Author: PCB Life Staff

  • Studio 237 Music School: The Story Behind Perfection

    Studio 237 Music School: The Story Behind Perfection

    By Lisa Cyr

    Studio 237 RecitalLast Saturday was our Studio 237 Music recital. Students prepare months in advance for their moment of performing on a stage for family and friends. We are proud of them and their performances. Each student puts forth great effort to walk up to the stage, present themselves, and play their best. I want that day to be perfect for the students and families, and yet, “life is not perfect.” It takes work and time to refine.

    Several weeks ago, one of my younger students sat on the piano bench and with a downtrodden discouraged look on her face said, “It’s not perfect, so I will not play today.” I decided to pause a moment and let her statement “sink in.” Silence is golden and I am gathering my thoughts. After all, this is a piano lesson. My goal is to help the student overcome what is challenging her learning progress.

    I then said, “Mistakes are how we learn.” and paused. “Without mistakes, we will never achieve perfection.” Sometimes, students paralyze their progress or block new experiences simply because they have detected one blemishing “imperfection.” If it is an all or nothing world out there, many choose nothing. Educators spend much thought, time, and study learning how to develop a student’s self-motivation to learn. I would rather have a student reach for perfection with a safety net understanding that mistakes are a natural part of their learning. In other words, “It’s ok to make mistakes, now let’s fix some of them.”

    She looked down at the piano keys, rather distraught. I then said, “There is a way to get rid of mistakes.” Her face lightened up. “We break the mistake down into small pieces, find the real problem area, and fix it. Then play it 5 times in a row perfectly.” We took it one hand at a time, I played the other hand along with her. Then began the refining process and I tallied up her 5 perfect plays. Before she knew it, she played well through the entire song. Her mountain had been conquered! She was rightfully proud because she had taken an imperfection and permanently made it perfect. Break through!

    I then said, “Mistakes are important. They help us play (become) better. We can learn from our mistakes.” It was a real “a-ha” moment for myself too.

    All the above words reveal the process that a student goes through before they walk up onto a stage and play their hearts out before an audience or judge. When you hear that amazing song played with control, feeling, and technique, see the expression of confidence and focus on their face, watch their hands craftly dance over the keys, as you totally enjoy even up to their last note played, and then see their broad smile as they bow. Now you know, the story behind perfection is mistakes.

    Studio 237 Music Lessons is located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Our Aspire 4 Music Summer Program is happening for the month of June. See our ad in this paper or check out our website at www.Studio237Music.com. Our staff of six teachers are ready to teach: Violin, Cello, Viola, Acoustic, Electric, Bass or Classical Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Drums, and Voice. Call Ray or Lisa Cyr at 850.231.3199 to schedule a visit, a lesson or to ask questions.

  • A New Beginning for Blu Convenience Store & Deli

    A New Beginning for Blu Convenience Store & Deli

    By Maggie Little

    Blu Img 1754“This is it, I’m going to die right now,” remembers Sara Pulatov, business owner of the Blu Convenience Store & Deli in Panama City Beach. The day was April 10, 2021, and it was the day she felt the swirling destructive winds of a tornado (later rated an EF2) score a direct hit on her family store. The tornado demolished their building, ripping the roof off and hurling it onto a house nearby. “If it had not been for my husband, my superhero, I would not have survived,” Sara says. She remembers that heart-rending day when her world was turned upside down. It started with an emergency weather alert on her phone at 9:15 a.m. while she was working. Seconds later her husband, Tom, dragged her from behind the counter where she had been standing into the office. “I would have never thought to go inside the office, but my husband knew the office was actually a separate building from the store, and he saved my life by taking me in there,” Sara remembers. “I am just so thankful to be alive.”

    Now for the other hard part: starting over. “This store was our baby – we started it from nothing,” Sara recalls. With so many memories and so many hours invested, it was like a part of them died when the store was destroyed. This isn’t the first calamity the couple has endured. Remembering Hurricane Michael, Sara recalls reopening the store the very next day. “We were the only store open for two weeks following Hurricane Michael and worked tirelessly to provide needed supplies for our customers. We love our customers and the relationships we have with them, and we love this town. We are excited to reopen yet again after this tornado.”

    The couple, both originally from Uzbekistan, met in 2004 in Panama City Beach while Sara was living here and Tom, from St. Louis, happened to be attending a wedding in the area. They fell in love, started a family, and worked relentlessly to set up Blu Convince Store & Deli in Panama City Beach in 2014.

    At first, they envisioned Blu Convince Store & Deli offering everyday conveniences with frozen pizzas. Then, at the suggestion of a family member, they started serving homemade pizzas with only fresh ingredients. Sara remembers making the first pizza dough, “I made the dough from scratch and everyone loved it.” Sara and Tom had found their niche, serving delicious pizzas with over 13 options and a plethora of mouthwatering toppings. Pretty soon the menu expanded to calzones, fresh subs, a variety of flavorful appetizers including calamari and bruschetta, and cherished classics such as chicken fingers, fries, and onion rings. They even began to carry lighter options such as Cobb, Caesar, and Greek salads as well as several hearty breakfast items.

    Local loyal patrons of Blu Convenience Store & Deli have rallied around Tom and Sara, giving them the energy and courage to reopen right next door to the ruins of their former location. One customer even started a GoFundMe account to raise funds for the new store which you can find here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-back-blu-convenience-store-deli?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer.

    The new storefront is located at 17836 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL, and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. You can still find the same delicious menu options and the same local loving care as well as any everyday convenience you might need. Stop by, shop, and grab something from the menu and you will be glad you did.

  • PCB Chamber Welcomes New Members June 2021

    PCB Chamber Welcomes New Members June 2021

    Pcb Chamber LogoAmeris Bank
    (850) 704-8996
    stan.janicki@amerisbank.com
    Banks

    Beach Nutrition
    (850) 252-7907
    beachnutritionpcb@gmail.com
    Health & Wellness

    Neal Consultants LLC
    (850) 775-7500
    mlneal@nealcon.com
    Home Inspection

    Seagull RV Repair and Rentals
    (850) 307-8442
    seagullrvrentals@gmail.com
    RV Repair/Rentals

    Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary
    (850) 238-0675
    tranquilitymanorbirdrescue@yahoo.com
    Non-Profit Organizations

    McDonald’s Restaurant Pier Park
    (850) 230-6334
    teresa@mcdmc.com
    Restaurants

    Alibi Beach Lounge and Grill
    (850) 588-6957
    kurtbbum@aol.com
    Bars/Nightlife/Lounges

    Holiday Beach Mechanical
    (850) 271-5999
    twelch@holidaybeachmechanical.com
    Plumbing

    Kate & Co
    (850) 249-0344
    info@kateandcompany.shop
    Boutiques

    Planet Secure IP Cameras, LLC
    (850) 278-6226
    office@planetsecure.net
    Security

    Solar Dove
    (850) 276-6892
    kimberly.vaughan@solardove.energy
    Solar Energy Systems

    Balloon Art Events 30A
    (850) 890-1990
    balloonartevents30a@gmail.com
    Balloons

    Beach Boy Movers
    (833) 724-6683
    graysondockery@gmail.com
    Moving/Relocation Services

    First Acceptance Insurance
    (850) 763-9996
    sgorham@acceptance.com
    Insurance

    Infenergy Solar Solutions, LLC
    (850) 896-0288
    devin.mesman@infenergy.net
    Solar Energy Systems

    St. Andrews Shell Island Adventures
    (844) 907-4355
    joe.pereira@guestsservices.com
    Attractions & Things & Things To Do

    Vortex Spring
    (850) 836-4979
    countrygirl32455@gmail.com
    Attractions & Things & Things To Do

    A2Z Specialty Advertising
    (850) 654-3080 donna@a2zdestin.com
    Advertising/Marketing

    Bay Cars
    (850) 785-1591
    joy@chiefautogroup.com
    Auto Dealers

    Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden
    (850) 234-1651
    zengardenmarket@gmail.com
    Health & Wellness

    Johnstone Food McDonald’s
    (850) 769-5016
    tammy.jfi@hotmail.com
    Restaurants

    Johnstone Food McDonald’s
    (850) 769-5016
    tammy.jfi@hotmail.com
    Restaurants

    Montgomery Painting, LLC
    (850) 252-2389
    montgomerypaintco@gmail.com
    Painting Contractors/Services

    St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church
    (850) 234-2919
    stthomasbytheseapcb@gmail.com
    Religious Organizations

    The Tyde Apartments
    (850) 655-0115
    tyde-pm@pegasusresidential.com
    Apartments/House Rentals/Long Term

  • It’s On! Red Snapper Season is Here!

    It’s On! Red Snapper Season is Here!

    Andersons Huge Snapper 2Red Snapper season started June first and the excitement is growing! Our captains have reported seeing large numbers of red snapper on the reefs as they fished this spring. Great news for all those anglers that are anticipating catching a big one this year!

    Bring the family and make a day of your trip. Whether you choose 5-hour, 6-hour, or 10-hour day trips, or an 8-hour night trip or charter boat, it will be a very special experience. Breathe in the fresh Gulf air, get a little sunshine, and catch supper too! Be sure to ask about the local restaurants that will cook your catch for you. We call it ‘Hook ‘n Cook’ in PCB. You catch the fish, have them cleaned at the dockside seafood market, then take them to be cooked at a local eatery-they supply all the trimmings! Yay! No dishes for mom!

    When you are planning your trip be sure to stay in the know about your fishing options and regulations. For accurate regulations and season dates you first must determine whether you are fishing from a Federally permitted boat, a State (only) charter boat, or a private recreational boat.

    Our Federally licensed and permitted boats’ head boat and charter boat season began June 1 and go through August 2 at 12MN. Reserve early for these trips from our local marinas – Capt. Anderson’s Marina, Lighthouse Marina, Pirate’s Cove Marina, and Treasure Island Marina are all located on Grand Lagoon. Others are located at St. Andrews Marina in town. These boats purchase annual fishing licenses for all who fish with them, so no personal license is necessary.

    The private anglers and state charter boats have their season determined by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). According to their website www.myFWC.com, the private anglers and state [only] charter boats’ season will be June 4 through July 28 this year.

    The FWC says, “If you plan to fish for red snapper in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, even if you are exempt from fishing license requirements, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required) at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.”
    At this time, President Biden’s mask mandate, instituted in February, is still the law for anyone on Federal public transportation, including boats. The CDC has since eased restrictions for mandatory masks in public venues, but the laws are different from State to State. For your comfort and choice, we have asked legislators through several fishing and boating organizations to request this order be rescinded since other venues are not under this strict requirement. For the time being, though, bring your mask.

    When planning your fishing trip, remember Capt. Anderson’s Marina…
    Where the fish are always biting and the kids are always smiling.

  • For the Birds: Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary

    For the Birds: Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary

    By Jamie Zimchek

    Birds James TalleyJames and Tracy Talley have a thing for birds – it wasn’t an intentional thing, but it’s a thing. Or as James Talley tells it, neither of them can remember actually having the conversation about starting a bird sanctuary, it just happened. “How do you wind up here?” he wonders with a laugh. “Here” is the Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary, a non-profit based in Panama City Beach that rescues birds in need, and they’ve been at it for close to 15 years.

    “How we got started,” Tracy Talley explains, “was that we had a friend that moved and couldn’t take their bird with them.” Over the ensuing years, their aviary has included in its numbers green-cheeked conures, sun conures, cockatoos, cockatiels, many macaws, African grays, assorted smaller birds, and more. “God brings them to me,” James says. They always hope for level one rescues when they get them. Level one is a bird that’s been well-fed and well taken care of, but the sad reality is that to date, they’ve only had one. All the rest have required considerable TLC.

    Birds EchoWhy are there so many birds in need of rescuing? The unfortunate truth is that there’s not much education provided to new bird owners buying from a breeder. No one sits them down to explain that a macaw can live to be 80 or 90 (it’s essential to designate the next caregiver in one’s will), and the long-term work involved. Neither do they cover what foods to avoid – or what chemicals can kill. For example, though some might know that the Teflon coating on cookware when heated vents fumes toxic to birds, fewer realize that even burning candles can cause severe respiratory distress; absolutely fatal are the vapors released by chlorine bleach (found in certain Clorox products). Furthermore, some foods are poisonous to most birds, while some are appropriate for select species, but not others. Another area for vigilance? The cardboard boxes that many parrots love to chew. Since the start of Covid, boxes have been regularly sprayed with a disinfectant, which can then be ingested by any creature inclined to give them a good nibble (food grade boxes are the answer, according to James). Even traditional pet-store cages are cause for caution – a strong macaw, like the blue and gold macaw the Talleys rescued, can bite and move the bars of a cage if the cage isn’t sturdy enough; keep in mind that the bite pressure of one of these bigger birds is as high as 600 psi, which is on par with the bite pressure of a Doberman, and significantly more than a human’s, which peaks around 70 psi.

    Birds BiggysmallsWith all this in mind, it’s not hard to see how an uninformed bird buyer might be woefully unprepared for the responsibility of raising a winged pet. This is where the Tranquility Manor Bird Rescue and Sanctuary comes in: it’s there to try to rehabilitate and rescue whenever possible. Right now, the primary limiting factor for expanding this sanctuary is space. The Talleys are in the process of looking for a property in the area that has 20 acres or more where they can house rescues and even potentially board birds (some birds, like quaker parrots, are illegal and can be euthanized in certain states, making travel with them perilous for their loving owners). This is less straightforward than it sounds because birds need to be separated by their continent of origin to ensure any of their native bacteria or parasites don’t spread to birds who might find such foreign hitchhikers hazardous.

    Additionally, any boarded bird (or new addition to the flock) must be kept in quarantine, separate from all the other birds for 30-90 days to be sure they are free from any contagion that could potentially spread to the others in the aviary. Then there are smaller birds, which require space to fly, and, along with the larger birds, need a special micro stainless steel mesh roof strong enough to withstand 600 psi of bite pressure on the inside and predators on the outside. In other words, an undertaking of this scope isn’t for the faint of heart.

    To bring this plan to fruition, the Talleys will be organizing fundraisers this next year, and are always happy to accept donations. For more information on some of their rescues, or for ways to donate, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/TranquilityManor, email James Talley at tranquilitymanorbirdrescue@yahoo.com, or call (850) 238-0675.

  • Introducing: Neal Consultants LLC

    Introducing: Neal Consultants LLC

    PCB Chamber New Member Spotlight

    We are Michael and LaDeana Neal. I grew up in the military as a dependent and later as an active duty member, all over the place. My wife grew up on a farm in Missouri, and throughout the state. I spent many years in medical and maintenance fields, then eventually grew that into the construction side and have not looked back. LaDeana is a down-to-earth country girl and former business owner, with two incredible adult children. We both had planned to buy a farm in Missouri and live out our days.

    Neal PicThe company I was working for at the time presented us with an incredible opportunity, but we only had three weeks to find a house, pack, move, and get started. After about a week of panic, we made the decision to pack up our house, three dogs, and our vehicles, find a new place to call home, and leave the rest to God. We had truly little time to do any thinking about our future, so on our move down here LaDeana called me on the phone (she was following my very full vehicle with her equally full vehicle, except she had her best friend and I had three anxious dogs) and asked me if she was going to like Panama City Beach because she had never been there before. Her last trip to Florida was over 30 years ago to Orlando. I laughed and told her that as soon as she sees the beach, she’d be home.
    We moved down here for an opportunity to help rebuild part of the community from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Unfortunately, that opportunity was only going to last for four years and then send us somewhere very, very cold. Not our idea of fun after living in one of the warmest, most beautiful areas in the country. So, one night, my wife and I were sitting on our patio, listening to the waves out in the Gulf, and decided that we did not want to leave.

    Bay County and Panama City Beach had opened its arms to us. That sense of community, coupled with the amazing scenery, incredible food, and awesome people, made us fall in love. We established our company, joined the Beach Chamber of Commerce, and have been incredibly blessed. Neal Consultants LLC is a family-owned and operated, veteran and woman owned and operated, Christian property inspection company for both commercial and residential. If you are a first-time home buyer in need of an inspection, looking for lower insurance rates, a construction company requiring phase construction inspections, or a business in the process of expanding, we can handle all your needs.

    We pray that one day we will have our home office in Panama City Beach and reach out to the rest of the amazing communities in the panhandle of Florida and be able to give back to such an incredible state, county, city, and community. If you see us, please feel free to stop and chat or just say “Hi!”

  • A Tradition You Can Stand on: Kilgore’s Flooring & Ceramic Tile Inc.

    A Tradition You Can Stand on: Kilgore’s Flooring & Ceramic Tile Inc.

    PCB Chamber Valued Member Spotlight

    By Jessica (Kilgore) VanAnda

    Kf Store Front 2021Kilgore’s Flooring & Ceramic Tile Inc. is a family-owned business and has been serving Bay County since 1965. We carry ceramic and porcelain tile, hardwood, carpet, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and offer professional installation on all products, including showers and backsplashes, as well as carpet binding and custom rugs. Kilgore’s was the first carpet store on the beach. In 1965 Jim Kilgore moved to Panama City from Mississippi and opened Kilgore Karpet Kare, a carpet cleaning business. He started the flooring business out in a “hole in the wall’’ beside the old Ocean Opry. After about a year, the business burned down. Not to be discouraged, Jim continued to operate his business until he found the property on Back Beach Road in 1984 and this is where his business would take off!

    After years of hard work, Jim grew his business into a multimillion-dollar company along with multiple other companies. Mike Kilgore started working with his dad (Jim) as soon as he could walk and was running install crews by the age of 16. Mike met Brenda in 1987 and she started working at Kilgore’s at the age of 17 as the receptionist. Brenda learned quickly and started helping with the bookkeeping side of the business. After a couple of years, Mike and Brenda were married and eventually had a daughter, Jessica Kilgore. Brenda started back in sales after having Jessica and quickly became the highest-selling salesperson.

    During 56 years of service, in various locations from Callaway to Panama City Beach, Kilgore’s Flooring has gone through some hard times but has prevailed. The year 2010 was a particularly bad year for the Kilgore Family. Business came to a halt in April of 2010 due to the BP Oil Spill and in May 2010, Jim lost his battle with cancer. Mike and Brenda took over the business during these rough times and pulled through. After growing the business for the next eight years, Mike decided to retire and explore other interests. In 2018 Brenda took over as the sole owner of the business and it is now 100% woman-owned and operated. Jessica started out just like her mom and dad did. As soon as she could walk she was carrying carpet samples, and at the age of 12 started answering the phones. After college, she came to work at Kilgore’s full time and now runs the business with her mother.
    Over the years the Kilgore Family has been an important part of our community. We often partner with Operation Spay Bay by providing donations or pet food to help out in our community. Only two weeks after Hurricane Michael devastated our area, Kilgore’s opened our doors with limited communications and limited staff. In the following weeks, we replaced more flood-soaked carpet than we have in many years combined! We invite everyone to our store to enjoy the family experience. Find us at 13201 Hutchinson Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 or call (850) 234-1414. “A Tradition You Can Stand On!”

  • No Child Hungry: The Food4Kidz Story

    No Child Hungry: The Food4Kidz Story

    By Bobbie Brigman, Executive Director

    The Beginning
    Sometimes, in spite of our own ambitions, God shows us wonderful mercies and opportunities we never even dreamed of. Weary of stints in “corporate America,” one of our founders decided to follow her heart. She had always (since the age of 12) dreamed of having a small “mom-and-pop” restaurant. In April of 2010, she got her wish! Located on the east end of PCB and with much excitement, the doors opened! Unfortunately, that same month, the biggest man-made disaster in U.S. history unfolded — the BP oil spill. National media displayed images of massive amounts of crude oil gushing into our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Folks all around the country were subjected to that sight daily (and almost hourly). As we know, little-to-no oil ever reached our beautiful beaches in Bay County! But the national news had already conveyed the wrong message.

    The damage was done. The summer of 2010 saw a huge down-tick in tourists visiting our area. The little cafe was doomed. After fulfilling the one-year lease, the other founders got together and brainstormed. It was about that time it was discovered that 25% of our local children suffer from chronic hunger most of the time. It was a fact that both dismayed and angered us! We decided “if we can’t sell food, let’s just give it away!” With the damage settlement received from BP, Food4Kidz emerged! Out of the ashes of a broken dream, another better one was born. Food4Kidz was formally incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization on August 24, 2011. Their mission? To identify and directly assist hungry children in the local community.

    The Local Dilemma
    Of the 28,000+ Bay District School students, 25% (yes, unbelievably 1-in-4 or about 8,000) live in a “food insecure” household. That means, that on any given day, there is little to nothing for them to eat. That number doesn’t include children ages infant to four years-old.

    We at Food4Kidz are determined to change that!

    Malnourished children face a much greater chance of developing life-threatening illnesses and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, “stunted growth,” neurological deficits, poor vision and dental status, asthma, anemia, and more. Malnourished children have many more doctor and hospital visits than well-nourished children.

    These “at risk” children are not able to concentrate in class and have trouble retaining what they’ve learned. They are often tired and listless. They hesitate to participate in physical activities and social settings. They are at risk for failure, period.

    These are the children of our future generation. They are in danger of repeating the cycle of poverty in which they find themselves. With proper nutrition, they have a chance to develop normally. With proper nutrition, they have a real chance to thrive academically, socially, and economically. With proper nutrition, they have an excellent opportunity to become healthy, strong, educated, crime-free, contributing, successful adults.

    What Food4Kidz Is Doing About The Problem
    Smiling Children Having Fun While Eating Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce In The Kitchen At Home.Families with children who struggle with food insecurity are able to shop once a month, by appointment. (There are exceptions for emergencies). Each family receives about 125-150 lbs. of food and supplies at a time (depending upon availability) which lasts approximately two weeks.

    Foods distributed include quality meats; fresh fruits and vegetables; dairy products; fresh bread and grains; as well as canned, packaged, and dry goods. The goal is to distribute enough food to enable a family to prepare healthy meals at home for about two weeks. This helps families pay other essential household expenses such as rent and utilities. We have received reports that because of the assistance they received, some families have not become homeless.

    In addition to food assistance, Food4Kidz offers “emergency relief” to help families who are facing eviction, the loss of electricity, or other essential services. Assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of funds.

    Food4Kidz is the only organization of its kind in Bay County and is open year-round. Because Food4Kidz is an agency of “Feeding The Gulf Coast” (affiliated with Feeding America), we are able to pick up food and supplies twelve times a week directly from local grocers. We then distribute it to our local families by appointment.

    Depending upon availability, Food4Kidz distributes 18+ tons of food every month. On average, Food4Kidz reaches more than 320 families monthly or about 1,920 persons. That equates to more than 3,840 families yearly or 23,040 persons yearly of which more than 12,900 are children.

    Food4Kidz is also a designated Disaster Relief Agency in case of emergencies or natural disasters. Since Hurricane Michael, and in the aftermath of the global Covid-18 pandemic, the need has never been greater.

    Food4Kidz is honored and humbled to have been awarded recognition along the way such as Gulf Power’s Amplify! Grant to assist in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, the “Humanitarians of the Year” Award by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce in 2017, and Gulf Power’s “Power of Service” Award in 2016. They were also recognized by the City of Panama City Beach and City of Panama City with the designation of the month of May as “Child Hunger Awareness Month” in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Grants from organizations such as the St. Joe Community Foundation in 2013 and 2019 have also helped Food4Kidz distribute more than 40,000 tons of food to local families in Bay County.

    Frequently Asked Questions:
    1. Why do you need monetary support? Food4Kidz receives no government assistance. We must rely on the kindness and generosity of our wonderful local community to serve as many struggling families with children as possible. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, no fundraising events have occurred due to the inability to gather. We hope to resume those in the near future. In fact, to commemorate our tenth anniversary, we are planning to host a celebration in early fall, 2021.

    2. Why did you establish Food4Kidz? Food4Kidz was founded in response to the discovery that such a large percentage (25%) of our local children live in a “food insecure” household. We find that fact to be totally unacceptable!

    3. Who are your clients? How do they hear about you? Many have asked, “Are the parents of these hungry kids just lazy?” Fair question. The answer is “no.” Although there are a small number of exceptions, many of the scenarios are:

    • The global Covid-19 pandemic. With massive job losses and uncertainty of family incomes, hunger has become a rampant problem.
    • Hurricane Victims—Many of our clients are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Michael.
    • Grandparents who have suddenly “inherited” their grandchildren to raise. They often are trying to make ends meet on a fixed, limited income.
    • Single moms trying to work (maybe, in some cases, two jobs), go to school to better themselves, and properly care for their children.
    • Veterans-26% of our clients are vets.
    • Hard-working men and women who are self-employed and who have become severely injured (or disabled) and are unable to work. They don’t receive workmen’s compensation or unemployment benefits but still need to provide for their families.
    • Recently widowed or divorced heads-of-household who suddenly find themselves alone and responsible for feeding their children and carrying on life as normally as possible.
    • Homeless children and teens (yes, unbelievably we have homeless children and youth in our beautiful community-especially following Hurricane Michael)
    • Seasonal workers (especially in the local tourism industry) who suddenly lose their jobs and have no other employment prospects.
    • Senior citizens-about 18% of our clients are over the age of 60.
    • Bottom-line: Food4Kidz strives to assist our local families and children who face hunger daily!

    Food4Kidz receives referrals from schools, churches, businesses, civic groups, local and state agencies, community partners, and concerned citizens.

    4. What are the requirements to receive assistance? A valid I.D. and a need. Food4Kidz doesn’t require personal information or proof of income. Food4Kidz does not belong to any “databases” or “keep tabs” on individuals. Food4Kidz does not seek to embarrass anyone. We believe that if a person is brave enough to ask for assistance, the experience should be as pleasant and stress-free as possible. This is especially important for the children’s sake. This philosophy has worked very well for over seven-and-a-half years. Although we are primarily a children’s charity, we turn no one away!

    5. Since you are a member agency of “Feeding America,” isn’t the food you pick up and distribute free? No. Although the cost per pound is low, because of the volume of food purchased each month, there is a cost involved.

    6. Doesn’t the school system meet most of these children’s nutritional needs? No, unfortunately. Although our schools do a good job when children are there (with breakfasts and lunches), they are away from school 87% of the time. These “at-risk” kids must rely on sources other than school for 67% of their meals. When you factor in afternoons, nights, weekends, holidays, spring break, and summer break, that’s a lot of time away from school. Even if the schools offer summer nutrition programs, the children still must have transportation to and from school. So, as you can see, the need is tremendous!

    7. Are you a backpack program? No. We are a full-service food bank. Although weekend backpack programs are very well-intentioned, reportedly other (hungry) family members are also present when a child arrives home on Friday afternoon. The backpack contents probably don’t last the night, much less the entire weekend.

    Food4Kidz strives to offer families the opportunity to have first-quality groceries with which to prepare wholesome, complete meals in the home throughout the week, weekends, holidays, as well as spring and summer breaks.

    8. How do families receive assistance? A head of household or primary adult family member can call to make an appointment and come to the Food4Kidz storehouse. They receive assistance in a private, pleasant, confidential, professional setting.

    9. What are your main organizational goals? We want to make top-quality nutrition available to the greatest number of struggling families with children as humanly possible, as well as encourage families to prepare and share meals at home (and increase family communication around the dinner table). We also want to deliver services in a positive, confidential setting with emphasis on compassion and utmost professionalism. Our most important goal? To ultimately put ourselves out of business.

    We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share “The Food4Kidz Story” with you. We look forward to meeting the needs of our local hungry children and their families throughout Bay County! You can help us by donating to our website: www.food4kidz.org (click the secure “Donate” button), or by mailing a check to 22811 PCB Parkway, #26, PCB, FL 32413, or by calling (850) 624-7485 and we will be happy to pick up a donation!

  • Movies and S’mores Moves OUTDOORS June 24, July 8, and 22

    Movies and S’mores Moves OUTDOORS June 24, July 8, and 22

    SmoresThe seventh annual Movies & More series at Camp Helen State Park began on Thursday, June 10. The summer fun series will continue Thursday evenings June 24, July 8, and 22.
    We will feature a different food truck each week that will be parked at Camp Helen starting 5 p.m. The programs will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an interpretive table with activities, a merchandise table, prepackaged smores around the bonfires, and a souvenir cup. The movie will begin at sunset. All activities, including the movie, will be outdoors.

    Our series kicked off June 10 with “Princess and the Frog,” which featured a program about small creatures found in our ecosystem. Then on June 24, before we show “Moana,” we will have a program about sea turtles and learning activities. “The Lion King” (2019) on July 8 is sure to be a hit with a program about the Circle of Life within our park system. The season finale takes place July 22 with the new movie “Onward” and a special treasure hunt/guided tour throughout the park.

    These special movie nights are sponsored by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, Carpe Diem Community Solutions, and the Friends of Camp Helen State Park. Admission into the park for this event is FREE, although donations are accepted and encouraged. Donations will go directly to the Friends of Camp Helen State Park to benefit the park’s resource management projects and interpretive programs.

    Kayak and SUP rentals are also open at the park daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (7 p.m. on movie days). Reservations can be made online or by calling (850) 238-1900.

    More information is available at facebook.com/FriendsOfCampHelenStatePark, by calling (850) 233-5059 or by emailing CampHelenFriends@gmail.com.

    Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway (Highway 98), Panama City Beach, just west of the Lake Powell Bridge.

  • Water Safety Month Brings Awareness

    Water Safety Month Brings Awareness

    By Mayor Mark Sheldon

    As any beach safety official or lifeguard will tell you, the single most important thing you can do when it comes to water safety is to learn to swim. Teach your children to swim so you can have that peace of mind when it comes to being in the water.

    May was Water Safety Month in Florida and as the busy summer season kicks off, summer is a great time for a few safety reminders.

    Florida is surrounded by water. And Bay County has many lakes, rivers, and streams. Millions of families come here to enjoy our natural resources, most specifically to dip their toes in our emerald waters and feel our sugar-white sand on their bare feet.

    As such, beach and water safety is an important issue. The City assertively promotes the beach flag warning system and the dangers of rip currents. All beach schools have been provided posters that explain the currents and the meaning of the flags.

    The flag status, which is assessed daily by our Beach Safety division of the Fire Department, is posted on the City website and sent out as an Alert Bay notification. We continue to educate people on the City’s double red flag ordinance which provides for a $500 fine for those entering the water on double red.

    The beach flag warning system and the dangers of rip currents are posted at every public beach access and in hotel and condo rooms.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10 people die from unintentional drownings every day with about one in five being children 14 and younger. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide.

    Drowning prevention begins in the home. That’s why it is so important that children learn to respect the water. Participating in formal swim lessons has been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent. Classes offered by the Parks & Recreation Department teach drowning prevention strategies and crucial survival skills.

    Here are a few basic water safety tips:
    • Always have active adult supervision around children.
    • Learn water safety survival skills and learn to swim proficiently.
    • Install safety barriers when a child or vulnerable adult has uninterrupted access to a body of water.
    • Learn CPR for adults and children, as this is the number one way to save a life when there is no heartbeat.
    • Be a good role model. Learn to swim, learn CPR, wear a life jacket, and never swim alone.

    Panama City Beach Swim Academy offers swim lessons for all ages and skill levels. Summer lessons are available from May 31 to August 6. For more information on currently available class times, schedules and pricing, contact the Aquatic Center at Frank Brown Park at (850) 236-2205.

    Junior Lifeguard Camp dates are July 5-9 and July 19-23. Morning classes are for eight to 11-year-olds and afternoon classes are for 12 to 15-year-olds. The cost is $100. Contact wil.spivey@pcbfl.gov.

    Both the Aquatic Center and Beach Safety are hiring seasonal lifeguards. Positions are posted on pcbfl.gov under the Jobs tab or search “City Job Postings.”

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