2 minute read
› WELCOME
WELCOME TO OUR
BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY.
We invite you to be a part of our vibrant community. It is certainly an exciting time in Bay County with an explosion of growth and development happening in our area.
At each turn, infrastructure improvements abound with road resurfacing, widening, replacement bridges, fly-overs, sewer, water lines and more. A community cannot grow without good bones and we are undoubtedly positioned well to handle the expected growth.
Economic development is a priority and through local partnerships we have welcomed several new manufacturers and distribution centers in calling Bay County home. Retail and commercial development is thriving throughout the community with not only homegrown businesses but national franchises finding Bay County especially attractive.
Housing from multi- to single-family construction is taking place throughout the area at all levels from workforce to high end developments. Hundreds of apartments and housing developments are also underway.
Port Panama City and the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport are growing by leaps and bounds. The port has expanded with two additional locations, including an intermodal distribution center and an east terminal complex. The airport has recruited a record number of carriers and is breaking all passenger records as individuals continue to flock to the area. Tourism is Bay County’s number one industry. Home to the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches,” you will find over 27 miles of sugar white, sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, along with lots of things to see and do. The rebirth of Panama City’s original downtown area and the St. Andrews community is an attraction to thousands of visitors each year.
We invite you as an individual or your company to come grow with us. It’s an exciting time to be a part of positive change.
We are home to Tyndall Air Force Base and Naval Support Activity, which employ over 9,641 military and civilian personnel. In addition, there is a large presence of supporting defense contractors in the area.
Our community continues to grow, and whether you are looking to visit or relocate, we know Bay County can meet your needs. Welcome to our beautiful community.
Sincerely,
BAY COUNTY MAP
› BAY COUNTY QUICK FACTS ........................... 8-9
GEOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING & CLIMATE DEMOGRAPHICS
UNINCORPORATED BAY COUNTY PANAMA CITY PANAMA CITY BEACH LYNN HAVEN CALLAWAY PARKER SPRINGFIELD MEXICO BEACH
› FINDING YOUR NEW HOME .............................16 › MOVING CHECKLIST .........................................18 › RECREATION ................................................20-23 › LIVING...........................................................24-28
SHOPPING CULTURE STATE TAXES & REQUIREMENTS SERVICES LIBRARIES UTILITIES AIRPORT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
› EDUCATION................................................. 30-34 › TOURISM & BUSINESS ..................................36-37 › MILITARY INSTALLATIONS................................38 › HEALTH..............................................................41
The Guide to Discovering Bay County is an official publication of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce
PUBLISHER
Carol Roberts
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Wes Johnson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Panama City Beach CVB, Destination Panama City, and GORGEOUS
ART DIRECTION, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN
GORGEOUS (grgs.co | 850-888-8GRG)
GUIDE TO DISCOVERING BAY COUNTY
c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1850 Panama City, FL 32402 850-785-5206 panamacity.org | information@baychamberfl.com
