PANAMA CITY Many boat owners cannot fathom how anyone living so close to the numerous bays and the expansive Gulf of Mexico could get by without a vessel to take them across the glistening surfaces.
But many of those who don t own boats cannot fathom how those who do can afford the cost, which is just beginning at the point of purchase if the boat is to be properly maintained, stored and serviced. Owning a boat here is a must, said Robbie Hughes, a boat owner and lifelong Bay County resident. The activities that you can add to your lifestyle are incredible. If you focus on the cost rather than the enjoyment and memories, then you have chosen the wrong hobby.
And today the GYA marks its 100th anniversary with the 2021 season kickoff of its regatta series being hosted by the St. Andrews Yacht Club on Bunkers Cove Road.
It marks the first time in two years for the regatta here, with 2019 being wiped out locally by Hurricane Michael damage and the GYA s entire 2020 season succumbing to the pandemic. It s significant because everything was canceled last year, people were afraid to travel across state lines, worried they couldn t get back home and the virus, and before that we had the hurricane and so much was damaged and destroyed (at the yacht club), said Jimmy Ruthven of Panama City, who is also commodore of the GYA this year. Everybody is trying to get back to our state of normalcy in life and this is a big move in that direction.
PANAMA CITY There was a short-lived segment of my life where I thought moving was pretty cool.
It lasted three moves. Leaving home to head to Athens, Georgia, and the University of Georgia was most excellent. Moving into my first apartment in Roswell, Georgia was pretty cool, too – hot tub. Moving to Panama City in 1983 to live with my dad was a blast.
Getting out of that house a year later into my first Panama City rental had an air of excitement but I realized the thrill was gone when I was looking at the next move and still had unpacked boxes from the previous move. A pattern was born.
After the hurricane, she wanted to ensure people didn t forget about the plight of abused children. Toward that end and as part of April being National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month, Book is promoting a 30-minute special set to broadcast Saturday locally on WJHG-Channel 7 to help people remember and hopefully reach someone in need of help.
“Hurricane Michael destroyed more than just buildings it took away a sense of comfort and the safe spaces where survivors of child abuse come to heal from trauma,” said Book, a Democratic senator representing the Broward County area and founder of Lauren’s Kids. “By rebuilding the (Gulf Coast CAC) Trauma Therapy House, we gave this dedicated group of therapists and advocates the bones and the structure to once again create a living and breathing safe space for children and families who so desperately need it.
By Superintendent Bill Husfelt | Bay District Schools | Special to The News Herald
I hope you had a chance to watch the referendum debate on Tuesday that was sponsored by the Panama City News Herald. I cannot thank the News Herald, and specifically Mike Cazalas, enough for putting this together, and I also sincerely appreciate the participation of Alexis Underwood, Dr. Jon Ward and Tho Bishop.
As a former social studies teacher, I believe firmly in the power of debate, and I’m grateful for any chance I get to brag about the amazing employees of Bay District Schools and all they do for the children in our community.