THE CIRCUIT
Summer issue
& things to do
ATTRACTIONS
the
Tiki Mike's Exotic Tea & Coffee Bar
tips & tricks BEACH
Remembering Ed Hickey
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 1
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PANAMA CITY | SWEETBAYFL.COM 2 THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
• • •
Community Parks, Pools, and Bayside Trails Priority University Academy Admission Bay Access and Boat Dock
•
Model Homes Open Daily
Come experience
Military Diving History Wednesday - Saturday | 10am - 4pm
17314 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL On Back Beach Road just west of Highway 79 (850) 235-4101 maninthesea.org
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 3
4
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
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6
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
St. Andrews State Park & AdventureS — Shell Island Ferry * Official
Shell Island Ferry from St. Andrews State Park * * Pontoon Boats * * Kayak & Paddleboards * * Snack Hut & Food Truck * * Beach chairs & umbrellas * * Golf Cart & Bike Rentals * * Weddings & Private Events * * Eco-Tents *
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ShellIsland.com @standrewsshellisland WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 7 - Follow us on Facebook/Instagram -
The Circuit D E P A R T M E N T S & FE A T U R ES
16 A Letter from the Editor
11 From Tiffiney Castleberry
A message from the President/CEO
12 From Kristopher McLane
22 26 Attractions & Things to Do: A Guide on What to Do & Where to Play 34 Remembering Ed Hickey
business spotlights
38 The Latest Updates from Businesses in Bay County
Upcoming Events
14 Community & Chamber Events from July–August 2022
AIR & SEA
16 News from Tyndall Air Force Base & Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
40 42 43 44 46
see & be seen
First Friday with the Beach May Business After Hours May IdeaCamp 2022 Jam on the Coast 5K June Business After Hours
FEATURES
8
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
committees
48 Ambassadors 51 IdeaCamp
around town
52 City of Panama City Beach, Mayor Mark Sheldon 52 FSU Panama City, Dr. Randy Hanna 53 Gulf Coast State College, Dr. John Holdnak 54 CareerSource Gulf Coast, Kim Bodine 55 Florida Film Office, Julie Gordon
membership
56 Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings 59 Letter from Your Chamber Rep 60 New + Renewing Members
22 Tiki Mike's Exotic Tea & Coffee Bar 24 15 Tips & Tricks for a Hassel-Free Beach Experience
26
24
34
56
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Photography by Richard o L mbard
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Home equity rates that fit you to a
ON THE COVER There is nothing more beautiful than that delightful sense of freedom Panama City Beach gives you. Danielle, owner of Elles Photography Studio, captured this stunning photo of little Hannah S. from Arkansas dancing freely in the sunset on our beautiful beach.
The Circuit EDITORIAL TEAM
Publisher
Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
Executive Editors Creative/Design Production
Tiffiney Castleberry
Hartley Press
Advertising Sales Distribution
Tiffiney Castleberry, Kristopher McLane
Shannon Richmond
Lewis Advertising
Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves, Jeremy Roman, Matthew Raney, Tiffiney Castleberry, and the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
Contributors You’ve worked hard to build equity in your home. Isn’t it time to put it to work for you? Whether you want to build a dream pool or remodel your kitchen, our home equity rates were designed to fit you to a T. Visit trustmark.com/heloc or stop by your nearest branch to learn more.
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
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. ©2022 The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 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
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Board
A LETTER
from the editor
Chairwoman | Resort Collection
CATHERINE COLLINS JEFF DIBENEDICTIS PAUL SCHREINER JOSEPH SORCI ROBYN EVANS
Past Chairman | BancorpSouth Incoming Chairman | Texas Roadhouse Secretary | Florida Architects Treasurer | By the Sea Resorts
W
elcome to
summer
in one of the top
tourist destinations on the Gulf
Coast!
Panama
City
Beach has some of the world's
Board
of
Directors BAYSOLUTIONS
SHAY CATRETT MARVIN COLLEY ALLEN COTTON JEREMY HINTON SAKE IRFAN LEE ANN LEONARD JASON MOREHOUSE RYAN MULVEY SKIP STOLTZ JIMY THORPE SAMANTHA WALTON PAUL WOHLFORD
Beach TV
most beautiful beaches, an array of delicious restaurants, breathtaking quite
an
sunsets, abundance
and of
Beef 'O' Brady's
activities
Innovations FCU
summer, I hope you soak up
Florida Power & Light
the endless possibilities and create those special memories
Pier Park/Simon Malls
with your friends and loved ones.
to
enjoy.
This
Community Bank Bay Point Golf Club
From renting jet skis or swimming with the dolphins to taking a
Domino's
fishing charter excursion or parasailing over our emerald-green
A Superior Air Conditioning
waters, we have many exhilarating outdoor activities for you to
The St. Joe Company RC Hospitality Solutions
endeavor. If you're looking for some indoor fun on a rainy day, we've got you covered in that department as well! Bring the family out to one of our arcades, check out a museum, or try something new and test out your skills attempting to find your
Honorary
Board
RAMON DUVALL BRAD GRIFFIN DR. RANDY HANNA BECCA HARDIN DR. JOHN HOLDNAK PARKER MCCLELLAN DAN ROWE MARK SHELDON JOHN SKAGGS
Beachside Fellowship HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Florida State University Panama City Bay Economic Development Alliance Gulf Coast State College NWFL Beaches International Airport Visit Panama City Beach Mayor, City of Panama City Beach Naval Support Activity Panama City
CHAMBER TEAM KRISTOPHER MCLANE JENA LILES SHANNON RICHMOND MISSY HOLMES TIFFINEY CASTLEBERRY CARLEY MORGAN
President/CEO Chief Financial Officer Vice President, Director of Membership Business Support Director Director of Communications & Design Director of Marketing & Events
way out of an escape room! In this summer edition of The Circuit, flip over to our Attractions & Things to Do feature on page 26 for a listing of what to do and where to play. With the countless number of exciting things to dive into, I am certain you will find an experience suited just right for you here in Panama City Beach. I hope you all have a safe and unforgettable summer. Cheers to sunny days and salty waves!
Tiffiney Castleberry Tiffiney Castleberry Director of Communications & Design Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 11
A MESSAGE
from the president/ceo S
ummer in Panama City Beach and across Bay County means different things to everyone, but to me it’s about spending time at the world’s most beautiful beaches, grilling out with family and friends, driving the boat out to Shell Island, watching vibrant sunsets, and of course seeing a lot of visitors come into town to enjoy vacation. June, July, and August continue to be the busiest time of the season that our Chamber members look forward to every year. Although for us locals, we know the traffic can be a bit disruptive, but it’s important to remember that our visitors are here to support our economy, our community, and enjoy our amazing destination we proudly call home. So, leave a few minutes early and remember how many jobs this time of year supports within the hospitality industry and how it essentially trickles down to most other industries as well. Summertime to me also means celebrating our country and independence. As we celebrate the 4th of July, our independence, and our freedoms, please continue to thank the men and women that make this all possible—our military service members and first responders. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us and take care of us.
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
The Panama City Beach Chamber Board of Directors and our team recently toured the Naval Support Activity Panama City installation in June. From the very beginning to the end, everyone on base was so polite, informative, and proud of their hard work. NSA PC employs more than 4,000 civilian and military personnel with an annual payroll of more than $466 million. Additionally, the base contracts for local goods and services, which amounts to more than $600 million annually in economic impact. We thank you all for hosting us and for your service! Last but not least, the “Attractions & Things To Do” featured guide in our publication makes it easy to find some fun this summer— indoors, outdoors, or on the water! If you’re looking for something to do or have family and friends coming to town, this guide will make planning a whole lot easier. Plus, you are supporting proud Chamber members, so take a look—there are family-friendly activities and adventures for all ages. Enjoy your summer!
Kristopher McLane, President/CEO Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
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Community Events JULY
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ Aaron Bessant Park
2 3 4 4
Bring your chairs, blankets, coolers, and pets to these free live concerts ever y Tuesday from 7-9 pm, June through August at Aaron Bessant Park.
LIGHT UP THE BAY FIREWORKS @ Papa Joe's Bayside Bring your lawn chair out and enjoy an array of food trucks, live music and fireworks over the bay!
GRAND LAGOON FREEDOM ROCKS FIREWORKS @ Captain Anderson's Marina The fireworks will launch from the middle of the of the Grand Lagoon near the marinas. Watch the fireworks sparkle over the water from multiple businesses offering premium viewing and dining specials, as well as the fireworks cruises that provide a panoramic view of the show over the Grand Lagoon.
SALUTE TO FREEDOM @ DOWNTOWN PANAMA CITY Destination Panama City kicks off an incredible day of patriotism and fun, celebratinge the birth of our Great Nation with live music, a parade, festivities, and fireworks!
STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR @ Russell-Fields City Pier & M.B. Miller County Pier Panama City Beach celebrates the 4th of July with the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast as fireworks are fired from the Russell-Fields City Pier and the M.B. Miller County Pier.
AUGUST SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ Aaron Bessant Park Bring your chairs, blankets, coolers, and pets to these free live concerts ever y Tuesday from 7-9 pm, June through August at Aaron Bessant Park.
COMMUNITY EVENTS For more community events, you may visit pcbeach.org, visitpanamacitybeach.com, or carpediem365.net. Events, dates, and other information in this calendar are subject to change after publication is printed. Please check the event website for any changes and more information.
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Chamber Events JULY
14 15 27 18 31
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS @ Panama City Toyota Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while networking with fellow Panama City Beach Chamber members.
FRIDAY AT THE BEACH @ Capt. Anderson's Event Center Join the PCB Chamber as we enjoy morning networking with the local business community.
IDEACAMP @ SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Panama City Beach) 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.
AUGUST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS @ Saltwater Grill Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while networking with fellow Panama City Beach Chamber members.
IDEACAMP @ BAY POINT GOLF CLUB 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.
CHAMBER EVENTS
For more information on Beach Chamber events and to register for Panama City Beach Chamber events, please visit pcbeach.org/chamber-events. Events, dates, and other information in this calendar are subject to change after publication is printed.
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News from Tyndall Air Force Base & Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division
2022 Hurricane Season T eam Tyndall has an integrated, multi-level approach
when it comes to hurricane preparedness led by the
What Tyndall is doing to prepare. By Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Photo by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez 16
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
325th Fighter Wing plans and programs office and the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight.
The installation is conducting a comprehensive evaluation
of policies and procedures to ensure information is current
and accurate if Tyndall has to react to a severe weather situation. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, June 1 to
Nov. 30, is expected to have above normal storm expectations. “As we have seen in the past, the worst can happen,” said Capt. Torrance Barach, 325th FW plans and programs chief. “Being prepared gives us the mobility and the freedom to respond to the units by making sure recall rosters and accountability
procedures are organized, which is a great place to start in managing preparedness.”
A I R & S E A | Tyndall Air Force Base
“We have to assume that 70 percent of our personnel
(Left) U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Oliver Chen, 337th Air Control Squadron air battle manager student, reviews the Installation Emergency Management Plan with the chief of plans and programs at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 3, 2022. Tyndall’s IEMP provides a foundation of policies and procedure for severe weather emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)
did not grow up in areas with hurricane experience,” said Maurice Spikes, 325th CES installation emergency
manager. “Taking the time to prepare ahead of time is so
important. Have an evacuation plan with a primary and an alternate location [and within a 350-mile radius] in opposite directions in case the storm changes course. Ensure you
have access to communication and know where the Bay County [designated shelters-in-place] are.”
The Smart Book exists alongside Tyndall’s Installation
Emergency Management Plan; a comprehensive collection of checklists and action items base leadership must
Tyndall designed a “Hurricane Smart Book” which contains
accomplish when responding to various crises.
as well as preparation resources. This allows Tyndall Airmen
“You have to know what your plan is for when a hurricane
necessary to make an emergency plan as well as build a
people and equipment,” said Tech. Sgt. Felipe Gonzalez,
of all members of the household to include spouses, children
emergency management. “The most important thing is
process.
ability to support the mission in an emergency.”
information from national agencies, base and local guidances and their families access to checklists, procedures and tools
happens again; how we are going to protect our planes,
hurricane preparedness kit. Kits should meet the basic needs
325th CES noncommissioned officer in charge of
and pets, which are commonly forgotten in the preparation
knowing your people, where they are and who has the
The 325th CES emergency management flight advises
Tyndall units what responses should be considered in the
appropriate time frames needed for weather preparations as determined by historical data.
“We need to have an integrated response to come together
and work together to secure the base and our people,” said Staff Sgt. Jeydi Delgado, 325th CES NCOIC of emergency
management programs. “When we’re securing the base before a storm, no one knows a unit’s vulnerabilities and assets better than its people.”
The impacts of a hurricane are not new to Tyndall personnel after Hurricane Michael, but the base has taken lessons learned from 2018 to better prepare Airmen, families, units and assets for future storms. Tyndall will always remain
vulnerable to severe weather due to its location, therefore
(Above) Staff Sgt. Jeydi Delgado, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of emergency management programs, looks at photos taken after Hurricane Michael at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 9, 2022. The installation did a comprehensive evaluation of policies and procedures to ensure disseminated information is current and accurate if Tyndall has to react to a severe weather situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)
ensuring the base itself and families are ready remains a commander priority.
“Sometimes it’s easy for us to compartmentalize our
professional [lives] from our personal lives,” said Barach.
“We have to pass down information to our dependents,
make sure that they know how to use the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, that Government
Travel Cards are valid throughout the hurricane season and that we don’t forget pets.”
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 17
NSWC Panama City technical departments battle in
Director’s Cup Challenge By Jeremy Roman | NSWC PCD Public Affairs
A
fter nearly a year of planning, design
Director’s Cup teams consist of new NSWC
of Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City
experience in the workforce. The competition
clashed for the coveted 2022 Technical
enhance critical thinking and learn skillsets to
and production, three teams from each
PCD professionals with less than five years of
Division’s (NSWC PCD) technical departments
provides teams with the opportunity to
Director’s Cup Challenge trophy.
further research, develop, test and evaluation efforts for the Department of the Navy.
a duck boat design, E Department’s “Swag
A - Littoral and Mine Warfare, E - Expeditionary
“One of the purposes of this event is workforce
competition requirements, and X Department’s
Technology, to manufacture an autonomous
opportunity to learn the skills they can use
that accompany the respective course. This
X Department team captain. “Now that our
“The three designs are very different, not just
‘robot’ that could traverse from water to land in
operating systems (ROS), autonomy and the
computer and software architecture and it
course with speed and precision.
ready to jump on current or future projects that
The annual competition charges Departments and Maritime Systems and X - Science and
development. It gives every competitor the
vehicle to overcome the specific challenges
on future projects,” said Melanie MacBain,
year, the major challenge was to design a
people have a bit more background on robot
order to locate specific areas on the navigation
construction of the vehicle, they can be more
“We design each year’s competition to teach
may need that, as well.”
teams technical skills they need to support
This year, the teams competed in three
Walters, NSWC PCD Director’s Cup lead. “For
effort to score the most points and bring the
expeditionary maneuver warfare mission area.
bragging rights. During the final two events,
our new professionals to lead and manage a
major obstacle the teams had to overcome.
our core mission areas,” said Dr. Patrick
preliminary trials and two final events in an
example, this year competition focused on our
trophy to their respective department with
It was also the first opportunity for many of
strong wind, currents and waves were a
technical effort.”
A Department’s team “The Bandits” created
18
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Surfers” created a hovercraft design to meet
team “The aXolotls” vehicle used tracked wheels. How would each team fare?
in terms of physical design, but in terms of was interesting to see how they performed.
Building autonomous robots that can perform in the real world is tough, perhaps tougher than it looks,” said A Department Team Captain Jared Wampler. “…the experience that new professionals get from being involved with the
Director’s Cup is tremendous. I think it’s the most rewarding way to expose new engineers to real-world engineering and the lessons learned will be invaluable to their careers.”
A I R & S E A | NSWC Panama City (Left) Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division's Technical Director's Cup challenged three teams from each of NSWC PCD's technical departments at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla. The teams consisted of new NSWC PCD professionals with less than five years of experience in the workforce. The competition provides teams with the opportunity to enhance critical thinking and learn skillsets to further research, develop, test and evaluation efforts for the Department of the Navy. (U.S. Navy graphic by Jeremy Roman) throughout the competitive experience will not only serve our personnel well but also our Command and ultimately
the Fleet. The more we engage and learn together, the
better we can connect what we do here at the Navy lab with the Warfighters we serve.”
The first Director’s Cup was held in 2015 and stemmed
from a desire to facilitate working relationships across the
departments while also providing each competitor with
a unique experience. It forced them out of their comfort zones and provided new opportunities they may not see in their everyday work.
“I think the experience impacted each team differently. For example, I had very little exposure to autonomy
prior to this event. Now, I hope to find a bridge between autonomy and the hydrodynamic simulations [I run daily] by using what I’ve learned about autonomy here to inform…my simulations,” said Jonathan Eastridge, X
Department team member. “This event has also been
(Above) Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division X Department's – “The aXolotls” – amphibious vehicle transitions from water to land at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla., during preliminary trials of the Technical Director's Cup. They chose to build an amphibious vehicle capable of autonomous navigation both on land and at sea, quickly transitioning between the two, according to X Department Team Captain Melanie MacBain. (U.S. Navy photo by Bob Lindee)
really great because it provided an opportunity for people
who would not normally work together to come together
as a team. Since we have different work areas within our department, I might not have ever worked with these teammates if not for this competition.”
Many of the teams spent approximately 20 percent of
their work week over the past 10 months to work on their
projects. The Director’s Cup is not only a competition to
produce an autonomous vehicle but more importantly
aims to reinforce the infrastructure of and between each department to help the Navy Lab accomplish its
Not only does experience and professional pride come from this competition, but some of
the past designs and elements have gone on to be used in real-world projects according to Walters.
“We are hoping to patent the device we created for this competition,” said Navy Lt. Tim Grondin,
E Department team captain. “It was an honor to be chosen to compete in the Directors Cup, to represent our department and work with my team, Zach and Justin. I am extremely proud of our innovations and creative contributions to science and technology this year.”
“This event encompasses the collaboration of a handful of new professionals who endeavor to
develop technical solutions to meet simulated mission requirements. It embodies everything
that we want to accomplish at our warfare center,” said Dr. Peter Adair, NSWC PCD technical director. “I’m confident the problem solving, the lessons learned and the relationships built
mission—Ensuring Warfighting Dominance in the Littoral Battlespace.
“The teams worked through many challenges throughout the course of the year, refining their design and coming together as a team,” said Walters. “I want the competitors
to walk away with confidence in their abilities. It is not an easy task to design and build an unmanned system this
unique over a short period of time. Each team overcame many challenges to field a competitive platform.”
When the dust and the waves settled, X Department’s “aXolotls” scored the most points and was named the 2022 Technical Director’s Cup champions.
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 19
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 21
The Origins of
TIKI MIKE'S Exotic Tea & Coffee Bar B
By Matthew Raney en Raney and Kelly Boyer have
When the COVID pandemic forced their
professors and unstructured classes for only
been inseparable best friends and
high school to shut down, it robbed
one semester, Ben and Kelly had enough
classmates since Elementary school. From
Ben and Kelly of all senior activities that
and made the decision to pursue their own
a young age, both boys have always had
most kids experience, such as senior
American Dream.
a keen sense of entrepreneurship. Both
prom and their high school graduation
Ben and Kelly would assemble their own
ceremony. They even had to receive their
With their management experience and
lemonade stands during their childhood
diplomas through the car window. Before
an overwhelming desire to make a life for
summers in order to secure spending money
leaving for college, both boys accepted
themselves, both boys hit the road for the
for family vacations. Growing up in Canton,
promotions into management at their
only other place they have considered
Georgia, both of their families often chose
local Mcdonald's to pay their way through
home—Panama City Beach. As soon as they
Panama City Beach as the destination for
school. The college experience turned
arrived, Ben and Kelly exerted all of their
their seasonal trips. It became a tradition to
out to be very different from what they
effort and energy into finding their location.
visit the area, and the boys' fondness for the
were expecting, and it forced them to
After contacting what seemed to be everyone
city would serve to be instrumental by the
spend all of their time in their rooms on
in the area, they found an abandoned shack
time they were old enough to be on their
Zoom classes instead of being able to explore
and immediately went to work dressing it up.
own.
the campus. After tolerating disorganized
22
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Falling
back
on
their
food-industry
and named by different family members.
experience and the nostalgia of their
Even the shack highlights the hard work
childhoods, the boys sparked the idea
put in by both families to get the business
to create a super-sized version of the
off its feet. Tiki Mike's has been an entire
lemonade stands they assembled as
family affair.
kids. Instead of lemonades, they would upgrade their menu to frappuccinos
Ben and Kelly are now fulfilling their
and fruit teas. To show appreciation for
dreams of running their own business and
the unwavering support that Ben and
living their best lives on the beach. They
Kelly received from their families, they
love meeting new people and will often
ensured that their business reflected
find themselves playing basketball with
the labor of those who made this
the locals at Frank Brown Park. They also
venture possible. The Tiki Mike's logo
enjoy trying out all the local restaurants
was created by Ben's sisters and the
around town that they didn't visit on their
name is inspired by his late grandfather.
vacations throughout their childhoods.
His
the
With the summer season upon us, Ben
marketing efforts, and his parents secured
brother
has
spearheaded
and Kelly are eager to keep Panama City
connections with the city to accelerate the
Beach cool and refreshed at Tiki Mike's Tea
growth. Several drinks were concocted
& Coffee Bar! WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 23
r e m m u S
H C A E s k B c i r T & s p Ti 15 Tips & tricks for a hassle-free Beach experience A
by Tiffiney Castleberry
s we enter the dog days of summer, you can't help but crave splashing into the refreshing waters of Panama City Beach, sinking your toes into the soft, warm sand, and enjoying the fresh, salty aroma of the Gulf breeze. But let's face it—not every aspect of your beach trip can go exactly as planned. To
24
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
help get you on the right track for your next beach visit, I decided to compile this list of beach tips and tricks so you can have a more enjoyable time. Become a professional beachgoer by incorporating a few of these tips for a more hassle-free experience on the sugary white sands of Panama City Beach.
Make a day at the beach even more fun by bringing a football, frisbee, kite, or even a 1. game of cornhole. Put your cell phone in a resealable plastic bag, such as a Ziplock, to keep it dry 2. and sand-free. The touchscreen will still work through the plastic. Use baby powder to remove sand from your skin quickly. Baby powder 3. removes moisture from your skin, so when you rub it over the sandy areas of your body, the sand will dry out and fall right off.
Freeze your water bottles instead of bringing ice packs to keep your snacks 4. cold and fresh. Your water will be extra cold for hours, and your snacks will stay fresh, too. For the kids, bring along frozen Capri Suns and let them thaw until they are like a slushy.
Make soothing aloe vera ice cubes for quick relief to a painful sunburn. Fill 5. an ice cube tray 3/4 full of aloe vera gel for a few hours or overnight. Some aloe vera
gels have added ingredients that can disrupt the freezing process, so be sure to use a 100% pure aloe gel.
Use a mesh bag to carry beach toys to prevent bringing sand home with you. 6. Just shake it out before leaving the beach and VOILA! No more bags full of beach sand! For a sand-free picnic or lounging area, lay out a fitted sheet upside down, place a heavy item in each corner such as 7. a cooler or beach bag, and pull the corners around them. Bring a tent for the kids to play or rest in whenever they need a break. This is useful, especially if you have little ones 8. who need naps. A tent will keep them from catching too much sun and allow them to rest easier. Just make sure it is wellventilated.
Avoid your valuables from being stolen by stashing them in an empty sunscreen bottle. You can also put your 9. valuables inside a rolled-up diaper. (People will assume it's dirty and stay away from it.) Come prepared to treat jellyfish stings the right way. If you get stung by a jellyfish, pour vinegar over the sting! 10. Jellyfish tentacles launch little stingers into your skin and release venom. When vinegar is poured onto the sting, it prevents more poison from releasing. Jellyfish can sting even when they are beached, so when your kids find one and decide to get a little curious, be sure to keep them away.
You and your kids just dug a massive hole on the beach, and you couldn't be any prouder of your teamwork and 11. accomplishment. I know digging holes on the beach is fun (believe me), but please make sure you fill them in before you
leave. When left unfilled, not only can people fall in, resulting in serious injury, but these holes become death traps to our sea turtles. Feeding the seagulls seems like it would be a great time; however, it is highly inadvisable. As soon as you feed 12. one of these beach scavengers, somehow they ALL see it! The next thing you know, your beach site is overwhelmed with seagulls flocking around you. (It takes forever to shoo them away and you need to cover your heads, if you catch my drift.) Down here for a birthday? Panama City Beach is home to nearly a hundred public 13. beach access points. Find the beach access number of the age you are turning and have your picture taken underneath it! Scan this QR Code to find the beach access points map.
PCB has an ordinance, Leave Only Footprints, in place to protect our beaches and wildlife. Any personal items left 14. on the beach unaccompanied between 7 pm – 7 am will be removed and disposed of. Please, leave only footprints. Rip currents are unpredictable, dangerous, and sometimes fatal. It's important to 15. take the beach flag system seriously and know what signs to look for. Want to receive text alerts when the beach flags change? Text "PCBFLAGS" to 888777. Scan this QR code to learn more about what to look for.
I hope you found these beach tips useful for your visit to our beautiful beaches this summer. Stay safe out there! WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 25
Sea Screamer
Capt. Anderson's Marina
Adventures at Sea
attractions & Things to do
A GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO PLAY IN BAY COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS
OUTDOOR FUN AXE 850 (Mobile Bus)
8 Miracle Strip Loop Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 819-9966 facebook.com/Axe850
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bear Creek Feline Center 8822 Tracy Way Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 722-9927 bearcreekfelinecenter.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City of Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation
16200 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-5045 pcbfl.gov/departments/parksrecreation-department
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coconut Creek Mini Golf & Gran Maze
9807 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 234-2625 coconutcreekfun.com 26
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Friends of Camp Helen State Park
23937 W. Highway 98 Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 238-1900 friendsofcamphelen.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friends of St. Andrews State Park
5401 State Park Circle Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 387-5036 friendsofstandrews.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gulf World
15412 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 234-5271 gulfworldmarinepark.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hidden Lagoon Super Racetrack and Golf
Panhandle Helicopter
15726 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 230-2080 panhandlehelicopter.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pedal PCB
13800 Panama City Beach Parkway, Suite 106-D Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 373-3122 pcbeach.org/membership/pedalpcb-llc
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pirate's Island Adventure Golf
9518 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 235-1171 piratesislandgolf.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SkyWheel
14414 Front Beach Road 15700 L.C. Hilton Jr. Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-1825 (850) 888-0020 hiddenlagoongolfandracetrack.com skywheelpcb.com
Zoo World
Paradise Adventures
Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Holiday Golf Club
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3449 Bonnett Pond Road Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 773-2897 seacrestwolfpreserve.org
Swampy Jack's WONGO Adventure
284 Powell Adams Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 234-9973 wongoadventure.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ZooWorld
9008 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 230-1243 zooworldpcb.com
GOLFING ...................................... Bay Point Golf Club
4701 Bay Point Road Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 235-6950 baypointgolfclub.com
100 Fairway Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 234-1800 holidaygolfclub.com
Signal Hill Golf Course
9615 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-5051 signalhillgolfcourse.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunny Hills Golf Club
3634 Country Club Blvd. Sunny Hills, FL 32428 (850) 773-3619 sunnyhillsgolfclub.com
WonderWorks
LOW SPEED VEHICLE RENTALS ...................................... California Cycles
13416 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 866-8414 calicycles.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California Cycles
14932 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 866-8414 calicycles.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windswept Dunes Golf Club
11 Clubhouse Drive Freeport, FL 32439 (850) 835-1847 windsweptdunes.com
ON THE WATER Adventures at Sea
5709 N. Lagoon Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 235-0009 watersportspc.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capt. Anderson III Shell Island Dolphin Tours 5550 N. Lagoon Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-3435 captandersonsmarina.com
Happy Days Adventures – Dolphin/Snorkel Tours 4601 W. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 628-9919 happydayspcb.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Island Tiki Tours
312 Bayshore Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 832-5958 islandtikitours.com
Island Time Sailing
5201 North Lagoon Drive, Suite 3 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-7377 islandtimesailing.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JetSurf PCB
4601 W. Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 832-9367 jetsurfpcb.com
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 27
F E A T U R E | At tractions & Things to Do (continued) Lagoon Pontoons
5201 N. Lagoon Drive, Suite 1 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 588-8700 lagoonpontoon.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paradise Adventures Catamaran
4114 Jan Cooley Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 769-3866 paradiseadventurespcb.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paradise Tours
3901 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 774-2628 paradisetoursllc.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reef Board Rentals
Serving Bay County & Surrounding Areas (636) 399-1499 reefboardrentals.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise 5325 N. Lagoon Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-7400 piratecruise.net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruises
3605 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 233-9107 seascreamer.net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shipwreck Island Waterpark 12201 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 234-3333 shipwreckisland.com
Friends of Camp Helen State Park
28
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
St. Andrews Shell Island Adventures & Shell Island Shuttle 4607 State Park Lane Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (844) 907-4355 standrewsshellisland.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vortex Spring
1517 Vortex Springs Lane Ponce De Leon, FL 32455 (850) 836-4979 vortexspring.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wolfe Watersports / HydroFly PCB
P.O. Box 1837 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 919-5390 wolfewatersportspcb.com
BOATING, FISHING, MARINE ...................................... Capt. Anderson's Marina Charter & Deep Sea Fishing 5550 N. Lagoon Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-3435 captandersonsmarina.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GoldenRod Fishing Charters 3151 West 10th Street (St. Andrews Marina) Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 527-2198 goldenrodfishingcharters.com
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Hook’em Up Charters
5550 N Lagoon Drive, Slip 1E Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 774-8333 pcbeachfishingcharters.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jubilee & Treasure Island Deep Sea Fishing 3605 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-2111 jubileefishing.com
DIVING ...................................... Dive Locker
1010 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 230-8006 divelocker.net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diver's Den
3120 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-8717 diversdenpcb.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panama City Diving
106 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 588-8077 panamacitydiving.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red Alert Diving
1619 Moylan Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 238-8760 redalertdiving.com
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 29
Fresh Seafood Daily RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
The Grand Marlin features seafood so fresh we print our menus daily to take advantage of the local catch. Come for mouthwatering dishes, island cocktails, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful views!
For reservations call 850-249-1500 5323 N. Lagoon Dr. | Panama City Beach | Serving Dinner Daily | Sunday Brunch 10-2
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Royal Escape Rooms
Kartona Electric Speedway
Rock'It Lanes
INDOOR ACTIVITIES Axe Throwing PCB
Man in the Sea Museum
Science & Discovery Center
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
525 Richard Jackson Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-4790 axethrowingpcb.com
Bodies Human
9902 S. Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (561) 628-9631 bodieshuman.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave & Busters
15701 LC Hilton Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 238-3501 daveandbusters.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ebro Card Room
6558 Dog Track Road Ebro, FL 32437 (850) 234-3943 goebro.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Just Jump Trampoline Park
11220 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (844) 344-5867 pcb.justjump.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaleidoscope Theatre 207 E. 24th Street Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 265-3226 kt-online.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kartona Electric Speedway 7125 U.S. Highway 98 Panama City Beach, FL 32405 (833) 527-8662 kartonaelectricspeedway.com
17314 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 235-4101 maninthesea.org
NexGen VR Arcade
7107 W. Highway 98 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-9945 nexgen-vr.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Panama City Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 744 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 785-7677 panamacitysymphony.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium
9907 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 230-6113 ripleys.com/panamacitybeach
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rock'It Lanes
513 Richard Jackson Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-2695 rockitlanes.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Escape Rooms
477 N. Richard Jackson Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-2805 royalescaperooms.com
308 Airport Road Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 769-6128 scienceanddiscoverycenter.org
WonderWorks
9910 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-7000 wonderworksonline.com
ART & PAINTING/ ART STUDIOS ...................................... Bay Arts Alliance
19 E 4th Street Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 640-3670 bayarts.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beach Art Group
7940 Front Beach Road Suite 128 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 541-3867 beachartgroup.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crushed Glass Art Studio PCB
10310 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 238-2526 crushedpcb.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinspiration PCB
2423 Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 249-6040 pinspiration.com/ WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 31
WINERIES/WINE BARS/BREWERIES/ DISTILLERIES ...................................... 30A Distilling Co.
Distillery 98
Idyll Hounds Brewery
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
605 N County Highway 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 253-7564 30adistillingco.com
Chautauqua Vineyards/ Emerald Coast Winery
1708 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-9500 emeraldcoastwinecellars.com
835 Serenoa Road Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 919-2400 distillery98.com
Duplin Winery (coming soon)
10101 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (800) 774-9634 duplinwinery.com
845 Serenoa Road Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 231-1138 idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com
Panama City Beach Winery 8730 Thomas Drive Suite 1103-B Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 233-5950 panamacitybeachwinery.com
BEACH SERVICES AtYourServicePCB.com
Endless Beach Rentals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serving Bay County (850) 832-2386 atyourservicepcb.com
BestPanamaCityBeach Bonfires.com
Serving the Bay County Area (850) 896-8813 bestpanamacitybeachbonfires.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chairs2U Beach Chair Rentals
Serving the Bay County Area (850) 249-0552 endlessrentalspcb.com
Goin' to the Beach! Beach Service
11212 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 233-7505 goingtothebeach.com
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Serving the Bay County Area (862) 268-2667 pcbpicnics.com
BEACH WHEELCHAIR RENTALS ...................................... Beach Powered Mobility
Serving the Bay County Area (850) 333-0210 beachpoweredmobility.com
Serving Bay County & Beyond (850) 691-8318 chairs2u.com
Endless Beach Rentals
PCB Picnics
Pinspiration PCB
Beach Powered Mobility
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 33
i e e e G
E d Hey ik
By the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
O
ne of the unfortunate consequences of the
battalion became part of the historic German siege of Bastogne
Covid-19 pandemic was that in the turmoil and
during the Battle of the Bulge in the Belgian Ardennes. It was
confusion of that worldwide tragedy, we missed the opportunity
there that Sergeant Ed Hickey nearly lost his life in combat.
last year to say farewell to one of the founding members of the Panama City Beach tourism industry. Here is our belated farewell.
Seriously injured with a head wound by shrapnel from a German artillery shell, he didn’t regain consciousness for weeks, waking
Edward Francis Hickey Jr. passed away on April 18, 2021, after a
to find himself in an Army hospital back in the United States. It
long and courageous battle with cancer. But even then, he scored
took eight months for his recovery, but he was back on active
one final personal victory, having told his family and friends he
duty crossing the country to participate in the planned invasion
was determined to reach his 94th birthday – which he did three
of Japan when the war ended on September 2, 1945.
days before passing. Rejoining civilian life in 1946, Mr. Hickey briefly worked for his Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on April 15, 1927, Ed Hickey’s
father’s men’s hat business in New York but returned to south
first introduction to Florida came at the age of thirteen when he
Florida after a brief period and began working in the hospitality
enrolled at the Florida Military Academy. Graduating in 1944 at
industry. One of his first jobs was managing The Tides Hotel and
the age of seventeen, he persuaded his parents, Edward H. Hickey
Bath Club at Redington Beach outside St. Petersburg.
Sr. and Lucille Handyside Hickey, to sign a waiver permitting him to enlist in the U.S. Army. After boot camp and airborne infantry
“Ed actually came to St. Petersburg to convalesce from his war
training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he joined the fabled 101st
wounds,” recalled Redington Shores businessman Nick Simons.
Airborne Division in France and took part in Operation Market-
“That’s how he got into the beach service business in the first
Garden, the Allied military operation in September 1944 to seize
place – he got bored,” Simons said with a laugh.
a bridge over the Rhine River at Arnhem. Three months later, his
34
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Photo provided by J Michael's Restaurant
Ed Hickey formed several beach service businesses in south Florida, then expanded to operate in more than fifty locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Myrtle Beach, San Diego and the U.S. Virgin Islands, before finding his lifelong home in Panama City Beach in 1952. His first business here was a beach concession behind Long Beach Resort. Dick Doerr was Ed Hickey’s choice to operate his startup Panama City Beach operation. He first met his mentor in 1955 while a 16-year-old high school junior in Redington Beach. Starting out as a lifeguard, he soon helped Mr. Hickey in various other activities at the hotel, including movies and bingo nights. After his high school graduation in 1957, Doerr said, Hickey made him an unforgettable offer. “He said, ‘How would you like to go up to Panama City Beach and run the beach services there?’ ” Dazzled by the opportunity, the 18-year-old Doerr loaded a Jeep and trailer with beach supplies – chairs, umbrellas and canvas floats – and headed north to the Panhandle. Before long, the business expanded to provide beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, paddleboards and parasail adventures to its customers. “The only thing [we had] on the Beach at that time was a 12-by12-foot concrete building with a garage door for the equipment,” Doerr recalled. Decades before its growth into a world-class tourist destination, the 27-mile Gulf beachfront was a jumbled line of oneand two-story houses and apartments. “We would work twelve hours a day, seven days a week,” he said. “At the end of summer, we’d haul everything back to Redington Beach.”
Ed Hickey became a true pioneer in Panama City Beach tourism. In addition to founding Ed’s Beach Service, which grew to provide equipment at several dozen beachside resorts and hotels along Front Beach Road, he founded a half-dozen other businesses. These included a trampoline center, a paddle boat concession on the lake behind Long Beach Plaza, and a rental car company. He also owned a hotel in Redington Shores and co-founded a custom furniture store in Boone, N.C. Jay Quave started out as a lifeguard working for Ed Hickey, but the two men consolidated their relationship in 1989 when they became business partners and expanded to become the regional distributors for Panama Jack suntan products across the Gulf Coast. Mr. Hickey had known company founder Jack Katz since 1974 when the former University of Florida football star launched his company. “After the success of Panama Jack suntan products, Ed suggested that Jack put the Panama Jack logo on T-shirts, towels, hats, etc.” Quave recalled. “Ed was a marketing genius. He put Panama Jack on Hobie Cat sails, beach chairs and umbrellas, and flew the banner plane down the beach with Panama Jack on it.” Quave bought out Mr. Hickey’s share in the business in 1996 and remains CEO of Gulf Coast Panama Jack. “Ed was a mentor to me and hundreds of other young men,” Quave said. Another business Mr. Hickey founded is still operating today: Opened in 1982, Ed’s Sheds at 8224 Panama City Beach Parkway today is one of the oldest self-storage facilities in the city. According to Marilyn Petry, manager of the business since 2000, Hickey originally needed a place to store his beach service products, but soon realized there was a growing market for providing self-storage spaces for other residents. “He really didn’t start out to make a storage business,” Petry said. “But it grew.”
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 35
As a community leader, Mr. Hickey helped develop the first City Hall building in Panama City Beach; he was a supportive member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the prestigious “Pioneer of the Year” award in 1999 for his many contributions. Many community leaders today recall how Hickey mentored and guided them as they began their careers on the beach. “We developed a very close personal relationship,” recalled Jeff DiBenedictis, Market President for BancorpSouth, on his first encounter with Hickey twenty-five years ago. “He was like a father to me; he treated me as a son.” To Marilyn Petry, Ed Hickey was the quintessential self-made man who mentored countless young people as they entered the business world. “He taught people the right work ethic,” Petry recalled. “A lot of people who worked for him went on to be very successful themselves.” Like so many other young people who found themselves working for Ed Hickey, Doerr described him as a stern boss but inside, a loving person. “He was the best, but if you didn’t do your job, he would fire you in a heartbeat.” Petry agreed. “He was gruff on the outside, but when you got to know him, he was a very gentle, caring man.” She noted that many people he had worked with at the onset of his career at the Beach would call him each year on his birthday. “Some [would call who worked with Ed] as long as forty or even fifty years ago,” Petry said. “He is missed here a lot.” For Nick Simons, meeting the World War II veteran when he himself was just a 13-year-old teenager living outside St. Petersburg proved to be a major turning point in his life. “Ed saw something in me, and we forged a 60-year friendship,” said Simons, who today owns a beach service firm in Redington Shores. “Everything I know about business I learned by listening, watching and observing what Ed did.” Simons said he made a point of coming up to Panama City Beach when he heard that Hickey’s long journey was nearing the end. “We visited,” Simons said. “He was still pretty lucid, his mind clear despite his ailments. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more. He was one of a kind.” A close family member echoed that sentiment. “Ed was an awesome man with a heart of gold – occasionally a dagger for a tongue,” recalled Kimberly Alloway, Lynn’s daughter from a previous marriage. “But he was a man who truly loved everyone and loved to see people better themselves …. ” Ed Hickey Jr. is survived by his loving partner, Lynn Alloway, two sons, Edward Hickey III and Matthew Gill; two grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
36
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
F E A T U R E | Remembering Ed Hickey (continued)
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CLUB 360
C
lub 360 (#womengivingbackfullcircle) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit formed to help engage girls to learn more about their ideal career
choice prior to graduating high school and assist them with financial support.
We are like-minded women who are giving back full circle through educational programs that include career assessments, surveys, video instruction, career shadowing, and scholarship opportunities.
Our target audience may surprise you, as it is a unique approach. Club 360 is about helping girls who get lost in the shuffle of finding their way in life after high school. Traditionally, when it comes to family
household income, we serve the middle class, and typically the girls are
not able to qualify for a grant to help fund their education. In addition, their GPA is between a 2.0 and 2.8, which isn’t high enough for scholarship opportunities. Our program helps girls who need our help - both with solidifying their career choice and with financial support.
Members of Club 360 have the goal of helping these amazing young ladies find success early in life, without having a multitude of student loans to repay for years to come. In addition, because we are like-
CULVERS
minded women, the club provides opportunities for personal growth and support to our members. To learn more about Club 360, please
contact Irene Field, founding member and president at ifield@ club360bay.org or call 850-769-3357.
A
t Culver’s, our mission is, “We genuinely care, so every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.” So, whether we’re cooking the
perfect ButterBurger® to order or scooping up our freshest batch of the Flavor of the Day, we work hard to ensure you are getting a wholesome, delicious meal served with a heartfelt smile and hometown hospitality. Our promise to never compromise on quality begins with sourcing the best ingredients and continues through the way we prepare your meal: fresh and just for you. It’s why we always use fresh, never-frozen beef and whole, white meat chicken from America’s family farms. It’s why we only use family farm fresh dairy for our Frozen Custard. And it’s why every single cheese curd we’ve served has come from a Wisconsin dairy farm. We care about where your food comes from because we know you do too. Culver’s of Panama City Beach opened in June 2016 and is locally owned and operated by Brian and Karissa Maytum. We are committed to supporting the local community and strive to make meaningful differences in the lives of others. From sponsorships to donations and fundraising, we are always looking for ways to support local schools, community organizations, and agriculture, to name a few. Our heart for the people we serve inspires us to make our community stronger by creating opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (850) 249-0709 or go to culvers.com.
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T S | Featured Chamber Members
MS. NEWBYS
W
elcome to Ms. Newbys! "Come as strangers, leave as family."
That's
been
the
motto
since
Melva
Newby
opened it back in 1975. Now 47 years later, her grandsons, Will
and
Wes,
are
keeping
the
family
tradition
alive.
They have since expanded from one small package store and bar to three large package stores and bars, each with its own ambiance. The original Ms. Newbys, located at 8711 Thomas Drive, has expanded to an inside bar and package store with the addition of an outdoor patio bar with live music and karaoke, and an upstairs "office" bar and deck with craft draft beer and a DJ every night. Newbys Too, located at 4103 Thomas Drive, was just recently renovated and is a sports fan's dream come true! It has 23 TVs showing all the sports you could wish for, pool tables, dart boards, 21 drafts on tap, and an outside pavilion featuring live music and hookah! Last but certainly not least is Newbys Brew and Booze, located at 7800 Front Beach Road. This location features a full coffee house, package store, craft beer, craft cocktails, and wine on draft! Newbys Brew and Booze plays host to comedy nights and live music and has an outdoor firepit on its back deck. No matter what you are into, one of the Ms. Newbys locations can fit your need!
STEINER EVENT GROUP
S
teiner Event Group, LLC, or SEG, is your connection for planning exceptional events. SEG’s main area of specialty is event planning (SEG Events and SEG Weddings), but we also help talented individuals connect with fitness and fashion contacts (SEG Talent), and we work with exceptional vendors to help clients promote their venue, services, and products (SEG Media). SEG is honored to have worked with so many clients in the PCB area, from weddings, corporate events, and concept shoots, to working with Beach Care Services on their fundraising events, such as their golf tournament, duck races, and the upcoming Dinner on the Bay.
Rick Steiner started SEG several years ago to fill a void in the planning industry. SEG believes that once the contract is signed with a client, we are committed until the final detail is completed at the conclusion of the event. Our focus is attention to detail, and our goal is to bring a client’s vision to life while eliminating the stress involved. Whether it is a corporate event, wedding, or destination wedding, we assist in providing the better vendor choices that reflect your vision, personality, and budget. Please allow SEG the opportunity to discuss what we can offer to ease your stress so that you can enjoy your wedding or event in the most beautiful location. To learn more about SEG, visit steinereventgroup.com or email steinereventgroup@gmail.com. WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 39
See + Be Seen FIRST FRIDAY WITH THE BEACH FSU Panama City | May 6, 2022
40
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
We’ll Buy Your Car!
SAFE. FAST. CONVENIENT. Sell us your car and avoid the hassle of Craig’s List or Facebook Marketplace. Get a firm offer on our website in minutes.
panamacitytoyota.com • 850-769-3377 WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 41
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Friends of Camp Helen State Park | May 19, 2022
42
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
S E E & B E S E E N | continued
IDEACAMP House of Henry | May 25, 2022
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 43
S E E & B E S E E N | continued
JAM ON THE COAST 5K Frank Brown Park | April 21-22, 2022
presented by
For all event photos, visit our Facebook: 44
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
www.facebook.com/pcbeachchamber
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 45
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS House of Bourbon | June 16, 2022
46
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
The right business partner makes all the difference.
866-940-2098 wowbusiness.com
©2022 WideOpenWest Finance, LLC.
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 47
Ambassadors R E P R E S E N T YO U R C H A M B E R BY JAMES CLEMENS
Ambassador Meeting | House of Henry
W
What an honor it is to tell you about the Panama
makes their company a great place to do business. There is so much
City Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. As
greatness happening under the umbrella of the Beach Chamber, and
prestigious as the title is, the real value of being an ambassador rests
the ambassadors are right there.
in our mission to strengthen area businesses and create a network for even more to happen.
If your business or employer is a member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and you want to help our business community
Some things I find fun about this team are the diverse backgrounds
thrive, I encourage you to get involved and help us in our quest for
and unique skills of the people in our group. This assembly of
excellence in Bay County and beyond!
knowledge and experience is a great occasion for all of us to gain & grow from the experiences. All year long, PCB Chamber Ambassadors offer their time to help others succeed by attending grand openings, ribbon cuttings, exclusive parties, and grand affairs. It’s networking amplified by octane to elevate the businesses and individuals who participate. We’re making it happen together by building bridges and relationships. Yes, the Ambassadors from the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce are superstars. They are superstars on behalf of the companies they represent, too, as they arrive prepared to share what
48
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
WHAT IS A BEACH CHAMBER AMBASSADOR? Panama City Beach Chamber Ambassadors attend Groundbreakings, Grand Openings, Beautifications, and Ribbon Cuttings and work with staff at networking events such as Business After Hours, Friday at the Beach, Annual Golf Classic, Women’s Work-Life Symposium, and much more. Ambassadors get the opportunity to network and meet fellow Chamber members. There is no cost to join the Beach Chamber Ambassadors! If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please email Missy@pcbeach.org.
C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E S | Ambassadors
meet your
Ambassador Chair JAMES CLEMENS Mica Specialties james@micaspecialties.com
meet your
Ambassador Co-Chair JAMES JOHNSON Merchant Management Group jamesj@mmgapply.com
THE STRONGEST, MOST ADVANCED SILVERADO EVER.
2022 CHEVY SILVERADO LTD Z71 4X4
2251 West 23rd Street • Panama City, FL 850-250-5489 • BillCramerGM.com WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 49
A COMMUNITY YOU CAN COUNT ON JASON MOREHOUSE
TY JOHNSON
PRESIDENT, BAY COUNTY DIVISION
VICE PRESIDENT
11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1008
1602 W 23RD STREET PANAMA CITY, FL 32405 850.704.4335
NMLS# 653120
NMLS# 1597521
CHRISTY COULTHARD
SARAH RACKLEY
11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1016
1602 W 23RD STREET PANAMA CITY, FL 32405 850.775.1002
NMLS# 791088
NMLS# 1867768
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
HAYLEY BRYANT
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 11341 PANAMA CITY BLVD PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32407 850.775.1012
50
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
C O M M I T T E E U P D A T E S | IdeaCamp
IdeaCamp INSPIRE • ENERGIZE • IGNITE
I
BY GARY WHITE
can remember as a child—Whether it was kool-aid or cotton candy, it didn’t matter; I would always want more. It could be a ride at the
amusement park and I wanted to ride it again. When I reached a certain
we know it is there, it is available, and we want it. More is a delight. We are blessed to receive it and very blessed to give it.
speed on my bicycle, I wanted more, or when my Dad would reach a
IdeaCamp is an environment created by the Beach Chamber where
would win a championship game, and I always wanted more. I met
more friends who want to see YOU reach for more. The right seed in
certain speed on the motorcycle, I would ask for more. My ball team the woman of my dreams, asked for a date, and wanted more.
To this day, I still want more. I always want more. I have seen it translated into my children. I mean, I still have the images in my mind with the sippy cup extended towards me, “More.”
There are things in life like these examples that are just a given. We know there is more, and we know it is accessible. If we don’t get it on the first
try, we give it a go and take another route until we get more because
you can always find more. More ideas, more opportunities, and many
the right place will most certainly grow. The Beach Chamber knows that you have the seed of greatness in you and IdeaCamp is the perfect environment for that seed. Come grow with us!
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.
UPCOMING IDEACAMPS JULY 2022
AUGUST 2022
Date/Time: Wednesday, 7/27/2022 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Date/Time: Wednesday, 8/31/2022 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Registration: Please go to pcbeach.org/chamber-events
Registration: Please go to pcbeach.org/chamber-events
Location: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach
Presented by Southwest Airlines and sponsored by A Superior Air Conditioning, Hare Taylor, Mica Specialties, Panama City Toyota, and Regions Mortgage
Location: Bay Point Golf Club
Presented by Southwest Airlines and sponsored by Arc of the Bay, A Superior Air Conditioning, Hare Taylor, and Panama City Toyota
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 51
MarK ShelDon
Mayor, City of Panama City Beach
“T
hank you for your service” is a common expression we extend
to our military. And we should never stop thanking them. We should never stop
this great nation in any capacity can be honored with a patriot banner, which will be placed around July 4th on the light posts along Powell Adams Road.
showing our gratitude.
Each banner will contain a photo of the servicemember, their name,
Bay County is a patriotic community.
necessary that the veteran be a resident or former resident of Bay
We have a strong military presence with
Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support
Activity, and a U.S. Coast Guard Station, all calling Bay County home.
The mere presence of these installations contributes to a larger population of current and former military. Many of these servicemen
and women choose to remain in the community after their service to their country concludes, or they return here to finish out their service and then retire.
branch of service, and the war/conflict they served in. It is not
County. These banners will remain in place through Veteran’s Day, then be returned to the family.
This community, this country, owes a huge debt to our men and
women in uniform, past and present. Veterans have protected our country, our freedoms and our values. They did this by putting their lives on the line. They left their families to protect all our families. It is important to remember their service and honor our veterans and their families.
Our community appreciates and recognizes the contributions of all
To participate in the Veteran Hero program, download the form
or two days out of the year. Now, we have a means by which to honor
Communications Director Debbie Ingram (debbie.ingram@pcbfl.
those who have served. But we don’t just want to recognize them one these brave men and women throughout the entire year.
The City of Panama City Beach is announcing our new Veteran Hero
program, whereby anyone can purchase a banner saluting a parent, child, sibling, or friend who served in the military. Anyone who served
DR. RANDY HANNA
he Triumph Gulf Coast Board recently approved a $7.6 million grant to provide partial funding for Florida State University Panama City’s Collegiate Laboratory High School. I am excited about the partnership with the Florida State University College of Education and the ability to serve military families in the area.
The Collegiate Laboratory High School, expected to open as early as fall 2023, will be the first of its kind in Bay County. The school will provide students in grades 9-12 from Bay and Gulf counties the opportunity to engage in experiential learning with experts in a chosen field. This will extend the benefits of having a local, top 20-public university to families of high school-aged children and enhance educational opportunities in Northwest Florida. Admission preference to Collegiate Laboratory High School will be given to dependent children of active-duty military personnel. Eligible students in grades 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to earn college credits through dual enrollment, thus accelerating their
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
gov) at City Hall, 17007 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City
Beach, FL 32413. Please include a digital photograph. Banners are $100 each.
God bless all our veterans and all of you.
Dean, FSU PANAMA CITY
T
52
on pcbfl.gov under How Do I/Honor a Veteran Hero. Send it to
degree attainment and saving their families thousands of dollars. This is part of the FSU PC Promise. Here, we offer students the resources to become the best versions of themselves, partnering with them to reach their academic goals, preparing them for the workforce or graduate degrees, helping them set their path through hands-on learning, removing financial barriers, and making this a place they can always call home. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the campus lately, I invite you to come and see the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection, which has been extended through July 28. The exhibit is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and by appointment. We welcome groups and individuals to see this important part of American history, which has been exhibited worldwide. Admission is free because of the support of generous donors. The cultivators of the Kinsey Collection, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, will be back in Panama City for closing events. Visit pc.fsu.edu/kinsey for updates.
A R O U N D T O W N | Community Updates
Dr. John Holdnak
PRESIDENT, GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE
W
hen I started working at Gulf Coast Community College back in the summer of 1982, things seemed to be calmer and slower than I find it at Gulf Coast State College some 40 years later! While implementing new ways and enhancing existing ones to support and serve our students has always been our summertime focus. Over the years, we’ve found new ways and followed new paths to expand our role as this community’s college. The lack of sufficient nurses at all levels is becoming a regional and national crisis, compounded in this area by the expansion of several existing medical facilities and the impending development of a new
as well as the employees working at the many surrounding businesses. The clinic will accept most insurances and has a sliding “ability to pay” scale for those who are currently uninsured. Though summertime is usually considered “fun time” for many, the College also offers a huge slate of credit, non-credit, and recreational programs, courses, and activities that appeal to mostly anyone. Summer youth programs in sports, cooking, STEM, and STEAM are sure to capture the imagination of learners of many ages. We are also expanding our “Prepper” series of non-credit courses to include not only series favorites like “Building Bugout Bags” and “Using Solar Energy in an Off-Grid Setting” but to also include a catalog of favorites from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program, created by FEMA. These courses, held in conjunction with county staff, will educate people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact this area and train them
In addition, we have partnered with PanCare Health, a local medical provider, in a newly opened on-campus health clinic. This full-service clinic will not only serve the campus communities of both Gulf Coast and Florida State University – Panama City Campus, but it will also be open and available to the residents of surrounding neighborhoods,
While summertime can be a time for a little rest and relaxation, it can also be a time to jump into enjoyable and useful programs and activities that will meet all levels of interest and ability. I hope to see you on campus soon.
hospital. Gulf Coast has implemented several initiatives that, over the next couple of years, will result in a substantial increase in the number of nurses and related allied health professions that we are able to produce to assist our community with combatting this crisis.
in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Courses will also include topics like business continuity planning, HAM radio operations, people and pet first aid/CPR, active shooter response, and the like.
an d. Se a Ai r. L .
Providing training and support to Emergency Responders before, during, and aaer a disaster. Learn more at gulfcoast.edu/tempest WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 53
KIM BODINE
Executive Director, CAREERSOURCE GULF COAST
S
ummer is hot, and so is our local job market. Low regional unemployment and the high demand for workers have not put a damper on continued job availability and growth in the Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County areas. First, let’s update you on the current employment situation as we enter summer.
April’s unemployment rate of 2.1 percent for the Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County region is not only the lowest since the start of the pandemic, but it is at a historic low. Across the summer months, we expect to see much of the same. The labor force has grown month over month showing workers rapidly returning to work. April’s employment of 97,511 in the region is the highest since the beginning of the pandemic and since Hurricane Michael struck in October of 2018. For those who remain out of work or those who wish to explore new career opportunities, there are abundant opportunities. The job market remains red-hot for job seekers, and confidence is high as they are leaving their positions in search of new ones with higher wages. Voluntary departures (quits) were near an all-time high as job seekers pursued these new job opportunities, according to the April JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for talent from employers continues to remain elevated, however, with job openings at or near an all-time high, as per the April JOLT report. Nationally, there were 1.9 job openings for every unemployed person. Employers are also holding on tightly to their existing workforce, with layoffs and discharges at a national record low in April. Employers continue to lure workers with increased wages. Between 2019 and 2020, wages have increased 5.3 percent in the Bay, Gulf, and Franklin region, below Florida’s 7.9 percent increase. As we make our way into the summer, job postings have increased. Between April and May, job postings jumped to 1,820 unique job postings, which reflects the continued demand for workers. Some of the occupations with the most job postings for May included (data from EMSI Burning Glass, 2022): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
54
Registered Nurses Unclassified Occupations Retail Salespersons Physicians, all other; and Ophthalmologists, except Pediatric Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Security Guards Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
10. Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers; and Managers, Others 11. Food Service Managers 12. Medical and Health Services Managers 13. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 14. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 15. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 16. Nursing Assistants 17. First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 18. Customer Service Representatives 19. Cooks, Restaurant 20. Construction Laborers 21. Computer Occupations, All Other 22. Fast Food and Counter Workers 23. Sales Managers 24. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 25. Cashiers Hot Jobs that are growing (between 2020 and 2022) and pay more than an $18 per hour average wage in the region include (data from EMSI Burning Glass, 2022): 1. Chefs and Head Cooks 2. Lodging Managers 3. Loan Interviewers and Clerks 4. Medical Equipment Repairers 5. Nurse Practitioners 6. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 7. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 8. Statisticians 9. Editors 10. Physician Assistants 11. Audio and Video Technicians 12. Veterinarians 13. Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 14. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 15. Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 16. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 17. Upholsterers 18. Loan Officers 19. Computer and Information Systems Managers 20. Management Analysts 21. Accountants and Auditors 22. Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers 23. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects 24. Industrial Production Managers 25. Information Security Analysts Employers seeking talent and job seekers looking for new career opportunities are encouraged to reach out to CareerSource Gulf Coast for its no-fee assistance. Get started now by visiting EmployFlorida. com. Or reach out to us at 850-872-4340 for one-on-one assistance. Take a look at our website for details of how we can help you at https://careersourcegc.com.
A R O U N D T O W N | Community Updates (continued)
WORK WITH A CAREER COACH
Find solutions that can work for you. Job listings & referrals Resume & interview assistance Resources & training Career development
careersourcegc.com
In compliance with the Steven's Amendment, CareerSource Gulf Coast must provide percentages of the total cost of programs/projects financed with federal money and nongovernmental sources as well as dollar amounts of the federal funds for projects and programs. You may find this information at careersourcegc.com
Julie Gordon
F
Film Commissioner, Florida Film Office, Inc. ilm projects during the summer
months would not be complete
without
the
presence
of
“higher
learning” projects. This year we were delighted to host an FSU Thesis film,
Visit Florida paid us a visit to Pirates Island Mini Golf to represent Florida as a destination to the rest of the USA and the Globe. Visit
Florida films around the State, so it is always a pleasure to host them in PCB.
as well as a production from Columbia
Yamaha came back to PCB for the first time since Hurricane Michael.
filmmakers, and for them to choose
as Shell Island and some of our popular diving locations. In addition,
University. These students are our future Panama City Beach as their location is a good sign that they will be back as professionals.
WAG Entertainment, out of the UK, has been prepping for a docuseries
This project films their watercraft at the most stunning locations, such this year, they are featuring restaurants and activities that can be
accessed by boats or watercraft. This is a huge undertaking and we look forward to them returning each year.
for the past several months. They chose 11 different locations across
While there were many more productions, we are sworn to secrecy
a big crew who also hired local crew in addition to theirs, as well as
television shows almost daily. Thanks to Gulf Coast State College’s
Bay County in which they recreated a case titled “HOAXED.” This was casting local talent for great pay.
Visit Panama City Beach shot their new creative across the World’s
until air time, but rest assured, we are making movies and producing Advanced Technology Center for training many of our new crew and to the Performing Arts Department for great talent.
Most Beautiful Beaches and included activities from end to end of
If your home or business is asked to be used as a filming location,
destination for years to come.
4694, floridafilmoffice@knology.net. They need to provide certain
“the Island." This is always a special project in that it represents our
PLEASE contact the Film Commissioner, Julie Gordon, at 850-819documentation for your protection and theirs.
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 55
Grand Openings and
Ribbon Cuttings 1. Lulu's Bar & Resto | 2. Beach Mosquito Control District 3 . Gulf View Medical | 4. Lazer-It Printing & Engraving 5. First Federal Bank – 23rd Street | 6. Bay Breeze Bait & Tackle 7. Bodies Human | 8. Taco Doctors 9. Panama Flats | 10. Island Fin Poké Co.
1
2
3
4
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
The Panama Cit y Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Committee welcomes the newest members of the Beach Chamber. If you haven't scheduled your business' Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutt ing, or Ground Breaking, contact our Director of Membership, Shannon Richmond, at (850) 890-8069.
5
6
7
8
9
10 WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 57
G R A N D O P E N I N G S & R I B B O N C U T T I N G S | continued
11. ubreakifix | 12. Central Moloney, Inc. 13. Paris Banh Mi Cafe & Bakery PCB | 14. Coastal Stagedesigns 15. Laguna Haven | 16. Community Health & Rehabilitation Center
11
12
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14
15
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
A LETTER
from your chamber rep
A
s your Chamber representative, you will always hear me encouraging you to network. But what is networking, exactly? Networking is not about collecting contacts—networking is about planting and growing relationships.
street. Offer to help wherever you can, be genuine about it, and you never know what kind of great things will evolve from that. If you offer up a useful contact and help someone out, they will be grateful and will remember and respect you for it.
All of us are wired for friendship, so why not put that to good use and start business relationships within the Beach Chamber of Commerce? After all, “Members Do Business with Members” while reaching “Bay County and Beyond”! I highly recommend business networking as a way to gain new clients and build a worthwhile business. It’s not always who you know; it is who knows YOU!
You are closer to getting what you want and meeting whoever you need than you think. Your Beach Chamber membership benefits are endless because of members like you. Take advantage of what we have to offer, stay connected, and grow those relationships!
If you want a successful business, then you need to have a great source of connections in your network—it really opens the door to talk to people that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to easily talk to or find. It’s not just about who you are networking with directly either—that person you are talking to will already have a network that you can tap into as well.
Here’s to new relationships continuing to connect the dots,
People want to help those who help others, and people want to help those who help them! So don’t just take, take, take. You won’t continue getting for long—your Chamber relationships should be a two-way
Everyone should build their network before they need it! and
Shannon Richmond Shannon Richmond shannon@pcbeach.org (850) 890-8069
Specializing in James Hardie, Color Plus, Vinyl Exterior Siding, Board & Batten, & Shake for Residential & Commercial Customers.
dreams come true! Let us help make your
850-249-0309 Proudly serving Bay County residents since 2007! #850Strong | PCB Chamber Member | FL: RG291104057 WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 59
N E W + R E N E W I N G M E M B E R S | May – June 2022
New Members M AY – J U N E 2 0 2 2
THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE PANAMA CITY BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR CHAMBER FAMILY!
30A Distilling Co.
Garbage Genie
PeoplesSouth Bank
Ambit Technologies, Inc.
Gear One
RealJoy Vacations
Awesome Ant DJ Entertainment
GoldenRod Fishing Charters
Rip Tide Power & Soft Wash
Bay Point Neighbors Magazine + Best Version Media
Grand Welcome Panama City Beach
Señor Frogs
Beachy
Griffin – Pflugfelder (Certified Nursing Consultants)
Bear Creek Feline Center Blue Top Waffle Shop (WFM & Sons Inc.) Bowden Plumbing and Electrical, Inc. Chassidy's Cleaning Coastal Stagedesigns Coca Cola United Coldwell Banker – Marina Grigoryan
Sugar Art by Angela
Harlow Care Solutions
Sunset FL Painting
Heaven's View Aerial Photography
Taco Doctors/Mark & Mike Services
Island Tiki Tours Junk Get Gone Kartona Electric Speedway Low Price Auto, Inc. M.S.P.G. Law Group, PA New York Life – David Champion
Dixielectricar
Panama City Beach Home Inspections
Functions Engineering Services
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Southern Elite Sports
Guardian Adjusting Services
Dirty Construction
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers – PC
Skyers Enterprise
Pedal PCB
Taft & Harding Events The Eye Studio Total Laundry Services Vault Mortgage Watersound Insurance Agency Wettermark Keith WEWA Films Women's Council of Realtors Young Living by Connie Prather
Renewals M AY – J U N E 2 0 2 2
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Member Since 2021
Johnstone Foods McDonald's
4S Customs
Little Village
A2Z Specialty Advertising Alibi Beach Lounge and Grill Anchor FL Realty – Greg Robertson Arkham Austin Music Co. Back Beach Car Wash Balloon Art Events 30A (BAE 30A) Barbara Buccini brokered by Hannon Properties Barberitos Southwest Grille and Cantina Bay Cars Beach Nutrition Best Shot Aerial Burke Merchant Solutions Cleaning Your Way, Inc. Double H Construction & Development Dream Vacations by Kathy Jarrett Estevez Services Group First Acceptance Insurance Fogo Solutions Heather's Interiors Holiday Beach Mechanical Infenergy Solar Solutions Inflow Smart Technologies, Inc. Johnstone Foods McDonald's
Montgomery Painting NexGen VR Arcade Northwest Florida Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center On The Fly (Grab-And-Go Style Lunch) Operation Spay Bay Our Organized Spaces Peterson Insurance & Financial Services Pit Stop BBQ Planet Secure IP Cameras
First Federal Bank
Now Open in Panama City 700 West 23rd St. Our local Panama City team can answer all your questions and find the right account or loan for you or your business.
Meet Our Team Clint Mizell
Commercial Lender
Priscilla Hagler
Branch Manager
RRCA Roofing & Reconstruction Scentsy Southern Sands Remodeling St. Andrews State Park Adventures and Shell Island Shuttle St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church Sugar Kingdom Suncoast Roofers Supply Swenson Group The Beauty Creators The Financial Ark The Stewart Group with Keller Williams Success Realty The Tyde Apartments
850-257-0231 ffbf.com/panama-city
Think Real Estate – Scott Kirkman TinkerJet Cleaning WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 61
N E W + R E N E W I N G M E M B E R S | continued Tranquility By The Sea
Member Since 2019
Sunniland Roofing Supply
Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary
Ace Restoration Services
Taco Bell on the Beach
Vortex Spring Windswept Dunes Golf Club
Member Since 2020 13 Hub Lane/Pier Park
Air Quality Assessors (AQA)
Taziki's
Andrew Reuther State Farm
Member Since 2016
Beahan's Heat and Air, Inc.
Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology
BMCI Contracting, Inc.
Hitchcock Real Estate
360 Fuel Store #2
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop – Panama City Beach
850 Clean Crew
California Cycles
Panama Business Machines
All About Garage Doors
Due South Surveying
A Plus Insulation
JM Phelps Construction
See Ya At The Beach Vacation Rentals
Advantage Refrigeration & Air, Inc.
Kirkland Insurance Agency, Inc.
Member Since 2015
Affordable Fence & Lawncare
Made in the Shade Bay Walton
Culver's of Panama City Beach
Barracuda Beach
Red Carpet Restoration
Beach Island One Stop Beach Shop
Sunshine Capital Solutions
The Grand Marlin – Panama City Beach
Bella Roma Tuscan Grill
The LH Bead Gallery
BOOKBEACH.COM
Member Since 2018
Capt. Anderson's Event Center
ACC Restoration
Coastline Insulation Dat Cajun Place Deezigns & Graphics Dementia Family Pathways Engineered Cooling Services Glass Ventures, Inc. Hallin Hearts House of Henry JetSurf PCB Johnson Roofing Solutions Kings by Blood Cleaners
Cell Fix C-Level Grill GC Auto LegalShield – Michael Covington, Independent Associate Merchant Management Group PCBeachesDirect.com Presents of Mine Simply Spotless South Oak Title 30A Vocational Rehabilitation
Lynchpin Tax Solutions
Member Since 2014 79 West Apartments American Family Care, Inc. Carpe Diem 365 Dave & Busters Jackson County Tourist Development Council Panhandle Paint & Decorating Sequence Fitness
Member Since 2013 Allstate – McKinney Insurance & Investments Capt. Jack's Front Beach Road Casa Loma Homes Sweet Homes, Inc.
Ocean Oriental Market
Member Since 2017
PCB Entertainment
PCB Life
APEX Disaster Specialists
Pieces on the Beach
Pease & Associates, Inc.
Back Beach Barbecue Beach TV
Member Since 2012
Primerica Financial Services – Milton Shore Thing Grooming
Christo's Sports Bar & Grill
Slim Chickens – Panama City
Krispy Kreme
Steiner Event Group
Legendary Marine
Training with TJ
Regency Towers
VITAS Healthcare
Sheltair Sisters of the Sea & The Dive Bar
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
Blue Swell Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers – PCB MaceTech Security Solutions, Inc.
Member Since 2011 Gulf Coast Utility Contractors
Member Since 2010
Cellular Sales/Verizon Wireless
Bay Smile Docs Cosmetic, Family, & Implant Dentistry
Member Since 2006
Capt. Anderson III Shell Island Dolphin Tours Gulf Coast State College Foundation, Inc. Port Panama City
B & C Technologies Dr. Myra – Functional/Concierge Medicine & Weight Loss
Member Since 2005
Servpro of Bay County, Inc.
Corporate Accommodations of N.W. Florida, Inc.
Member Since 2009
Emerald Coast Regional Council Pier Park
Castaway's Coastal Furniture Consignment
Member Since 2004
Coral Reef Condominium
Area Glass, Inc.
Graham & Company
Mike's Cafe & Oyster Bar
Member Since 2008
Panama City Weddings
Fortune Fish Gulf
Member Since 2003
Margaritaville
Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Dive Locker
Member Since 2007
Member Since 2002
Angry Tuna Seafood Company
Carpet One Floor & Home
Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican Real Estate
Member Since 2001 Acentria Insurance Adventures at Sea Peaden Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Science & Discovery Center
Member Since 2000 Capt. Jack's Family Buffet
Member Since 1999 The Church at the Beach
Member Since 1998 Glass Center, Inc.
Member Since 1997 Bay County Sheriff's Office Beach Mosquito Control District Billy's Oyster Bar & Crab House Burke Blue
•Business •Commercial •RV •Auto •Workers Comp •Liability •Boat •Umbrella •Renters •Life •Homeowners’ •Condo •Church
Insuring Bay County Since 1957! (850) 769-4828 w w w. B r owa r d H a l l . c o m WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 63
Catered by Carla Food Delivery
Coastal Real Estate Group, Inc. Coldwell Banker-Carroll Realty, Inc. Early Education and Care, Inc. First National Bank Northwest Florida Florida Power & Light Goodwill Industries Gulf Glo Banners & Signs Half Hitch
Ready to grill packages Starting at $18.pp
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Hutt Insurance Agency, Inc. Kilgore's Flooring & Ceramic Tile, Inc. KLW Enterprises, Inc.
Kick back and party Starting at 24.pp
Call or text for consultation to create your personalized menu 862-266-3650
www.cateredbycarla.com
Magic Broadcasting II Regions Bank Seltzer Management Group Shipwreck Island Waterpark The News Herald Tipton, Marler, Garner & Chastain United Way of Northwest Florida, Inc. Walmart Super Center
Member Since 1996 Ms. Newby's Liquors
Member Since 1995 Mariner West Owner's Association
Member Since 1993 Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
Member Since 1991 Buffalo Rock Pepsi
Member Since 1990 Breeze Animal Hospital Capt. Anderson's Marina
Member Since 1988 Coconut Creek Mini Golf & Gran Maze
Member Since 1987 Capt. Anderson's Restaurant & Water Front Market RC Real Estate Group
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THE CIRCUIT July/August 2022
N E W + R E N E W I N G M E M B E R S | continued
What We Do Whether you are buying or selling a home (or both), your success hinges upon the expert advice and services provided by your Real Estate Broker. We are committed to providing professional services based on experience, knowledge and skills.
TALK TO US 21526 Sunset Avenue Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 276-0595 www.normjodiasbell.com jodiasbellrealtor@gmail.com
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 65
SAFETY | INTEGRITY | CUSTOMER SERVICE
Shaping a Sustainable Future. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out your garage, a hauler with mixed waste and recyclables, or a builder working on a major project, Coastal Waste provides effective waste and recycling solutions to meet your every need.
Coastal Bay County • Residential Service
1151 E. 15th Street Panama City, FL 32405
• Roll Off - Construction Waste Service
850-769-4304
• Commercial Service
coastalwasteinc.com
Coastal Waste & Recycling
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Build your home. Create your future. Cover home construction to completion with one loan—and one set of closing costs. With a constructionto-permanent loan, you can build your home exactly how you envision.
Talk with a Truist lender today. Christy L. Mathis Retail Loan Officer 850-814-1201 christy.mathis@truist.com Truist.com/Christy.Mathis NMLSR# 594622
Truist.com/mortgage Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2022 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple, and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.
WWW.PCBEACH.ORG 67
309 Richard Jackson Boulevard, Suite 101 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 235-1159 | PCBeach.org
Vacasa home in Panama City Beach, FL
With Vacasa, you can have it all. Vacasa’s full-service vacation home management is modernizing the experience for both homeowners and vacation go-ers. 24/7 guest support Local teams and support there for you, whenever you need them
Convenient phone apps Homeowner and guest apps for at-the-ready streamlined info
High-standards of home care Proactive inspections, plus fully-managed professional cleanings and turnovers
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful place to make vacation memories, or a solution to simplify renting out your vacation home (while earning more revenue), our local team in Panama City Beach is here to give you and your guests the ultimate peace of mind.
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