By Lori Leath Miller
As communities across the nation celebrate America’s 250th anniversary throughout the year, a project taking shape in West Bay is inviting local families, veterans, businesses and community supporters to become part of a permanent tribute to our nation’s history.
Known as Patriots Point, the initiative is the nonprofit arm of The Corner PCB, a community-focused development in Panama City Beach that seeks to create a gathering place centered on faith, patriotism, history and civic engagement. At the heart of the project will stand a towering American flag surrounded by a commemorative plaza designed to honor the nation’s founding, military service and enduring ideals.
What began as a local passion project led by Steven Franco, owner of Rodos Realty, and his daughter, Bebe Franco, is quickly evolving into something much larger. Franco and a team of longtime Beachworx members, Rodos Realty colleagues and respected community leaders—including decorated military veterans Gary Redden and Bill Blanken, real estate partner Greg Ganske, and service providers Jeff Margaretten, Aerial Payne and Dillon Turner—have collaborated on community-focused initiatives for years. Together, they believe Patriots Point has the potential to become a regional destination and a meaningful part of the nation’s America 250 celebration.“Patriots Point started as a local project, but the more we developed the vision, the more we realized it represents something much larger,” Franco said. “Northwest Florida has one of the strongest military connections anywhere in the country. We want this to be a place where residents and visitors alike can reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the people who have helped protect them.”
That military connection is one reason Franco, Redden and the others believe the project is uniquely positioned to resonate with residents throughout Northwest Florida. In close proximities to West Bay are military installations including Tyndall Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Duke Field, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Naval Support Activity Panama City and additionally Corry Station (Center for Information Warfare Training), the U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City and Fort Novosel (formerly known as Fort Rucker) nearby in Alabama. Generations of Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel have trained and served throughout the region, making the area one of the nation’s most significant military corridors.
As America approaches its semiquincentennial, Patriots Point seeks to create a place where local families, veterans, business owners and community leaders can leave their mark and ensure their stories become part of a larger American story.
One of the most distinctive features of the project is a 1,776-square-foot commemorative walkway that will surround the flag plaza, symbolically honoring the year America declared its independence. The walkway will be constructed using custom engraved brick pavers purchased by supporters.
Each engraved paver can feature a family name, business, veteran tribute, memorial dedication or personal message. The pavers will become a permanent part of Patriots Point, creating a lasting connection between community members and the landmark itself. Project plans call for up to 5,000 engraved pavers, allowing individuals to honor loved ones, celebrate family legacies, recognize military service or showcase local businesses that support the effort. Supporters can also purchase duplicate engraved pavers as keepsakes.
The vision extends well beyond the paver program, however. Design plans reveal a thoughtfully crafted public space featuring elements that symbolize key aspects of American history and government. Monument columns will represent significant eras of American history, while additional features will honor the nation’s military branches, the 50 states and the three branches of government.
For Redden, the project is ultimately about creating something that future generations can experience and appreciate. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to create something lasting,” Redden said. “Every brick tells a story. It might honor a veteran, recognize a family or celebrate a local business, but together they become part of a larger story about our community and our country.”
At a time when communities throughout the country are reflecting on what it means to be American, Patriots Point seeks to create a place where the stories of local residents can be shared and remembered for generations to come. Whether through a family name engraved in brick, a tribute to a veteran or support from local businesses, Franco’s team hopes Northwest Florida residents will come together to build a lasting legacy that reflects the patriotism, service and community spirit that have long defined the region. More than a monument, Patriots Point is envisioned as a place where future generations can gather, reflect and remember the people whose service, sacrifice and love of country helped shape the community they call home.
For more information or to purchase an engraved paver, visit thecorneratpatriotspoint.org or scan the QR code.
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