By Ed Offley
For twenty-seven years, the nonprofit organization Beach Cares Services has assisted Panama City Beach residents facing short-term financial emergencies.
But today, says its director, Earl Miller, the organization is asking the community for help. Current economic trends are causing donation shortfalls that threaten to reduce the number of people Beach Care Services can aid, he said.
Founded in 1999 by Beach restaurateur Bill Buskill, the founder of Pineapple Willy’s and Wicked Wheel, Beach Care Services relies on a volunteer staff of twelve to assist clients. Its eighteen-member board of directors is all volunteers as well.
The organization’s mission is “to provide short-term emergency assistance to people who live or work in Panama City Beach, and when they require long-term or more specialized assistance, refer them to other social services agencies.” Categories of assistance include rent, utilities, medical expenses and reliable employment transportation expenses, said Donna Cherry, a volunteer administrator standing in for Miller after minor surgery.
In 2025, Beach Care Services had a budget of $220,000, of which all but $1,760 (for utilities and insurance) went directly for client assistance to 792 people in need. “That is probably the highest return [of donations] of any nonprofit on the Beach,” Miller said.
From 2021-2025, the organization provided financial aid to 3,218 people. Its goal for this year is to be able to help around 800.
Although Buskell passed away five years ago in November 2021, his charitable nonprofit, Pineapple Trust LLC, recently made a major contribution to Beach Care Services. It purchased an empty 1,000-square-foot office building at 540 Richard Jackson Boulevard, formerly used as a police substation, for a permanent facility. Other than the $250,000 purchase price, the restoration and repair of the building was carried out by a company of volunteers from the nonprofit and Pineapple Willy’s staff.
“Bay Care Services has finally found its forever home,” Miller said.
In addition to ongoing fundraising outreach, Beach Care Services holds four major fundraising events each year. They include:
* The Beach Care Golf Tournament was held at Camp Creek Golf Club last month. “It was a great success, although not as great as last year,” said Christine Bennett, the office administrator.
* The annual Duck Races will be held at Laketown Wharf on May 12. It features competitive, large, human-powered inflatable ducks with food, drinks, prizes and a silent auction benefiting the organization.
* A miniature golf 18-hole tournament at Goofy Golf at 12206 Front Beach Road, the date to be announced
* The annual Beach Care Dinner on the Beach, to be held in late fall; details to be announced.
In the meantime, Cherry said that she and the other volunteers are striving to raise public awareness of the services that their organization can bring to those in financial need.
“Our fundraising events have come up flat,” she said. “We desperately need donations. We have no shortage of clients.”
To make a donation or request help, contact Beach Care Services during office hours at their new location at 540 Richard Jackson Blvd. in Panama City Beach. They’re open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Call (850) 235-3002 or email www.bcspcb@knology.net for more.
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