ECP Gets You There Safely (They ‘Air’ on the Side of Caution)

February 24, 2021

2021 has arrived and with it the new normal of travel continues (or at least normal for now). As we make our way through the beginning stages of this new year, there continue to be notable changes in our daily lives. Wearing masks, social distancing, and regular hand sanitizing are just a few of the many aspects that have now become so familiar to us all. Airports and airlines are no exception to this wave of change and are moving forward together, safely. ECP and its Airline partners have adapted and remain ready to welcome passengers back to the skies again this year.

What’s Flying in 2021
The shifts airports and airlines made during the pandemic not only made air travel possible, but in many cases more efficient and comfortable. For example, many airlines began leaving the middle seat open to allow for social distancing in-flight and many airlines have committed to continuing to do so well into this year for your safety and comfort.
Other notable new normals in air travel include changes to in-flight service to adhere to CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Prepare to bring snacks and drinks of your own as many airlines have stopped in-flight service temporarily.

Passengers may experience fewer crowds, COVID-19 testing requirements (for certain destinations), and touchless technology to make check-in and other service options safer and smoother.

A ‘silver lining’ to all this could be the incredible low-fare deals available. Airlines, like the ones that serve ECP regularly, promote low fare rates to increase passenger travel consideration, so keep up with them on email and on social media to be the first to know about the best deals.

Ready for You and the Future
Armed with our ECP Ready Program designed to effectively move through the pandemic safely, we are confident we will begin to see passenger travel return to pre-pandemic levels soon. In the meantime, we have not stopped working hard to improve the experience at ECP for all our passengers. With the expansion of our Terminal including Gates 6 & 7 over the summer and our reimagined blueprint for what our Airport could look like in the years to come with our strategic Master Plan Update, we stand ready to grow even further with our airline and Regional partners as the gateway to and from Northwest Florida.

Ready for Warmer Days

March 12, 2021

By Mayor Mark Sheldon

Having just had several consecutive days of 70-plus degree temperatures, we are excited for the busy spring and summer seasons!

You can’t live in this part of the country and not look forward to consistently warmer temperatures, outdoor activities like bike riding and kayaking, pulling our flip-flops and shorts out, the return of our special events, and going to the world’s most beautiful beaches!

Especially after a harsh winter by Panhandle standards, and the slow-down of our economy and the loss of some of our personal freedoms due to the lingering pandemic, we so look forward to being out and about and enjoying our beautiful environment.

This time of year we really start to see our natural environment come alive, with the grass greening up, and flowers and trees starting to bud. We also see more people moving about, as locals, visitors and vacation homeowners weary of winter back in their hometowns, come out or come down to enjoy Panama City Beach.

The beach continues to focus on being a family-friendly destination. Safety is and will remain a top concern for our 14,000 residents, 4.5 million annual visitors and our thousands of daily commuters who live elsewhere but work on this side of the bridge.
As our busy season approaches, we recognize that people of all ages, including college-age students, will be on Panama City Beach. As such, we would like to remind everyone of our rules.

• No alcohol is allowed on the sandy portion of the beach during the month of March.
• Alcohol sales end at 2 a.m. during the month of March.
• Overnight scooter rental is not permitted.
• Climbing, jumping, or throwing items from balconies is not allowed.
• Parking in closed businesses’ parking lots is prohibited.
• Parking is prohibited in unmarked or unpaved portions of the roadway after dark.
• Metal shovels are not permitted on the beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than two feet.
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except at the Dog Beach, which is marked with signage and is located to the west of the Russell-Fields City Pier at Pier Park. Dog owners are required to pick up after their dogs and there is a limit of three dogs per person.
• When double red flags are flying, you must not get into the Gulf. The water is closed to swimmers during double red but can be utilized by surfers tethered to boards.
• No fires are allowed on the beach except through beach bonfire vendors.
• Gatherings on the sandy beach may require a special event permit. Check with the Building & Planning Department with the City to see if you need a permit.
• Do not block beach accesses which are used by emergency vehicles.
• No vehicles are allowed on the sandy beach.
• Low-speed vehicles are prohibited on roads with speeds of 36 mph or more. This includes Panama City Beach Parkway and Hutchison Boulevard.
• Leave no trace on our beaches. Remove all tents, chairs, umbrellas, and trash nightly.

We want everyone to enjoy the warmer days and our beautiful sandy beaches. But we also want everyone to be safe. If there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at City Hall.

Meet Your Neighbor: Nicole Paloma Brings it Back to the Beach

March 12, 2021

By Jamie Zimchek, Editor

Deftly directing an armful of rich shantung silk under the needle, designer Nicole Paloma finishes the seam, stands up, and shakes out a fully formed Seville skirt. For those of us who reached our sewing apogee making three-pleat masks, this is something akin to magic. For Paloma, this is just another day, and another skirt, one of many that define her decade-plus as a boundary-pushing designer. And after some forays into other out-of-state markets, she’s bringing her skills back home to the Emerald Coast late February.

Paloma is more than just a designer and creator of hand-sewn clothes however, she’s also a champion of women, and, as a recovering alcoholic, a great supporter of those who are finding their way on the adventurous road of recovery. “One of the best gifts you can give to people is to inspire them to see the beauty and find gratitude for exactly who they are,” she says. Her growing selection of hand-painted quote t-shirts with lines like “Gratitude changes everything” and “Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” have a devoted following amongst many, including the aforementioned, because they do just that.
In a region well known for its beachy aesthetic, Paloma’s designs stand out. For one thing, she doesn’t shy away from black, and her work often includes pieces with a real edge (in the case of a gala gown made of metal mesh, quite literally). For another, she makes apparel with comfort in mind, often choosing fabrics in soft knits that suit a variety of body types and a range of ages without losing their cool factor. Paloma says, “Personally I don’t want to get out of my yoga pants or my sweat pants, so I try to make my clothes fit like that, but look like they’re ready for a stroll down Fifth Avenue – with the right shoes of course!”

In the past, you could find her bathing-suit clad, a toddler attached at the hip, stopping in on a rare day off to custom fit a client’s dress. Back again in Florida this spring, you’ll still find kids in tow, slightly older now, but thoroughly part of the process. Though her couture pieces can be found at galas and other formal events, Paloma herself is decidedly down to earth. Wandering barefoot between bolts of fabric, there’s a good chance she’s been hard at work since the early morning hours, and will be there still long after everyone else has called it a day, subsisting on her three c’s: chocolate, cheese, and coffee.

Full disclosure: I share a collaborative line of hand-painted textiles with Paloma, and stock my jewelry in her stores, so clearly I’m biased. In other words – slip away to the new store and get a glimpse of the wizardry for yourself.

Now open at 27 Hub Lane (The Hub), Inlet Beach, Florida. Follow @nicole_paloma_handsewn_designs on Instagram or text (850) 585-8999 for more information.

Testosterone is Good for the Heart

March 12, 2021

By Dr. Richard Chern, MD

Some patients and doctors ask us about testosterone and its effects on the heart. Many patients (and some doctors) are mistakenly under the impression that testosterone increases the risk of heart problems. This article will hopefully dispel these myths and explain how they came about.

There have been hundreds of studies looking at testosterone’s effects on the heart and they are all reassuring. The Mayo Clinic has even reviewed every study to come up with recommendations based on the review of all studies involving testosterone. Their findings agree, testosterone is good for the heart.

Studies show low testosterone is associated with increased mortality from any cause. Low testosterone is associated with increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, increased heart attacks, increased aggressiveness of prostate cancer, increased Alzheimer’s, increased diabetes, and the list goes on.

As we increase testosterone, we can reduce death and disease across the board. So how did testosterone get a bad image. There are a couple reasons.

First, you need to know there are different types of testosterone. Testosterone shots are synthetic and because of this they react differently in the body from our natural testosterone. Think of your car. 87 octane, 93 octane and diesel are not the same and putting the wrong one in your car can cause major damage. The same is true when you put synthetic testosterone in your body instead of bio-identical testosterone. Clotting factors increase when using synthetic testosterone which can lead to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolisms and more.

Second, testosterone entered the news because of early deaths and aggression in bodybuilders. These negative results were due to the use of synthetic testosterone in doses up to 20x higher than the natural amounts found in our body. As we all know, too much of a good thing can be bad.

I would never recommend the use of synthetic testosterone even in physiologic doses. But bio-identical testosterone has the exact same chemical structure as our own body. This means we are putting the right kind of gas in the tank and we are not overfilling the tank.
This physiologic dose reduces the risk of disease across the board and makes patients feel fantastic. Testosterone helps with mood, concentration, libido, decreases depression, anxiety and pain and more. I find it crazy that people are afraid of it.

Go to www.mayoclinicproceedings.org and search for “fundamental testosterone.” Read the International Expert Consensus Resolutions on the use of testosterone from June 2016. See for yourself that among the top experts on the planet who have read every study on testosterone, they believe “evidence does not support increased risks of cardiovascular events,” and “does not support increased risk of prostate cancer with T therapy.” They also believe that testosterone therapy can improve “cardiometabolic disease, including diabetes”
Feel better, less disease, live longer. Why would anyone not consider this?

Dr. Richard Chern, MD has been treating patients with hormones for nearly 30 years. He has training specific to the use of testosterone in both men and women and is currently accepting new patients. Call for an appointment today at (850) 837-1271.

Vets Helping Vets & First Responders

March 12, 2021

By Marta Rose-Thorpe

For years Jimy Thorpe had felt the urge to give back. A veteran, Jimy had served as a young man in the U.S. Army for eight years and had always held the highest regard for the men and women who serve our country and keep us safe. This group also includes first responders – the men and women who keep our communities safe. So how would he give back? In 2014, he created the tagline “Vets Helping Vets” – later elevated to “Vets Helping Vets & First Responders” – and decided to start giving what he had to give: HVAC units. Jimy owns A Superior Air Conditioning Company, a local business he launched in 2003.
In the beginning, Jimy and his team decided to give away eight units per year. Vets and first responders were encouraged to apply online at ASuperiorAC.com; the giveaway was open to all who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and all first responders including EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Fire Fighters. American Legion Post 392 in Panama City met and voted on all submissions each quarter, selecting one veteran in need and one first responder in need to be awarded the units.

In 2015 the giveaway began taking the form of a quarterly appreciation lunch at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach. Local musician Neal James opened the lunches with the National Anthem and play background music while Texas Roadhouse catered. The first event hosted around 40 guests and several local businesses co-sponsored. The next lunch brought in a few more guests and sponsors, and the Vet Center and other veteran-related organizations joined in. As the word-of-mouth continued, the guest list grew. By Fall 2017 the event moved to Texas Roadhouse; today this appreciation lunch still takes place, now maxing out the restaurant at 380+ guests.

But Jimy still wanted to reach and help more veterans and first responders. In November 2019 Pastor Dave of Faith Assembly Church in Miramar Beach (affectionately known as “The Rock & Roll Church”) invited Jimy to launch a quarterly appreciation lunch there, thus reaching vets and first responders in the Walton/Okaloosa area. The appreciation lunch has taken place there ever since, slowly growing in attendance and giving away one HVAC unit per quarter, for a total of 12 HVAC units given away per year.

“I feel that giving back to veterans and first responders is like taking the time to help my father,” says Jimy, whose father served in the U.S. Marines. “It’s something that comes second nature; it’s instinctive and something that’s driven in me.”

The Winners’ Stories
Kelly D., a 911 Dispatcher, lives in her brother’s home in Fountain, Florida. Like so many, the home, which was built in the early 90s, sustained damages in Hurricane Michael and the old AC system hadn’t been reconnected to the house ever since the storm. In January 2021 Kelly received an email from work, telling her about the A Superior HVAC Giveaway. She applied online, writing, “It’s not really me that deserves to win, it’s my brother. He is in the Coast Guard and is extremely selfless. He provided me with a place to stay when Covid changed our lives. He is currently remodeling the place to give me a nice place to live. He has a servant’s heart.” On February 23, 2021 the A Superior team installed a new unit at Kelly’s brother’s home. She was extremely thankful.

Jerry Lee served four years in the U.S. Navy as an E3 fireman and retired in 2008; his wife was working in the nursing field when their life took an unexpected turn. “My daughter passed away, and we adopted my two grandchildren – one was only five months and the other one was just over a year old,” he said. “Even though we wouldn’t change our situation for anything,” Jerry continued, “we have traded in our golden years to raise two more children.”

Due to the new circumstances, his wife had to quit her job to help raise the girls who are now 12 and 13 years old. “I have now buried two of my own children and my wife lost her son almost two years ago, and that pretty much depleted any savings we had.” With an HVAC unit approximately 10 years old, they had been paying up to $500 every year for repairs and freon. “I bet I have asked ten different AC companies why my old unit would only work on emergency heat,” said Sherri, “and it took a young man just recently out of school, Nate, to finally give us the answer. Nate, Shannon, and Thomas were very helpful, and we just can’t thank y’all enough!” When the A Superior team told Sherri that she could apply online for the HVAC Giveaway, she did, and she and Jerry were announced as winners at the February 9 appreciation lunch in Miramar Beach.

SeeLife Makes a Splash on Beach Streets

March 12, 2021

By Jamie Zimchek, Editor

A small pod of colorful ‘dolphins’ has just joined an equally vibrant bale of ‘sea turtles’ to make a splash on the streets of Panama City Beach. This parade of aquatic statues is part of SeeLife, a project designed to further beautify the streets of our fair beach town, and is many months in the making. Spearheaded by the City of Panama City Beach, the non-profit Sunshine Art Center, and the Beach Art Group, this release of 11 fiberglass sea creatures ‘into the wild’ represents the first phase in what is planned to be a much larger effort to expand the arts in Panama City Beach.

Just how do these statues go from factory to Panama City Beach Public Library lawn (or any of the other 10 destinations around the city)? A request for design applications went out some time ago, and out of over 30 applications, 11 were selected to wet their brushes. The statues themselves are fiberglass, created by a family-owned company in Nebraska that specializes in custom fiberglass fabrication. Successful applicants were sent home with their blank statues to work; though acrylic or latex paints were the norm, the final selection also included a sea turtle with an encrustation of real shells on its back.

Once the paint was dry, the statues were given several layers of a clear coat to be sure they’d survive salt air and sun for years to come. Panama City Toyota paid for a local company, Chameleon Car Works, to clear coat some of the statues. “They put three coats on it, so it will withstand our sun and weather,” explains Helen Ferrell, head of the Sunshine Art Center. In addition to Panama City Toyota, other sponsors included the City of Panama City Beach, Dr. Ronald and JoAnn Dubin, the St. Joe Community Foundation and Door to Door Services.

Mayor Mark Sheldon presided over the official unveiling on a chilly gray day last month. The sun broke through the clouds as one by one, covers came off to reveal a colorful group of sea creatures attended by their respective designers. “Our strategic planning process undertaken last summer identified there was a need to incorporate more arts projects into the community,” explains Mayor Sheldon. “A public arts project such as SeeLife fit the bill perfectly and we are excited to get these sea sculptures up around the City for our locals and visitors to enjoy. We were excited that so many groups and individuals of all ages reached out to adopt one of our 11 dolphins and sea turtles.”

Helen Ferrell has been the public face of this community project. For her, SeeLife is both about making art more accessible for the community but also serves as a fundraiser for bigger things in the arts. “Beach Art Group and Sunshine Art Center promote the arts as an economic engine for the community,” she explains. Ultimately, her goal is to have an actual arts facility that can benefit all the arts and the community. Or as Ferrell puts it, “The arts have a place on the beach and we want to give the arts a place.”

So what next? “What we’re trying to do now is get sponsors to come on board for this next round,” Ferrell explained. Each blank statue costs at least $1,500 – $2,000, so donors, and volunteers are crucial. A range of events to promote these newest PCB additions are in the works, but in the meantime, locals (and of course, local visitors) are encouraged to snap photos with the statues when they spot one, and send tagged with #PCBSeeLife to editor@pcbeach.lifemediagrp.com for a chance to have a shot included in the April Issue of this publication, or posted to PCB Life’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/MyPCBLife.

For more information, photos, and a list of participants and statue locations, follow Panama City Beach on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofpanamacitybeach, or visit their website, www.pcbfl.gov, and scroll down to news. Additional information is available at www.sunshineartcenter.com, or reach Helen Ferrell at beachartgroup@att.net, (850) 541-3867.

To Do in PCB: March/April 2021

March 12, 2021

Captain Anderson’s Event Center
Magical Variety Show on Grand Lagoon, March 13, 6:30 p.m. Pittman Magic, Juggling, and Comedy – #1 Magical Variety Show! Audiences of all ages will enjoy the 60 minute action-packed variety show. Check them out at PittmanMagic.com. Tickets are $15-$25.

Bridal Expo, March 21, 12-4 p.m. You’re invited to join us for this FREE waterfront event. Our wedding expo is a one-stop-shop for all things weddings. Brides and their guests can meet all of the top wedding professionals in one place so that they can plan their dream wedding. RSVP for free on EventBrite.

Find more information at captainandersonseventcenter.com/events.

Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
March 10- 13, 2021
Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, PCB
(662) 576-1448 | www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com
They’re fast, they’re furious, and they’re getting revved up for you and your friends. Make your way to Aaron Bessant Park and our classic car show in Panama City Beach, FL, to see some awesome hot rods. Aaron Bessant Park is located at 500 West Park Drive. We are just across from Frank Brown Park in Pier Park, just one block away from the beach! This event is positioned on 17 acres of luscious green grass, with sidewalks, shade trees, park benches, and clean air-conditioned restrooms. Emerald Coast Cruizin’ features a center stage to host live music and show awards. Ladies, Pier Park offers over 125 stores for fabulous shopping right next door! You will not want to miss this event! Make plans now for Emerald Coast Cruizin’!

PCB Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
April 10-11, 2021
Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, PCB
www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/panama-city-beach
Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing the Annual Panama City Beach Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival back to Aaron Bessant Park! On April 10-11 (VIP hour 11 AM to Noon). Florida’s most popular food trucks will dish out fan favorites while the season’s top craft beers will be available for sale. This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music, and fun for the whole family. 30 food trucks will be serving everything from fall-off-the-bone BBQ to wood-fired pizza to juicy prime rib to spicy Korean to gooey mac & cheese and so much more!

Seabreeze Jazz Festival
April 21-25, 2021
Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, PCB
seabreezejazzfestival.com
Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times – all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz.

Frank Brown Park
Easter Egg Hunt, April 3, 10 a.m. Children 10 and under are invited to hunt eggs at this family fun, free event.

Youth Fishing Rodeo, April 17, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring your child and get ready to fish!

Conservation Park
Bay County Audubon Bird Walk, April 3, 7:30 a.m. A 2.5-mile round trip walk on well-maintained roads and trails. Bring a snack and drinks.

Chamber Golf Classic
This event is sure to sell out so register a team today! Join the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce on April 22nd and 23rd for the 12th Annual Golf Classic, presented by Community Bank. Taking place at Bay Point Golf Club, this year’s tournament will feature all the great perks you’re used to, plus a few new, unforgettable additions.

Players enjoy delicious food on the course, free beer, a surprise gift, and cheaters package for every golfer. The tournament will also raise money for charity. For additional information and to register your team, please contact Shannon Richmond at shannon@pcbeach.org, or Lynsie Sisk at lynsie@pcbeach.org.

Panama City Beach Senior Center
March activities include: woodshop, strength and exercise, knife chisel carver, yoga, bocce ball, bingo, embroidery on cards, painting partners, ukulele, and chair exercise. Visit their Facebook page, Panama City Beach Senior Center, for times and days. Membership required.

Party at Patches

March 12, 2021

By Brittany Kirke

Chill out and grab a friend, it’s time to join the party at Patches Pub & Grill. In December of 2012, Vincent and Cindy Greiner embarked on a journey that would turn into an adventure that all of Panama City Beach gets to experience. Initially sought after by the Greiner’s as a hobby, Patches has grown from less than ten employees to over forty during the summer months. Located on Thomas Drive near Beach Access #1, Patches has received overwhelming amounts of praise for their incredible food and inviting atmosphere; Best of Bay awarded them five years in a row. They are known by locals not only for their good food, but also their sports bar and entertainment.

Vincent Greiner spoke candidly about Patches’ involvement in the community and the desire to help others by lifting patrons’ spirits and developing friendships. Patches Pub helped locals get through the aftermath of Hurricane Michael by providing meals, participating in fundraisers, as well as gathering and making donations. Vincent shared that they “like to support the community […] with the amount of love and support we receive, it’s only fair.”

In response to Covid-19, Patches has expanded their outdoor patio and increased spacing between tables so that there is adequate room for their patrons. You can also order their menu for takeout if you prefer.

When you walk through the door, you are welcomed into a family-friendly environment with live music to keep both adults and kids entertained. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, wings, burgers, or a hearty salad, you’ll find what you want with a little something extra at Patches. Among the dishes that they serve, the dry rub wings are Vincent’s favorite.

Patches is currently preparing for their annual St. Patrick’s Day event, known to be one of the largest in the area. What makes their celebration special is their attention to detail in preparing traditional Irish fare. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, March 17, starting at 1 p.m. with music provided by the Well Worn Lucky Tinkers.

Also, be on the lookout in April for their crawfish boil on their party patio.

Patches also has a food truck if you can’t make it to the Thomas Drive location, so make sure to visit their Facebook page to see where they will be next: Patches on the Go, facebook.com/patchesonthego.

Fishing Time is Here!

March 12, 2021

By Pam Anderson

How exciting! Fishing season began March 1 for all the local headboats and charter boats! And, guess what’s on the menu? One of the sweetest tasting fish of all, one that many have thought were trash fish until recent years-Triggerfish! Yes! they are ugly, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts-you do remember your Momma telling you that, right?

Triggerfish season will run March 1 through April 30 this year and the boats are all gearing up to take you on a great ride into the Gulf of Mexico to catch them. Anglers will also be catching some Red Grouper, Vermillion Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish and several other species. It won’t be long before we hear that the Cobia are running.

Whether you just love being out on the Gulf in the fresh air, or sunning yourself on one of the upper decks, boating out of Grand Lagoon is the place to be. It is the most healthy way you can spend your days…. sunshine and fresh air.

In the Grand Lagoon, you can find 24-foot bay fishing charter boats to 60-foot Gulf fishing charter boats that carry 2 to 20 passengers and, also, up to 92-foot head-boats that carry as many as 80 passengers. All of these boats have the permits and proper licensing necessary for fishing. In addition, you can fish from shore and some piers with your own license you can purchase locally. But it’s always more fun on a boat!

At Capt. Anderson’s Marina we have several bay fishing charters available as well as 35 Gulf fishing charter boats and 3 head-boats that offer a variety of fishing options. Go for a few hours or go all day. Head-boats offer 5 hour, 6 hour and 10 hour trips in March. Charter boats cater to your schedule and run 4 hour to 12 hour trips, with some offering private overnight trips. Remember, the longer the trip, the deeper the water, and usually, the larger the fish. Whatever you choose, it will be great fun for you and your friends and family… and don’t forget healthy!

Our Capt. Anderson’s Marina has a fish market that will clean your fish when you return from your trip. You can even have the option of taking your catch to several local restaurants for what we call ‘hook ‘n cook’- you catch and have fish cleaned and the restaurants will cook them and provide the ‘sides’ for a reasonable fee. (Moms love it! No messin’ up her kitchen.)

We also offer private charters on the head-boats. You can book a large group, 30-80, if your church, club, business, or Scout troop would like to have the boat all to themselves. Pricing will vary according to seasons, but always reasonable.

The Capt. Anderson family has been taking families and friends fishing since 1935 and plan to keep going for generations to come. Capt. Anderson’s Marina, where the fish are always biting and the kids are always smiling!

Located at 5550 N Lagoon Dr. On the web: www.captandersonsmarina.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Needs Bigs

March 12, 2021

Looking for 30 Bigs in 30 Days During March Matchness 2021

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) has launched their March MATCHness recruitment campaign. Throughout the month of March, BBBSNWFL is aiming to recruit 30 Bigs in 30 days to help fill their bracket and match new mentors with local youth from Pensacola to Panama City.

“March is one of our favorite months at Big Brothers Big Sisters,” says BBBSNWLF CEO and president Paula Shell. “To be able to recruit new volunteers in a fun and creative way makes sharing our message even better. Fill out our bracket and be one of 30 new Bigs to dribble into a relationship with a Little. They need us now, more than ever!”

To play off the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) March Madness basketball tournament, BBBSNWFL has created this fun campaign to recruit mentors for its life-changing mentoring programs. This is the perfect time to ramp up volunteer recruitment efforts as there are almost 100 children who are currently waiting for their Big Brother or Big Sister. Approximately 70% of the waiting list are boys, so there is a critical need for strong, caring, and supportive male mentors as many of the boys come from a single-parent household. Throughout the past year, children have been challenged in many ways, which is why BBBSNWFL needs mentors to provide consistency and stability for Northwest Florida children.

The biggest misconception with becoming a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters is the time commitment. BBBSNWFL requires in-person contact with your Little 2-4 times a month and a weekly touchpoint via call, text, email, etc. Virtual contact is also acceptable as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. A Little can be easily incorporated into the Bigs’ everyday life! Now is the time to be the game-changer in a child’s life.

Anyone interested in becoming a Big can visit the BBBSNWFL website at bbbsnwfl.org/get-involved/ or by calling (850) 433-5437 for Escambia/Santa Rosa/Okaloosa/Walton Counties or (850) 763-5437 for Bay County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one mentoring for 30 years by serving children ages 5-18. Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 646 children in Northwest Florida. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, please visit bbbsnwfl.org.

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