Winter 2023 Bay Biz

First, hat’s off to Garrett Anderson, our 2022 Chairman of the Board for the stamina to keep up with not only running his own business and his family life, but also meeting the challenges as Chamber Chair. Thank you, Garrett, and to all of our Board members and members at large for believing in our mission set by many generations.

Now, continuing our legacy of great leaders, Kyle Shoots, has officially taken the reins as Chairman of the Board. We’re excited to aggressively follow the business plan put in place and to make 2023 a year to remember.

and multi-family units are opening or under construction, the price point remains an issue. Rising cost of materials and labor, along with increased insurance premiums and interest rates, presents huge challenges. Full funding of the Sadowski State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds need to be permanently protected and augmenting affordable housing funding with supplemental state revenue is imperative.

Education

Public education remains important for the Chamber. Our 2022 A Better Way for a Brighter Bay Education initiative encourages the business community’s involvement in our public schools. The initiative made significant improvements in school-based mentoring programs, recruiting record numbers of new mentors. In addition, the initiative targeted involvement by the business community and commitment to bringing business experience at the school board level. Future efforts will include work towards recruiting business partnerships with each of the schools in coordination with Alignment Bay County (ABC).

Career Technical Education

It is important to change the narrative for Career Technical Education (CTE). Exposing students and their families to the programs, careers and opportunities offered in the community is essential. CTE prepares students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers and can help bridge the skill gap in the workforce. Exposure to various technical trades will allow students to find a career interest and develop a potential career track with certifications upon graduation. All students need to be made aware of CTE and the opportunities it can provide.

Here’s our Top 4 2023 key objectives:

Workforce Development

Recruitment of employees remains top of mind for employers at all levels. Through work that began in 2022, the Chamber will continue its involvement with many other agencies and organizations to develop a campaign to recruit individuals to Bay County. This is a focused effort to recruit talents supporting local industries in need by targeting solicitations towards specific labor skill sets and specific geographical areas of the country. Following the compiling of survey data, the results will be used to focus marketing efforts funded through public-private partnerships with local employers.

Affordable Workforce Housing

Affordable housing remains at a critical level and affects more than just those facing poverty. It affects our workforce and is both an economic development and quality of life issue. Although many single-family

In this issue, we’re proud to feature the Bay Half-Cent Infrastructure Surtax and the impact it has had on our community. This initiative is just one of many that you, our members, can take pride in that this organization took the lead to see it become a reality. This surtax is the fair way to support infrastructure improvements where everyone (especially tourists) pays and not just property owners bearing the burden through increased property taxes. Check out each of our municipalities report cards on their projects at bayhalfcent.org.

Happy New Year to all and we appreciate your investment in Building A Better Bay!

Carol A. Roberts President/CEO

Hello 2023! We’re geared up and ready to go into our 111th year of this great organization.

Kyle Shoots

Garrett Anderson

General Election Recap: Bay Wins Big!

by: Aimee Bright and Sydney Clifton, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

In the November 2022 General Election, the people of Bay County voted on multiple national and state races. Out of the officials elected, four stood out, Jay Trumbull, Florida Senator, representing District 2; Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer; Phillip “Griff” Griffitts, Florida State Representative representing District 6; and Neal Dunn, U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. Each of these elected officials have a long history in Bay County and have served as leaders in the community in multiple roles. Not only have they built businesses and served as board members for numerous organizations, they’ve also raised families in Bay County and know firsthand the issues facing Bay County residents. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is excited to continue to work with these hometown elected officials to Build a Better Bay.

Jay Trumbull was born and raised in Panama City and is a proud Bay High School alumni. He served as the Representative in the Florida House of Representatives for

eight years and recently was the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Senator Trumbull was recently assigned to serve as Chair of the Commerce and Tourism Committee, and will also serve as a member of the Transportation, Judiciary, Fiscal Policy, Banking and Insurance committees as well as the Select Committee on Resiliency, Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development as Vice Chair and the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. When asked what is his number one priority for 2023? He responded,“In my time in the Florida Senate, I will focus on reducing regulations and taxes, increasing affordable housing options for Florida’s workforce and continuing to work with the Governor on preserving and expanding Conservative values in our great state of Florida.”

Jay Trumbull – Florida Senator

Patronis – Chief Financial Officer

Jimmy Patronis was raised in Panama City and has served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since 2017. As CFO, he also serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal and is one of three constitutionally elected state executives of the Florida Cabinet. His office is tasked with many responsibilities, including overseeing the state’s accounting and auditing functions, insurance fraud investigation, and insurance consumer service. When asked what is his number one priority for 2023? He responded,“In 2023, I will continue our march to protect Florida consumers and lower insurance rates by fighting fraud, work to provide Florida’s first responders with the tools and resources they need to keep themselves and our communities’ safe and ensure Florida remains in good fiscal health so our families and businesses can thrive.”

Griff Griffitts is a third-generation Bay County resident. Griff previously served as a Bay County Commissioner, representing District 5. As our District 6 Representative, he will serve on the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, State Affairs Committee as well as the Ethics, Elections & Open Government, Energy, Communications & Cybersecurity, Higher Education Appropriations and Insurance & Banking Subcommittees. When asked what is his number one priority for 2023? He responded,“Floridians in the midterm elections issued a clear mandate — they support a conservative, common sense approach to government coupled with low taxes and respect for individual freedom. My priority for next year is to ensure we continue on that trajectory while also addressing ongoing problems like skyrocketing property insurance costs and hurricane recovery, both in Bay County and in the recently hit areas of the state.”

Dr. Dunn has served as our Congressman since 2017. He grew up in an Army family and served in the U.S. Army as a surgeon before residing in Bay County in 1990. Currently, he serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the Subcommittees on Health, Oversight and Investigations and Consumer Protection and Commerce. When asked what is his number one priority for 2023? He responded, “One of the many things I would like to accomplish in 2023 is stopping the failed policies that are driving up inflation. Our district is struggling with costly gas prices, and grocery bills increasing over 12 percent in the past year. In the next session, I want to focus on real solutions that make it easier for constituents to provide for their families and run their businesses.”

Jimmy

Phillip “Griff” Griffitts – Florida State Representative

Neal Dunn – U.S. Congressman

Embark: Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

by: Aimee Bright, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Bay County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Board Chairman, Garrett Anderson, along with Vice- Chair, Joe Holt, were recently chosen to participate in a rare overnight opportunity with the U.S. Navy to land aboard an aircraft carrier and have first-hand experience witnessing life aboard a naval aircraft carrier.

The Embark program was established to place corporate, civic, government and education leaders, who have not previously experienced aircraft carrier operations, aboard a deployed aircraft carrier. While onboard, the embarkees learn how the Navy is contributing to the security of the United States and the world. This incredible opportunity to see the flight operations on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier provide unique opportunities to foster awareness and understanding of the role of carrier aviation, as well as demonstrate the highlevel training required to keep our Sailors ready to meet the nation’s needs.

The pair were joined by nine other business leaders from all over the country, including an owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a YouTube star, hedge fund managers, a trucking manufacturer and retired NFL player, Alexander Villanueva. “Having such a diverse group of business leaders really brought good energy to the trip”, Anderson said. They started their adventure in Virginia at the headquarters and home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command, NAS Norfolk, where they received a briefing on what to expect over the next two days.

From there they geared up and boarded a Grumman C-2 Greyhound, Carrier on Delivery (COD). This twin-engine, high-wing cargo aircraft is designed to carry supplies, mail, and passengers to and from aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. If you think this is a luxury ride, think again. This aircraft has two windows and those windows aren’t for the passengers in the back. Anderson and Holt describe the flight in the COD, as dark, loud and a bit disorienting as passengers

are seated facing the rear of the plane. Their destination, the USS Gerald Ford, the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, was on its first deployment conducting operations and training exercises alongside NATO allies and partners throughout the Atlantic Ocean.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is a first-in-class aircraft carrier, and is the first new aircraft carrier designed in over 40 years. It honors the 38th president of the United States, paying tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. There are many features that make Ford unique. First-in-class technology includes a new nuclear plant, the ability to generate nearly three times the amount of electrical power, innovative advanced arresting gear and the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

Their flight lasted about an hour before an exciting touchdown and rapid deceleration caused by the arresting wires that catch the aircraft. “Nobody could ever prepare me for that flight”, said Holt, “both the landing and the take off (from the carrier) are very intense.”

Once aboard the USS Gerald Ford and the tail of the C-2 was lowered down, Holt was blown away by what he first saw, “The back of the plane opened and it was a flurry of activity. Planes are taking off and landing and Sailors are making it happen. It’s hard to accurately describe it. It's a dangerous situation, there are people everywhere, but somehow it all works. I have such a high appreciation for anyone that serves in an offshore vessel.”

The group was then welcomed by the Commanding Officer in the Captain’s Boardroom where memorabilia honoring the ship’s namesake, President Gerald Ford, is on display. After an opportunity to try out the Captain’s Chair, they were off for a full day of briefs, tours and observing the many functions of a deployed aircraft carrier. “We saw everything. From the fire department, to the emergency lifeboats and the maintenance shops, carriers at work are really like a city or base at sea.” said Anderson.

Anderson may have seen a little more than what was planned on the tour. Holt teases, “Make sure to include the part where Garrett got lost on the ship”. Anderson clarifies, “There was one moment in the tour where our two groups separated and of course, the lights had cut off for a moment.” In trying to catch up with the first group, he took a wrong turn and ended up in a ready room with a group of pilots. “I said to the pilots, I think I’m lost!” No one was surprised when the pilots agreed.

The day ended with dinner with the Executive Officer of the USS Gerald Ford, (chicken, rice and vegetables if you’re curious) and back up to the bridge to watch night launches. Anderson describes witnessing an F-18 launch, “You could feel the heat and pressure of the afterburner on the jets. It was unlike anything I have done before.”

If you’re wondering what it is like to sleep aboard an active aircraft carrier, the answer is loud. “It was like sleeping in a tin can.” recalls Anderson. “It’s a good reminder that our service men and women work constantly around the clock defending our country. The action on the USS Gerald Ford is 24/7.”

Before launching off the carrier and flying back to NAS Norfolk, the group dined with Sailors for breakfast and got time to learn more about their lives both on and off ship. “I was struck by how dedicated our Sailors are to our country. They leave their families, not knowing exactly when they’ll return home.” said Anderson, “Their commitment is humbling”.

“It was eye opening for me.” Holt says about the experience, “I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with so many of the young Sailors on the USS Gerald Ford and see their passion for what they do. To think that they’re so young and have so many important responsibilities, it just blew my mind.”

Both Anderson and Holt would recommend the experience and call it the opportunity of a lifetime.

Vital Signs in Bay County

by: Michelle Flaat, Executive Director of the Emerald Coast Medical Association

Let’s be honest. Everyone wants to take a peek. A glance at the monitor, the test result printout, the MRI report, or any other vital sign or indicator to see if we can determine our own health status. Human nature is to want to know, without waiting, what our prognosis is. However, this usually only increases blood pressure and heart rate since we really need the expertise and interpretation provided by our physician or a team of physicians and highly trained healthcare providers.

Bay and the surrounding counties have suffered significant attacks on our health and our ability to provide stellar healthcare. We weathered a Cat 5 hurricane followed by a pandemic. That combination might have been fatal for communities of weaker genetic makeup.

The reality is these attacks on our healthcare systems resulted in the hemorrhaging of resources. Hospitals were handicapped, physicians were displaced, and healthcare staff suffered. Patients needed increasing levels of care and wanted certainty

and a definitive timeline for healing; to know when and where care was available. Everyone wanted a peek at what their personal and our collective prognosis would be.

However, what most of you didn’t see happening behind the closed doors of tattered and sometimes makeshift offices, surgical suites, healthcare board rooms, and even temporary healthcare facilities was the birth of a viable and even more robust healthcare system in Bay County.

The next 48 months and beyond will include unbelievable change and growth in our healthcare systems. Resources are coming our way. Ascension Sacred Heart, HCA Gulf Coast, and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital are working hard and spending capital on building systems to provide care with a regional reach. Increased state-of-the-art medical office space by the end of 2024, increased hospital beds by 2027, and promises of new partnerships with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital have provided an infusion of needed resources.

The hospital system is not the whole being of a community healthcare system; it is part of it, a critical part, but not the heart. A healthy and effective healthcare system needs a strong foundation. The heart and soul of this community’s healthcare system are the dedication and loyalty of our local physicians.

The history of healthcare in this community began with a small group of doctors with vision who met in the back of station wagons, founded the Medical Society, policed each other regarding ethics and quality of care as well as built small local Hospitals that companies bought, and they were the seeds of our current Hospitals.

After the hurricane, we lost as many as 50 physicians from the system of care in our area. Certain specialties were scarce, and the heart of our community was simply working at an unsustainable pace. To many of you, that number or vital statistic seems scary. It was a critical value that needed urgent treatment. Together the leadership of Emerald Coast Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, our local elected officials, and specific business community members worked on a care plan.

Bay County's recent growth spurt has also caused some growing pains, but I am happy to announce the prescribed therapies have made an impact, vital signs are improving, and rehabilitation is on track! I believe our county medical system is in a transition—a transition to a stronger and more flexible system of care.

Some vital signs are still unstable, especially at the federal level. The culmination of government intrusion and the corporatization of healthcare is moving us into a wholesale system. Proposed payment cuts threaten the business of medicine. Statewide, the recent expansion of medical tort is increasing costs. Regulatory burdens that grew during the Covid crisis are creating undue strain on the practice of medicine.

At the local level, our medical infrastructure vital signs are more robust than ever. The Emerald Coast Medical Association added over 60 new members to our association this year. Medical Students from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine are here learning from our physician members. Some choose to stay and practice medicine in our community, creating organic recruitment.

So, here’s a sneak peek at the prognosis of healthcare in our community. The future looks bright. The vital signs of growth are strong. The heart of our system, the physicians, are involved and optimistic and spend countless hours advocating for and providing the highest quality patient care possible. Just wait until you see the full results!

Preparing Bay County’s Early Learners For Life-Long Success

by: Tami Valdez, Community Development and Outreach Coordinator, Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida

The Florida Chamber of Commerce estimates between now and 2030, over 1 million jobs will need to be created in our state to support the expected population growth. This estimate has prompted the Florida Chamber to initiate The Florida 2030 Blueprint, putting the long-term ahead of the short-term. To improve Florida’s Talent Pipeline, the initiative calls for 100% of Florida’s 3rd graders to read at or above grade level and for 100% of young children to be ready for kindergarten by 2030. The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is here to help this vision become a reality for Bay County children.

The Readiness Landscape in Bay County

Data from the Florida Chamber through their Florida Gap Map shows that 49%, or 913, of Bay County’s third-grade students, are reading below a third-grade level. For younger learners

in Bay County, only 46%, or 816, were deemed “Ready for Kindergarten” in Fall 2021, according to data provided by the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Accountability, Research, and Measurement of kindergarten students who were assessed for “readiness” using the Star Early Literacy Assessment in the first 30 days of the school year.

Why is Early Learning Important to Life-long Success?

Research shows the brain develops rapidly from birth to age five. Helping ensure young children have high-quality early learning opportunities is essential to becoming successful adults. Early care and education programs help prepare children to develop early literacy skills. Working with families to ensure a positive social-emotional environment prepares children for lifelong learning when they enter kindergarten.

What is Being Done for Bay County’s Young Children?

Several local organizations are working with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida to improve the school readiness of young children and, ultimately, third-grade reading scores to move closer to the Florida Chamber’s 2030 goals. A few of the initiatives being implemented in Bay County include:

> The Bay County Public Library Foundation distributes books at early learning centers that feed into underperforming elementary schools, helping families build libraries at home.

> The Panama City Rotary Club’s Rotary Read Aloud program purchases books, and volunteer Rotarians read at 18 local early learning centers in Bay County.

> Alignment Bay County has made early literacy for children ages birth to 5 a focus of their long-term strategic plan.

> A Grade Level Reading campaign is being initiated through a partnership of local organizations in Bay County and beyond. The campaign has four focus areas: 1) 3rd grade reading scores, 2) infant and maternal access to healthcare, 3) improving school attendance, and 4) addressing the “summer learning slide.”

> The Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida is launching a new early literacy initiative that will provide Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) teachers with additional learning opportunities, including one-on-one classroom mentoring with a certified reading coach.

Ways to Get Involved

Here are things you can do to help prepare our youngest learners for life-long success and help ensure Bay County meets the challenges of 2030:

> Share this information and continue this conversation!

> Volunteer to read at an early learning center in your neighborhood – ELCNWF can connect you.

> If you are a business owner, consider implementing Family-Friendly Policies and Practices to support the families with young children you employ.

> Ask how you can support and get involved with the organizations in Bay County working to make a meaningful difference in early learning.

For more information or other ways to get involved, please get in touch with Tami Valdez at the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida at Tami.Valdez@elcnwf.org.

DAVIS DIRECT

Go explore. Go visit monuments and mountains and make the mundane magical with adventure. Go forth to find new places and spaces. Go on to travel again. Because we’re still here—ready, willing and able to get you anywhere you want to go. iflybeaches.com/escape

BY: VALERIE SALE, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, BAY COUNTY

ACategory 5 hurricane and a worldwide pandemic failed to slow Bay County and its municipalities’ progress in meeting goals outlined to voters prior to their overwhelming approval of the Half-Cent Infrastructure Surtax in 2016. In November 2024, Bay County citizens will have an opportunity to maintain this momentum by voting to renew the surtax for another 10 years.

“We’ve faced significant challenges over the last several years, but those haven’t stopped us from staying on schedule to produce the projects we promised our citizens through the surtax,” Bay County Commissioner Robert Carroll said.

The tax is for use exclusively in Bay County to repair local roads, increase neighborhood safety through pedestrian paths and sidewalks to schools, reduce neighborhood flooding, and reduce traffic congestion. A commission-appointed Citizens Oversight Committee is responsible for ensuring the tax dollars are spent appropriately.

Carroll was Chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, as well as a candidate for the Bay County Commission during the November 2016 election when the sales tax referendum passed by

a margin of 55.1 percent to 44.9 percent. The surtax sunsets after 10 years if not reapproved by voters. However, county officials intend to present the option to continue the surtax two years early, during the 2024 presidential election.

“We’re putting this on the ballot a couple of years early in the 2024 general election because presidential elections typically have a larger turnout,” Carroll said. “We want as many voices heard as possible on something as important as this issue.”

Bay County collects an average of $13.9 million annually in surtax funding and has been able to leverage that collection towards federal and state grants each year – so far an additional $31 million in grants, total. Since the tax began, the county has completed or is working on almost $180 million in projects.

“Bay County never had access to that extra grant funding in the past because of the requirement for a local match,” Carroll said. “It’s made a huge impact on our ability to get additional dollars.”

“The surtax and subsequent grant funding”, Bay County Chief of Infrastructure Keith Bryant said, “has been a game changer.” In the years prior to its implementation, Bay County moved $3

million each year from the general fund – or property taxes – into infrastructure projects. The roadways were in poor condition with little hope for improvement due to lack of funding.

“With escalating costs, that $3 million didn’t do a lot for the county,” he said. “Now, we have funding coming in each year that we can budget and plan on for projects.”

After the passage of the surtax, the Bay County Commissioners also made good on a promise to cut property taxes by .25 mills and eliminate the annual $3 million allocation. At 4.43 mills, Bay County’s property taxes remain among the very lowest in the state.

“Because our economy is heavily funded by tourism, we are in a unique position that a significant amount of this tax is paid by the tourists who are visiting our community and at the same time impacting our infrastructure,” Carroll said.

The municipalities in Bay County also collect a share of the surtax for use on infrastructure needs based on the city’s population.

The money, Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said, allowed the fast-tracking of the Phase II of the Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway, also known as “Back Back Beach Road” or “Bay Parkway.”

“The parkway runs from North Pier Park Drive to Nautilus Street and was constructed in record time,” Sheldon said. It has been crucial in giving residents, businesses, daily commuters, and visitors some immediate traffic relief from otherwise congested roads, particularly during times of peak tourism.

Panama City Beach has collected more than $7.9 million overall in surtax funding, with some $6.7 million used for the Phase II project construction that had a total cost of about $15.5 million. Bay County and the state also contributed funding to the effort.

The funds not spent on Phase 2 remain on hand and will be used later in Fiscal Year 2023 for road resurfacing throughout the city, Sheldon said. All city wards have roads included in the upcoming resurfacing project.

“Additional funds used for street resurfacing are so important to our residents,” Sheldon said. “These dollars improve our neighborhoods by making the roads better and safer. This is just so important for a community without an ad valorem tax.”

To the east, Panama City has steadily checked off projects on its to-do list as well. Through September 2022, the city collected more than $21.3 million in surtaxes and is using the money as part of the strategy to rebuild damage inflicted by hurricanes Michael and Sally.

The funds are being used to replace and improve vital infrastructure, such as projects on Lindenwood Drive, Cherry Street, Breezy Lane and at several critical lift stations.

Another major effort funded by the surtax is the Harrison Avenue Streetscape Project. The reconstruction of Harrison Avenue from Government Street to 4th Street, which includes the replacement of underground utilities, wider sidewalks, and the planting of native shade trees, came from the citizen-driven process to revitalize downtown Panama City.

“The infrastructure surtax is funding not only the replacement of some of the city's oldest infrastructure in downtown but also creating a better environment for shopping, business, and gathering," Greg Brudnicki said.

The surtax has allowed the county and some of the cities to work together on high-profile projects that would have otherwise floundered for lack of funding. Repaving Thomas Drive, widening Jenks Avenue, Phase II of the Philip Griffitts Parkway, and replacing the bridge at East Avenue are examples of city/county partnership projects.

An interactive map with details about the infrastructure surtax is available at www.bayhalfcent.com, a website dedicated to providing the public with information about how their tax dollars are being spent.

PANAMA CITY BEACH PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER DEBBIE INGRAM AND PANAMA CITY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER CAITLIN LAWRENCE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT.

Palm Bay Schools: Esports in Education

by: Kristen Cook, Assistant Principal

In today’s rapidly changing workplace and economy, computer skills and technological awareness are essential for postsecondary success. Esports, in its short life span, has grown to a 1 billion dollar industry driven by technology advancements and the millions of people across the world that love video gaming. Esports is spectator driven, where viewers watch multiplayer teams compete in video game play. Esports provides students with practice in teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. These are the reasons Palm Bay Preparatory Academy has chosen to support our students by creating an Esports competition team. Palm Bay leads the way in Bay County in the formation of the first and only Esports high school team, with game play across the southern region of the US.

Why Esports for students of Palm Bay Prep instead of the typical high school sport teams? Prior to 2018, the school’s sport teams included: cross country, basketball, track, and softball. Due to Hurricane Michael, our facilities suffered the loss of practice fields and two school buildings, that included our gymnasium and auditorium. Fielding a team requires investment capital at both the high and middle school levels. We are still in the process of replacement plans for the gymnasium and are currently building a state of the art soccer field. We have started soccer and track programs in the middle grades, and these programs will grow with those students as they get to the high school level. In an effort to rebuild their varsity sport program, high school students have an opportunity to compete in something they are passionate

about, AND be a part of a team with Esports. With ease of access and a low participation cost, Esports extends beyond conventional sports to create an all-inclusive environment.

Coach Trent Edwards jumped at the opportunity to kick start the Esports competitive team for Palm Bay. When asked about the importance of Esports and youth, Edwards stated “I believe sports are important because they teach you how to deal with the ups and downs that come throughout life and how to work together with a team. I’ve always been involved in sports and gaming since I was a kid. I’m not coaching them on how to play the game but how to overcome adversity and be able to adapt and think on the fly.” For many of our players, Esports is the first time they have participated in a coached, athletic activity.

At Palm Bay Prep, we connected our Esports program to a computer science elective course, where the students learn to code and program in platforms such as Python and JavaScript. Engaging with the students’ love for video game play through Esports and computer science, it is a brilliant way to reach students in a space they want to be by rewarding

positive behaviors and skill development. The students that compete are held to the same standards as any FHSAA student athlete. Esports also encourages the students to develop social connections and find community while pursuing something they care about. To suggest that Esports is “just playing video games” would be downplaying the tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity the players must achieve to sustain success.

Research shows engaged students perform better academically in school while having the unique ability to appeal to and engage a wider audience. Palm Bay Esport athletes have an average cumulative grade point average of 3.17. In addition to academic achievement, there are opportunities to access scholarships as an athlete playing video games at colleges and universities across the nation:

> Boise State University, Boise, Idaho

> Full Sail, Winter Park, Florida

> Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia

> Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

> St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, Florida

> University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

> Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky

> Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida

> Huntingdon College, Montgomery, Alabama

Similar to recruitment of football and basketball players, these colleges are doing the same for Esport athletes. Professional gamers and Esports teams can be followed by spectators on Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and YouTube live. You can follow Palm Bay Prep Academy Esports this season and next on our Twitch channel: twitch.tv/1104panthers.

If you are interested in your child attending Palm Bay Schools and participating in the Esports program, please visit our website to enroll: www.palmbayprep.org or call the school at (850) 215-0770.

current labor statistics for bay county

LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED RATE

July 21' 93,067 89,392 3,675 3.9

August 21' 92,125 88,668 3,457 3.8 September 21' 92,166 89,206 2,960 3.2

July 22' 95,825 93,364 2,461 2.6

August 22' 96,211 93,851 2,360 2.5 September 22' 96,270 94,086 2,184 2.3

real estate sales

EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

PANAMA CITY MSA FLORIDA

REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE

July 21' 485 $310,000 30,785 $355,000

August 21' 456 $298,750 29,550 $354,000 September 21' 447 $305,000 28,302 $355,000

July 22' 369 $346,750 23,705 $412,303 August 22' 479 $368,000 24,877 $407,000 September 22' 374 $387,750 20,099 $403,880

CONDO-TOWNHOMES SALES

PANAMA CITY MSA FLORIDA

REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE

July 21' 265 $370,000 13,484 $253,000 August 21' 211 $382,800 12,550 $252,500 September 21' 193 $375,000 11,845 $255,000

July 22' 97 $425,000 9,341 $305,000

August 22' 130 $422,500 10,000 $305,000 September 22' 145 $445,000 8,406 $307,250

bay county

building permits Bay

July 21' $1.01B $599.2M $41.0M

August 21' $1.05B $662.8M $42.0M

September 21' $815.2M $717.8M $33.0M

July 22' $913.0M $581.7M $36.2M

August 22' 1.15B $714.8M $43.9M September 22' 1.15B $729.7M $43.6M

July 21' 90 0

August 21' 99 13 September 21' 92 1

July - September 2022

how bay county compares nationally...

POPULATION

BAY COUNTY, FLORIDA UNITED STATES

Population, Census, April 1, 2020 175,216 331,449,281

Population, Census, April 1, 2010 168,852 308,745,538

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS

Persons under 18 years, percent 20.60% 22.30%

Persons 65 years and over, percent 18.60% 16.50%

Female persons, percent 50.40% 50.80%

White alone, percent 82.20% 76.30%

Black or African American alone, percent 11.30% 13.40%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent 0.80% 1.30%

Asian alone, percent 2.30% 5.90%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent 0.20% 0.20%

Two or More Races, percent 3.20% 2.80%

Hispanic or Latino, percent 6.70% 18.50%

White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent 76.60% 60.10% Veterans, 2015-2019 21,135 18,230,322

ECONOMY

In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2015-2019 59.10% 63.00%

In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2015-2019 56.30% 58.30%

Total accommodation and food services sales, 2012 ($1,000) 565,165 708,138,598

Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2012 ($1,000) 1,034,384 2,040,441,203

Total manufacturers shipments, 2012 ($1,000) 1,473,839 5,696,729,632

Total retail sales, 2012 ($1,000) 2,728,227 4,219,821,871

Total retail sales per capita, 2012 $15,871 $13,443

BUSINESSES

Total employer establishments, 2019 4,673 7,959,103

Total employment, 2019 59,187 132,989,428

Total annual payroll, 2019 ($1,000) 2,440,506 7,428,553,593

Total employment, percent change, 2018-2019 -5.50% 1.60%

bay county bed tax collections

PANAMA CITY PANAMA CITY BEACH MEXICO BEACH

22-Jul $305,053.89 $8,373,011.92 $144,153.56

21-Jul $412,241.09 $8,040,558.83 $98,374.79

% Change -26.00% 4.13% 46.54%

22-Aug $158,610.42 $3,518,025.18 $52,142.87

21-Aug $197,913.20 $4,096,169.83 $50,775.59

% Change -19.86% -14.11% 2.69%

22-Sep $128,197.76 $2,557,898.21 $42,600.39

21-Sep $155,208.84 $2,744,050.93 $30,926.26

% Change -17.40% -6.78% 38%

northwest florida beaches international

airport passenger traffic

AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS (YEAR-TO-DATE)

2021 64,147 2022 60,695

TOTAL PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS (YTD)

% Change -5.38% 2021 631,826 2022 602,356

% Change -4.66%

TOTAL PASSENGER DEPLANEMENTS (YTD)

2021 632,378 2022 598,947

% Change -5.29%

Paradise has arrived

Update from CareerSource

Gulf Coast

by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast

The CareerSource Gulf Coast Board of Directors recently gathered to mark 26 years of service and success at its annual luncheon, with more than 90 guests of honor, including Board members, County Commissioners, State of Florida legislators and officials, key service providers, program participants, and workforce staff throughout the region.

It was a strong year for the local workforce board as the economy emerged from a pandemic. The labor force grew to levels experienced pre-Hurricane Michael, and the unemployment rate still hovers at a historic low.

Performance highlights include:

> Assisting 1,067 employers recruit and hire workers

> Providing 13,352 services to businesses

> Providing training and employment services to 141 adults, dislocated workers, and youth under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act

> An average wage of $25.91/hour at placement for training participants

> Assisting 4,279 jobseekers

> Providing 22,755 services to jobseekers

Programs delivered by CareerSource Gulf Coast reach across the region, touching the lives of countless families. The success stories of several individuals who participated in a CareerSource Gulf Coast program were featured with a series of short films. Each testimonial conveyed the impact a workforce development program had on the lives of actual clients in our community.

Success Stories showcased included training program participants who were supported by CareerSource Gulf Coast training scholarships for in demand occupations in the region. These stories included participants who completed training in law enforcement, nursing, and CDL trucking. Out-of-school youth program participants received guidance and support while attaining a GED, and a recent high school graduate flourished in a summer internship program that led to a full-time career and enrollment in college. Clients receiving SNAP and Welfare Transition were able to successfully find employment, continue their educations, and work towards economic self-sufficiency. Finally, the story of a former opioid addict who was released from incarceration was featured, as he found employment with a second-chance employer through a special Fostering Opioid Recovery grant.

The many workforce professionals in attendance were acknowledged for their role in supporting the clients who walk through our doors each day. These workforce professionals have a mission to improve the lives of people in our community—business owners, job seekers, youth and young adults, veterans, military spouses, and transitioning military service members.

The meeting concluded with a vote on a new slate of officers for the CareerSource Gulf Coast Board of Directors for the new year. The gavel was passed to incoming Chairman Elinor Mount-Simmons from outgoing Chairman Dr. Patricia Hardman. Joey Ginn, Market President of Centennial Bank in Bay County, was elected Vice Chair.

As we ring in 2023, we will continue the important work that improves lives and contributes to a thriving economy. There’s never a bad time to connect with us to find a pathway to a great employee, a great training program to achieve your career goals, or a first or new job.

CareerSource Gulf Coast is one of 24 regional workforce boards in the State of Florida and provides services to job seekers and employers in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. Visit www.careersourcegc.com to learn more about professional workforce development and job placement services, all offered at no charge.

On November 18, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce held the Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon presented by Tyndall Federal Credit Union. Local Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Communications were honored at FSU Panama City as the business community came together to show their gratitude.

During the event, Garrett Anderson, Chairman of the Bay County Chamber Board of Directors, introduced the keynote speaker, Lindsay Fealko, a paramedic for New Orleans EMS as well as a Flight Paramedic for Mississippi Air Rescue. Lindsay has been in EMS for 10 years, starting when she was just out of high school. Recently, she has been featured on the A&E series Nightwatch. This hit show gives the world an inside look at paramedicine.

A challenge coin was placed at the seat of everyone in attendance at the luncheon. Dr. Cheryl Flax-Hyman, Interim President of Gulf Coast State College and Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, spoke about the history of the challenge coin, and as a way to show our gratitude, presented all Bay County First Responders with a coin.

Michael Sparks, Chairman of the First Responders Appreciation Task Force presented four First Responder of the Year Awards. These awards were given to those who have gone above and beyond their call of duty to better Bay County. The first award was in recognition to all of the firefighters in Bay County for their courageous efforts in extinguishing the Chipola Complex Fire. Accepting the award was Florida Forest Service. The next award recognized Lt. Billy Carstarphen from the Panama City Police Department. Lt. Carstarphen is a leader and a mentor who has reshaped the City’s policing landscape and proven dedication to excellence. The Communications Award recipient was Rue DeBoer. Rue handles each call with a calmness as she assists those in need while putting together the team of responders to aid those in need.

The final recipient was awarded posthumously to Jack Fox, an EMT with Bay County. Jack had a desire to serve and it was evident in everything he did. His personality, patience and kind heart assisted him greatly while interacting with fellow employees, other first responders, hospital staff and with patients while providing care.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event: Presenting Sponsor: Tyndall Federal Credit Union

Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Peaden

Award Sponsor: Emerald Coast Hospice

Coin Sponsors: Gulf Coast State College & HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

Lunch: Peoples First Insurance

Video Sponsor: Williams Communications

Gold Sponsor: WMBB News 13, Chevron USA, Verizon, and Florida Power and Light

Florida Forest Service accepts award on behalf of all Firefighters in Bay County

Jack Fox (awarded posthumously), First Responder of the Year - EMS recipient

Rue DeBoer, First Responder of the YearCommunications recipient

Lt. Billy Carstarphen, First Responder of the YearLaw Enforcement recipient

Please join us in welcoming our 2023 Leadership. We commend these folks for giving of their time to the Chamber and the betterment of all of Bay County.

Officers

Board of Directors

One Year Chair Appointments

Arthur Cullen

Consultant

Brendan D’Isernia Eastern Shipbuilding Group

Dave Williams Mid-South Lumber Co.

Board of Directors Ex-Officio / Non-Voting

Col. George Watkins, 325th Tyndall Air Force Base; Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, 1st Air Force; Capt. David Back, Naval Surface Warfare Center PC Division; Cmdr. Keith Foster, Naval Support Activity Panama City; Dan Rowe, Tourist Development Council; Jennifer Vigil, Destination Panama City; Tom Neubauer, Bay Defense Alliance, Cheryl Flax-Hyman, Gulf Coast State College; Randy Hanna, FSU Panama City; Becca Hardin, Economic Development Alliance of Bay County; Alex King, Port Panama City; Parker McClellan, NW FL Beaches International Airport; Kim Bodine, CareerSource Gulf Coast

Board of Directors Term Expires Dec

Lisa Felix Full Sail Realty

Justin Hall

Panhandle Credit Union

Clint Mizell First Federal Bank Zack Sanchez Think Real Estate

David Taylor David Taylor Construction

2023

Board of Directors Term Expires Dec 2024

Shay Catrett Baysolutions

Catherine McCloy The St. Joe Company

John Pollman CWR Contracting, Inc. Mohit Samtani Maharaja’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts Chris Stamps Stamps Family Dentistry

Board of Directors Term Expires Dec 2025

Kaydee Albritton

Central Panhandle Association of Realtors

Jeremy Bennett Centennial Bank

Chris Brooks Dermatology Specialists of Florida

Tricia Berry Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry

Lindsay Farris Roberts & Roberts Inc.

Corbin McCall Maritech Machine

Kyle Shoots Systems Services & Engineering

Chairman of the Board

Joe Holt Trustmark Bank

Chairman Elect

Shane Boyett Florida Power & Light

Vice-Chairman

Allen Armstrong EPS Corporation

Treasurer

Garrett Anderson Anderson Construction Company

MAC Chairman

DeDe Rowan Denise Hallman Rowan & Associates

Vice Chairman of Communications

Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Master’s in Corporate and Public Communication.

She's excited her new role will allow her the opportunity to meet and connect with chamber members.

Sydney Clifton recently accepted the position of VP of Communications with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Sydney is a Bay County native and is a proud alumni of Tyndall Elementary, Tommy Smith Elementary, Merritt Brown Middle School, Mosley High School, Gulf Coast State College, and most recently Florida State University - Panama City where she earned her Bachelor’s in Professional Communications and her

ServisFirst Bank announces Bryan Taylor as Community Development Officer

ServisFirst Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Bryan Taylor to their Panama City team. Bryan is a 26year veteran of non-profit, community development work right here in Bay County. As Community Development Officer, Bryan will have the opportunity to continue to serve his community in this new role.

Bryan served as the President and CEO of United Way of Northwest

Florida for the past 14 years, leading the organization’s response through multiple local disasters during those years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Shelbie Scippio ReJoins the Destination Panama City Team

Destination Panama City is thrilled to welcome Shelbie Scippio back as their Marketing Manager. Shelbie originally joined the team as a Marketing Coordinator in

2015. After moving around the country and gaining destination marketing and photography experience, Shelbie decided it was time to bring her talent and skills back home to northwest Florida.

Always

Shelbie specializes in relationship focused data driven print and digital marketing.

Have a submission for the Biz List? Please email your news releases to communications@baychamberfl.com.

As your hometown utility, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is locally owned by those we serve. We improve quality of life by safely providing affordable and reliable power. We also promote job development and support education and healthcare. In doing so, we help our communities and the people we serve: our member-owners.

Intellichoice Builders, LLC -January 2023 We are

Celebrating 5 years in Bay County!

As one of the premier builders in Bay, Walton and Gulf Counties, Intellichoice Builders brings a fresh level of professionalism and quality to all the projects that they work on. The staff at Intellichoice brings a wealth of knowledge and level of service that is above and beyond the norm. They are state licensed (CGC 1526169) and perform all types of construction: design/build, new construction, remodel, or additions, on both commercial and residential projects.

With over 20 years of experience, Robert Yanchis, one of the owners, says, “After working all over the State of Florida, in numerous states throughout the Southeast and even in the Caribbean, there is no better place to live and work.” Intellichoice Builders prides itself on partnering with experienced subcontractors/ tradesman and working with them to develop relationships for long term success. “By working with the same tradesmen repeatedly, you get to understand how they work, and they understand our expectations and procedures which ultimately makes the projects flow more smoothly,” said Juan Gonzalez, Owner.

Although Intellichoice Builders can perform on any type of construction project, they have a specialty in handling remodels/renovations. They have completed hundreds of projects, transforming living spaces into dream spaces. They are also sought after for insurance repair work and have started to become the go-to source for water intrusion repairs. Bay and surrounding counties have been plagued by unlicensed contractors and poor waterproofing techniques for the past few decades and unfortunately it sometimes still occurs. They have completed numerous projects where entire walls had to be removed and replaced due to water intrusion and some of the homes only being a few years old. The attention to details is what separates Intellichoice Builders from their competitors and makes them the intelligent choice for either new construction or correcting the deficiencies left by other contractors.

The last few years have been difficult for the local community. Bay and Gulf counties were starting to recover from the devastation of hurricane Michael and here came 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought further devastation to our community. Now 2022 has brought us price increases, material shortages and backorders. Intellichoice Builders’ staff just continues to adjust and work through the adversities of their trade while keeping their priorities in focus. “The client and completion of the project is always at the heart of what we do,” says Robert.

When you are ready to build or remodel, contact us first, so you are not contacting us later!! Intellichoice Builders, LLC 1818 Michigan Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 427-2727 Intellichoicebuilders.com

Akima 571-323-5200

Bay Home Services and Repair 850-624-0223

Carolyn Zonia 850-714-3793

Chapman Wealth Management 2557 Huntcliff Ln. Panama City, FL 32405 850-896-3299

Defender Title & Escrow 2503 MLK Blvd., Ste. A Panama City, FL 32405 850-775-4500

Defender Title & Escrow 420 Reid Ave. Port St. Joe, FL 32456 850-899-9270

First Commerce Credit Union 4472 Lafayette St. Marianna, FL 32446 850-718-0081 850-718-0075

FrameShaping LLC 682-216-7502

Gear One 4825 E. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 850-866-4649

Golden Prime Media 7108 Laird St., Ste. 307 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 562-682-7230

Halff Associates 130 N. Richard Jackson Blvd. Ste. 103 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 850-689-4428

Harris Chamber Team 850-305-3142

Hightower Energy Solutions 1106 Harrison Ave., Ste. E Panama City, FL 32401 850-215-5088

Homeland Security 954-439-0344

House of Reverie 2615 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-896-7583

L30 Traffic Control 925 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-890-8408

Maximus 1002 Arthur Dr. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 813-379-9129

Nothing Bundt Cakes 850-600-3451

Onward Realty Services 929 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-215-0133

Over The Rainbow Learning Center 798 Airport Rd. Panama City, FL 32405 850-740-3851

Palm Brothers 3705 US Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 850-215-0321

Pose Pros Photo Booth PCB, LLC 850-851-9840

Residences at SweetBay 3100 Sweet Bay Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 850-851-0887

Salty Marlin Realty 22200 PCB Parkway, Ste. E Panama City Beach, FL 32413 850-527-2275

Sunshine Boutique 2808 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-829-9042

The Local Café 401 E. 23rd St., Unit 1 Panama City, FL 32405 850-215-4164

The Salvation Army 1824 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-769-5259 850-769-5346

Tijuana Flats 226 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 850-640-2295

TOC Panama City 2011 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 850-691-4188

Twin Oaks Community Services 910 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-747-5755

Wayne’s Pest Control 850-247-3846

Whataburger – Callaway #1272 702 N. Tyndall Parkway Panama City, FL 32404 850-250-1073

World Impact Real Estate 1145 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 850-501-4045

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

from September to December 2022

65 years

Engineering & Equipment 35 years

Anchorage Children's Home 25 years

Bay, Franklin, Gulf Healthy Start Coalition Inc.

20 years

Brown's Electrical Service

Panama City Toyota 15 years

PanCare of Florida, INC

Reed Law

Two Men And A Truck

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Panama City Symphony Orchestra Wiregrass Warehouse

Travel

10 years

Bay Health Foundation Doorways of NWFL

French & French

Harley-Davidson of PCB Honda of Bay County

Hope Regional Cancer Center Meadows & Kelley P.A.

The Arc of the Bay Treatment Center Of Panama City

5 years

Boyd Construction Specialties, Inc.

Coastal Wildlife Removal

DSI Security Services

Emerald Coast Striping, LLC

Ged Lawyers LLP

Magic Broadcasting LLC

Magnum Engineering Inc.

Miracle Ear

Mr. James Sowell

RJ Gorman Marine Construction LLC

Southern Pipe & Supply

The Legend 96.9 (The Radio People)

WPGX FOX 28

the

Bayway is your local public transit system, offering safe and reliable transportation all over Bay County. We are proud to deliver a transportation system that promotes accessibility and environmental sensitivity. Our mission is to provide convenient and affordable transportation for locals and visitors alike.

Plan your route today with our user-friendly online trip planner!

Visit BaywayTransit.org