Bay County Economic Development Alliance

St. Andrews Bay STEM Academy, a new private high school opening in Bay County, will offer a STEM-focused education for 9th to 11th graders at Cove Baptist Church in Panama City. With a maximum enrollment of 50 students per grade and smaller class sizes, the school aims to provide personalized instruction and a range of activities, including AP classes, dual enrollment, robotics, and various clubs.

Panama City Beach is thriving with year-round tourism, bringing in a million dollars in visitor spending daily. The area's strong economy, job growth, and popular events like the Seabreeze Jazz Festival and Gulf Coast Jam continue to attract loyal visitors. The area saw a 4.5% increase in the second fiscal quarter compared to last year, and over a 70% increase from pre-pandemic levels.

We are excited for First Friday, on September 6, as our very own Becca Hardin shares insights on crucial developments that are shaping our community!

The Dolly Parton Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, a new entertainment venue in Panama City Beach, is making great progress and is on schedule to open by spring 2025. The project recently completed the huge milestone of topping out the building!

The Panama City Port Authority has approved annual tariff amendments, with rates increasing by 3-5% to remain competitive and attract new clients. These new rates, effective October 1, will help fund infrastructure projects and support local businesses.

In a proactive move, the Panama City Beach city council has voted to bury power lines along Front Beach Road to reduce future storm-related outages. This initiative, in collaboration with Florida Power & Light, aims to enhance storm resilience and improve the area's aesthetics, with construction expected to begin in early 2025.

The Jetties at St. Andrews State Park have just been named one of Southern Living's "12 Best Beaches for Snorkeling in Florida". With calm, clear waters and a stunning rock jetty lagoon, it’s the perfect spot to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Emerald Coast.

Tyndall Air Force Base's Coastal Resilience Program has been honored with the Presidential Federal Sustainability Award. This recognition highlights the innovative rebuilding efforts at Tyndall AFB, incorporating nature-based solutions to safeguard against future coastal flooding. Through this effort, Tyndall AFB is setting a global standard for integrating natural and engineered infrastructure.

Textron Systems has secured a $72 million contract with the U.S. Navy for mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicles. With 20% of the work occurring in Panama City, the workforce will experience growth and new opportunities through this partnership. https://loom.ly/liRjIkY

Tom P. Haney Technical College is gearing up for a busy fall semester. This year, classes filled up quickly, with notable growth in the aviation, nursing, and electrician programs. Director Angela Reese credits the surge in enrollment to new development and the hands-on experience Haney offers.