An expanding maker of muscadine wines lands on PCB; St. Joe president Jorge Gonzalez talks stewardship and staying home; and area employers get creative to meet staffing challenges
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As of July of this year, the unemployment rate in the United States had fallen to 3.5 percent. Meanwhile, the employment rate in the U.S. — the number of people who have a job as a percentage of the working age population — stood at 60 percent. More than 158 million people in the country held jobs. Still, in months following what came to be known as the pandemic-driven Great Resignation, some businesses struggled to fill positions and return staffing to pre-COVID-19 levels. The reasons for that are various. Amid the COVID confusion, some people found ways to get along without a regular paycheck and have elected not to return to the workforce. Others moved from one industry to another that they may find more attractive, rewarding or lucrative. With housing costs rising, many people have found it necessary to abandon a low-paying job in favor of one that pays the rent. And, solutions are various. Employers are working to provide workers with professional development opportunities and enticing career tracks, tapping into graduating classes at non-traditional schools and discovering that disabled persons are eager to be productive.
stories by EMMA WITMER and HANNAH BURKE ON THE COVER: As a boy, Capt. Chris Moore, U.S. Navy, retired, grew up in the St. Andrews neighborhood of Panama City and participated in a Boy Scout Troop that met at a Methodist church. The experience of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, he says, inspired in him a desire to serve his country and community. His Navy career spanned 24 years and three months in which he completed three tours as a commander, including at the Naval Training and Salvage Center in Panama City Beach. Today, he works as a senior employee at General Dynamics Information Systems in Panama City Beach, a contractor that does a lot of work for the Navy. And, his inclination toward community service remains strong. Moore is the chairman of the Military Affairs Committee of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and has won election to the school board. PHOTO BY MIKE FENDER PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELDDESSERTS In December 2020, young mom and budding confectionary entrepreneur Courtney Whalen stepped into The Prepared Table in Tallahassee with a macaron in each hand. Both were banana pudding flavored, the favorite dessert
of Robin O’Donnell’s husband. O’Donnell, owner of the cozy kitchen boutique at Bannerman Crossings, told herself she would eat one and save the other for her Michael. She couldn’t hold out. By the time her husband arrived home from work that evening, his cookie was toast.
Since opening in 2003, Destin Commons has become a shopping and dining hub replacing the more common indoor mall experience that once dominated the scene. And while restaurants are in ready supply, the development up until now has lacked a certain something — a real and raw culinary experience that can only come from a chef who loves his craft. For partners Peter Rounce and Kenzie Motai, those chefs are the foundation of their food hall concepts, which they have successfully developed in Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, Mississippi and now Destin.
COMMUNITY Among other things, Chris Moore, a retired Navy captain who lives in Panama City Beach, is a Chamber guy. He is the immediate past chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as its Military Affairs Committee chairman. For Moore, the Chamber is a relevant, vital and active organization, one that brings the business community together. “We look at all the factors that affect business and help ensure that we are moving ahead with forethought and a planned strategy.” He is pleased with Panama City’s downtown redevelopment efforts. “We’ve finally got a hotel back in the downtown area, and now we’re working on the next piece — whatever is deemed the suitable replacement for the Marina Civic Center.”
As the president and CEO of The St. Joe Company, Jorge Gonzalez is a navigator of seas of change and, too, he is a leader of a company that is altering the landscape in Bay and Walton counties. North of Panama City Beach on State 79, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is taking shape as a residential development of unprecedented scale in Bay County. It is projected one day to number some 170,000 homes in an area that fronts the Intracoastal Waterway. An agerestricted community, it will attract people for whom the presence of an airport and hospital in close proximity are priorities at least as large as pickleball and water aerobics. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is in place. The first phase of a medical campus project is underway a short way south of Margaritaville on State 79 at Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway. It represents a carefully arrived at partnership among St. Joe, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the Florida State University College of Medicine.
78 WINEMAKING The beach lifestyle would seem to be the perfect vibe for a new winery. So it is that North Carolina-based Duplin Winery is developing a new location on the Back Beach Road in Panama City
Beach at the site, formerly, of the Hombre Golf Course. “With over 70 acres of land, the possibilities are endless for our new location,” said general manager Morgan Jackson. “Our vision is to create a destination that visitors, residents and the entire community can enjoy.” The main attractions, according to Jackson, will be hands-on bottling, live music and wine tastings with “no pinky raisin’ allowed.”
82 EDUCATION “With the bay as our backyard, we’ll be able to teach snorkeling, SCUBA diving, first aid, water safety, sailing and our marine science lab will be going out to identify and study all types of sea creatures,” said Jamie Vickers, the principal at AMIKids Maritime Academy, a new charter school in Panama City. Vickers, who has been an educator and administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels for the past 27 years, said the academy will feature small class sizes. “Our goal is to have no more than 50 students in our ninth grade class,” she said.
88 HEALTH Traumas come in waves. For residents of Bay and other Northwest Florida counties, Hurricane Michael came first. The Category 5 storm caused an estimated $25 billion in damage. The aftershocks of that storm were still being felt when a life-altering global pandemic arrived, setting back attempts to regain a sense of normalcy. Even as the region has worked to restore businesses and infrastructure, individuals have struggled to regain their own mental well-being. Michelle Bautista, owner of the Hormone & Wellness Center in Panama City, said she engages in a lot of therapeutic conversation with her clients.
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46 PERMANENT VACATION Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, located on the Intracoastal
Waterway north of Panama City Beach, extends residents a license to chill. Here, life rolls along easily, neighbors are friends and the party never ends at this 55-andbetter, active living community. Fully furnished model homes with colorful, coastal themes are on-site.
Business leader William Loiry provides details on two upcoming conferences, the Northwest Florida Economic Summit and the National Defense Conference, along with his quarterly military report.
For Justin Phelps, CEO of JM Phelps Construction, business is about more than just building structures, it’s also about forging lasting relationships with the people who will occupy those buildings. As of late, Phelps is gaining notable clients and growing his business by leaps and bounds.
Team Complete believes in proactive property management through ethical building and proper construction techniques. No matter the strength of the storm, Team Complete can help you feel confident in your maintenance and management plan.
The Santa Rosa Economic
Development Council led by Shannon Ogletree helped Chris Nallick, vice president of Element Outdoors, to secure the ideal location for his highly popular business. It happened to be right down the road from his own home.
Get to know the pros. As a professional yourself, it’s important to surround yourself with highly skilled and reliable service providers. From health care to insurance to real estate, we profile dependable, experienced and passionate business leaders.
Chris McCall, senior director of the commercial division of Counts Real Estate Group, provides honest answers to questions concerning the state of commercial and industrial real estate. In a tough market, he’s here to help.
Orthopedic Clinic is set to open two new offices in Panama City and Panama City Beach. The practice saw a need for their services in those communities and is committed to providing them with cutting-edge care and highly skilled surgeons. BY MIKE FENDER
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER E. ROWLAND
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft
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SENIOR STAFF WRITER Emma Witmer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Burke, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Liesel Schmidt
CREATIVE
VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut
SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Saige, Roberts, Shruti Shah
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A one-year (4 (850) 878-0554 at Midtown in Tallahassee and at & and in Tallahassee, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Pensacola, Panama City and at our Tallahassee office. Availability may change subject to COVID-19
Over the past few years, the ways in which people in business interact has changed dramatically. “Zoom” has taken on a new meaning, and “Google Meets” has entered our vocabulary.
There was a time when people flew across the country to attend meetings of an hour or two in length. Today, not so much. Offices were full of people who spent hours each week commuting to work. Meeting planning and logistics consumed a lot of time and energy.
Then, a global pandemic became the mother of invention. We quickly developed new ways of doing things. The idea of routine virtual meetings was suddenly no longer remote.
People adapted and before long, I perceived that people were happier working from home. Productivity actually improved.
Today, the novelty of all of that has worn off. People have grown to miss handshakes, eyeballto-eyeball communication and the camaraderie that brings about. We can’t escape our nature. People are social beings. Now, businesses are asking themselves how to restore the benefits of in-person interaction without compromising health and safety concerns.
The disruption caused by COVID-ı9 to some key components of the 850 region’s economy was relatively slight and of short duration. Gov. Ron DeSantis moved quickly to allow for the restart of the short-term rental business, and tourism rebounded vigorously. People felt comfortable engaging in outdoor pursuits — golfing, boating and walking the beach.
The pandemic put the brakes on a large lim ousine company owned by a friend of mine. But today, he is rolling again. His stable of vehicles is
back in service, getting folks from point A to point B in cit ies across the globe.
Last spring, the Florida Power & Light economic sym posium returned at Sandestin, and it was great to see business and community leaders from Pensacola to Tallahassee gather to listen, learn, share insights and even strike deals.
And, this fall, a new economic symposium will debut at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. The Northwest Florida Economic Summit, sponsored by 850 Business Magazine and organized by Bill Loiry, will take place Oct. ı7–ı8 with the goal of updating public officials and attendees from busi ness and industry, higher education and the military on topics ranging from infrastructure priorities to energy resiliency and contracting opportunities.
I strongly encourage all members of the 850 region’s business community to “take the meeting” and enjoy an opportunity to learn, to grow and to network. Reconnect with old friends, and make some new ones!
Stay in touch,
Brian Rowland
Northwest Florida’s premier business and entrepreneurial conference will be held at the Pensacola Little Theatre on Nov. 16–17. This event is geared toward anyone interested in the latest trends in leadership, business growth and professional development.
Learn more about this gathering of inspirational experts by visiting bit.ly/3bb0L85.
Thank you for your nominations. Now, save the date and plan to gather with keynote speaker Jennifer Conoley, the president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Dunlap Champions Club in Tallahassee as we honor 12 outstanding women from across Northwest Florida.
Learn more at 850BusinessMagazine.com/ pinnacle-awards.
Save the date for this inaugural event slated for Oct. 17–18 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Expect to come away with invaluable connections and information about contracting opportunities. Learn more at bit.ly/3S66yfW.
Why is managed IT support so expensive? In our digital exclusive, Ask A Wizard, the technology pros at Bit-Wizards break down the pricing and reasoning behind the costs of information technology services.
Go to 850BusinessMagazine.com/ innovation to learn more.
Northwest Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing. We put you in the center of it all withour special 2022 Innovation & Technology edition of 850 Business Magazine . Read the latest online at 850BusinessMagazine.com/ innovation
Read the latest 850 Business Magazine “Bytes” — essential information about business openings, professional promotions, awards, honors and more — at your convenience online.
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Taking place Oct. 5–7 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, the ITEN (Innovation, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Network) WIRED Summit is the Southeast’s premier cybersecurity and IT conference. Register to connect, collaborate and build community with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and forward-leaning educators.
Go to 850BusinessMagazine.com/iten-wired-summit-is-rewired-andready-for-2022/ to read more about this year’s installment.
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PHOTOS BY Marjorie Turnbull, 2021 Keynote Speaker
Becoming a Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) member is no small feat. Golf professionals average four years in completing the program. Lindsey Harrison completed the program after two years and was elected to the PGA’s membership this spring. Candidates are tasked with completing a playing ability test, documenting lessons, bookwork and multiple knowledgebased tests. As a collegian at Troy University, Harrison had multiple NCAA team collegiate wins (including a 2016 Sunbelt Conference Championship), multiple top fives and top 10s in the Alabama Northwest Florida PGA Section Events, and is known for making two holes-in-one in a nine-hole span. She joined the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club team in the fall of 2021 as the first assistant to the director of golf. Originally from Panama City Beach, Harrison, as a member of the PGA, can compete in tournaments with other PGA pros, receive playing perks and — Harrison's favorite — get tickets to the Masters.
Florida, as its inaugural editor-in-chief.
» Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College (TCC) announced the retirement of Al Moran, vice president of communications and marketing. He further announced that Candice Grause, currently chief of staff, will add overseeing the communications and marketing office to her role. Grause has been responsible for several college-wide initiatives and programs, including coordination of the college’s shared governance committees and leadership groups. She works closely with Dr. Murdaugh on external community and government relations efforts. In addition to being an alum of TCC, Grause earned a Bachelor of Arts in editing, writing and media from Florida State University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida
» Longtime news director for the Tallahassee Democrat, Jim Rosica, has departed his role to join City & State Florida, a sibling online publication to News Service of
» The FSU Alumni Association held its Spring Alumni Awards where Elder Care Services’ president and CEO, Jocelyne Fliger, was honored as one of 2022’s Grads Made Good Award recipients. Some of the many reasons Fliger was deserving of the award was her revamping of Elder Care Services’ Meal on Wheels program in response to COVID-19 and starting a monthly LGBTQ+ support group for seniors.
» The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long as the 2022 recipient of the Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane. This award is the highest recognition in the profession and is given to one local government CEO in the world each year. Long is receiving this honor for his leadership in implementing transformational projects and policy, managing historic crises, protecting public safety during disaster and consistently setting the highest standard in public service
and transparency. Long was selected for this honor due to his role in leading Leon County Government through unprecedented challenges, like the Great Recession, Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, all while launching significant programs, completing game-changing projects and strengthening Leon County’s reputation.
collaborate with other respected leaders who will help her reach her peak in professional influence. Further, Vernon will benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membershipbranded marketing collateral, and the support of the Forbes Council’s member concierge team.
» Gloria Pugh, CEO, AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage was recognized as a top 100 women-led business in Florida by The Commonwealth Institute. The TCIFlorida recognizes female power players of women-led organizations across Florida based on revenue, DEI, innovation and customer service.
up to 100 technology companies and provide specialized programs and mentorship to support the growth of companies across northern Florida. The labs and programs are projected to produce over 600 full-time jobs in Tallahassee and surrounding regions.
» Robin Vernon CLU, ChFC, a partner and financial advisor with Proper Wealth in Tallahassee, has been accepted into the Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only community of executives in accounting, financial planning, wealth and asset management, and investments. Vernon was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of her experience. As a council member, she has access to exclusive opportunities to
» Tallahassee Community College (TCC) has been selected as a 2022 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges award winner by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). TCC was one of 24 colleges in the nation to receive this prestigious award. Colleges receiving this researchbased designation have focused on workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment in addition to being family-friendly, having great salaries and benefits and ample amounts of professional development opportunities.
» Innovation Park hosted a groundbreaking celebration for the construction of the new, state-of-the-art business incubator, North Florida Innovation Labs. The new building will have 31 labs and 20 offices as well as coworking spaces, conference rooms and other amenities to support technology entrepreneurs. In addition to the biology and chemistry labs, the building will also have flexible lab spaces and a machine shop for creating product prototypes. The new 40,000-square-foot facility will support
Healthcare’s Capital Division. During his tenure in HCA Healthcare’s Capital Division, Ghanem developed and executed multiple division and corporate initiatives, improving education and staffing. While working as a lead advancedpractice clinician, he was responsible for the budgeting, recruitment and onboarding of advanced-practice clinicians across four campuses.
» HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital announced the appointment of Karim Ghanem as vice president of operations. Ghanem has six years of experience in the health care industry and brings a strong clinical performance background to this role after serving as the director of performance improvement and a regional lead advanced practice clinician in HCA
» Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was granted the 2021 Award of Excellence in the United States and Canada by Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Each year, the corporation identifies properties that have provided exceptional services from the past year to determine winners.
» The St. Joe Community Foundation announced the winners of the 2022 No Ordinary JOE Scholarship as Wes Corbin of Walton High School and Kira Nguyen of Rutherford High School. Both
The Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT), was recently awarded the Association of Junior Leagues International Award for Public Policy & Advocacy for its Advocacy Certificate Training Track and Advocacy Plan. The Public Policy & Advocacy Award recognizes a league for its success in using public policy and advocacy as strategies in raising awareness, improving the public policy environment and influencing public policy legislation on an issue selected by the league. The award includes a $5,000 grant to further impact the community.
compiled by REBECCA CAPITAL LOCAL HAPPENINGS ↑ The Junior League of Tallahassee, represented by its president Katie Britt Williams, right, earned an international award that recognized its work on an Advocacy Certificate Training Track and Advocacy Plan. Bett Williams, Association of Junior Leagues International president, made the presentation.were awarded $13,000 scholarship awards for college tuition.
The No Ordinary JOE Scholarship was created to encourage students to become engaged in leadership and community service. An additional 13 students received $2,500 scholarships, and 27 students received $500 scholarships. Corbin plans to attend Auburn University for a degree in building construction, and Nguyen intends to attend Gulf Coast State College then the University of Central Florida to pursue pediatric dentistry.
» Hotel Effie announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner for hotels. Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, the Travelers’ Choice Awards is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels worldwide in guest comments and reviews, honoring the best in travel and recognizing the places that delivered the most exceptional experiences.
» Step One Automotive Group, based in Fort Walton Beach, was recently
announced as a Top 150 Dealership Group in the U.S. by Automotive News
The Automotive News Research & Data Center surveys U.S. dealership groups to determine its annual ranking of the top 150 groups. Step One Auto is one of seven dealership groups that were new to the list.
Step One Automotive Group owns 17 new car dealerships in Florida, Alabama and Georgia, representing 16 brands.
» HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has been named to the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals® list. This annual list recognizes excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health. This is the first time HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has been recognized with this honor as one of the top performing Small Community Hospitals in the U.S. HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital is an awardwinning, 65-bed hospital with a medical staff of over 150 physicians.
» The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill Restaurant earned the 2022 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award for its outstanding
wine program. Havana Beach Bar & Grill has won the Award of Excellence, which recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.
NEW & NOTABLE
» Shelley Sarmiento has joined the SCDC team as the director of commercial leasing and merchant relations. With over 35 years of experience, Sarmiento has held various leadership roles, executing effective growth strategies, driving commerce, strengthening brand recognition, reinventing concepts, incubating new businesses, and breathing creative life into national brands White House Black Market, Limited Brands/ Victoria’s Secret, Omega Apparel, Under Armour and Belmont University.
» Point South Marina at Port St. Joe will open its first phase in the fall of 2022. Phase one includes 252 drystorage slips, 48 wet slips and a retail store.
» Ascension Sacred Heart Bay announced a new $6 million radiology unit set to open at the Panama City hospital. The suite will include a new MRI machine and upgraded imaging equip ment. The opening coin cides with the hospital’s award as an American Heart Association SilverPlus Get With The Guidelines–Stroke quality achievement, demonstrating a commit ment to the treatment of heart disease and stroke.
» Kristal Smallwood was named director of the Gulf Coast State College Gulf/ Franklin Campus
Popular brunch spot, Ruby Slipper, has opened at 34902 Emerald Coast Parkway. The New Orleans style restaurant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch.
» John Solomon, director of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council and executive director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce was named to the 2022–2023 Visit Florida board of directors. In 1995, Solomon served as the correctional officer sergeant and evidence officer at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. He worked there for 19 years, transitioning to be executive director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber in 2014. In 2019, he was named director of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. Visit Florida’s board provides guidance, input and insight for the state’s marketing programs.
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Cardiovascular intensive care unit
In December 2020, young mom and budding confectionary entrepreneur Courtney Whalen stepped into The Prepared Table with a macaron in each hand. Both were banana pudding flavored, the favorite dessert of Robin O’Donnell’s husband.
O’Donnell, owner of the cozy kitchen boutique at Bannerman Crossings in Tallahassee, told herself she would eat one and save the other for her Michael.
She couldn’t hold out.
By the time her husband arrived home from work that evening, his cookie was toast. O’Donnell gave Whalen a call.
In the course of their conversation, O’Donnell proposed that Whalen no longer peddle her sweets out of the back of her car, proposing that she instead sell them at The Prepared Table.
More particularly, O’Donnell offered her shop as the new, permanent location for Whalen’s biweekly pop-up shop, a decision that proved beneficial for both women.
“The day of her first pop-up, I got to the shop around 9:45 before we opened at ı0, and there was already a line waiting at the door,” O’Donnell said. “One time a lady got in line, and she didn’t even know what she was in line for. She said she figured if this many people were waiting on something, she didn’t want to miss it.”
Today, the website for Whalen’s Live Love Macaron lists layered macaron cakes, personalized colors, designs and packaging as well as 70 flavor combinations for cookies.
“It’s really more like 80 now,” Whalen laughed. “I’m always experimenting. I like to joke that I should write a cookbook just on my fillings because there are so many.”
Whalen launched Live Love Macaron back in 20ı7, but the path to becoming a business owner was by no means a straight line. Her youngest child, Charlotte, had just turned 2. Like
many stay-at-home moms, Whalen grew restless. Her time belonged to her children, but she longed for something of her own.
“I started tinkering around in the kitchen during nap times, and macarons caught my eye,” Whalen said. “It was a challenge that I really wanted to conquer and succeed at. I would post pictures on Facebook and bring them to
↑ SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED Macaron-maker Courtney Whalen has arrived at some 80 flavor combinations for her hot-selling cookies. Varieties include Blueberry Cheesecake, top; Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, lower photo; and Fruity Pebbles, in hand in photo, top left.
← For Courtney Whalen, macarons were a challenge she resolved to conquer. Early successes led to a demand for her cookies among her friends, and Whalen grew in confidence.
family events, and people started asking me to make them for birthday parties, dinner parties or gifts. It gave me the boost of confidence that I needed.”
Macarons are a tricky treat to master. Among the Italians, the French and the Swiss, there are at least three methods for achieving the optimal crisp-yetgooey sandwich cookie, but each combines the same basic ingredients: egg whites, sugar and almond flour.
Whalen started with the French method, whipping meringue after meringue until her results were just right. Then, with the encouragement of a fellow macaron-making Facebook friend, Whalen branched into the Italian method, carefully handling
vats of boiling sugar water with a Betty Crocker/Breaking Bad flare.
“Trying the Italian method made me fall in love with macarons all over again,” Whalen said.
Within a year of baking her first batch, Whalen applied for an LLC and started taking on larger orders, and the word got out. Every other week, she would pack up whatever cookies went unsold and alert her hungry followers of an impending flash sale with the note: “Pickup — Trader Joe’s.”
A petite woman with a chipper voice and a wide grin, Whalen said she felt like a drug dealer, passing off little parcels to customers with a sweets addiction.
“But that’s where the business truly
began,” Whalen said. “The flash sales were anticipated. They were super fun and engaging. People were surprised by the flavors and would comment about their favorite flavors. It was really fun, but it was also really time consuming.”
Whalen has held two macaron and beer pairing events with Tallahassee’s Deep Brewing Company and hopes to kick off a similar event with local wine bar Poco Vino.
Place an order at LiveLoveMacaron.com, and discover the date and time for Courtney Whalen’s next pop-up shop.
“If I could give advice to any young woman out there with a passion that they believe in, it would be this: You never know if you don’t try,” Whalen said. “Put yourself out there. Put your idea out there, and it will reach someone somewhere. You have to pursue your dream and be ready to evolve and get creative and get gritty. If you love it, go for it.” ▪
photography by ↑ When Robin O’Donnell, the owner of a boutique kitchen business at Bannerman Crossings in Tallahassee, offered Courtney Whalen space for a weekly pop-up shop, Whalen was on her way to making macarons in large quantities.
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story by LIESEL SCHMIDT
Since opening in 2003, Destin Commons has become a shopping and dining destination for the local area, essentially replacing the more common indoor mall experience that once dominated the scene. And while restaurants are in ready supply, up until now it has lacked a certain something — a real and raw culinary experience that can only come from a chef. And not just any chef. A chef that loves his craft and has invested himself in it as a calling, not just a job.
For partners Peter Rounce and Kenzie Motai, those chefs, those dedicated masters of the kitchen who make food sing, are the very individuals who serve as the foundational elements for their food hall concepts, which they have successfully created in such locales as Miami, New Orleans, Chicago and even Jackson, Mississippi.
Most recently, they looked toward Destin, recognizing that Destin Commons was an ideal spot to launch City Food Hall.
“We began planning over a year ago, and the idea was to highlight the talented chefs in the Panhandle — both those with established careers as well as up-and-coming chefs — and give them a space to showcase their talent and develop their businesses,” said Motai, the partnership’s chief operating officer. “Destin Commons seemed perfect for the concept because it’s an incredible shopping mall with a lot of traffic, and we wanted to be an amenity to the many visitors that frequent it every year.”
Having based their concept of food halls on the platform of creativity, combined with a dedication to service and hospitality, Rounce and Motai have successfully masterminded the planning, development and operation of six food halls in five states. With City Food Hall, they have added entertainment and event programming to the plan.
Boasting 14,000 square feet of space, City Food Hall comprises 10 specialty restaurant concepts offering food and drink menus featuring both regional American fare as well as global cuisine, with dishes from countries such as Mexico, Japan and Israel.
“In our food hall concepts, we create culinary communities that showcase both veteran and up-and-coming chefs under one roof,” Motai said.
As he stated in an interview with the USA Today Network-Florida, “We like to find that up-and-coming chef in Destin. One with a food truck or maybe doing pop-ups at a farmers market and give them the opportunity. We give them a platform to try their brands out at very little risk.”
Risk is a very real consideration for chefs in a pandemic-altered world,
City Food Hall is located in Destin at 4237 Legendary Drive, Suite H100
↓ PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY FOOD HALLand City Food Hall helps mitigate that risk by providing the full set-up, with a fully equipped kitchen in the back and a vendors stall in the front that requires only the operator and their menu to get it up and running. What that means for the chefs at City Food Hall is an opportunity that they might not otherwise have. For diners, it means a culinary experience unlike anything they can get anywhere else.
Chefs featured at City Food Hall include Phillip and Jess Bauer (PB&J), Nikhil Abuvala (Nanbu Noodle Bar), Katie Dixon (Birdie’s Nourished Kitchen), and Erika Reynolds (Pressed). Their cuisines range from Thai to fried chicken and everything in between.
“Our goal is to offer memorable experiences while building lasting relationships with our guests, partners and community,” Motai said. “Essentially, our gathering spaces are an intersection where creativity, culture and flavor come together. Not only are we offering a springboard for chefs to grow their businesses, but we have also created a culinary destination where friends and family can spend time together while sharing great food and drinks, with a side of entertainment — which was important to us, especially after 2020 and 2021.”
The venue includes a central bar offering an expansive list of natural wines, local beers and craft cocktails; gigantic HDTVs; ample lounge seating; and two state-of-the-art Topgolf Swing Suites featuring multi-sport games and Full Swing golf simulator technology — the same technology used by PGA Tour pros to hone their games. Born of a newly created partnership with Topgolf Swing Suites, the addition is predicted to bring even more regular, repeat clientele to City Food Hall. Rounce and Motai, no surprise, are both avid golfers.
In City Food Hall, Rounce and Motai have created something special. Yes, there’s food and entertainment, but more than that, there’s a place to gather and come together. A place to be. A place to create memories and experience something new. Now, more than ever, this is something that we need as a community — both globally and locally.
Not only are we offering a springboard for chefs to grow their businesses, but we have also created a culinary destination where friends and family can spend time together while sharing great food and drinks, with a side of entertainment.”
— KENZIE MOTAI , CHIEF↑ Boasting 14,000 square feet of space, City Food Hall comprises ı0 specialty restaurant concepts with food and drink menus featuring both regional American fare as well as global cuisine, with dishes from countries such as Mexico, Japan and Israel. The taco spread and salad, above, represent some of the flavors that featured chefs have to offer.
A Q&A with Mona Amodeo, Ph.D., President of Pensacola-based brand consulting firm idgroup and author of “Beyond Sizzle: The Next Evolution of Branding”
What do people get wrong about the words “brand” and “branding”?
Brand is more than image. While there are slightly nuanced definitions, most agree that brand is the meaning people associate with a company, product, person, place or thing. Branding, on the other hand, is the process of intentionally creating desired meaning.
How do organizations intentionally create their desired meaning?
This involves a fundamental shift in how we do branding— by engaging stakeholders in shaping, sharing and living stories that reflect the highest intentions of the company and the people it serves. Those who embrace this new paradigm will not only survive the challenges they are facing relating to the shifting view of responsibility of business, the growing power of marketplace opinions and the increasing skepticism of formal communications—they will thrive.
You mentioned the shifting view of responsibility of businesses; what do you believe that is?
The answer is simple; leaders must accept the challenge to strengthen the and between profitability and purpose. Reframing purpose—not as a line in their mission statement or PR addon—but as a key driver of profitable companies. Leaders must ask themselves, “How do we balance what’s good for our organization with what’s right for society at large?” The sizzle of communications must be validated by the substance of actions.
How do organizations determine and live their unique purpose?
Our process at idgroup, Branding from the Core®, is an organization development and change approach to branding that offers a unique and proven framework for engaging organizations in shaping, sharing and living their unique story. Beginning with facilitated dialogue, we ask the right questions for stakeholders to be able to share their perspective and rich stories that uncover the true purpose and operational intentions of the organization.
In your book, “Beyond Sizzle,” you discuss viewing organizations as ecosystems. Why is that important?
Trusted reputations are created by viewing organizations as interconnected ecosystems. This whole system perspective replaces the outdated references to us vs. them by embracing the reality that branding is a process of connecting the “we.” When there are gaps in this ecosystem among image, culture and identity, you start to see issues like disengaged employees, high or unpredictable turnover, trouble getting everyone on the same page to work towards a common vision, and other organizational problems. This dysfunction and misalignment, left alone, creates a vicious cycle that leads to a weak brand and reputation. The Brand Ecosystem provides a strategic framework for building reputations that support the vision of the organization.
BRAND ECOSYSTEMHow are you reimagining branding as a strategy for growth?
A branding and marketing strategy that produces the authenticity needed to compete in today’s marketplace must choreograph a dynamic between the components of the ecosystem. In today’s world, we grapple with a highly connected matrix in which the boundaries between internal and external communications are now blurred. This has intensified the need to embrace the importance of not only telling a story that’s meaningful, but living that story through every person in your organization, and every experience someone has with your organization. Every interaction matters,
and offers a touch point that either speaks the truth or the lie of your brand. If brand development is successful, cohesion is forged among image, culture and identity, thus propelling the organization toward its envisioned future.
What are some of the results you’ve seen for organizations who have gone through the Branding from the Core® process?
Leaders who have fully embraced the Branding from the Core® process have seen their stakeholders and employees more engaged and energized to be on the same page, gained the strategic clarity needed in order to reach their goals, and ultimately,
built a reputation that’s authentic and unshakable. All of these things are the recipe for long-term, sustainable business success and profit.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to business leaders?
The best answers aren’t found behind the biggest desks. It’s important to remember to engage all members of your organization when looking for solutions to complex problems.
idgroup is a Pensacola-based brand consulting firm and creator of the Branding from the Core® process. For over 30 years, idgroup has transformed businesses across the country of all shapes and sizes. In 2018, the company became a Certified B Corporation, validating its commitment to using business as a force for good.
Interested in working with idgroup? Visit brandingfromthecore.com to get in touch.
The directors of economic development agencies, once focused on selling prospective employers on their location, have learned that the old calculus has changed. Today, talent has surpassed location and even incentives as a chief site-selection criterion. Success in business requires vision, focus, competence, good will and resources — both financial and human. In Northwest Florida, the diversification of the economy and the diversification of the workforce are on parallel tracks. Colleges, universities, providers of career-based instruction and certifications, and even middle and high schools are revising and expanding their offerings to meet the needs of employers and are working to anticipate what their future needs may be. As importantly, schools are developing curriculum and programs aimed at equipping emerging entrepreneurs with knowledge essential to nurturing startups. Today, perhaps more than ever, it’s not who you know. It’s what you know. — Steve Bornhoft
Recent trends in post-secondary education are challenging the age-old American belief that college is the only road to success.
Proving a far more cost-effective, expedient and focused education for some are technical and community college-led certificate programs that provide direct routes to some of today’s most in-demand, profitable careers.
The following three graduates of certificate programs in Northwest Florida shared their paths to successful professions.
Despite his grandmother setting up for him a Florida Prepaid fund when he was younger, James Fraley never intended to go to college.
About halfway through his senior year at Niceville High School, Fraley chose to follow in his older brother’s footsteps and pre-enlisted for the United States Marine Corps. After completing two tours in Afghanistan, he left the Marines and moved back to Northwest Florida with his wife and 3-month-old son.
Uncertain of his next steps, Fraley, who said he “didn’t know a thing about boats, other than they
float,” accepted in 2014 a position as a janitor and boat washer at Legendary Marine in Destin. His work sparked within him a curiosity in the boat dealer’s service department, and when he voiced his interest, management stressed a need for formal training.
“That’s when I decided to call Okaloosa Technical College to figure out how I could use my G.I. bill,” said Fraley, who now works as a service manager at Legendary Marine. “That led me to spending the next six years of my life there, just learning whatever I could.”
That journey began with OTC’s Marine Service Technology program, which trains and certifies students for positions as marine riggers, service writers and parts technicians, stern drive technicians and inboard gas
technicians. The program’s graduates have the potential to earn between $12 and $25 an hour.
Fraley successfully achieved his goal of becoming a mechanic at Legendary Marine while pursuing certifications in OTC’s automotive, tech support and cybersecurity programs. Within Legendary Marine, he kept climbing the ladder and
eventually accepted a rigging and service-writer job.
“I think as I progressed through the company, I just decided this is where I wanted to be,” he said. “I’ve now been the service director for about a year, and I feel like starting at the bottom and working my way up helps me assist my service advisors because I have an appreciation for how everything works below me.”
Fraley said OTC’s marine program provided the foundation of where he is today. He meets with new students of the program at least twice a year to “groom his future employees,” he said, and is currently working with his Yamaha brand representative to “help the program’s technology get up to industry standards.”
“I feel like a lot of people go to college, get a degree and end up doing something completely different than that degree,” Fraley said. “Trade schools teach you the skills you’re actually going to use. I like to tell students to take what they’re learning now and use it as building blocks for the more advanced stuff. You have to continue to work hard, and if it’s meant to be, it’ll all work out.”
← Okaloosa Technical College graduate James Fraley completed the school’s Marine Service Technology program and is now the service director at Legendary Marine in Destin. A believer in career-based instruction, Fraley says that trade schools teach students “skills that they will actually use.”
When Josh Biddle’s friends came back to Panama City Beach on summer break, the 19-year-old couldn’t join in on conversations about frat parties, stressful classes and student loans.
For him, the year had so far consisted of graduating from Tom P. Haney Technical School’s advanced welding program, completing an internship with a
defense contractor, studying exotic metal welding and landing a job with Merrick Industries, a manufacturer of automation machinery in Lynn Haven.
“It’s a little weird, because it feels like forever since I had to worry about what classes I was taking,” Biddle said. “But that’s why I chose this direction. Shortly after being in high school, I realized there was no way I could go through four more years of sitting at a table and listening to a professor speak.”
Biddle decided to enroll in Haney’s Welding Technology
program during his senior year at North Bay Haven High School in Panama City Beach. Knowing the demand and high-wage salaries of today’s welders, he said, was an obvious factor, but Biddle was intrigued by the craft itself.
He began applying himself like he never could in his high school courses and, upon passing the program with flying colors, was invited to an advanced welding technology course. Biddle said instructors look at a student’s grades, attendance and overall performance for enrollment into the 750-hour special program.
“The programs teach anything under the sun you’d need to walk on to a job site with,” Biddle said of his time at Haney. “You learn the three main processes of welding, how to cut and prep your metal and all about job safety, which is a huge factor with a lot of companies. It’s all about safety first on the job site.”
Biddle started his job at Merrick in August, focusing on constructing belt scales and conveyor belt systems for major companies who deal in dry bulk commodities and grain. He likes the pay and hours, and although he clocks in at five in the morning, he gets to clock out just after noon when “the Florida heat is so bad, you feel like you’re holding the sun in your hands.”
“The program gave me real world experience you can’t find in a book,” Biddle said. “At Haney, it’s all shop time with wonderful instructors. Employers are hunting for people who have experience, and coming out of college, you don’t often have that. I’d definitely recommend pursuing a trade if you’re looking to get out in the field and begin making money faster.”
Following a hot August workday, mechanic Taylor Minchew emerges from the shop soaked in sweat and gasoline from servicing fuel pumps.
But she wouldn’t have it any other way.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Minchew realized a childhood dream when she completed Tom P. Haney Technical College’s Automotive Service Program and became a service technician at Henry’s Import Repair in Panama City Beach.
“Growing up, I was the cheerleader and pretty little blonde that people discouraged from pursuing this line of work,” said Minchew, who in 2021 completed 1,800 hours in Automotive Service Technology 1 and 2. “But women who come through the shop love it and high-five me. Older men give me some looks and have even said something to me in the past, but I just smile and ask them how I can help them with their car.”
Minchew said it wasn’t until she suffered a bad car accident and was forced to stop attending her classes at Gulf Coast State College that she considered workforce training as an alternative. The two-year timeline was appealing, and the rewards would help her support the four children she was essentially raising on her own.
“Instructors at Haney knew my situation, knew I was working every day and, without me asking, would help,” Minchew said. “One of my professors, Mr. Nelson, even put me in touch with a former student and female mechanic who ran her
own shop, and I worked with her up until I went to Henry’s.”
Meanwhile, Haney’s program taught Minchew basic knowledge about cars, routine maintenance and troubleshooting and how to use equipment through hands-on instruction.
“A typical day for me now is go, go, go,” Minchew said. “You get there at eight and don’t stop until you realize it’s 5 p.m. ... I’m one of three technicians, and I’d say we flip about nine to 10 cars per side each day.”
Minchew said the program most prepared her for her duties by emphasizing the importance of patience. “You have to have it, especially with yourself because like Mr. Nelson taught me, ‘You’re not going to know everything.’
“You may have three cars with the same issue, but the source of the problem comes from three different places. You’re not always going to get that part in or get that bolt off. It’s okay to take five, walk away and come back. You never stop learning.”
▪
The offices at Paul’s Pest Control have never been as clean as they are under Shamari Glenn’s care. Each doorknob, toilet and base board receives meticulous attention, and each task is carried out with a persistent smile.
Shamari’s mom, Stephanie Glenn, is a manager at Paul’s, and when she posed the idea that her son take over for the once-a-week cleaning crew, her boss wasn’t sold.
“He isn’t unsure anymore,” Stephanie said. “He said Shamari has really made a difference … Future Pathways is what opened their eyes to that possibility.”
There are a few things that are important to know about Shamari. He’s 26, loves to dance and draw, and every morning, he greets every person in the office by name. He also lives with a disability that creates some cognitive difficulties and limits his ability to communicate verbally, a fact that once made Shamari reluctant to branch outside of his comfort zone. Now, his coworkers at Paul’s say he is their “little sunshine” in the office, always friendly and happy to help.
This shift, Stephanie said, is by and large a result of Shamari’s work with Future Pathways.
Future Pathways is a Tallahasseebased business that provides career coaching, job placement and life skills training to teens and adults with disabilities throughout the Big Bend Region. It was founded by Abby Hallett and Amanda Lewis, two former Leon County School System special education teachers with a mission to empower adults with disabilities through independence and professional experience.
Building a community where adults with disabilities don’t simply sur vive, but thrive, requires buy-in from the businesses in that community,
a movement that Hallett and Lewis have been excited to spearhead in Tallahassee. Future Pathways puts on frequent presentations through the Chamber of Commerce and other ave nues to educate business owners on the benefits of and misconceptions around hiring someone with a disability.
“Some of our favorite business owners are Danny and Tracey Shrine at Full Press Apparel here in Tallahassee,” Lewis said. “We invited Danny to speak to the truths of hiring a person with a disability because he has hired some of our clients before. My favorite thing he
Tallahassee business proves that accessibility and acceptance benefit everyone
said was, ‘Hiring anyone is a risk. You never really know who you’re hiring anyways, so why not give someone a chance who has the support of a job coach and the motivation to work?’”
Hallett and Lewis take a handson approach in their clients’ job searches, training and continued support. They contact the prospective employer prior to the interview, assist in preparing documentation and work with employers to establish simple, cost-neutral accommodations in the workplace. After their clients secure employment, Hallett and Lewis provide ongoing consultation and training for any additional needs.
“Statistically, research shows that our clients have a much lower turnover rate because they are so much more stable,” Lewis said. “College students are going to move away, high school students are going to move away, but our clients typically stay in one location.”
“Especially in entry-level positions,” Hallett added. “You hear about restaurants who can’t find good people, and our clients tend to be very dependable. They really want to work.”
Hallett and Lewis earned their master’s degrees in special education from Florida State University, and unlike most of their peers, both felt called to work with the adult population rather than children. After roughly six years working in the Leon County School System and moonlighting with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the two young teachers became keenly aware of the gap in services between children and adults with disabilities.
“I think we started to get a little panicky about our students when they graduated,” Lewis said. “We are all lifelong learners. Just because these people finish high school and may not be college bound doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t still have options for things to do in the community.”
Since getting its start in 2020, Future Pathways has changed the lives of dozens of people with disabilities around the Big Bend region, but the impact has not stopped with its core clientele. The dedicated work of Hallett, Lewis and their staff creates a ripple effect stretching out to their clients’ families, friends, co-workers and strangers.
“When Shamari started working for us, we included him in our monthly newsletter, referenced Future Pathways and talked about how we were excited to have him as a new employee,” Stephanie said. “The response that we got from our customers was amazing. We had emails from customers saying, ‘It just makes me feel so good to work with a company that is making these kinds of decisions.’ ”
Shamari’s success story is one of many to emerge from Future Pathways and demonstrates how an open mind can open doors.
“You would be surprised at the difference that a person can make not only to the work environment, but also to the environment in the office,” Stephanie said.
People with disabilities have a different perspective, and they often see things in a more positive light than the average employee, she added.
“There is a huge benefit to having a person who helps everyone around them understand the importance of acceptance, tolerance and patience,” Stephanie said. “I believe people with disabilities are some of the best people in helping others to understand that because they do it unconsciously and without asking. It’s just who they are.” ▪
↑ When Stephanie Glenn suggested that her son, Shamari, take over the cleaning duties at Paul’s Pest Control, her boss was reluctant. Shamari has proved himself, employing skills he learned at Future Pathways. ↑ Future Pathways founders Abby Hallett and Amanda Lewis provide clients with pre-employment skills training and continuing support after they begin jobs.
Hospitals across the country are struggling to hire and maintain staff following the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, and Tallahassee facilities are no exception.
In late July, Politico reported that hospitals in all 50 states were reporting either critical staffing shortages or expected to hit a critical low within the week. Hospitals in small cities like Tallahassee have had to get creative to remain competitive with more metropolitan areas and the increased availability of high-paying travel positions.
“Mobility of the upcoming generation is greater than other generations,” said Alan Keesee, CEO of HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “People are willing to move and work wherever. I think that creates unique challenges for certain geographies.
story by EMMA WITMER // photography by DAVE BARFIELD↖ Facing page: Barbrielle Ray, BSN, RN, is the clinical director of the Tele/Neuro Unit at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. She is a former StaRN graduate who became a clinical manager and was recently promoted to director. StaRN is an intensive, 13-week program for nursing graduates that combines classroom instruction, simulation experience and hands-on clinical training. Upon completion, the nursing graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skill sets typically found in more experienced staff nurses.
The abundance of alternative jobs and the mobility of the generation really compound what we are seeing here locally.”
B oth HCA Florida Capital Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare have adopted enhanced recruitment tactics, implemented new care models and increased internal resources and opportunities for existing staff in order to remain competitive.
“We’ve really grown what we call our advanced care team models,” Keesee said. “We recently introduced, for the first time in many years, licensed practical nurses into the workforce. That has been a new source of great care for our patients.”
HCA Florida Capital Hospital also created a new nursing extern program, hiring 100 current nursing students to use the clinical skills they are gaining in school to provide hands-on care in the hospital.
As in many industries, financial incentives can be a big draw for prospective and current health care employees. HCA Florida Capital Hospital has, in many cases, increased compensation for clinicians while TMH provides annual pay raises to nearly all its employees.
TMH vice president and chief human resources officer Steve Haynes said that while sign-on bonuses have been effective, they’re not a favorable long-term solution.
TMH has a more stable level of staffing than a year ago, but highly technical areas of care remain a challenge, he explained.
“Right now, respiratory therapy and medical lab technology are areas of high challenge,” Haynes said. “Some of those challenges are connected to training programs. There are respiratory training programs in our area, but compared to nursing programs, there aren’t as many, nor do they enroll as many students. There truly
— STEVE HAYNES, TMH VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICERRight now, respiratory therapy and medical lab technology are areas of high challenge,” Haynes said. “Some of those challenges are connected to training programs. There are respiratory training programs in our area, but compared to nursing programs, there aren’t as many, nor do they enroll as many students.”↑ A respiratory therapist cares for a patient at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Filling spots for such therapists can be a challenge for hospitals and clinics due to the relative scarcity of training programs equipping people for the occupation.
aren’t any medical lab technology programs in our immediate area.”
Those programs are often complex and expensive for universities to sponsor, and in the past two decades, many schools have cut them from their curriculum offerings, he said.
Shortages in nursing positions have been widely reported, but the problem extends beyond the bedside. Constant advancements in technology and procedures have made physicians with experience in bleeding-edge technologies a hot commodity. This has led HCA Florida Capital Hospital to expand its recruitment area.
“We have opened up our recruitment beyond U.S. borders and have been sourcing health care professionals from literally all over the globe,” Keesee said. “We have nurses and laboratory medical professionals from Chile and South American countries, from Africa, the Philippines, Mexico — really all over the globe. They have been the most humble, grateful, wonderful workforce to partner with our current workforce to care for patients.”
Safety concerns and a lack of personal protective equipment early in the pandemic exacerbated an already growing concern about the mass exodus of seniors in the workforce. Many older clinicians opted to retire earlier while those of all ages chose to shift into alternative health care career paths within the insurance or information technology industries.
Considering these compounding challenges, Tallahassee hospitals are demonstrating a renewed focus on retention.
“From a retention and support standpoint, we are always looking at ways to improve the environment in which the caregivers operate through emotional support, free counseling sessions that we offer them, intentional leadershipfocused town halls and group therapy,” Keesee said.
“We offer some scholarship opportunities for continued education,” Haynes said. “Also, many of our colleagues come to us in entry-level jobs, so we are trying to create pathways to higher-level opportunities.”
Nearly three years into the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, both Keesee and Haynes see continued investment in the future of health care as their most reliable recruitment tool.
“A couple things we have done here locally is start our first-ever graduate medical education program in psychiatry and dermatology,” Keesee said. “We
are actually training the next generation of physicians here. This is the first psychiatric residency program in the Big Bend, and … these new students hopefully will continue to live here, work here and get their families plugged into the community.”
HCA Florida Capital Hospital will continue to offer incentives and work with other entities such as the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, which has been working for more than a year to build a pipeline for training and recruiting into the community, he added.
“We combine things like that with our own outreach programs with schools and universities to attract students who are interested in health care careers,” Keesee said. “Yes, there are ways to recruit someone you need next week, but the real sweet spot is developing long-term pipelines so that you always have a sufficient supply to meet your needs.”
We have opened up our recruitment beyond U.S. borders and have been sourcing health care professionals from literally all over the globe. … They have been the most humble, grateful, wonderful workforce to partner with our current workforce to care for patients.” ALAN KEESEE, CEO AT HCA FLORIDA CAPITAL HOSPITAL
South America A ica Mexico
It can happen in a click. You’re making your way through your inbox and open an email that suddenly gives a hacker access to your company’s system. This example is not intended to scare, but instead to make aware.
With more business than ever occurring in the digital realm, cyber threats are more prevalent than ever. Cox Business is at the forefront of preventing cyberattacks through education, cloud management and tailored security services.
Cox Business provides business internet, phone and television alongside security systems and managed cloud services. They are a one-stop shop for all business communication and security needs, but not a one-size-fits-all as they make the conscious effort to customize their packages to your business needs.
“From a business standpoint, we protect your entire ecosystem,” said Theresa Hill, cloud solutions consultant with Cox Business. “We ask each business questions surrounding what network, protection and security they have in place in order to roll out the necessary tools to protect their business. We don’t just provide services; we provide solutions.”
In meeting with each customer, the Cox Business team does an in-depth assessment to understand the security systems that may or may not be in play. With that information, they set out to fill the gaps. Essentially, they become your consultants.
Upon this analysis, they work alongside tech consultants based on your needs, including Mimecast, Veeam, Zerto, Imperva, Duo, Solarwinds and Fortinet, from two-factor authentication to Firewall protection and more. These connections with leading security companies ensure you’re receiving the most credible care possible.
The result is a multilayered defense strategy with builtin identity management and compliance support. This could include implementing virtual desktops, encryption, firewalls, protecting data with email security, antivirus, threat detection and more.
A primary goal is to be as efficient as possible, consolidating multiple services into an umbrella security solution.
When you entrust Cox Business with your security and cloud management systems, you gain a vigilant support team readily available to assist you when
crisis should occur, but more importantly, to guard you from those attacks and hacks.
One of those means of protection is employee education. Employees should be able to define and identify qualities of a security threat and enlist these skills any time they interact on a company device. The
biggest key is knowing that the person or business on the other side is a trusted entity.
Hill states that attacks occur daily because people are more knowledgeable than ever on how to get into networks and devices to infect emails. These hackers are often referred to as “bad actors.”
Cybersecurity is essential as an attack can devastate a business of any size. Small businesses may not recover, and large companies suffer from a public relations perspective.
“When it comes to cybersecurity,
it’s not an ‘if’ it’s a ‘when’,” Hill said. “We are who you call when you need a partner that can reach into your infrastructure and provide an all-in-one solution and remove any of the guesswork.”
Cox CloudEvery day feels like a vacation in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, a 55-and-better community inspired by the lyrics of legendary singer, songwriter and bestselling author, Jimmy Buffett whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound has captured the imagination of today’s vibrant 55-andbetter homebuyers who are growing older…but not up.
Offering an irresistible concoction of food, fun, music and escapism, this dynamic all-new community for active adult living is redefining how pre-andactive retirement living is viewed forever.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is a distinctly happy place where every day is like an island vacation. Colorful coastal-themed architecture, walkable neighborhoods and golf cart friendly streets create a setting where neighbors wave to neighbors and visitors are made to feel right at home.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is located on Northwest Florida’s gorgeous Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City, near Panama City Beach.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is being developed in partnership with master developer Minto Communities, global lifestyle brand Margaritaville Holdings and the St. Joe Company, one of Northwest Florida’s largest real estate development companies.
Paradise Pool
Island-styled homes are designed to capture the “no worries” tropical vibe that is so much a part of life at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. There are four distinct home collections – Conch Cottages, Caribbean Villas, Beach and Island single-family homes. Prices start in the high $200s.
Conch Cottages offer convenient two-bedroom/twobathroom living, ranging from 1,204 to 1,466 square feet. All Conch Cottages have a two-car garage, and select floor plans offer a den or hobby room.
Villa homes range from 1,507 to 1,865 square feet under air. All have two bedrooms, den or hobby room, two baths, covered lanai and two-car garage.
Single-family homes range from 1,685 to 2,568 square feet under air, and feature two to three bedrooms plus den, two to three-car garages, two to three-and-a-half baths and a covered lanai.
For more information about life in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, visit the Sales Center, open daily MondaySaturday, 9:00am-5:00pm; and Sunday, 11:00am5:00pm. You can also call (866) 223-6780 or visit www. LatitudeMargaritaville.com
ISLAND COLLECTION Aruba Exterior
The inaugural Northwest Florida Economic Summit is primed to provide insights on business development, funding, contracts and more on Oct. 17–18, 2022, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
The summit, organized by defense and security facilitator and business leader, William Loiry, presents the opportunity for businesses,
These topics will be discussed through roundtables, general sessions and the summit’s signature matchmaking sessions. Florida on Contracts & Grants
government, military and academic leaders from throughout the region and beyond to converge with the goal of learning about and improving economic endeavors within one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Attendees of the conference will glean the latest information on topics such as economic development funding and programs; infrastructure funding and priorities; technology
initiatives; energy resiliency; military and commercial construction; military base contracting opportunities; public/private financing sources; military-community partnerships; and details on the $1.2 trillion Federal Infrastructure Bill and the $715 billion Federal Transportation Bill.
Matchmaking sessions allow business attendees one-on-one discussions with officials at local, state and federal agencies that possess the monies for grants and contracts. Matchmaking sessions also provide connections between prime contractors and subcontractors. Additional connections can be made at the VIP Networking Reception.
“This summit is different because it’s not focused on 30,000 feet ideas, and it’s not structured like a TED Talk,” Loiry said. “Instead, we are highly focused on how small, mid-sized and even large businesses can connect and gain economic grants and contracts in order to expand.”
Celebrating its 10th year, the 2023 Air Force Contracting Summit will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Feb. 7–8, 2023. This summit invites Pentagon officials, Air Force Commands, base officials, contracting officers, contracting experts and business leaders from throughout the nation to learn about innovative defense solutions while forging valuable industry connections.
The summit will feature general sessions, contracting presentations from military officials and contractors, panel discussions, exhibit networking and matchmaking sessions.
Topics specific to the Air Force that will be discussed are the 2023 budget; Air Force contracting priorities; Air Force “Base of the Future” and energy resilience opportunities; Air Force cyber protection; and U.S. Space Force developments.
Pertaining to contracts, attendees can delve into sessions focused on subcontracting opportunities, public and private financing, multi-year contract vehicles for prime contractors and small-business tracks and resources.
FEB. 7–8, 2023, DESTIN-MIRAMAR BEACH
For more information on the 2023 Air Force Contracting Summit, visit usdlf.org.
Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, represented Northwest Florida at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, UK, July 18–22, 2022. The airshow is a major global platform for the aerospace and defense industries.
On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $208.26 million contract to Austal USA of Mobile, Alabama, to take over its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program, with the potential to build as many as 11 ships for up to $3.33 billion.
Brig. Gen. Jeff Geraghty became the new Commander of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base on June 30, 2022. A senior Air Force pilot, Geraghty’s 24 years of military service includes piloting an F-15 during Operations Northern Watch, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom; serving as both an F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon test pilot; and flight commander within the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB.
“The Austal USA team is excited to support the U.S. Coast Guard using our new steel panel line to manufacture and deliver ships highly capable of performing their critical homeland security and defense missions,” Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh said in a statement.
“THE HOLOCAUST & AMERICA: PENSACOLA PERSPECTIVES”
THURSDAY, SEPT 22 | 7PM SPECIAL EDITION WHERE TO WATCH: WSRE PBS | WSRE.ORG | PBS VIDEO APP
Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Florida, had expected to receive the contract.
Attend a free film screening and panel discussion led by Steve Nissim, son of a Holocaust survivor. The panel will include other second-generation survivors and local rabbis.
The first 100 to register receive the book “Rescue Board” by Rebecca Erbelding, historical advisor to the film.
“This is a dream job,” Geraghty said. “It’s a great honor to return to Eglin Air Force Base, 15 years after our first assignment here. I look forward to serving you in the various missions you perform. I will look to empower and learn from you, as well as work and thrive with you.”
“The Offshore Patrol Cutter is absolutely vital to Coast Guard mission excellence as we recapitalize our legacy medium-endurance cutters, some of which are more than 50 years old,” said Adm. Linda Fagan, Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Steve Nissim will host this special edition of “inStudio.” He and his guests will reflect on “The U.S. and the Holocaust” film series and share personal insights and experiences.
Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-2) with Summit Chairman William Loiry at the 2022 Air Force Contracting Summit. More than 100,000 government, military and business leaders have attended Loiry’s conferences on defense, homeland and global security, disaster reconstruction and economic development. For more information, visit WilliamLoiry.com.
On June 29, 2022, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division hosted the Panama
City Beach Chamber of Commerce for a tour and command overview. The center stated, “Strengthening relationships with our regional partners is important to building a better Bay County and fostering collaboration between industry, academia and our command.”
Saturday Oct 15 | 6pm–9pm | $50
SCI Building | 220 W Garden St | Downtown Pensacola
WSRE PBS and honorary event chairs Julian and Kim MacQueen invite you to the station’s 32nd annual Wine and Food Classic. Your ticket purchase includes cuisine from local chefs, wine and a signature cocktail, live music by Nobius, and the opportunity to meet special guest Alejandra Ramos, host of “The Great American Recipe” on PBS!
Proceeds support the mission of WSRE PBS to positively impact local communities through education, entertainment and engagement. Thank you!
Tickets and Event Information: wsre.org/wfc
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CONGRESSMAN NEAL DUNN AND WILLIAM LOIRYAs a young man, Justin Phelps found himself gravitating toward a career in construction. He admired the companies who had built landmark structures in the area. Now, 10 years into his time as president and CEO of JM Phelps Construction, Phelps has joined their ranks.
JM Phelps Construction specializes in small retail and light industrial projects including gas stations, restaurants and marinas.
While Phelps admires and aligns with the work ethic, quality and consistency of seasoned contractors, he considers his team to be a new generation of contractors that specializes in innovative and tailored design solutions customized for individual clients.
Phelps got his start with gas stations and smaller retail spaces and restaurants, but quickly became known for building not only quality buildings, but also strong relationships. On the strength of that reputation, he has landed projects
including the Powder Room shooting gallery in Panama City Beach, Busy Bee in Panama City Beach and the Treasure Island and St. Joe marinas.
Phelps hopes to expand his activities to include medical facilities and multifamily buildings.
JM Phelps Construction is well versed in costs and system operations and is adept at providing analysis related to materials and construction methods. This keeps them competitive and in sync with client budgets.
The company communicates expectations to its subcontractors prior to submitting proposals for jobs, ensuring a harmonious relationship among itself, clients and trades people. It looks for opportunity to engage minority businesses in its projects.
Phelps works to instill a sense of family in his family-owned and operated business. He is backed by reliable managers whom he entrusts with the operations of the company.
Phelps enjoys getting to know not only each client’s project, but also their business and outside interests. Clients are not just another face or name; they are valuable and valued partners.
“I measure success by relationships,” said Phelps. “Anyone can do a oneand-done project. Repeat business and lifelong friendships with clients define my success. Relationships become resources.”
Justin PhelpsThermal drone image of property
Team Complete is a big proponent of proactive building stewardship that ensures property owners can weather any storm with confidence. Team Complete is passionate about their desire to offer stellar construction and repair practices that serve the building managers and leaders who trust them with the work. They rush into the face of storms, tie themselves to their desks and embrace the hard questions that threaten the future of the buildings. The team serves with eyes wide open and focuses on the needs of their clients and community.
Led by President and General Contractor John Minor, Team Complete is made up of specialized experts who provide forensic engineering, project management, construction consulting, insurance appraisals, restoration contracting
and consulting services. Engineers, general contractors, consultants, flood plain managers, appraisers and others help property owners check all the right boxes.
While restoration is a major component of what it does, Team Complete also strives to prevent damage where possible.
Minor urges property and building owners to understand risk, including risks of flooding. Risk assessments can better enable building owners to know when structures should be evacuated. Location is significant, but building condition and quality are important factors, too, in how a structure will fare in a storm.
“I’m a longtime teacher of proper construction techniques and an advocate for time-tested methods and materials,” Minor said. “Smart owners and managers invest in
materials and craftsmanship so that their buildings withstand weather and ultimately last longer.”
Minor stated that under the new law, condo associations must have enough money in their reserves to fund all repairs necessary to maintain the structural integrity of all buildings three stories or higher.
With a focus on being proactive in management and maintenance, Minor also encourages property owners to contact Team Complete regarding needs for thermal imaging, diagnostic inspections, Milestone inspections (phase one and two) and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS).
“We are thankful to those who often have to make hard decisions in order to protect others,” said Minor. “When clients work with us, they receive sound advice and judgment to make ethical and right decisions.”
Chris Nallick, vice president of Element Outdoors, was on a mission to find a building for his company. He was open to acquiring an existing building or locating a site for new construction but made little progress — until the Santa Rosa Economic Development office got involved.
Before 2014, Nallick was an offshore fisherman who worked six months out of the year. In the other six months, he found he wanted to tap into his entrepreneurial side. He got into water-transfer printing applications for shotguns and rifles. When enough people asked him to consider using his camo patterns on apparel, he decided to give it a try.
For three years beginning in 2014, Nallick and his wife Angie ran Element Outdoors, an e-commerce outdoor apparel business, out of their garage.
A marketing company connected him with Mark Heck, then owner of Xpedition Archery. The two men clicked and in 2019 decided to merge Element Outdoors with Xpedition Enterprises, which today includes 11 companies.
By this time, Element Outdoors had outgrown Nallick’s Santa Rosa garage and was operating out of Iowa. A native of Northwest Florida, Nallick was unwilling to relocate to the Midwest and thus found himself on many flights to corn country.
In late 2021, Nallick decided to act on his desire to bring his business back home. He reached out to Santa Rosa County Commissioner Sam Parker, who referred him to executive director Shannon Ogletree with the Santa Rosa Economic Development office.
Ogletree directed Nallick’s attention to a building that the Sheriff’s Office had been using. Upon seeing it, Nallick knew it
was the building for him, and within two months, Ogletree handed over the keys.
“Without the economic development group, Shannon in particular, we wouldn’t be in operation here today,” Nallick said. “Shannon is very good at his job, and he cares for and has a passion for this region and the people in it. The economic development office is a resource we are very grateful for.”
Since February 2022, Nallick has hired four employees and has plans to hire five more by year’s end. He regularly gives back to his community through sponsorship programs.
“I love my job because I get to meet and work alongside many community-minded people like Chris,” said Ogletree. “Then I get to use my connections to help them make connections. Economic development is all about connecting the dots.”
Successful relationships between business professionals and their clients rely upon trust. But trust, as is often said, must be earned. We expect professionals in fields including health care, banking, insurance, real estate and even travel to be competent and to extend toward us active goodwill. As evidence of their trustworthiness, we look for professionals who are courteous, experienced, reliable and passionate about what they do. In this special advertising section of 850 Business Magazine, we present Northwest Florida professionals who are prepared to meet and exceed your expectations.
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Associates. While he enjoyed this venture, he aspired to the growth and recognition that larger national real estate companies provided.
In 1981, he purchased a Coldwell Banker franchise, which provided him with vast industry knowledge and proven tools. Coldwell Bank Hartung has served Tallahassee, the Panhandle and South Georgia for over 40 years.
“When you first begin a business, it’s hard to fathom 40 years, but in retrospect the most rewarding aspect is owning a sustainable business because this means we’ve managed to satisfy our customers, stay true to our goals and maintain a respectable reputation for that long,” Hartung said.
The team’s hard work has paid off with earning coveted awards. In 2022, Coldwell Banker Hartung received the Chairman’s Circle award, the highest honor bestowed in the Coldwell Banker real estate network.
Such success stems from dedication. Hartung hires only full-time professionals, setting a high standard for his personnel.
Chip Hartung, the owner of Coldwell Banker Hartung, is a people person. While his business specializes in residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, seeing to clients’ happiness by serving them as a
genuinely interested partner is a big part of the job.
Hartung began his career in real estate at a Tallahassee firm shortly after graduating college. Five years in, he decided to open his own brokerage, Chip Hartung and
Those agents derive satisfaction and motivation from seeing clients excited with their new home or commercial property.
Community relationships extend beyond office meetings and house showings to events, volunteering and fundraising with organizations such as Adopt-A-Pet, Joanna Francis Living Well, Christmas Connection, Second Harvest of the Big Bend, The Kearney Center, United Way and more.
“We choose to do the right thing and make the right decisions for our clients every day,” Hartung said.
CAMPUS USA Credit Union is a people helping people type of business. As a notfor-profit cooperative, they are owned by their members to best serve the interests of their members. With 18 service centers in North Central Florida, they serve over 100,000 member-owners as a full service financial cooperative offering a multitude of consumer and business services — such as checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, investment services and more. Their shared vision is to empower their employees to make a positive difference in the financial lives of their members and in the communities they serve.
What sets your business apart? At CAMPUS, you’re not just a member — you own the place. Profits are returned to member-owners in the form of no-and low-fee financial services and best-of-market rates on deposits and loans. Since our members own CAMPUS, we can never be bought, nor can we merge with another institution without our members’ approval.
What impact do you hope to make on the community? We want to be seen as a committed partner in the communities we serve. CAMPUS invests hundreds of thousands of dollars every year — these funds are donated directly to local organizations that impact the community in a positive way.
What do you hope customers gain from interacting with your company? Most members are surprised that when they bank with us, it feels more like being a part of a big family rather than just “banking.” We hope our members always call us first when making big financial decisions — that’s why we’re here.
Most people don’t know this but … CAMPUS started like many small businesses — by a group of people who wanted to make a difference. The Credit Union started with nine members who each bought a $5 share account, which is the same price as a “share” today when a member opens an account.
From left to right: Kristi Holland, Service Center Manager (Killearn); Alex Gonzalez, Service Center Manager (Governor’s Crossing); Traci Poucher, Regional Manager; Kendalyn Gordon, Service Center Manager (Mahan).
What services do you provide?
We are a structural restoration company that offers two modes of operation — non-catastrophe restorations and post-catastrophe restorations. For non-catastrophe, we limit our scope to the exterior, which includes anything structural, from the roof to the foundation. For post-catastrophe, we often hire subcontractors to cover the entire building, from interior to exterior work.
What sets your company apart?
The people, without a doubt. Many of the employees in management, administration and fieldwork have been with the company since its beginning in 1988. That kind of longevity often makes other companies envious because I can ensure the quality of each job will be reliable and held to the same high standard.
How did you get into this business? I am a third-generation construction worker, and after spending some time in the Marine Corps, I returned back to my roots. My wife Louise and I have remained the owners for over three decades.
What is your company’s mission? To be the area’s leading contractor for concrete rehabilitation, waterproofing and building reconstruction services. To maintain our leadership edge by providing
excellence in products and services and by anticipating the future needs of our clients. To be fiscally responsible in the management of our company.
How do you define success?
Getting up every day and going to work, whether I feel bad or good, whether things are going wrong or well. It is all about perseverance. Calvin Coolidge said of all the traits in the world, one that is never wasted is perseverance. If you have perseverance, you can overcome anything.
What do you hope people experience from working with your company? A respect for work ethic. If we can impart a strong work ethic into our younger generations, then they will be better business people, fathers, mothers and citizens.
What impact do you hope to make within your community? I hope my legacy will be that I was fair. Whether I am working with an employee, a community member or a client, they should be treated with fairness and respect.
Cyndi Warren, managing member of the Warren Averett office in Pensacola, is an Enneagram 2 — that is, she’s a “helper,” one who is highly trained. The title applies to many aspects of her life, including her role as an advisor to businesses.
Studying the Enneagram, a model of the human psyche, has helped Warren understand the path she has taken to her current position. She holds degrees in accounting and enjoys the challenge of tax planning, but as a member of the Warren Averett team since 1990, she has discovered that she derives satisfaction especially from investing in client relationships.
Warren Averett came about 50 years ago, and the firm as it exists today is the combination of 20 CPA firms throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama that have merged over the years to create one of the largest regional accounting firms in the nation. The company is a business advisory firm providing traditional accounting services, auditing, taxes, technical services, HR services and more.
Warren has been around long enough to witness the life cycle of many businesses. Some of her clients are members of families that have been Warren Averett clients for generations.
“We provide a holistic approach to serving our clients, which allows them to thrive from a business standpoint,” Warren said. “Our clients trust us so completely that they are able to focus on other aspects of their business.”
Warren Averett encourages its employees at each of its offices in four states to give back to their communities. In 2022, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the firm, the company enacted the 50 Acts of Service initiative that calls upon employees to coordinate and carry
out service projects that support local causes.
“We are committed to the community of the Florida Panhandle,” Warren said. “We are a team that will serve whatever needs are necessary because we have the expertise and talent to do so.”
Warren’s most rewarding professional moments have included passing the CPA exam, making partner and building relationships with clients. Now, she enjoys watching those very same moments occur for members of her Warren Averett team.
Steven and Ashley Wright have been involved in restoring properties for over 10 years. All it took was being a part of the devastation experienced throughout the Panhandle from Hurricane Michael in 2018 to realize they wanted to help their neighbors as first responders. From there, they opened their own business, RECON Restoration & Reconstruction, LLC. The business provides resources to property owners with property damage and insurance claims.
RECON specializes in mold remediation, fire/smoke damage restoration, water mitigation, contents/ packouts, eviction cleanings, full-
service cleanings, storm damage cleanup, reconstruction and soon, roofing. Their main focus is residential, student housing, condominiums and commercial spaces.
The husband and wife team both grew up in military families and have built their business around military values and expectations. They define their own success based upon the satisfaction of both their customers and their employees.
“We offer a customer focused experience — seamless communication, competitive and fair pricing, highly skilled IICRC certified technicians who are available 24/7 providing quality work every time.
Also, as a courtesy, we work with insurance companies to ensure all claims are handled appropriately and in a timely manner,” said Wright.
Their intention is that RECON is always synonymous with trust and quality work. To date, their copious five-star reviews reflect that. They are preferred vendors for the top insurance companies in Florida and are highly skilled in dealing with insurance property claims.
Whether it’s the roof over your head or the contents inside that make a house your home, RECON Restoration & Reconstruction, LLC is there to help you restore normalcy — with improvements.
PHOTO BY JOHN HARRINGTONRegina Jaquess leads two professional lives, one as the owner of Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy and another as a member of the elite USA water ski team. For her, there are strong connections between those roles.
Donning water skis for the first time at age 5, Jaquess learned that she liked standing up to a challenge. Later, as a scholarship athlete, she joined a water ski team at the University of Louisiana-Monroe that won two national championships.
As an athlete, she pursued optimal health and conditioning. As a student, she was drawn to pharmacy school and the mind-body-spirit connection central to healing through pharmaceuticals.
In 2010, she opened her business, Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy, in her hometown of Santa Rosa Beach. “Compounding pharmacy is really the origin of pharmacy in general because you’re making adjustments and modifications to fit the needs of each patient,” Jaquess said. “I love the challenge of compounding pharmacy because there are so many avenues you can take in order to find the medicine that will most benefit the patient with the least side effects.”
Her pharmacy addresses prescription compounding, bio-identical hormones, thyroid replacement, veterinary pharmacy, dermatology, dental, pain management, pediatric care and more.
REGINA K. JAQUESS, PHARM.D. 1719 S. Co Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach | (850) 622-5800 ECCPharmacy.com
She is a 10-time world champion and has set 13 world records. Five times, she was the international water ski athlete of the year — she has won more than 300 medals in international competition. This year, she will compete in the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
Attend a free film screening and panel discussion led by Steve Nissim, son of a Holocaust survivor. The panel will include other second-generation survivors and local rabbis.
The first 100 to register receive the book “Rescue Board” by Rebecca Erbelding, historical advisor to the film.
Steve Nissim will host this special edition of “inStudio.” He and his guests will reflect on “The U.S. and the Holocaust” film series and share personal insights and experiences.
Were he to run for elective office in Bay County — or beyond — Chris Moore might be a campaign manager’s dream.
If you are looking for someone who models adherence to the Scout Law at the age of 55, Moore is your man.
He was born at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, his Navy father’s next-to-last duty station, but never knew the place. He was a toddler when the family came home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City Beach.
Moore attended Bay County public schools, graduating from Bay High School. Along the way, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of a troop that met at First United Methodist Church. Scouting, he said, fueled his passion for community.
Moore is a third-generation Navy, firstgeneration officer. He has a son, newly commissioned as a Navy flight officer (four and two), who is stationed at this writing at the NAS flight school in Pensacola.
In a Navy career that spanned 24 years and three months, Moore, who retired with the rank of captain, completed three tours as a commanding officer — with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TEN, the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach and the Navy Operational Support Center Atlanta.
In becoming an ıı40 Special Operations officer, he qualified as a helium/oxygen mixed gas diver and a hyperbaric chamber supervisor and underwent ıı months of explosive ordnance disposal training at Eglin Air Force Base. He was introduced to some 5,000 classified documents that detail “render safe” procedures related to military munitions from around the world.
Today, he is the senior program manager for General Dynamics Information Technology at
its Panama City office. Its chief customer is the Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Moore is the immediate past board chairman at the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and currently chairs the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, which for decades has contributed to Bay County’s reputation as one of the most military-friendly communities in the country.
He holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College (National Security & Strategic Studies) and Valdosta State University (Public Administration). He did his undergraduate work at the University of Florida where he majored in political science. On his LinkedIn page, he lists Tim Tebow as an influencer.
Oh, and the notion that Moore might seek elective office? Truth is, he’s done that, too. Recently, he qualified as a candidate for the District 3 seat on the Bay County School Board, and the incumbent chose not to seek re-election.
Moore, a proven leader in military and private sector roles, now hopes to make a difference as a public official.
“The School Board is something I think I can be effective at and still keep my day job,” he said.
As one might expect, he has done his homework.
“Overhead in the Bay County school district is 50% higher than it is in comparable counties in Northwest Florida,” Moore said. “We need to get business minds involved. I have managed hundred-million-dollar organizations with millions of dollars in equipment. Maybe we can find a way to get some of those overhead dollars in the classroom.
“We need to focus on the fiscal responsibilities of a half-billion-dollar operation.”
Moore is painfully aware that the U.S. Air Force rates schools within a prescribed radius of its ı57 installations worldwide and that in 20ı9, Bay County ranked ı57th. Two years later, it was ı56th.
Overhead in the Bay County school district is 50% higher than it is in comparable counties in Northwest Florida. We need to get business minds involved.”
— CHRIS MOORE, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER-ELECT
photography by MIKE FENDER
↙ Retired Navy captain Chris Moore at the Quarter Deck — the receiving area — in the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach. Behind him are several “Jakes,” a Navy term for dive suit mannequins, in gear developed over a period of 100 years. Moore served as a Special Operations officer specializing in explosive ordnance disposal. He came through the Navy dive school in Panama City Beach and completed EOD training at Eglin Air Force Base.
↑ Capt. Chris Moore, U.S. Navy, retired, talks with the petty officer on the watch in the receiving area or “quarter deck” at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center. The quarter deck’s flooring is teak wood from World War II era battleships. → Moore, looks over the fourchamber hyperbaric Dive Simulation Facility used for dive training and medical decompression treatments. Blue panels at left of photo are touchscreen controls for chamber pressure, breathing, fire suppression and other systems. Moore “dove” to a depth of 300 feet during his HeliumOxygen Dive Officer Training in 1992.
Moore was quick to point out that by citing those rankings, he does not intend to admonish the current school board and district administrators — he is kind. He’d rather talk about prospects for improvement.
His speech is peppered with words including planning, mission, accomplishment, forward and upward.
Moore is excited about the $5 billion redevelopment of Tyndall Air Force Base as the “base of the future” and about the benefits likely to emerge from the further integration of the base into the community. He noted that Tyndall brass and the leadership at Florida State University Panama City are working toward the creation of a new STEM school at Tyndall.
Such developments, he said, “will make airmen want to come to Bay County.”
In Bay County, far more than the Air Force base is being restored and advanced, of course. The private sector
is moving to address the depletion of housing stock caused by Hurricane Michael. Downtown Panama City has been re-visioned, and evidence of new investment there is growing. The Bay County Economic Development Alliance has enjoyed recent successes including the landing of a $50 million FedEx distribution center.
For Moore, the Chamber is a relevant, vital and active organization that touches all of those efforts.
“It’s a good conduit that brings the business community together,” Moore said. “We look at all the factors that affect business and help ensure that we are moving ahead with forethought and a planned strategy.”
Those considerations include quality-of-life issues that affect where highly skilled employees and highly desirable businesses choose to locate.
Moore said he has been pleased by the downtown revitalization work and would love to see it move faster.
“But all good projects take due diligence and planning,” he said.
“We’ve finally got a hotel back in the downtown area, and now we’re working on the next piece — whatever is deemed the suitable replacement for the Marina Civic Center.”
Moore recalls performing as a member of the Bay High School band at the old Civic Center, which was destroyed by Michael.
“And I couldn’t tell you how many recitals we attended there in the ı3 or ı4 years my daughter danced,” he said. He believes the city should work toward a multi-use facility or perhaps two buildings that would serve as both a conference center and a performing arts venue.
In March, Moore, then near the end of his year as Chamber chairman, was present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hotel Indigo under construction at Panama City’s Downtown Marina. There was a gold shovel there for him and for Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and St. Joe Company president/ CEO Jorge Gonzalez.
“Today, we are hitting a milestone that is unbelievable,” Moore said at the time. “It’s not just a jumpstart. It’s a supercharge.”
For that, Moore assigned credit to Gonzalez.
“He is prepared to be first,” Moore said of him, citing St. Joe’s commitment to the construction of a large spec building in its commerce center near Bay County’s airport and now its investment in downtown.
“He leads from the front.”
Moore regards himself as something of a libertarian, but he is one for whom some taxes have merit.
He supported the enactment of a bed tax in Panama City and a Bay County half-cent infrastructure sales tax. The former, he said, made possible the creation of a promotional organization, Destination Panama City, and the latter has enabled the county to get started on projects that would otherwise be waiting in line for state funding.
Again, Moore finds that the Chamber, by advancing a legislative agenda, was instrumental in bringing about those levies.
He views Carol Roberts, the Chamber’s longtime executive
← Chris Moore at the Aquatic Training Facility at NDSTC. This pool is 40 feet deep and used during various stages of dive training. In the background is a 60-ton gantry crane used to lower training projects into the water. Moore was the commanding officer of NDSTC when ground was broken on the ATF in 2006. He works today as a senior program manager in the Panama City Beach office of General Dynamics Information Technology whose chief customer is the nearby Naval Surface Warfare Center.
director and a Chamber employee for 45 years, as a strategically important weapon who is unmatched among her counterparts around Florida.
“She bleeds Bay County, and people statewide will pick up her call, people that others can’t get to,” Moore said.
“She has been a tremendous asset because of her corporate knowledge and the continuity she has brought to the Chamber. And, she’s a pit bull. She latches onto a problem or an issue and figures out the best way to accomplish the mission.”
Always, Moore has found people, beginning with his father, to emulate, and he’s not through learning.
“We have a tight-knit community, and that’s to our advantage,” he said. “The circles aren’t huge, and that makes for great efficiency in getting things done. I grew up in St. Andrews as a lower-middle-class kid, and now I’m seeing how the Bay County machine works.” ▪
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Akey employee of the St. Joe Company described the man agement style of its president/ CEO Jorge Gonzalez.
“He doesn’t have a lot to say,” the employee said, “but when he speaks, it is significant. And when he commits to a course of action, he goes forward. He doesn’t retreat.”
Gonzalez said he sees himself in that characterization, sure enough, but wished to add to it his belief that all opinions matter.
“I really make an effort to appreciate all perspectives,” he said. “I always tell our entire team never to hold back, particularly if they think we are doing something wrong.”
In prospective joint venture partners and employees, Gonzalez looks for people who are humble and trustworthy.
“I think humility is one of the most under-appreciated characteristics in people,” Gonzalez said. “When someone is humble, he will tend to be a better listener. I look for people who are
grounded and know what real life is, people we can trust.
“I often say that 90% of everything is trust. I can probably put everything else combined in the other ı0%. In business, in life, in relationships, if you have trust, there is nothing you can’t navigate. If you don’t have trust, everything is difficult.”
Gonzalez is a navigator of seas of change and, too, he is a leader of a company that is altering the landscape in Bay and Walton counties.
North of Panama City Beach on State 79, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is taking shape as a residential development of unprecedented scale in Bay County. It is projected one day to number
some ı70,000 homes in an area that fronts the Intracoastal Waterway.
An age-restricted community, it will attract people for whom the presence of an airport and hospital in close proximity are priorities at least as large as pickleball and water aerobics. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is in place.
The first phase of a medical campus project is underway a short distance from the south of Margaritaville on State 79 at Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway. It represents a carefully arrived at partnership among St. Joe, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the Florida State University College of Medicine.
As his conceptual conversations about the project advanced with TMH president/CEO Mark O’Bryant, Gonzalez made clear his desire for a clinical delivery partner who would be open to local governance.
“Phase one is a medical office building that will house physicians, specialists, an outpatient surgery center and an urgent care center,” Gonzalez said. “Over time, working with TMH and FSU, we want to create synergy among research,
photography by MICHAEL
I often say that 90% of everything is trust. I can probably put everything else combined in the other 10% ”
— JORGE GONZALES, PRESIDENT/CEO, THE ST. JOE COMPANY↑ A drone’s eye view of Panama City, looking from St. Andrew Bay up downtown’s main artery, Harrison Avenue. → St. Joe Company president/CEO Jorge Gonzalez believes that a vital, active downtown area is an essential part of communities.
teaching and clinical delivery. We want to provide more primary care, specialists and diagnostics. As the region grows, particularly in demographics like Latitude, the health care delivery system needs to grow with it. We are not critical of existing providers. This is additive.”
Gonzalez is hopeful that doctors will one day complete residencies at the campus and make Bay County their permanent home.
“Health care is inherently local,” he said. “That is something that Mark and I talked about a lot. We will have a local board that has a fiduciary relationship with TMH.”
For Gonzalez, localness is a central concept, if not a guiding principle. As to St. Joe’s image in the community, he intends above all else that the company be seen as part of the home team.
“This is our home,” Gonzalez said of Bay County, where St. Joe’s corporate offices are located. “This is where our employees live, this is where they are raising their families. We would never do anything that we thought would be detrimental to the local area because we would be hurting ourselves.”
But St. Joe, by virtue of its nature and size, is a disruptive change agent, and Gonzalez recognizes that some people are resistant to what others may regard as progress.
“We understand that change is chal lenging,” he said before distinguishing St. Joe from other developers.
“There are entities that go to different markets, and they develop properties, and then they leave,” Gonzalez said. “That’s not who we are. We have owned our property in this region since the ı940s. We’re based here. We’re not making decisions from afar. We see what’s happening in real time on our way to work. If people are not happy about traffic, we’re experiencing it, too.”
When Neal Wade, who at one time worked for St. Joe, headed up the Bay County Economic Development Alliance, he talked about the disconnect between the county and the lifestyles and expectations of executives with targeted employers and industries. There were times, he said, when Bay’s schools and cultural opportunities didn’t make the grade.
“And people want to know if there is a place in town where they can get their Mercedes serviced,” Wade would comment.
“Today, the Mercedes oil change problem has become the Tesla charging station problem,” Gonzalez said. “There are more people moving to Bay and Walton counties to live full time than ever before — and they are coming from a wider range, geographically. They will be wanting different services and different goods, and the business community will adapt and provide them. It’s all demand driven.”
St. Joe is often thought of as a highend coastal developer whose efforts are concentrated in beaches areas, but the company is investing, too, in downtown Panama City and in eastern sections of Bay County.
Those activities are consistent with Gonzalez’s belief that all communities benefit by having a healthy and vibrant downtown and his recognition that nothing happens in a vacuum.
“For a community to prosper, it needs lots of elements, including housing for teachers, first responders and health care service providers,” Gonzalez said.
Accordingly, the company is creating east of the Hathaway Bridge the College Station, Park Place and Titus Park residential communities as parts of an intentional effort to add to the county’s inventory of what it calls workforce housing. At this writing, an apartment complex, North Bay Landing, is nearing completion in the U.S. Highway 23ı corridor.
In Mexico Beach west of the city’s canal, St. Joe is building singlefamily residences, townhouses and an apartment complex to help meet the anticipated housing needs that will occur with the redevelopment of Tyndall Air Force Base. The development is just a ı0-minute drive from the base’s main gate.
At Panama City’s Downtown Marina, St. Joe is bringing about a
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Hotel Indigo. Next door, its Harrison’s restaurant is newly opened. Both were designed to reflect and respect Panama City’s culture and history.
“A coastal environment is tricky because of the rapidly changing conditions,” Gonzalez said. “After we get the permit, we do what I call a gut check. We ask ourselves, ‘Do we want to proceed today?’ The first few burns we did were tough because we were dealing with a lot of fuel.
“I learned something I didn’t know. Seeds from trees that were native to this region generations ago before slash pines were planted are still in the ground. And they get reactivated when they are reintroduced to sunlight.”
Gonzalez was describing St. Joe’s activities at environmental mitigation areas aimed at restoring ecosystems that dominated the Southeast before the longleaf pine forests were felled.
But he could have been talking about development.
The best development is that which brings the most honorable aspects of the past forward with it. The best development is additive, not critical. ▪
TOTAL POPULATION
AGE DISTRIBUTION
0–9 22,100 10–19 20,429 20–29 24,841 30–39 22,600 22,700 26,700 36,047 65+ 2,968
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Highest Level of Education Among People Age 25 and Older
<HIGH SCHOOL 3.2%
SOME HIGH SCHOOL 8.1%
HIGH SCHOOL 30.6%
SOME COLLEGE 25%
ASSOCIATE DEGREE 10.5%
BACHELOR’S DEGREE 14.8%
MASTER’S DEGREE 5.6%
PROFESSIONAL DEGREE 1.3%
DOCTORATE 0.8%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Florida Chamber of Commerce
It’s not a secret that real estate demand is high, and inventory is low. Chris McCall, Senior Director of the Commercial Division of Counts Real Estate Group, is honest with his clients about the market while helping them acquire the commercial or industrial properties they require.
The eight agents in the Commercial Division at Counts Real Estate Group carefully monitor market trends. They are paired with clients based on customer requirements and the agent’s experience and areas of expertise.
Over the past three years, lease rates and prices have increased dramatically. McCall said that high demand along with supply chain issues has accelerated growth in construction costs. He noted in particular price increases for steel, concrete and petroleum-based construction materials.
McCall advises people to anticipate needs and start looking into commercial property as early as possible.
“If you cannot find the right location and the right building, buyers and tenants should consider building
for their specific requirements,” McCall said. “Construction costs and land costs are at all-time highs, but so are lease rates and values.”
If you do elect to build, you’ll need to consider building codes and requirements. Distribution centers, for example, must have high ceilings and dock-height loading.
McCall said people embarking on searches for industrial property should be mindful of considerations including location, costs, construction quality, square footage, ceiling height, loading, power and yard space.
Chris McCall helps clients navigate the market
In a tough market, McCall has recently achieved some major sales. He worked with the owners of the former Bell Signs Building in Panama City to restore the building, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael. The building was rebuilt, leased to two longterm credit tenants, then purchased by an investor for $7 million.
McCall and his partner Carl Allen purchased the former Century-Cobia Boats/Yamaha Motors plant in Bay Industrial Park. After a rebuild, they
have leased two buildings to Conner Industries, and the remaining two buildings are under contract to a manufacturer who will create over 120 jobs.
“I’ve never thought of myself as a salesman,” McCall said. “I simply help people and companies solve their real estate needs, minimize real estate overhead and maximize returns for real estate investors. It all equates to clients being satisfied and knowing they got the best deal possible.”
Chris McCall
(Right) 1200 Entera Drive, Panama City the Former Bell Signs Building. (Left) Bay Industrial Park located at 6725 Bay Line Drive, Panama City. Location was the former Century-Cobia Boats / Yamaha Motors Plant.
story by LIESEL SCHMIDT
The origin story of Duplin Winery reads like a quaint tale of two brothers with a dream, living in rural North Carolina in the early ’70s, discussing those hopes and dreams as they sat in rocking chairs on their porch.
Fortunately for them, serendipity brought them an opportunity to create something remarkable: a legacy they could leave for future generations.
After learning that a winery in New York City would pay $350 for a ton of grapes, brothers Dan and David Fussell, Sr., planned to grow sweet muscadine grapes. In partnership with their father, “Big D,” as they called him, they invested everything they had into starting vineyards. It took four years
for their first harvest, and by that time, the grape prices had fallen to less than half the original price.
Faced with a dire situation, the brothers taught themselves how to make wine from their muscadine grapes that would highlight its natural sweetness. Even with one problem solved, however, they found themselves up against another challenge: The price of bottling was too high. Still, they rose to the challenge. After buying sugar and mason jars from their local hardware store in Rose Hill, they bottled and sold their first batch of wine, officially launching Duplin Winery in ı976.
More than four decades later, the Duplin name has become known for
producing “America’s Favorite Sweet Wine,” boasting the world’s largest muscadine winery. The company is now run by Dan and David’s sons, Dave Fussell, Jr., and Jonathan Fussell, who have taken over the reins of the family business and expanded it to include a second location in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during the summer of 20ı5. The location was one inspired by their grandfather, who had always loved Myrtle Beach and dreamed of opening a winery there.
Nearly ı0 years have passed since the opening of that second winery, and the Fussell boys have once again expanded their legacy to establish a winery in Panama City Beach, Florida.
“Although originally from the
← In response to growing demand for its sweet muscadine wines along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Duplin Winery has undertaken the development of a third location on Back Beach Road in Panama City Beach. Construction is taking place at the site, formerly, of the Hombre Golf Club. →↓ Duplin products include a Hatteras Red and original Cotton Candy wines in blueberry, lime and peach.
East Coast, Duplin began to grow in distribution along the Gulf Coast,” explains Morgan Jackson, general manager of Duplin Wine Family, Inc. “When they were visiting the Panhandle of Florida, the brothers fell in love with the laid-back, calm beach lifestyle of Panama City Beach, Florida.”
The beach lifestyle seemed to be the perfect place to welcome a new winery, and so Duplin Winery is slated to open its doors at the beginning of 2023. “With over 70 acres of land, the possibilities are endless for our new location,” Jackson says. “Our vision is to create a destination that visitors, residents and the entire community can enjoy.”
The main attractions, Jackson says, will be participating in hand bottling, live music events and hosting wine tastings. Duplin Winery tastings are designed to be a little different, with “no pinky raisin’ allowed” and entertainment of funny stories,
anecdotes and interesting facts about the family’s history.
The beautiful building will be perfect for taking a stroll and finding unique gifts and accessories, and the porch is perfect for relaxing and enjoying live music during the spring, summer and fall. You may even get a hug from Dave or Jonathan if they are sitting out there on the porch.
“Future plans may include establishing gorgeous vineyards, creating a wedding venue, a live entertainment calendar, shopping, gourmet foods and more,” Jackson said. “The possibilities are endless.”
The delicious draw, of course, will be Duplin Winery’s varietals, which include sweet wines, sparkling wines,
fruit-forward wines and frozen wine drinks — all of which have that signature Duplin quality and fun, carefree way of making wine anything but snobbish or prim and proper. The label’s top-seller is Hatteras Red, a traditional Southern muscadine red that is consistently one of the South’s best-selling wines, boasting a pleasant sweetness and fruitiness that makes it incredibly refreshing.
“We also have a new line of wines in our Duplin Cotton Candy brands,” says Jackson, who goes on to describe the “fluffy, cloudlike” sweetness of the Cotton Candy series wines. Originally intended as a limited run, the Original Cotton Candy rosé was kept in production and expanded to include Original Cotton Candy, Blueberry Cotton Candy, Lime Cotton Candy and Peach Cotton Candy. The popular series is known for its hints of vanilla and notes of summer berries and fruit.
With its third location opening at Panama City Beach, Duplin Winery is expanding the legacy and carrying on the dream — and bringing it to paradise. ▪
→ For more information on Duplin Winery, visit duplinwinery.com.
PHOTO BY STEVE BORNHOFT (CONSTRUCTION) AND COURTESY OF DUPLIN WINERYMichael Boblitz, chief executive officer of Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC), continuously seeks ways to serve patients best. In doing so, he took to a map of Northwest Florida to track the patients’ points of origin. Tracing map lines quickly became blueprints for two new offices in Panama City and Panama City Beach.
TOC was opened in 1974 by Dr. Doug Henderson and Dr. Tom Haney, who saw the need for an orthopedic clinic specializing in sports medicine in a region with a wealth of high school and college sports teams. Today, between eight offices in Florida and Georgia, there are 32 physicians, 47 physician extenders and over 300 employees.
The TOC Panama City office at 2011 Harrison Ave. will open in October of 2022. The TOC Panama City Beach clinic is estimated
to be in operation by the fall of 2024 at the intersection of SR79 and Arnold Road. This will bring the total to ten clinics.
The TOC Panama City Beach location is in conjunction with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Florida State University College of Medicine and The St. Joe Company. The 80,000-square-foot building will house TOC on the second floor with primary care on the first, cardiovascular on the third and surgical care on the fourth floor.
“Panama City Beach is growing by leaps and bounds with a lot of promising development happening,” Boblitz said. “It seemed like a great opportunity to open two offices to serve not only Bay County but the other growing adjacent counties as well, such as Walton and Gulf, to fulfill our promise to keep people healthy, active and strong through prevention, preservation and wellness.”
Eric A. Branch, MD Ryan Price, MD Andrew Borom, MDThese offices will replicate the Tallahassee office over the next few years, offering comprehensive care in the areas of joint reconstruction, sports medicine, regenerative medicines, diagnostic imaging, hand and wrist, foot and ankle, pain management, orthotics and prosthetics, shoulder and elbow, pediatric orthopedics, concussion, spine and back, trauma, physical therapy and more.
Boblitz is excited to welcome Eric A. Branch, MD, specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, alongside Ryan Price, MD, specializing in pediatric orthopedics, and Andy Borom, MD, specializing in foot and ankle surgery, to the TOC Panama City location, beginning services in October.
With more doctors coming on board and an array of services, the idea is that patients receive total orthopedic care in one location rather than bouncing from office to office, which Boblitz refers to as the “pingpong effect.”
Alongside convenience, the clinic has a clear vision to be a trusted partner to all who cross their doors by becoming a leading value-based organization that embraces cost reduction, quality and clinical experience.
“Access to all is very important to us,” Boblitz said. “We provide easy access to high-quality physicians who practice affordable medicine.”
To achieve this goal, they’ve established themselves as the only orthopedic clinic within a wide radius that accepts all forms of insurance and Medicaid, along with instant access through the TOC Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic, referred to as “TOC Now.” Further, the TOC online scheduling service allows the community to avoid antagonizing phone calls by easily scheduling an appointment with any provider of choice, 24 hours a day, from a mobile and desktop device (teamtoc.com). “Our $400 MRI, for example, saves patients with high deductible insurance plans about $1,600 (or more),” Boblitz said.
Through the clinic’s sports medicine outreach program, they serve over 42 Big Bend schools and are the official team physicians of Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College.
In turn, the TOC Foundation was created as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) to raise funds through charitable gifts, grant writing and fundraising events to provide for education, research and community service projects that involve, health, wellness, prevention and rehabilitation of sports injuries.
An additional unique program is the Worker’s Compensation Program, which 18 of the surgeons participate in to assist with timely case management and prompt care.
“We’ve provided quality care to the 850 region for many years, but this is just the start of the legacy we intend to leave in Panama City and Panama City Beach when it comes to orthopedic care,” Boblitz said.
Michael Boblitz, chief executive officer of Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic
story by HANNAH BURKE
Aweek before AMIKids Maritime Academy welcomed a class of 32 ninth graders for the inaugural fall semester, general contractor and school chairman Lavoy Anderson was diligent in putting the finishing touches on Bay County’s newest public charter high school.
He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of two Federal Aviation Administration-
→ Students earn industryrecognized certifications with the VideoRay Pro 4 ROV System. Students (left to right): Riley Von Linsowe, Maggie Courtney, Lillian Owens and Sam Huneycutt. Instructor: Ron Boyceapproved flight simulators, the same training devices utilized by aspiring aviators and certified pilots in recurrent training. They were due to join the facility’s impressive tech catalog of underwater remotely operated vehicles, forklift and heavy equipment simulators and aerial drones to prepare students for STEM careers in the fields of aerospace, military
operations, construction and marine and environmental sciences.
“We’re going to be heavily based in technology and the environment, which we believe are two of the most important jobs of the future,” Anderson said, anticipating the academy’s August start date. “What’s exciting is that the curriculum is going to be very handson. We’re offering all the important
classes required for college, but, at the same time, we are going to absolutely be unique with the extra programs we have to offer these young adults.”
Another reason the academy stands out from the crowd is the facility itself. Located on the St. Andrew Bay waterfront in Panama City, the school’s vision is “to use the ocean as our classroom to prepare our students to be
photography by MIKEleaders for the future and responsible stewards of our environment.”
According to Anderson, it’s a con cept that has already proven fruitful. Following the devastation of Hurricane Michael, AMIkids Panama City Marine Institute — a nonprofit that has for decades helped positively influence the development of at-risk youth in Bay County through vocational training, education and counseling — lost fund ing for its major day-treatment program.
To maintain its special marine education programs, PCMI partnered with another local charter high school, North Bay Haven, to facilitate its Navy Sea Cadet Program. Through that collaboration, PCMI students achieved SCUBA, lifeguard or commercial drone operator certifications. The program’s success, said Anderson, was a catalyst for PCMI’s charter school application.
“With the ocean as our backyard, we’ll be able to teach snorkeling, SCUBA diving, first aid, water safety, sailing and our marine science lab will be going out to identify and study all types of sea creatures,” AMIKids Maritime Academy Principal Jamie Vickers said. “We also are going to be doing water testing with a local grant, so several different places will transport our students to do water testing for the FWC.”
Vickers, who has been an educator and administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels for the past 27 years, said the academy will also specialize in small class sizes.
“Our goal is to have no more than 50 students in our ninth grade class,” Vickers said. “With that, we can all go
↗ Located on the bay in downtown Panama City, Maritime Academy offers CPR and lifeguard certifications through the American Red Cross. Left to right:
Riley Von Linsowe, Maria Carter, Casson Ballard, C.J. Turpin and Aiden Elwell.
→ The high ropes course builds confidence. Caden Carter, on the ropes, receives encouragement from instructor B.J. Morris.
on a whitewater rafting trip. We’ve got the ability to suspend curriculum for a sailing event in the bay. There’s a lot of flexibility we have that doesn’t always come about in a larger school.”
The smaller student body allows for critical, one-on-one interactions
with instructors. Each student will be equipped with either a personal laptop or Google Chromebook, and teachers will assign video clips for their pupils to watch at home, so they are familiar with the lesson before class starts.
“Our instructors can then take their students’ background knowledge and expand upon it, so they can practice what they’ve learned right there with their teacher,” Vickers explained. “The worst thing to do is to send a student home who doesn’t quite grasp the con cept and have them go and do 50 math problems incorrectly. Our instruc tors will work side-by-side with our students to ensure they have a strong, firm concept of whatever skill they’re being taught.”
Applying those skills, added Anderson, is the neat part. The acad emy’s 90-minute class-block schedule means students might learn a concept in math class, and then apply what they’ve learned in their aerospace class the next period. The immersive equip ment and experiential labs combined with fun and practical activities pro vide students with a strong incentive to learn, he said.
“All of the things we’re doing require you to be really good at reading, and really good at math, which are the two most essential things in life you need to become successful in everything,” Anderson said. “To do the cool stuff, students are going to want to learn some of the things they might typically get bored with.”
That approach is crucial for kids who might fall through the cracks of the public education system and struggle to secure jobs. Graduates of the academy will receive a high school diploma, and dual enrollment students and those who complete Advanced Placement classes might earn credit toward a college degree.
Should students not wish to pursue college, a variety of career training programs will help them get their foot in the door to high-wage, indemand careers.
“For our construction program, we’ve brought in a forklift simulator,” Anderson said. “Now, becoming a fork lift operator doesn’t sound as glamorous as going to college. But, if you apply at Walmart with a forklift certification, that’s already a difference of about $5 an hour.”
That forklift certification has the potential to lead to warehouse
management roles as well as jobs at airports, car dealerships and many other businesses, he added.
“Our whole goal is to build a success ful student, to help them prosper on whichever path they choose post-high school and have fun along the way,” Vickers said. “It’s the integrity of the cur riculum, and the quality of our instruc tors that will help us achieve that.” ▪
↑ Principal Jamie Vickers addresses students at the Maritime Academy, where limited enrollment allows for individualized instruction. Students with backs turned: Jalen Clark and Caden Carter. Student facing forward is Maggie Courtney.
Traumas come in waves.
For residents of Bay and other Northwest Florida counties, Hurricane Michael came first. The Category 5 storm caused an estimated $25 billion in damage. The cost to replace Tyndall Air Force Base, alone, will exceed $5 billion.
The aftershocks of that storm were still being felt when a life-altering global pandemic arrived, setting back attempts to regain a sense of normalcy. For some in Bay County, a third wave was to come in the form of wildfires.
Even as the region has worked to restore businesses and infrastructure, individuals have struggled to regain their own mental well-being
Michelle Hines-Bautista, a 28-year practitioner and owner of the Hormone & Wellness Center in Panama City, said she engages in a lot of therapeutic conversation with her clients. While she is not a registered counselor, she sees a lot of people who are stressed.
“Since the hurricane, we have been desperate for mental health providers,” Bautista said.
Anxiety and insomnia are prevalent among the people she sees.
“People come into the clinic who are unable to turn their fight-or-flight mode off, which is constantly pumping adrenaline into their bodies and can cause many of our hormone levels to be out of balance,” Bautista explained.
Post-traumatic stress manifests itself in people in various ways. Sleep patterns may change. People may experience a loss of
Following a double whammy, mental health resources are essential↑ Michelle Hines-Bautista often finds herself in counseling mode when she meets with patients at the Hormone & Wellness Center in Panama City. The area has experienced an acute shortage in counseling professionals due first to Hurricane Michael and then the COVID-19 pandemic. The combined impact of those events has led to a hormonal inbalance in some stress sufferers.
appetite, become withdrawn or lose interest in their hobbies. In conversation with people who are depressed or anxious, Bautista always asks if they are in therapy.
“I know therapy can get a bad rep, but I tell people that therapists are like hairdressers; everybody needs one,” Bautista said.
Therapy leads to treatment plans that may include behavioral therapy, medication, hormone imbalance treatment or other alternatives.
Events of recent years have been hard on relationships. Some lost loved ones, and others went through divorces or break-ups.
“We’re all exhausted,” Bautista said, referring to medical care professionals and people generally.
Given her specialty, Bautista assesses stress on chemical and physiological levels.
“Our endocrine system is like a big orchestra,” she said. “If it’s working properly, it sounds pretty good. But take one instrument away, and the entire system is off. Therefore, we look at what’s happening in the body on a hormonal level. If multiple things are off, we tackle the worst one first.”
Bautista encourages people to seek out the support they need.
“There are support groups in our area that may be very helpful if you’re unable to find or afford individual counseling,” she said. “I also suggest reaching out to a local church that may offer counseling services as part of their ministry.”
In some cases, counselors, given the advent of online meetings, may be more available than they used to be.
Bautista said the transgender population has become a bigger factor in her practice.
“I think some of those individuals realized that life can be short,” she said, “and they want to start living a
more fulfilling life as the gender they feel they are.”
A big part of Bautista’s job is simply listening. Listening, understanding and helping people find pathways forward.
“I have to remind myself and others that we’re not in this alone,” Bautista said. “We are all surviving this together. There’s solidarity in that, and we have to know that we’re resilient and can move forward from here.” ▪
→ Post-traumatic stress arising from hugely disruptive events like major hurricanes or threats to community health may lead to loss of appetite, disinterest in hobbies or reduced activity levels, but Michelle Hines-Bautista is keeping her dukes up. She works out regularly at the Downtown Boxing Club in Panama City.
photography by
I know therapy can get a bad rep, but I tell people that therapists are like hairdressers; everybody needs one.”
— MICHELLE HINES-BAUTISTA, OWNER OF THE HORMONE & WELLNESS CENTER IN PANAMA CITY
My boat has become temperamental — slow to start some days and engaging in maddening work slowdowns on others when its exertion level tops out at 1,200 rpm — and I have gotten to know, better than I would have intended, the owner of a small business who makes his living working on outboard engines.
In Bay County where I live, there is far from a surfeit of boat mechanics, and as the dean among their small number — a man of my age for gosh sake — has begun to slow down, Daniel Thompson’s shop has become oh so busy. Getting an appointment with him can be something like getting in to see a leading cardiologist.
We chatted the other day for a few minutes, Thompson and I, after I dropped off my modest vessel, the Bullpen, for servicing. We spoke about TechFarms, a business incubator located next door to Thompson Marine Services.
I had recently interviewed TechFarms’ founder Steve Millaway, and Thompson said he has gotten to know his mad entrepreneur neighbors.
He sees them venture outdoors to test their drones from time to time.
On one such occasion, the TechFarmers couldn’t get a large drone to fly right. Thompson took the liberty of happening by and inspecting the machine. It seemed to him that one of its flight levelers — the part resembles a gyroscope if I had to guess — needed to be adjusted. The drone pilots took Thompson’s suggestion, and the problem was solved.
Thompson knows a lot about how things work and he has, too, mechanical instincts that he draws upon. Call them a knack. He was a nerd in high school, he confessed, and designed a better mechanical pencil, one whose lead was advanced by a tiny cam and lever. He later sold the patent for the design for — let’s just say — a tidy sum.
Mr. Millaway, a venture capitalist among various things, might do well to further make Mr. Thompson’s acquaintance.
Not long ago, I asked St. Joe Company president/CEO Jorge Gonzalez to name people he admires. He did not list Elon Musk or Warren Buffett or Jimmy Buffett, for that matter. Rather, he said, he admires small-business owners, people “who risk their savings and their family’s well-being and are driven to pursue an idea or a concept and make a business work.”
Their passion, he said, is exceptional.
Gonzalez said he likes living in Northwest Florida in part because it is home to a good many small businesses, owned by people like Thompson who are passionately invested in what they do.
I have a grandson, Miles, who at this writing is about to start kindergarten. Smiley, I call him, is a cerebral kid content to entertain himself. He devotes hours to domino toppling and read ing books intended for third graders. He and his parents are about to learn how a kindergarten teacher goes about simultaneously addressing precocious children and kids just beginning to learn the alphabet.
Mr. Millaway might do well one day to make Smiley’s acquaintance, but to day the boy is far from ready to enter the world and start whatever his enterprise will be. Teachers will have much to do in preparing him for living.
As someone who has taught classes at Gulf Coast State College, Flagler
College and Florida State University, I am disturbed these days to hear teach ers maligned as contaminators versus revered as educators.
Teachers deserve our support, the kind of backing they receive from the St. Joe Community Foundation.
This fall, find a way to invest in the classroom of your choice. Rest assured, the teacher at the front of that classroom is investing her own dollars in it.
