Panama City is a coastal city in northwest Florida and is the county seat of Bay County. It is located on the Florida Panhandle, on St Andrews Bay which forms part of the Emerald Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. It has a population of 36,643, according to 2009 statistics, who enjoy a quality small town lifestyle which is an ideal environment to raise a family. A very popular moving destination, Panama City has a sub-tropical climate with humid summers and mild winters, making it a year-round holiday destination.
The city forms part of the Panama City-Lynn Haven, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and is on US Route 98. The nearest cities are Mobile, Alabama, which is 170 miles to the west and Pensacola, Florida, which is 95 miles to the west; and Tallahassee in Florida, which is 100 miles to the northwest.
It is served by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Panama City-Bay Co International Airport, Northwest Florida - Panama City International Airport and Sandy Creek Airpark Airport.
History:
The Spanish conquistadors explored the coastline of the area hundreds of years ago, when they noted that the area was inhabited by Native American tribes and settled some areas where they built forts to protect themselves. By the mid-1800s the land was already known as being very fertile and settlers came in great numbers. The fishing industry flourished, creating more employment opportunities and a port was built. In 1905 Panama City was formed. Now a boom town, the St Andrews Bay Railway was extended to reach it, which was completed by 1908. Panama City was incorporated in 1909. By the 1930s the Gulf Coast Highway (also known as Highway 98) to incorporate Panama City was completed. By 1963 the City had a population of 30,000 which is still growing today.
Economy:
Statistics reveal that Panama City is rated at number 28 on the list of Highest Paid States in America with an average income of just over $45,000 per annum. This makes the City a stable area economically.
The economy of Panama City is based on two major sources – tourism and the Tyndall Air Force Base which is a section of the Florida Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade and a major employer in the area.
Local government has plans in place to improve the economy of the area, which include the widening of development projects to attract new business entities and residents to the City.
Tourism:
Miles of white sand and a blue ocean coupled with a glorious climate attract many to Panama City, but there are other attractions of note. The cultural life of the City revolves around the Marina Civic Center performing arts locale which seats 2,500 at diversified productions. The Visual Arts Center is located in the building which was the city's original City Hall. Outdoors (and away from the beaches) is St Andrews SRA, a 1,260 acre protected park with a lagoon where numerous species of flora and fauna like birds and alligators may be seen in their natural habitat.