By Paul Bonnette
A rising tide lifts all boats. For hotelier and Panama City Beach City Councilman Ethan Register, this motto sums up his goals and dreams for Bay County. Register understands the importance of tourism, hospitality and community. From his early days walking to downtown Harrison Ave and fishing off the marina, Register has a strong sense of the importance of community in our area. Register, who is General Manager of Hotel Indigo as well as Harrison’s Kitchen and Bar, has a strong affection for the field of hospitality and loves seeing our area grow and thrive.
After moving here from Georgia, Register attended Bay High School before moving on to Gulf Coast State College, and according to Register, saw the potential of the area.
“In 2003, I started my high school journey at Bay High School, where I had a truly memorable experience. After I graduated, I continued my education at Gulf Coast State College and FSU PC. What stood out to me about both institutions was the high-quality education they offered right here in our backyard. I lived in The Cove, so I have deep roots in the community and take pride in being a part of its growth and its future.”
After graduating from high school, Register found a way to overcome the financial challenge of paying for college by working on the beach. This would be the start of his Hospitality career.
“My path to a career in hospitality began unexpectedly while I was putting myself through college, working summers on the beach setting up chairs for a company called Aquatic Adventures. Before I graduated from FSU PC, my wife took a job at Holiday Inn Resort as Activities Director, and I was exploring a potential career in finance. After meeting my wife’s colleagues at Holiday Inn Resort, I ended up taking a Manager-in-Training position and eventually worked my way up to Front Desk Manager and then Assistant General Manager a year or so later. When we built Holiday Inn Express, I was honored to be named General Manager, giving me the incredible opportunity to build a team and a culture from the ground up. That experience ignited my passion for hospitality and solidified my career in this industry.”
His Hospitality path would soon propel him into the world of local politics, as in 2024, he was elected Panama City Beach City Councilman. For Register, this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“Starting as a Manager-in-Training, I worked my way up to become the Chief Operating Officer for Hilton Inc. I fell in love with hospitality because of the mindset that if you work hard and do the right things, you can build a remarkable career. While serving as COO, a public service opportunity came my way. Phil Chester, a respected leader and someone I admired, was termed out of his City Council position and he suggested looking into the position. I threw my name in the hat and the next thing I know I was elected City Councilman Ward 2 for the City of Panama City Beach, all the while raising two beautiful little girls.”
Soon after, Register would transition back to Downtown Panama City to run the newly opened Hotel Indigo and Harrison’s Kitchen and Bar, a decision that he says was all about returning to his roots.
“As my career progressed, a new opportunity emerged with The St. Joe Company to serve as General Manager at Hotel Indigo and Harrison’s. While I had plenty of experience in hotel management, I had never run a standalone restaurant before, but I like a challenge and recognized the potential of Harrison’s and Hotel Indigo to not only serve visitors but also our community. Now, here I am working in the Panama City Marina area where I grew up walking to and fishing off the dock. That means a lot to me.”
As a City Councilman for Panama City Beach, Register also has a strong desire to improve the quality of life for Panama City Beach residents.
“I understand the importance of having a beautiful, thriving city. My work in public service has been all about making our community a wonderful place to live for my family and for others who are raising their families. Residents have genuine ‘skin in the game’ when it comes to the safety, security and well-being of their loved ones whom they’ve chosen to raise in a thriving environment like Panama City Beach. Having worked in hospitality and tourism, I understand the economic value that visitors bring to our city. It’s vital that we continue to develop exciting attractions like Topgolf and Dolly Parton’s Pirate Voyage while preserving the charm and livability that make this place so special. My goal has always been, and will continue to be, to strike the right balance of supporting smart growth while ensuring we take great care of our residents.”
For PCB City Councilman, Hotelier and avid fisherman, Ethan Register, the future of Bay County looks very bright, and he remains hopeful that the rising tide of our area will continue to lift all the boats of our community, helping the area to continue to thrive, while still keeping its original charm.
“I’m really excited about the future of our community… Our city is growing, and Bay County is on the verge of becoming that ‘hidden gem’ that isn’t so hidden. I believe that’s a good thing for our area, and I’m really excited to welcome more families with the southern hospitality we are known for. I’ve traveled all over and I can say without hesitation, there are no better people than the people of Bay County.”
Summer events will bring live performances to venues throughout the community.