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Tuesday, March 2, 2021 (9:05AM 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 Rolled Out Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan.
September 25th, 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
• Panama City Beach Library reopened September 8th
• 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
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).
BAYSOLUTIONS is pleased to announce the appointment of Shay Catrett as President of the company. Catrett has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Shay has worked with BAYSOLUTIONS for 17 years, serving as Vice President of the company since 2015. BAYSOLUTIONS is a full service firm specializing in governmental and public relations, general business consulting and professional development training.
BAYSOLUTIONS is located at 2101 Northside Dr. Suite 303, Panama City, FL 32405. For more information, please visit www.baysolutions.com or call (850) 763-4332.
Family-style dining, endless portions of the celebrity chef’s favorite family recipes coming to Pier Park.
Paula Deen is pleased to announce the opening of her restaurant in Panama City Beach, FL, on Monday, March 8, 2021. “We are looking forward to providing our guests with an exceptional dining experience, ”says Paula Deen.
The stunning restaurant, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, is nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and is located within the experiential shopping, dining, and entertainment complex of Pier Park.
Born from the values of spending time with family and friends sharing a meal together, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen invites guests to feel at home while enjoying genuine Southern hospitality and family-style dining. Guests will enjoy endless portions of classic recipes directly from the kitchen of Deen and her family, including beloved classics such as Paula’s signature Southern Fried Chicken, Beef Pot Roast, Chicken and Dumplings, and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
“The dishes that are passed around the tables at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen are the foods my grandma Paul taught me how to cook in her home kitchen,” says Paula. “It means so much to be able to share those traditions and recipes with the Panama City community and its visitors.”
Paula’s Savannah, Ga., roots helped shape the concept for Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. After launching a lunch delivery service out of her Savannah home in 1989, Paula opened her first restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in the city’s downtown district in 1996 with the vision to capture the elegance and history of the historic Southern city. Inspired to bring the success and vision of The Lady & Sons to communities outside of Savannah, Paula opened the first Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in 2015 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and now has four additional locations, including Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Branson, Mo.; Foley, Ala.; and Nashville, Tenn.
Additionally, located within the restaurant is the Paula Deen Store. Paula has hand-selected every item in the retail space, which features many products from the Paula Deen line, including cookbooks, aprons, and cookware, as well as some of Paula’s personal favorite picks and a few items exclusive to her Panama City Beach store.
The restaurant, which will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, intends to hire more than 130 employees. To learn more about Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, visit www.pauladeensfamilykitchen.com.
Panama City Beach is pleased to announce that it has been named the No. 2 “Emerging Destination” in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice 2021 Best of the Best Awards. Known for its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, brilliant emerald-green waters and 320 days of sunshine annually, Panama City Beach has become a beloved destination for families, couples and friends.
“We are thrilled to be named one of the top emerging destinations in the world by travelers,” says Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “This honor, especially following such a difficult year in the tourism industry is a testament to our community, its scenic beauty and our un-paralleled visitor experience embodied in the brand of Real.Fun.Beach.”
In spite of the challenges faced by Panama City Beach over the past year, the destination is seeing continued investment in the community, including hotel openings, innovative RV parks and new direct flight markets that position the destination to succeed in 2021 and build on its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
January 7, 2021 – Panama City Beach, FL – The community is coming together again to give recognition and thanks to our first responders and veterans. A Superior Air Conditioning Company will hold its quarterly Veteran and First Responder Appreciation Lunches again at Texas Roadhouse in Pier Park North on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
REGISTER TO WIN A FREE HVAC SYSTEM: Go to ASuperiorAC.com and scroll down to the box at the bottom, “Veterans & First Responders HVAC Giveaways.” Register to win a free HVAC system. One first responder or veteran per quarter will be chosen to win. The giveaway is open to all who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and all first responders including EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Fire Fighters.
This event is sponsored by A Superior AC, Texas Roadhouse, Beachy Beach Real Estate, Panama City Toyota, Servpro, Meeks Construction, Edward Jones, Janssen Siracusa, The Arc of the Bay, Military Media, and The News Herald. Local businesses are invited and encouraged to donate door prizes and giveaways. For more information on attending, sponsoring, and raffle donations, please contact Pat Carraway at (850) 508-2265.
Panama City, FL – January 7, 2021 – Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC is proud to announce the launch of its new website. Handfirm.com was created with the first-time visitors and long-term clients in mind, whether you know the firm or are looking for legal representation. The new site provides improved navigation and functionality bringing relevant legal news, attorney contact management and firm services together.
“It’s time for new things and with our merger, I am proud to announce that we have a new website. As we step into 2021 our law firm has grown into eight offices with more than 85 attorneys and therefore, we needed a new digital format by which our clients and inquirers could obtain legal updates and have 24/7 access to our attorney information. Our regional firm is now serving clients globally. The access to information 24/7 is important and we want to be available ” stated Florida managing lawyer, Franklin Harrison.
The new website uses the latest technology to ensure compatibility with current browsers and mobile devices. It also features a much more robust news and events section offering visitors enhanced content in real time. The design allows visitors to quickly navigate and engage with the firm’s attorneys as well.
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale provides its clients with legal services in all areas of traditional civil practice. We are legal advisors in your business success. The Alabama firm, Hand Arendall, was organized in 1941, and the Florida firm, Harrison Sale McCloy, was organized in 1984. After merging the two firms in 2018 to become Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, the firm is one of the largest law firms in the region with more than 85 attorneys. The firm has a fundamental commitment to creating long-lasting relationships. Cases and projects are staffed with the goal of achieving success for the client with maximum efficiency. With offices in Mobile, Birmingham, Fairhope and Athens, Alabama; and Destin, Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Santa Rosa, Florida, HAHS is uniquely situated among the Southeast’s major law firms to provide legal direction to clients throughout Alabama, Northwest Florida and Mississippi.
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday at the Beach on Friday, January 15th from 7:30-9:00 AM, at Capt. Anderson’s Event Center located on 5550 N Lagoon Dr. The first networking event of 2021 is proudly presented by Gulf Power, breakfast sponsored by A Superior Air Conditioning Company, and coffee sponsored by Starbucks. Join us as hear from Becca Hardin, President of Bay Economic Development Alliance, will provide an organization update and what’s to come in 2021.
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] or click here to RSVP. Space is limited.
Panama City Beach Assistant Utilities Director Mark Shaeffer has been named
Utilities Director for the City. Shaeffer, who joined the City Utilities
Department five years ago, succeeds longtime Utilities Director Al Shortt, who
retires February 3 after 28 years of service to the City. City Manager Tony O’Rourke said Shaeffer stood out among the applicants. “Mark’s promotion represents a continuity of leadership and experience for the Utility Department,” said O’Rourke. “The Utility Department has a $63 million annual budget, including $37 million in capital improvement projects, so it was paramount to hire a
new director with considerable capital improvement experience as well as oversight of a large, complex organization. Mark has been working under the tutelage of Al Shortt, but also worked as a private engineering consultant for many years. He knows the City’s needs and is familiar with its many parts.
Tyndall has returned $17.5 million in cash to members over the past two years.
[PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA] Tyndall Federal Credit Union is giving back $10 million in cash to its members starting the week of Thanksgiving through Christmas. It’s called Project Giveback, and its purpose is simple – returning profits to the members responsible for Tyndall’s success.
In 2019 and 2020, Tyndall will have returned $17.5 million to its members. According to the credit union, this year’s give back is particularly significant because of the amount of people who have struggled financially during the pandemic.
“Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in our member’s lives,” said Tyndall President and CEO, Jim Warren. “Helping our members is the only reason we exist. We do things differently than other financial institutions by showing our members we care not only through Project Giveback, but every day by offering our members savings such as fee forgiveness and reduction on select checking services, reduced closing fees on mortgages, and high IRA rates. I don’t know of another financial institution willing to give back so much at time when it is needed most.”
Tyndall members could receive as much as $300 between Thanksgiving and Christmas depending on their relationship with the credit union. According to the credit union, the more services Tyndall members’ use, the more money they will receive. Members who have an active checking account with direct deposit stand to receive the most. The money will be deposited into members’ accounts each week as a surprise with the final deposit being on Christmas Day.
“As a not-for-profit cooperative, every member owns a share of this credit union,” Mr. Warren said. “Many of them don’t even realize it, but our management team does, and we never forget it. That’s what makes ‘Project Giveback’ so important. This is not our money. It is our members’ money, and it would be irresponsible of us to keep it, especially during a pandemic.”
Warren said he and his team hope Project Giveback brings just a little comfort and joy to Tyndall Members this Holiday Season.
Members of Tyndall Federal Credit Union can go to Tyndall.org/ProjectGiveback for more information.
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LAKE CITY, Fla., October 20, 2020 – First Federal Bank was recently named on Newsweek’s America’s Best Banks 2021 as the Best Small Bank in Florida. This distinction is the result of Newsweek’s assessment of 2,500 FDIC-insured banks, measuring 55 different factors ranging from banking accounts and customer service, to financial reports from the FDIC.
“We are honored by this recognition, which emphasizes First Federal’s commitment to being a financially sound, community bank,” says FFB President and CEO John Medina. “Because we are a mutual savings bank, Newsweek acknowledged our ability to be more responsive to local customer needs. This accolade demonstrates that even through challenging times we remain committed to our purpose of providing stability to our employees, customers, and communities.”
Recognizing the pandemic has altered the way individuals function on a daily basis, including the way Americans bank, Newsweek compiled a list of the best-in-class banking institutions. Newsweek partnered with Lending Tree to rank 2,500 FDIC-insured financial institutions based on a wide variety of fees, interest rates, account terms and conditions, digital services, customer service features, and bank profile. To read the complete article, go to www.newsweek.com/americas-best-banks-2021/best-small-banks-state