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| Demographics |
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| BAY COUNTY POPULATION |
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157,949 (2005)
177,347 (2007 Estimated Projection)
238,829 (2015 Estimated Projection)
Projected Growth Rate 2007-2015 / 4% Annually
6,000,000 tourists per year
- Men: 49.7%
- Women: 50.3%
- Density: 199 people per square mile
- Age Distribution:
- 0-14 years 19.6%
- 15-44 years 42.1%
- 45-64 years 24.7%
- 65+ years 13.5%
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PER CAPITA INCOME |
2006: $31,000
2011: $40,200 |
| MEDIAN HOME PRICE |
2006: $223,000
2011: $383,000 72% Projected gain in home prices (5-year) | |
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| Fast Facts |
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Best Time to GoJune through October is the time to hit the beaches that are Panama City's claim to fame.
Average Weather
Even in January the average daytime water temperature is 59 degrees. December through February finds daytime highs in the 60s. From June through October daytime highs average in the 80s with lows in the 70s.
Transportation
Best access is by car, although the Panama City airport is also an option. Once there you'll find that the Bay Town Trolley System runs some routes and numerous car rental agencies vie for your business.
In-Season Costs
Panama City is one of the least expensive Florida destinations. It is well-stocked with fast food and family-style restaurants that serve inexpensive meals. And, you can find in-season accommodations for less than $70 per night.
Day Trips
St. Andrews Park, which covers salt marshes, dunes and pine flatwoods, is close enough for a day trip. Shell Island, an unoccupied barrier island, can be visited via boat. |
| Geography |
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| Government |
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The Board of County Commissioners
A five-member governing board elected at-large to represent the citizens of Bay County. The Board defines the role and guides the actions of the organization in ensuring the future of Bay County. The Commission establishes policies and appoints a County Manager to implement the policies and manage the operations of the County. The Commission annually adopts the millage rate and approves the budget which determines the revenue and expenditures necessary to operate all County departments. The powers and duties of the County Commission are established by Florida Statutes, Chapter 125.
Bay County Sheriff's Office
The Bay County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the general welfare of the County and its citizens and provides for their protection through patrolling all areas of the County and answering requests for assistance. The Sheriff's Office enforces County Ordinances, State and Federal laws; provides assistance to the general populace and provides for their protection; investigates crimes and promotes the reduction of crimes through patrol techniques; assists other law enforcement agencies in their quest for these goals; and provides security at sporting and other special events (i.e., parades, festivals, etc.).
Clerk of Circuit Court
The Florida Constitution provides that the Clerk of Circuit Court shall be: Clerk of Circuit Court, Clerk of County Court, County Comptroller/Treasurer, County Auditor, County Recorder, and Secretary/Ex-officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.
Property Appraiser
This office administers Ad Valorem exemptions and produces and administers the tax rolls for the Board of County Commissioners, and the Municipal Services Taxing Unit.
Supervisor of Elections
Responsible for all matters pertaining to registration of electors within Bay County, including supervision of County, State and national elections, maintenance of the County's voting equipment, all filing of candidate campaign contribution and expenditure reports, candidate qualifying, financial disclosure filing by selected government officials and employees, and such other requirements found in Florida Election Code and other elected Statutes in order to ensure the integrity of our system of elections.
Tax Collector
Collects and distributes all current and delinquent ad valorem taxes and fire ad valorem assessments levied by the County Commission, School Board, Water Management District, Municipalities and other agencies imposed on County residents. This office is also an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Environmental Protection in the collection of fees in issuance of auto tags, titles, fresh and salt water fishing license, hunting license, and boat registrations and boat titles. |
| History |
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Pirates found the deep pockets of the Bay ideal to “lie in wait” for richly laden ships in route to Mexico or Spain. Legend has it that many a pirate buried his share of treasure at Spanish Shanty Point on Shell Island.
Many of Panama City's local waterways, cities and natural landmarks were named by Spanish explorers hundreds of years ago. This is true for most of Florida... the conquistadors made a practice of naming important navigational landmarks (usually bays and rivers) for Catholic saints. |
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- Natural geography (high bluffs and trees) protected Panama City and Bay County from early European explorers. Indians fished these waters and harvested oysters, but established few permanent villages. Prehistoric relics are still found in this area.
- Salt was a major industry after the US acquired Florida.
- The Bayline railroad reached Panama City in 1908.
- Bay County was created by state legislation in 1913 and Panama City was incorporated in 1909, two years after the town of St. Andrews.
- The military plays a significant role in the area. The 20,000-acre Tyndall Air Force Base currently employs more than 6,700 military and civilian personnel. The Navy's 648-acre Coastal Systems Station employs more than 2,180.
- In 1933, the U.S. Corps of Engineers began construction of the "New Pass" due to increased shipping and the need for deeper water access.
- The "New Pass" was called Long Beach and lots were sold for $100 to $600; investors were urged to "profit while you play." The Long Beach Casino opened a few years later, but beachfront property was still considered to be of little value.
- WDLP was the area's first radio station in 1938. The 30's saw serious tourism development for the first time.
- Tyndall Field was erected in 1941 at a cost of $3,723,567 and stood to serve 130 officers, 800 cadets and 1900 enlisted men. One of those officers was the famous actor, Clark Gable, who played "Rhett Butler" in Gone with the Wind, and for five weeks in 1942, as Gable worked to earn his "silver wings," Panama City was in the national spotlight.
- St. Andrews is an ideal harbor, with its two heavily-timbered peninsulas for protection and 200 miles of coastline. In 1942, a small installation was constructed across from Wainwright Shipyard where 102 Liberty ships and six tankers were built during the war. The base was recommissioned as a U.S. Navy Countermeasures Station in 1945.
- More than 500 people witnessed the first airline flight arrive in 1948 and later in 1949, the airport was named Fannin Field.
- In 1961, the landmark case of Clarence Earl Gideon accuse of robbing a Bay Harbor pool room. Requested to be accompanied by counsel but was denied representation, and was sentenced to five years in prison. Gideon petitioned the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, claiming he did not receive a fair trial. On March 18, 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision, stating "the right of a man to have a lawyer is considered essential in the U.S." Gideon received a new trial and was found not guilty.. it was an important milestone in America's justice system.
- The post war years brought bigger and better bridges. Towering, 100 foot, sand dunes along the crystal blue shore were replaced with high-rise condominiums, amusement parks, motels and highways.
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The completion of Bay Line railroad in 1908 brought a great many changes. The population was over 600, and Panama City was incorporated in 1909 with ballots from 34 qualified voters. | |
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| Local Media |
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Daily Newspaper - NEW HERALD |
850-769-3468 |
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RADIO STATIONS |
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WYOO 101 FM |
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WILN 105.9 |
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WPFM 108 |
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WRBA Arrow 95.9 (Classic Writer) |
WDRK 103.5FM |
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WTBB 97.7 |
WAKT 105.1 |
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WBIZ AM |
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WGNE 590AM |
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WPCF 1290 AM (ESPN) |
WLTG 1430AM |
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| Schools |
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| Weather |
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Local Weather Forecast for Panama City
- On average, the warmest month is July.
- The highest recorded temperature was 101°F in 2000.
- January is the average coolest month.
- The lowest recorded temperature was 6°F in 1985.
- July is the average wettest month.
|   Request our Free Panama City Beach and Panama City Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Panama City Beach and Panama City, Florida area. Don't move here without it! Remember: we'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and we will send it right out... It's our job to know EVERYTHING about Panama City Beach and Panama City! Ask us any question. Or request a FREE information package. There's no obligation, and we promise to get back to you quickly...
Cosmetic Improvements >Brighter is Better
Sometimes a real estate agent will walk into a home that is basically attractive, yet communicates the feeling that something is lacking. Then the agent notices that all of the drapes are closed, interior lights are off and there is a lot of overgrown shrubbery blocking the sunlight that might otherwise pour through the windows.
A dark house is not as appealing to most buyers as one that is flooded with light. As a part of your preparations to market your home, try to maximize the light in your home. Make sure that all the windows are clean and the drapes are open when the house is being shown. A fresh coat of light paint can do a lot to brighten up the interior. If your house has very dark paneling, and you do not wish to repaint the walls, you may want to consider adding additional lamps. Your real estate agent may be able to provide other simple and cost-effective ideas about how to maximize your home's appeal.
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| Q |
What tropical haven is back in vogue, attracting celebrities like Cher, Madonna, and Sylvester Stallone, who have homes here?
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| A |
Made up of 17 islands in Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach is the "American Riviera" and famous for its tropical beauty. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
