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Monday, August 8, 2021 (11:55AM Central Time) – The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce created this page to share updates with our members, residents, and visitors. Please note: This is for informational purposes only. Please listen to all Federal, State, and local agencies for official updates and recommendations. Information is subject to change.
We encourage members to do business with other members. Support local businesses by shopping local, ordering local, or buying gift cards from local businesses. For a list of businesses in Bay County, please visit our membership directory.
Governor Ron DeSantis Suspends All Remaining COVID Restrictions.
May 5, 2021 Governor Ron DeSantis suspended all remaining COVID restrictions. He signed 2 executive orders to protect individual liberties. These ban Vaccine Passports, prohibits indefinite lockdowns, ends local restrictions on small businesses, and bolsters emergency preparedness for future public health emergencies. To view the executive orders click here.
Governor Ron DeSantis Rolled Out Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan.
September 25th, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s move into Phase 3 of his Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Details can be found here starting on page 27. It is important to note that we should all continue to social distance, protect, and help those that are part of the vulnerable population.
• Text FLCOVID19 to 888777 to receive Florida COVID-19 updates.
Short Term Rental Status:
Short Term Rentals in Bay County, Florida is open and are welcoming guest bookings, following the approval of the Bay County safety plan by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations.
PLEASE NOTE: Vacation rental reservations and stays are allowed from all U.S. states with a COVID-19 case rate less than: 500 Active cases/100,000 residents, or 750 Total cases/100,000 residents. Click here for your state info.
City of Panama City Beach:
• Bars are open as of September 14th, 2020
• Panama City Beach Library reopened September 8th, 2020
• City recreational sports fields are open
• The Community Center at Lyndell Center is open with restrictions
• View our beautiful LIVE BEACH CAMS: pcbeach.org/live-beach-webcams/
Unincorporated Bay County:
• Sandy beaches are open all day
Bay County School District:
• All Bay District Schools are open as of August 20th, 2020
Resources:
Find CDC information on resources for large community events & mass gatherings here. All Panama City Beach Chamber events will adhere to their guidelines.
Resources to help keep you up to date on Covid-19. A new website has been created by in partnership by Bay County and FDOH to have more information available. bayhealthcovid19.com.  You can follow DOH Bay on Nextdoor.com.  Text Bay Health to 888777. For self-screening tools and up to date information on the State level visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. The number for DOH Bay is (850) 872-4455. The number for Pancare is (850) 215-4181. State of Florida Health Department information with list of confirmed cases: floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/. Bay County Health Department with local updates: bay.floridahealth.gov
Disease prevention:
• If you are 65 or older or have underlying health conditions please stay home.
• Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands.
• Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant. For example: Always clean kitchen benches and work desks.
If you feel unwell:
• Avoid traveling if you have a fever and/or cough.
• Once you get home, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been.
• If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider.
Managing rising anxiety or stigma:
We know that your communities may be feeling anxious, stressed or frightened. Here are some important things to take into account and share:
• It’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help, like friends, family or your fellow community members.
• If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, sleep, exercise. Keep up with loved ones at home by email and phone and connect with your larger Facebook community for support.
• Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions.
• If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor. Have a plan on where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required.
• Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as the WHO website or a local or state public health agency.
• When posting in your communities, be sure to share the latest facts from credible sources, avoid hyperbole and show solidarity with affected people by opening your community up to the stories of people who have been affected by the virus. Of course, keep in mind to not share information about someone else’s health concerns (such as someone affected by COVID-19 without their permission).
The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart will host a Kids’ Health Fair in Panama City on Saturday, July 24, from 9
to 11 a.m.
The festivities will be held at Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Pediatrics located at 619 N. Cove Blvd. The event is free of charge and celebrates the expansion of pediatric services to Bay County. Activities will include the following:
â—Ź Explore a fire truck with Panama City firefighters
â—Ź Enjoy delicious snacks
â—Ź Play exciting games the whole family will enjoy
â—Ź Get creative with face painting for kids
â—Ź Enter to win four free tickets to Shipwreck Island Water Park
â—Ź Visit our Florida Shots station to make sure your little ones are up-to-date on
required immunizations
â—Ź Learn what dosages of common medications are best for your child
â—Ź Receive free give-aways (while supplies last).
Outdoors, masks are encouraged, but not required. Inside the building, masks are required. The new building is the home of pediatrician Dr. Jacqueline Garavito, as well as a virtual office location to hold consults with Studer Family Children’s Hospital specialists. In addition, pediatrician Dr. Duane Carter will join this practice on August 1, with pediatrician Dr. Ali Rodriguez-Garcia joining on September 1.
The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart serves as the only children’s hospital in Northwest Florida. The Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of children’s medical care, from a pediatric emergency room and neonatal intensive care unit to a medical staff of more than 120 board-certified physicians across 30 pediatric specialties. The Children’s Hospital provides quality, compassionate care to children, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay. For more information, visit studerfamilychildrenshospital.com.
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday at the Beach on Friday, July 16th from 7:30-9:00 AM, at Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant located at 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, FL 32408. Please note this is a NEW location. We will not be meeting at the Capt. Anderson’s Event Center. This event is proudly sponsored by Alpha Foundations, Capt. Anderson’s Event Center, JIT Solutions, and New York Life Breakfast sponsored by A Superior Air Conditioning Company and coffee sponsored by Starbucks. Join us as hear from Amanda Corbin and Debbie Ashbrook of Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® as they speak on the new CPAR Employer-Assisted Housing Program and give a brief market update.
Friday at the Beach has always been a Chamber member favorite for morning meetings. A light breakfast and coffee, Chamber/Community updates, and new member introductions deliver valuable information to the business community. During the program, the Beach Chamber will also present their Quarterly Business Excellence Award.
Friday at the Beach is designed to share ideas and opportunities that will affect the beaches area and local businesses. The program will present community and business leaders in a casual setting. We hope to see you there! This event is a FREE Beach Chamber member benefit. For more information, please contact [email protected]rg or click here to RSVP. Space is limited.
Family and friends are welcome to celebrate July 4, 2021 weekend activities in Panama City Beach and Bay County with fireworks, music, & more! There are various firework shows throughout the week. More information is available below:
Star Spangled Spectacular
Date: July 4
Location: Russell-Fields City Pier and the M.B. Miller County Pier
Time: 9:00 PM
Salute to Freedom
Date: July 4
Location: Downtown Panama City Marina
Time: 9:30
4th of July Celebration
Date: July 3
Location: A.L. Kinsaul Park in Lynn Haven
Time: 9:30
Light Up the Gulf Fireworks Show
Date: July 3, 2020
Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center
Time: 9:00 PM
Grand Lagoon Freedom Rocks Fireworks
Date: July 3
Location: Middle of Grand Lagoon near Marinas
Time: 8:45 PM
Light Up The Bay
Date: July 2
Location: Papa Joe’s
Time: 9:00pm
The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) (“St. Joe”) announces additional homesite sales, new home builders and future planned phases at its workforce housing communities in Bay County, Florida. St. Joe broke ground on the single-family home communities of College Station, Titus Park and Park Place in 2019 in response to the housing shortage created by Hurricane Michael. Each of the communities began welcoming residents in 2020. Interest from potential home buyers and home builders remains high as the region sees an influx in new residents.
A recent study by The New York Times that examined where people are moving to in the United States found that the Panama City area ranked 8th out of 926 metro areas for the largest net in-migration percentage increase from 2019 to 2020. “We have been very encouraged by the response to these new communities from home builders and from home buyers,” said Bridget Precise, St. Joe’s Senior Vice President of Residential Real Estate. “People are discovering that Northwest Florida is a great place to live and work with its pleasant climate, favorable tax structure and high quality of life. We expect additional interest in these communities with the ongoing rebuilding of the nearby Tyndall Air Force Base.”
To date, St. Joe has developed and sold 239 homesites and currently has an additional 166 under contract in these three communities with local, regional and national home builders. To meet demand, development work began on a third phase of the College Station community. Additional phases are in the development or planning stages at the Titus Park and Park Place communities. New single-family homes are being built by D.R. Horton, Camben Homes, Truland Homes, Winterfell Construction and most recently, Adams Homes.
These communities are planned for multi-phase development with the potential for a total of nearly 2,000 homesites spanning more than 700 acres. St. Joe is in discussions with current and additional builders for future available homesites in each of these communities. Precise continued, “We will continue to develop our relationships with our current home builders as we engage with additional parties interested in meeting the demand for single-family homes in these communities.”
Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including statements regarding the College Station, Titus Park and Park Place communities in Bay County, Florida. These forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by cautionary statements and risk factors set forth in St. Joe’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and subsequent filings, as well as the following: (1) the ability of St. Joe to successfully develop the proposed new homesites, (2) the ability of home builders to close on the homesites and construct homes and (3) the interest of prospective home builders and buyers in the communities.
About The St. Joe Company
The St. Joe Company is a real estate development, asset management and operating company with real estate assets and operations in Northwest Florida. The Company intends to use existing assets for residential, hospitality and commercial ventures. St. Joe has significant residential and commercial land-use entitlements. The Company actively seeks higher and better uses for its real estate assets through a range of development activities. More information about the Company can be found on its website at www.joe.com. On a regular basis, the Company releases a video showing progress on projects in development or under construction. See https://www.joe.com/video-gallery for more information. Photo Credit: The Titus Park community in Bay County, Florida. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center, the largest oncology service in the Florida Panhandle, is expanding its services to Bay County. The new facility, located in Lynn Haven, will open June 14, 2021.
For the first time since Hurricane Michael impacted Bay County in 2018, residents now have access to advanced outpatient chemotherapy and medical oncology services provided by Ascension Sacred Heart staff.
According to Henry Stovall, regional president of Ascension Sacred Heart, this is just the beginning of what is to come. “We could not be more excited for this facility to open in Bay County,” said Stovall. “We are going to be able to provide expanded access to life-changing treatments and research, and improve the overall level of cancer care that people can get right here in this community.”
This center will be able to treat a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, colon, brain, ovary, and blood. Dr. David Mann, a medical oncologist and hematologist with Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, says the new outpatient treatment facility will allow for more patients to receive the most up-to-date life-saving treatments.
“Not only does this expansion bring in new ideas, new methods, and new resources to Bay County, but it means residents will now have convenient access to services and opportunities, right here at home,” said Dr. Mann. “For a cancer patient, this means new hope and a higher chance for survival.”
Dr. Mann will be joined in practice on Aug. 1 by Dr. Thomas Johnson, also a medical oncologist and hematologist. Dr. Johnson will be re-joining Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart after previously serving for 10 years at the Cancer Center’s location in Walton County. This physician team brings significant expertise in oncology care while also providing compassionate patient care.
Dr. Mann and Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center may also, when appropriate, coordinate care of patients with Dr. Hasan Murshed, and Hope Radiation Oncology Center, located in the same building. Dr. Murshed provides radiation oncology services and PET CT imaging scans used to diagnose and monitor certain cancers.
For more information on the Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center, call (850) 804-7500 or visit https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/florida/flpen/lynn-haven-ascension-sacred-heart-cancer-center-at-lynn-haven
Robin Godwin, the vice president of nursing at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf in Port St. Joe has been named to serve as new president of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City.
Godwin has led the nursing and ancillary operations of Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf since December 2018. She has guided the hospital in continuing its outstanding record in achieving top ratings on measures of patient satisfaction. Earlier this year, Professional Research Consultant (PRC) gave its highest patient satisfaction award for inpatient facilities – the Award of Distinction – to Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf for scoring at the highest level on a patient survey question about Overall Hospital Rating.
Before joining Ascension, Robin served for eight years as the director of nursing at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Ga. and three years as director of nursing at Mitchell County Hospital in Camilla, Ga. Prior to that, she served as a clinical coordinator and educator and began her career as an Emergency Department staff nurse and charge nurse.
Robin earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in Nursing at Valdosta State University in Georgia.
“We are pleased to have someone with Robin’s experience and proven record of success take the leadership role at our Bay County hospital,” said Henry Stovall, regional president over Ascension’s hospitals in Bay, Gulf and Walton counties. “She is highly respected within our organization and well prepared to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Bay as it continues to grow and meet the healthcare needs of the entire community.”
About Ascension Sacred Heart
Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast includes Ascension Sacred Heart based in Pensacola, Ascension Providence in Mobile, Ala., and Ascension St. Vincent’s based in Jacksonville, Florida. Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast operates nine hospitals and more than 100 other sites of care, employing more than 13,000 associates. Across the region, Ascension Providence, Ascension Sacred Heart and Ascension St. Vincent’s have served North Florida and South Alabama communities for more than 165 years. In fiscal year 2020, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast provided more than $237 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Nationally, Ascension operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 146 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
Visit healthcare.ascension.org.
UPDATE: This race has already occurred. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
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The Panama City Beach Chamber is proud to partner with Gulf Coast Jam for the inaugural Jam on the Coast 5K, presented by Visit Panama City Beach. This event will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida.
The 5K allows runners of all levels to test their limits and gives an EXCLUSIVE coupon to save on tickets to the most anticipated concert of the year, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam! Sign up today at PCB5k.com
The race begins and ends in Frank Brown Park, with an after party at Texas Raoadhouse. All 5K runners will receive a short sleeve shirt, and all finishers will receive a medal. Start/Finish Line is located at gates of Gulf Coast Jam running through Frank Brown park and using Gayle’s Trails. Register today!
Event details and schedule:
EARLY PACKET PICKUP
Packet Pick Up will take place on June 4th at Dave & Buster’s. All runners will receive t-shirt & timing chip when packets are picked up. Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP
Race Day Packet Pick Up will take place at Frank Brown Park on June 5th. Time: to 8:00 AM – 9:00AM. We strongly urge you to pick up Friday if possible to avoid delays on race day.
RACE DETAILS
5K will start at 9:30 AM. Start/Finish Line is located at Gulf Coast Jam – Frank Brown Park
AFTER PARTY CEREMONY
Free food and beer for athletes will start at 11:00 AM at Texas Roadhouse.
COURSE INFO
5K Finishers will receive a medal at the finish line.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Online Registration will close at 11:00 PM. You may still register at Packet Pickup on Friday, June 4th, at Dave & Buster’s. There is NO RACE DAY registration!
Thank you for participating in the Jam on the Coast 5K race! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We can be reached via e-mail or at packet pick up location: [email protected]
Enjoy your race!
Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center will expand access to emergency care in Bay County with the opening of a freestanding emergency department in Panama City Beach. The new free-standing ER will be located at the intersection of U.S. 98 and Moylan Rd and construction is expected to start later this year.
The free-standing ER in Panama City Beach will be a full service, fully staffed emergency room with ER physicians, RN’s and a medical team ready to service the needs of the community with the same capabilities as the ER at the main hospital. It will feature 11 emergency exam rooms, CT scan, general X-ray and an on-site laboratory, and will be capable of caring for all ages, including pediatrics. The 11,000 square-foot, one-story facility is expected to serve more than 10,000 patients a year and will employ approximately 30 full-time healthcare professionals with additional staff hired to support growing needs.
“The new ER in Panama City Beach will allow us to deliver emergency care right where many of our patients and families live,” said Brad Griffin, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center CEO. “This freestanding ER will provide the same expert and compassionate care we deliver throughout the county, but in a more convenient setting for our patients in Panama City Beach. This latest announcement is part of a series of investments we have launched recently in response to the growing needs of Bay County. Our commitment to improving more lives in more ways is strengthened with each addition to our sites and services, and we are proud to continue to be a provider of choice for the communities we serve.”
As a means to continue improving access to local high-quality care, this will be the second free standing ER for Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center. Panama City ER opened in July 2020 and is located on Hwy 231 near Transmitter Rd. In addition to this latest expansion of emergency care, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center has recently invested in several other projects designed to improve access to healthcare in Bay County.
Earlier this year, construction began on a $62 million investment in the main hospital, which includes the addition of 67,000 square feet, 24 private patient rooms, a 20 bed-inpatient rehabilitation facility and a 16-bed surgical intensive care unit. The hospital is also nearing completion of its new wound care and hyperbaric center which is located on the corner of Jenks Ave and Doctors Dr.
About Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center
Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center is a 223–bed acute care hospital proudly serving Bay County and surrounding communities for 40 years. The hospital was recently named a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® – heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia, surgical care, and perinatal care – for the fourth consecutive year and has achieved certifications for its stroke and wound care. Located in Panama City, Florida, its team of more than 450 providers and 1,000 employees work to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care every day. With the area’s only designated Pediatric ER, four-bed Pediatric ICU and 28-bed NICU, the hospital is ready to care for our youngest residents. The hospital has the only Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI as recognized by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. Additionally, the hospital’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). These designations enhance the hospital’s quality of care and demonstrate its commitment to higher, measurable standards of care.
About HCA Healthcare North Florida Division
The HCA Healthcare North Florida Division is a comprehensive network of 15 hospitals, numerous outpatient surgery centers & imaging facilities, physician practices, medical education training programs and a complete continuum of specialized health programs and services that meet the healthcare needs of residents and businesses in the North Florida and Central Florida communities. HCA Healthcare North Florida physicians and employees continue to provide the quality foundation for delivering care to our patients safely, effectively and compassionately. Its hospitals are Joint Commission Accredited, with designations such as Accredited Chest Pain Centers, Primary Stroke Center Certification and four Level II Trauma Centers in Marion, Okaloosa, Osceola and Seminole county.
Panama City Beach, FL (May 14, 2021)— The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a $1,000 donation to Man in the Sea Museum. These funds were proudly raised through our 12th Annual Chamber Golf Classic.
“We are honored to be able to make a positive impact in our community,” said Kristopher McLane, President/CEO of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. “When we announced that a portion of the tournament proceeds would be donated, Man in the Sea Museum received an overwhelming vote from our PCB Chamber Members.”
Owned by the Institute of Diving, the Man in the Sea Museum showcases the progress of underwater technology, from the earliest days of diving to the most modern underwater habitats. “We hope this allows you to continue your mission of educating people about military diving,” said Kristopher McLane.
Twice a year, the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce proudly gives back to local schools and non-profit member organizations in our community. With the funds raised from our Golf Classic and PCB Marathon events, we enjoy giving our members the ability to choose who they would like to receive that donation. We are very thankful that to support those who care our community.