap the events we just held.

On March 27, HYPE received a behind the scenes tour of WJHG NewsChannel 7 with meteorologist, Tyler Allender. The tour focused on learning everything that really takes place to broadcast the local news every day. Not only did we get to take a closer look on how local news stories develop but we got to actually be on set where the news is recorded. Luckily enough, while our tour was going on, we were able to interact and ask questions with the news anchors Ron Marasco and Neysa Wilkins. Also, we were able to interact and learn about the “green screen”, how cameras are now controlled easily by a few buttons, and how technology has made operating the news easier. The tour was very informative and a lot of fun. Thank you so much to WJHG NewsChannel 7 for hosting our young professionals.

A huge thank you to all the staff as well for taking time out of their busy day to meet and talk with us.

discussed with us the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff's Office on the beach, how the spring break ordinances have reduced crime in March, and addressed some of the issues they face around the rest of Bay County. There was also Q&A where HYPE attendees took full advantage, asking over 30 questions! Thank you to Another Broken Egg for hosting our young professional luncheon. A special thank you to Corporal Morris and everyone else at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for putting their lives on the line to protect us. We are grateful and will always support our law enforcement.

About HYPE: We encourage young professionals between the ages of 21 - 40 to get involved in the committee. HYPE hosts monthly events, such as Socials, Professional Development Luncheons, Business Tours, Fundraisers, and more! This committee is open to both Beach Chamber members and non-Beach Chamber members. If you are interested in joining HYPE, please email Chamber@PCBeach.org or call (850) 235-1159. Don’t forget to visit PCBHYPE.com for additional information.

Our April 11 HYPE Luncheon at Another Broken Egg featured guest speaker, Corporal Morris, from the Bay County Sheriff's Office. He

CAPTION (Left to Right): Young professionals at the HYPE Tour at WJHG. / Daren Golema and Gage Golden at the Firefly Social.

70

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

COMMITTEE UPDATES | IDEACAMP

IDEACAMP INSPIRE. ENERGIZE. IGNITE.

BY MARIA WILSON

C

losing out the first quarter of IdeaCamps for 2018, we are so excited to see how our attendees have left energized, inspired,

and ready to grow.

January’s IdeaCamp featured Guest Speaker Kevin Elliott, whose topic helped set the tone for us to start the year strong and empowered.

February’s IdeaCamp got us energized and engaged, as Guest Speakers Brian Hilario and Jason Hedden demonstrated how even the basic improv skills can help generate an engaging conversation in which ideas are freely discussed and extended upon in a way that is achievable in many business environments.

At our March IdeaCamp, Guest Speaker Lisa Keller’s topic, “You Are the CEO of Your Body,” left many with unforgettable quotes that quickly spread over social media. After all, how do you forget, “When you feed your body cheap, how can you expect it to look expensive?”

We would love to thank our Presenting Sponsor Southwest Airlines, and our additional supporting Sponsors, Panama City Toyota, Beachy Beach Real Estate, A Superior Air Conditioning Company, MarketFest, and Grand Slam Sports Tournaments. We also want to thank our friends at Gulf Coast Burger Company, Legendary Marine, Texas Roadhouse, and Sisters of The Sea for welcoming and helping to support our IdeaCamp family.

The committee is excited to see what information will flow from the remainder of the 2018 IdeaCamps, and, as always, we welcome and encourage your feedback!

What Is IdeaCamp?

IdeaCamp is a forum to inspire, energize, and ignite the community through sharing, connecting, and cultivating of open-minded discussions supporting the free flow of ideas. IdeaCamp creates an experience to learn, engage, and expand your life and your business.

CAPTION (Top): Elizabeth Burke and Crystal Arnold at March's IdeaCamp located at Sister's of the Sea & The Dive Bar. CAPTION (Bottom): Maria Wilson, Robin Heath, and Jacqueline Flynn at February's IdeaCamp located at Legendary Marine.

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71

AMBASSADORS REPRESENT YOUR CHAMBER

BY JEREMY HINTON

Industry: in·dus·try \ ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē \ a noun “systematic labor especially for some useful purpose or the creation of something of value; a distinct group of productive or profit-making enterprises; manufacturing activity as a whole” (excerpted from merriam-webster.com) Bay County, and Panama City Beach in particular, has been a tourist destination for decades. That is a pretty simple accomplishment when you are home to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches. But if you travel around our community, just off the main thoroughfares throughout our county, you will find hundreds of business fitting the industry definition above. We will always be known as a tourist destination but it is the behind-the-scenes industry that is diversifying our economic base and making our community stronger.

The Ambassador group recently did a ribbon cutting for the 68,000 square foot home of B&C Technologies Inc. They are a global leader in commercial laundry equipment used all over the world and where do they assemble their products? Right here in Panama City Beach!

Avian LLC is another quiet industry partner creating jobs and doing great things in our community. In 2017, they secured over $41,000,000 in contracts to provide support for the local military that calls our area “home.” Members of our community, taking care of our military community; now that’s a win-win!

Triumph Gulf Coast recently announced it is moving forward on a $10,000,000 funding request from the Port of Panama City. The Port is a pivotal link in the supply chain logistics supporting our local, and regional, industries.

One of the difficulties of running a successful business is having the right talent. How do we address that concern? Haney Technical Center has an answer. Haney provides training and the related job placement assistance to put our local citizens into well-paying careers in dozens of industries. Many of those industries are right here in our community!

CAPTION (Top): Brandon Caldwell and Amanda Bawn at the Cox Pools Grand Opening.

CAPTION (Bottom): Allison Smith and Laurie Olshefski at the 60th Anniversary of Cox Pools.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

What else do B&C Technologies, Avian LLC, the Port of Panama City and Haney Technical Center have in common? They are members of the PCB Chamber of Commerce. Success breeds success, so join the Chamber, rub elbows with these successful organizations and help make our community even better.

The Ambassador group assists Chamber members in many different ways. If this sounds like something you would like to help with, I encourage you to become an Ambassador. For more information, visit pcbeach.org/ambassadors-committee/ or call the Chamber at (850) 235-1159.

COMMITTEE UPDATES | AMBASSADORS

A M B A S S A D O R S P OT L I G H T | JA M E S C L E M E N S James is the owner of Mica Specialties, a Google Certified Advertising

Agency located in Panama City Beach, and he has almost too much fun building a digital presence for clients all over the globe. He resides in Panama City Beach with his wife Gina, who is also a PCB Chamber

Ambassador. They will celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary later this year.

James is involved in several local charities and enjoys helping others to be successful while expanding his own intelligence with technology

and digital advertising. James has earned the prestigious placement as

a Top Contributor with Google AdWords and Google Partners. And he is designated by Google as a product expert with Google AdWords Express

and Google My Business, as he works closely with Googlers to perfect these systems. He is certified in every AdWords product, including Google Analytics, Mobile Sites and Digital Sales.

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73

AROUND TOWN | COMMUNITY. EDUCATION. WORKFORCE. GOVERNMENT.

CITY OF PANAMA CITY BEACH Panama City Beach has so much to be grateful for as we move into the summer season. From our growing community, filled with new businesses and development, to the millions of visitors that choose our beach each year, we are blessed to be able to call this area our home. Our main mission is to provide a strong community for our locals and our visitors, while continuing our growth in becoming a year-round destination.

MIKE THOMAS MAYOR with the progress we have made in bringing this project to fruition.

This project will be an eastward extension of Bay Parkway, which will extend the parkway to Nautilus Street. Expansion of this road will serve to reduce traffic on Highway 98 and provide another route to safely travel throughout Panama City Beach. This growth may also bring further development to our area, extending the project from Nautilus Street closer to the Hathaway Bridge, possibly providing a seamless, alternative corridor for east-west travel.

As we transition into our busiest season of the year, our community prepares for the millions of visitors making their way south to enjoy

Development of this project could be as early as 2019, as we have successfully submitted an application with the Florida Department of Transportation for grant funding. Our hope is to continue collaborating between St. Joe Company, the County and FDOT, to execute this plan and continue our efforts in pushing this vital

Extension of Bay Parkway has been a collaborative effort between the City, Bay County and the St. Joe Company, and we are pleased

With the development of new roads, restaurants, hotels and more, our community is investing in a bright future for Panama City Beach.

These community advancements are giving Panama City Beach the opportunity to provide the best product for its visitors, as well as providing a stable economy for our community.

all that Panama City Beach has to offer. Within the coming year, Panama City Beach plans to take steps in developing new ways to travel throughout the beach, alleviating traffic for both our locals and visitors.

Packing Supplies LP Gas

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

project forward.

FLORIDA FILM OFFICE, INC.

JULIE GORDON FILM COMMISSIONER

Since this is The Industry Issue of The Circuit, we, in the Film/ TV Industry would like to take a minute to thank all the other industries for allowing cameras in to capture the essence of your business on film. On the surface, being a cameraman, production assistant, set stylist or any member of a crew, seems so fun and glam! Then you realize that these people are up way before dawn prepping the set, equipment, and talent, before the fun begins. These same people are there after the scene is wrapped, after the talent has left, moving furniture, replacing light bulbs, uncovering the signs previously covered up for the camera and hauling out loads of equipment.

We realize that often, just the mere presence of a “crew” draws attention, so it is our job to try to engage your customers at the restaurant, waterpark, store, concert, or even the beach, and let them know that THEY are getting to watch a production in progress.

Most of the time, the onlookers are fascinated and think this is a wonderful treat, and they go home with tales of getting to watch

DOWNTOWN PANAMA CITY

a film being made, or a national television show being filmed. It is always our intention to be as least impactful on a site as possible, and leave your patrons with a great story to tell when they leave.

You’ve allowed us in the kitchen, on your boat, in your office and on your balcony. We’ve filmed your aquarium, your antique car, your private walking trail and your living room. Your pool and pool table are now on HGTV, or a music video, or your audience stayed an extra hour so we could get them to clap or whoop at intervals and for all that, we thank you. If it were not for YOU we could not have filmed, 23 Television Series, 3 Music videos, 4 Commercials and 7 Print jobs for a grand total of 37 Jobs in 2017. MORE to come in 2018!

The film business thanks you, and I thank you. A lot of people were working due to YOU allowing them to film in your home or business and THEY thank you.

As always, please contact the Film Office if you are approached about filming in your home or business. (Film Commissioner, Julie Gordon, 850-819-4694, floridafilmoffice@knology.net) Let’s make sure the production company is legit, has insurance, and knows the rules and regs of working in Bay County. See YOU in the Movies!

DARIC FREEMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Industry of Historic Downtown Panama City is much like the inhabitants of our community: varied, vibrant, and passionate.

As I’ve settled into this role, I’ve

learned much about how those three descriptives can be applied.

While Merchants and Residents in the Historic Downtown District may have differing views on what the future holds, it is unanimous that all want prosperity and growth. The creative side of our town is on full display–live music in multiple venues as well as all manner of art, showing in galleries throughout downtown or proudly exhibited in restaurants and retail shops! It is a synergistic relationship between the artists and the storefronts, allowing both to be mutually successful. Maybe it is simply part of the mystique we enjoy in Downtown Panama City… Some might point out the absence of the larger, national chains as a negative; here, we embrace the very concept of the Mom-&-Pop Small Business Owner! Historic Downtown Panama City attracts both a certain type of entrepreneur, as well as a certain kind of customer. While we all spend some of our hard-earned dollars in those chain stores at some point, folks

in downtown enjoy the relationships built when you dine at your favorite restaurant and the owner and staff know what you’re going to order right when you walk in, or the retail shop where they know you by name, and ask about your day. We love walking down our sidewalks and being warmly greeted by those we pass.

Downtown is alive, and not just Monday through Friday before 5:00 PM. Almost every night of the week, you can hear musicians playing and smell multiple delicacies being prepared. Retail locations are staying open later, and not just for special events. Our goal is to become a Destination for the public; a place to not only work, but to play. More and more, the community is looking at downtown as a place to enjoy their favorite meal, hear great music, find that special gift for someone, hire the best in a specialized field, and so much more. While there are certainly places that you can find some of these things (maybe even all of them) in one location, none of those will feel as much like home as Historic Downtown Panama City, a place where friends and family come together.

Here in downtown, we look eagerly to the future and all that it holds, while firmly standing on the traditions that makes this place unique.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH

DAN ROWE PRESIDENT & CEO

Panama City Beach has much to

An important investment in the sustainability of our local economy

we invite back millions of visitors

have started the first phase of development for the Panama City

look forward to this summer, as and their families to our beautiful

beaches. As we continue to grow each year as a destination, we

remain one of the innovators within the tourism community.

Our combination of year round

events, beautiful beaches and a sustainable economy lay the foundation for generations to come.

The growth of the destination has been record breaking, and

our numbers from the past year prove it. With a 5.8% increase in visitation in 2017, we welcomed 17 million visitors to the destination, with 1.7 billion dollars in total visitor spending. Businesses small and

is the increase in infrastructure and development. As of spring, we Beach Sports Park and Stadium Complex. With its flexible and

multipurpose design, it will be able to accommodate a wide range of sporting events year round. This 150-acre property will provide

growth to the sports industry of Northwest Florida and will serve as the new standard for sports parks throughout the county. The summer season is known to be our highest impact season for sporting events, as we plan to host 45 events this summer. The

sports complex will be sure to bring in a diverse set of tournaments, increasing our visitation in the summer months for 2019. By

increasing the opportunity for more sports, we are bringing athletes and their families to the destination for tournaments, but they are staying for the fun!

large are able to benefit from tourism, as the positive effects span

In every season, we are proud to have our visitors with us and we

service-related jobs within the community, we have seen a positive

their families. We look forward to a strong summer, while giving our

to many industries outside of hospitality. In addition to the many impact in the indirect jobs that serve in tourism.

GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE

As this academic year comes to a close, our Athletics Division has much to be proud of! In basketball, the Lady Commodores placed fourth in the nation and won their 12th regional and state championships.

Several members of the team took home awards including NJCAA D1 Championship All-Tournament Team; FCSAA/NJCAA Region VII All-Tournament Team, All-State Team and Most Valuable Player; All-Panhandle Conference First Team and Player of the Year. Head Coach Roonie Scovel can add one more accolade to her numerous achievements, as she was named FCSAA/NJCAA Region VII Coach of the Year. In men’s basketball, four students received awards for First Team All-State, First Team Panhandle Conference and Second Team Panhandle Conference, and three volleyball players took home AllPanhandle Conference Second Team awards.

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

visitors another reason to visit The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.

DR. JOHN HOLDNAK PRESIDENT

Gulf Coast State College represents excellence in everything we do, and that includes our outstanding athletic programs. We all take pride in our student athletes who work hard to perform well academically and in their sport.

These young women and men are dedicated and determined, and their efforts do not go unnoticed as they continuously receive recognition throughout the Panhandle, state and nation.

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will continue to provide the best beach experience for them and

Baseball and softball season is still in full swing at the time of this writing and so far, two baseball players have been featured as Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week by the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA). The softball team boasts a 33-game winning streak and is currently ranked 14th in the nation. They recently played their inaugural game on the new Joe Tom King Field in the Commodores Sport Complex.

GCSC athletes require hard work and focused efforts, but what stands out the most to me is their academic performance in the classroom. In 2016-17, our athletes had an 83% graduation rate and most continue their education, as we have a 75% transfer rate to four-year universities. Many continue to play in the NCAA and some even make it to the professional leagues.

GCSC has a great Athletics Division and I couldn’t be more proud of our student athletes as they’re constantly striving to go above and beyond, while representing the College in a positive light. I love seeing them accomplish their goals, and I’m eager to see what they will achieve next. Like we always say, if you haven’t seen us lately, you haven’t seen us at all. I encourage you to visit the Campus and catch a game with us!

AROUND TOWN | COMMUNITY. EDUCATION. WORKFORCE. GOVERNMENT.

FSU PANAMA CITY

DR. RANDY HANNA DEAN

It has been an exciting time for FSU Panama City as we continue developing better

new

area

to

management experience.

students’

This program will be an asset to students locally and throughout

In the past two years, we have

has grown with specialties in law enforcement operations, law

evolving

serve

programs

based project with a law enforcement agency will provide hands-on

educational

needs.

announced four new programs: bachelor’s degrees in commercial entrepreneurship,

hospitality

management and tourism, and mechanical engineering, and a

the nation. Our bachelor’s program in public safety and security enforcement intelligence and crime scene intelligence. With

coursework offered on campus and online, it has drawn students from around the country.

master’s degree in systems engineering.

Expanding to the master’s degree level, we can provide students

With each of our academic programs, we’re preparing students to

fields. The curriculum is designed to enhance the investigative skills

be the leaders in their discipline.

In April, we announced yet another new program, a master’s degree

with the research and management skills necessary to excel in their

of our students ultimately reducing the amount of preparation our graduates will need once they enter the work force.

in law enforcement intelligence, which will welcome the first cohort

Officials have been working about two years to develop the

will provide students with advanced skills in evaluating intelligence

professional background. For more about admission requirements

of students in fall 2018. The new distance-learning master’s program

functions through online coursework in criminal justice, economics, political science and military science. A semester-long research-

program, which will draw students from any academic or and coursework, visit pc.fsu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ law-enforcement-intelligence-ms.

BAY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

PHILIP "GRIFF" GRIFFITTS DISTRICT 5

In an effort to ensure continued governmental transparency and accessibility to the public, Bay County Bay County announces the availability of three publications – the 2017 Annual Report, the 2018 Budget Summary, and the Bay County Strategic Plan. These documents aim to comprehensively provide citizens with information about our efforts over the past year, how money is being spent in the current fiscal year and where the county is headed.

The 2018 Budget Summary condenses complex budget information in an effort to make it accessible and understandable for the general public, with a goal of succinctly communicating where the revenue that funds Bay County government comes from and how it is expended.

The 2017 Annual Report provides extensive information about county departments and programs, but more specifically, it highlights milestones reached throughout the course of the last fiscal year that ran from Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2017. It’s an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the various county government departments that serve them.

Please email County Manager Bob Majka at bmajka@baycountyfl. gov to request a hard copy of the books, offer any feedback on the publications, or provide suggestions on how Bay County can better serve its citizens. Hard copies of the documents are also available at the Bay County Government Center, the Bay County Library, the Panama City Beach Library, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce or the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for upcoming initiatives that will help determine how future budgets are allocated. The plan enumerates the specific steps the county will take to meet its adopted long-term, enduring goals of ensuring safety, providing effective services, maintaining our values, preserving our environment, and building a healthy business climate.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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AROUND TOWN | COMMUNITY. EDUCATION. WORKFORCE. GOVERNMENT.

BAY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

BECCA HARDIN PRESIDENT

Speed to market is a term

To complete this process, it takes significant investment on behalf of

commonly used in business.

multiple entities throughout the community. However, in economic

This term refers to how fast a

development, this is a necessity to compete for industrial projects.

company can get a product

Fortunately, Bay County has leaders that were willing to invest in this

or

market

need and we are now seeing the payoff from these investments. GKN

from time of inception. This

service

to

Aerospace built a facility within VentureCrossings. If the site had not

transcends

into

the

consumer

been certified and deemed a project-ready site, it is unlikely that GKN

goods such as automotive and

Aerospace would have selected Bay County for this investment. This

aerospace components, food products, household items, software

represents a $50 million investment plus 170 new jobs to Bay County!

development, new technologies, etc. Ultimately, companies desire

The company is currently hiring employees for this facility.

to introduce their product into the market as quickly as possible.

At both the IDC and VentureCrossings we are working with many other In economic development, we are constantly working to ensure

companies who are interested in these certified sites. Project-ready

that companies know Bay County is the premier location for a

sites play a key role in a company’s selection process in a particular

business to invest and hire. We work with corporations who are

area. Being able to develop and open a facility as quickly as possible

expanding their existing Bay County facility or companies making

provides a major advantage.

a new location decision. It is our duty to ensure companies keep

benefits from these past investments for many years to come. We are

Bay County at the top of their list for these investment decisions.

working closely with all necessary entities to ensure that we have a

One major tool in achieving this mission is to guarantee that

thorough pipeline of project-ready sites in our community.

Our community will be reaping the

our county has suitable real estate sites ready for development if a company needs to build a new facility. These are known as “project-ready sites.”

Similar to the “speed to market” concept, companies have the same mentality when establishing a new facility or expanding

Want to stay ahead in today's competitive environment?

an existing facility. When an investment decision is finally made, the company is ready to start building their facility as quickly as possible, once all permitting processes have been completed, of course. This means that Bay County residents will be getting employed more quickly which adds to the overall payroll of the community.

Leaders within Bay County had the foresight to develop projectready sites in our community. In short, these sites are industrial sites that are ready for development. These sites have been certified by a third-party site selection consultant with all technical due diligence completed, utilities at the property line or a development plan already created, mostly flat land, and direct access to major transportation networks. Several years ago, the leadership in Bay County worked closely with Gulf Power to establish Port Panama City’s Intermodal Distribution Center (IDC) with a 54-Acre Certified Site. The St. Joe Company also saw the need to complete this certification process and worked closely with Gulf Power to certify VentureCrossings at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. VentureCrossings offers a 195-Acre Certified Industrial Park.

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

Investing in your workers is beneficial to your organization and can boost your bottom line. Research shows both companies and employees reap the benefits of a solid professional development program, including increased job satisfaction, internal promotion opportunities and better retention.

Take advantage of these quality courses.

Customer Service At Its Best May 23, 2018 8:30 am - 11:30 am Bay County Library Five Generations in the Workplace June 21, 2018 8:30 am - 10:30 am Bay County Library To learn more or to enroll, visit www.baysolutions.com, or call (850) 763-4332.

GRAND OPENINGS + RIBBON CUT TINGS

The Ambassador Committee welcomes the newest members of the Beach Chamber. If you haven’t scheduled your business' Grand Opening or Ribbon Cutting, contact your Membership Representative for more information and available dates.

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5

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8 1. Keri's Eye Candy | 2. SKY Fitness Nutrition's Waffle Queen Cafe | 3. Boomerang Pizza | 4. Kilgore's | 5. Vacasa 6. Officiant Doug | 7. Hampton Inn & Suites | 8. Joe Tom King Field - Gulf Coast State College Softball

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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GRAND OPENINGS + RIBBON CUTTINGS | CONTINUED

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16 9. Real Meals Delivered | 10. B&C Technologies | 11. Buddy Gandy | 12. Mission BBQ | 13. Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa | 14. Cox Pools | 15. Poole Engineering | 16. Rock'it Lanes

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THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAMBER REP It is an exciting time to be a member of the Panama City

Beach

Chamber

of Commerce. As your Chamber, we strive to provide what you need to succeed. Your Chamber Membership extends to all of your employees, so not only can you be involved, but all your staff can be involved in the Chamber as well. Your engagement will help you develop your business and make those valuable connections.

At your Chamber, we work hard to provide real benefits for you and your employees. Your Chamber membership is an investment in your business, and our community, and we thank you for being part of that!

Our Chamber exists to support the business community and to help make Bay County a great place to live and do business. The Chamber is not alone in this endeavor. I have always believed it takes connecting to accomplish these things and we are here to help you connect the dots! No matter what your role is, you are needed and appreciated.

We are all wired for friendship, so, put that to good use and start building those relationships within the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Shannon Richmond shannon@pcbeach.org | (850) 890-8069

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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NEW + RENEWING MEMBERS |

FEBRUARY – APRIL 19, 2018 NEW MEMBERS

104.3 ESPN Panama City ABC Supply Co., Inc. Alice's On Bayview All South Drywall Andee Clancy Wedding Officiant & Events Planner Beachy Beach - Jodie Breingan Burg Law Firm, P.A. Calypso Tower III, LLC Capital City Bank Clancy's Millwork, Tile & Handyman Services

Colonial Life Emerald Coast Clean Werks, Inc. Fleetworx Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Island Time John Lee Nissan K Tori's Beach Rentals Kartona The Electric Speedway LuLaRoe - Barbara Bennett My Paint Party Nate's Sanitation Service, Inc. Neves Media Solutions Group

New York Life Insurance Company NexGen VR Arcade Nichols' Accounting Services, LLC Outback Steakhouse - Panama City Panama City Mazda Poole Engineering & Surveys, Inc. Print Source RE/MAX on the Gulf SkyWheel St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club Todd Herendeen Theatre, Inc. Wattsound Audio Video, Inc.

RENE WALS 1 YEAR Barefoot Hideaway Grill Dairy Queen DiBacco Importing & Distributing iTrip Vacations Legendary Marine Mobile Communications Omicron Granite & Tile Panama City Beach Winery Seagrass Village of Panama City Beach Southernista Fashionista Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Three Little Pigs Home Inspections 2 YEARS Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Friends of Camp Helen State Park, Inc. Holiday Golf Club Nick's Slice of Brooklyn Shuckum's Oyster Pub & Grill Southern Self Storage Panama City Beach TechFarms, LLC WMBB TV Channel 13 3 YEARS Bay Point Marina Carpet Care Specialists GAC Contractors Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center Hyperbaric Centers of Excellence IHOP SmartBank 4 YEARS Global Educational Concepts Grand Floridian Builders, Inc. 5 YEARS Homes Sweet Homes, Inc. Koehnemann Construction Nu Wave Medical Center Shepard Law Windswept Dunes Golf Club 6 YEARS Barron & Redding, P.A. Panama City Beach Timeshare Rentals Shipwreck LTD & Shipwreck Shirts The Lewis Bear Company Whataburger Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill 7 YEARS 82

THE CIRCUIT May/June 2018

Direct Auto Insurance Shane's Rib Shack Tadlock Roofing 8 YEARS Bay Economic Development Alliance Bay Smile Docs Cosmetic, Family, & Implant Dentistry Girls Inc. JourneyPure Emerald Coast Mid-South Lumber Co. of NW FL, Inc. Port Panama City 9 YEARS A & K Floors and More Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home Sunny Hills Golf Club 10 YEARS Zaxby's 11 YEARS Anchor Management C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc. Dippin Dots (Magic Ice Cream, Inc.) First Choice Physical Therapy Larry Mason Toys for Kids Foundation 12 YEARS Carrabbas Italian Grill Tassels, Inc. 13 YEARS Carillon Beach Rentals 14 YEARS Airboat Adventures of West Bay, Inc. Aqua Condominiums/Aronov Resort Management Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruises 15 YEARS McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. Scott Ingraham Real Estate Group CareerSource Gulf Coast 16 YEARS BAYSOLUTIONS Brown Fire Protection Diver's Den Emerald Bay Panama City Beach Rentals Gulf Coast Panama Jack, Inc.

17 YEARS Beach Care Services, Inc. Boomer Aviation, Inc. Hank's Fine Furniture, Inc. Silver Sands Premium Outlets 18 YEARS Bay Arts Alliance Emerald Coast Hospice Hampton Inn & Suite - Panama City Beach Sterling Resorts 19 YEARS Gulf Beach Baptist Church Powell Broadcasting 20 YEARS Cicero Garner 21 YEARS Angelo's Steak Pit Innovations Federal Credit Union Panama City Toyota ZooWorld 22 YEARS Coastal Appraisal Services, Inc. Ms. Newby's Liquors Trustmark Bank WestRock 25 YEARS Coldwell Banker-Carroll Realty, Inc. First National Bank of NW Florida Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC Stephens & Associates Tipton, Marler, Garner & Chastain Tyndall Federal Credit Union 26 YEARS Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Century 21 Ryan Realty 28 YEARS Spinnaker 31 YEARS Maxis360 Regency Towers

Bayside living with a dash of Southern charm.

Introducing SweetBay—a master-planned

neighborhood charter school), and to

community of new homes in Panama

the future Town Center. Located near

City, Florida, designed to celebrate the

the naval and air bases, SweetBay is all

great outdoors. It’s where miles of natural

about community and family. Won’t

coastline are your personal playground,

you join us? Visit our Welcome Center

and a scenic trail network connects

to tour the models and learn about

your new home to the waterfront, the

our new homes, priced from the mid

park, University Academy (our

$200s to the $500s.

SweetBayFl.com | 844.35.SWEET | SweetBay Welcome Center, 3204 Heartleaf Ave. East Panama City, Fl 32405 All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. Models do not reflect racial preference.

WWW.PCBEACH.ORG

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 50 PANAMA CITY, FL

309 Richard Jackson Boulevard, Suite 101 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 235-1159 | PCBeach.org

when it comes to the heart, we are the first to care.

Dr. Amir Haghighat Interventional Cardiologist

We were the first, and remain the only hospital in the

area to offer minimally invasive valve replacement through

a small incision in the leg. We are the only comprehensive heart

Cardiology Leading Heart Care.

center offering interventional procedures, electrophysiology for

complex heart rhythm cases, a cardiac ICU and cardiac rehab. And we

remain the only area hospital that performs over 400 life-saving

open-heart surgeries every year. From diagnostic testing to complex

surgeries, Bay Medical Sacred Heart is leading heart care. Call 747-6100 to

make an appointment or visit us at baymedical.org.

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baymedical.org

615 North Bonita Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401 | (850) 747.6100