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Lower Grand Lagoon, Florida

Lower Grand Lagoon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,398 at the 2020 census, up from 3,881 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The area was heavily damaged by an EF3 tornado on January 9, 2024.

Geography
Lower Grand Lagoon is located at 30.15083°N, -85.76139°W (30.150784, -85.761490).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.0 km2, of which 5.5 km2 is land and 1.5 km2, or 21.68%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,082 people, 2,097 households, and 1,052 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,877.7 PD/sqmi. There were 5,697 housing units at an average density of 2,620.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.88% White, 1.18% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.06% of the population.

There were 2,097 households, out of which 16.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.8% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.50.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 13.4% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,599, and the median income for a family was $38,650. Males had a median income of $27,648 versus $21,905 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,433. About 13.3% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lower Grand Lagoon, Florida


text:
Lynn Haven, Florida

Lynn Haven is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States, north of Panama City. Like many communities in Bay County, the city was severely damaged by Category 5 Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018. The population was 18,695 at the 2020 census, up from 18,493 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City—Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Lynn Haven was founded in 1911 by Union veterans from the American Civil War. The town was named after W. H. Lynn, a primary stockholder of the St. Andrews Bay Development Company, the corporation that owned and developed the land on which Lynn Haven grew.

On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall near Lynn Haven. The 3rd strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the contiguous United States was the first category 5 hurricane to strike the United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Hurricane Michael displaced thousands of Lynn Haven residents.

Geography
Lynn Haven is located at 30.23985°N, -85.64813°W.

The city is located north of Panama City along Florida State Road 77, which is the main route through the city. FL-77 leads north 41 mi (66 km) to Chipley along Interstate 10 and south 6 mi (10 km) to the center of Panama City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.5 km2, of which 26.9 km2 is land, and 3.6 km2 (11.90%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,695 people, 7,605 households, and 5,715 families residing in the city.

In 2020, there were 2,136 veterans living in the city. 3.4% of the population were foreign born persons.

In 2020, 97.1% of households had a computer and 93.5% had a broadband internet subscription. 94.8% of those 25 years and older had a graduated high school or higher and 28.7% of that same population had a bachelor's degree or higher.

In 2020, the median household income was $68,406 and the income per capita was $28,826. 10.5% of the population lived below the poverty threshold. The median gross rent was $1,274 and the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $214,800, as of 2020.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 18,493 people, 7,169 households, and 4,796 families residing in the city.

Education
Lynn Haven is served by Bay District Schools.

There are six public schools:
 * Deer Point Elementary School
 * Lynn Haven Elementary School
 * Mowat Middle School
 * A. Crawford Mosley High School
 * Tom P Haney Technical College
 * New Horizon School

There are two charter schools:
 * Bay Haven Charter School
 * North Bay Haven Charter School

Historic areas
Historic areas and buildings in Lynn Haven include:

 * Bailey Bridge, built in 1946 to replace the wooden pier that spanned North Bay from Lynn Haven to Southport
 * City Hall, built in 1928
 * First Presbyterian Church, built in 1911
 * McMullin Library, built in 1911
 * Monument Park
 * Panama Country Club Golf Course, developed in 1927
 * Roberts Hall, built in 1912

Library
Lynn Haven Public Library, Bay County's first library, was established in the city of Lynn Haven in 1911 when a group of fourteen ladies donated a book and three magazines. Without a true library, they met in various homes and other local buildings as the Lynn Haven Literary Club. By 1915, the collection grew to 500 volumes. In 1922, the McMullin family donated a building and $1,000 and library became known as the McMullin Library. The Literary Club began a weekly story-telling hour on Saturdays for children under the age of twelve.

In 1925, the Literary Club joined the Federation of Women's Club, continuing their sponsorship of the McMullin Library. The Lynn Haven Women's Club provided building maintenance and expense, made several improvements, and purchased many books.

In 1961, the McMullin Library joined the Northwest Regional Library System. During this time, the city was flourishing and required a larger, more modern building. The building was moved to make room for the widening of Ohio Avenue and was moved three more times before finding a permanent home on Georgia Avenue. In 2017, the Heritage Society of Lynn Haven and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows began a $110,000 renovation project to restore the building.

In 1970, the new North Bay Branch Library was constructed. In the middle of the 1980s, the library underwent a major expansion to improve service and create room for over 11,000 volumes. A fund drive was held, along with funds matched by a grant from the State of Florida allowed for the building addition. The grand opening happened at the end of 1988.

In 1990, the City of Lynn Haven took charge of the library's financial responsibilities and the name was changed to the Lynn Haven Public Library.

Hurricane Michael, a category 5 storm, damaged the library in 2018. The building was removed in March 2021. City leaders may use the $1.9 million in insurance money to build a new library in a different location. Plans for a new library were unveiled in January 2022, but no decision has been made as of November 2023.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lynn Haven, Florida


text:
Mexico Beach, Florida

Mexico Beach is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States. It is located 25 mi southeast of Panama City on the Florida Panhandle. It is part of the Panama City-Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area in North Florida. The population was 916 at the 2020 census, down from 1,072 at the 2010 census.

The community was extensively damaged by Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the community "wiped out" in the aftermath of the hurricane's devastating impact.

History
The City of Mexico Beach was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1967.

Before Hurricane Michael, "the town was "old Florida," ... a collection of 50-year-old bungalows and newer vacation homes on stilts," where tourists walked on white sand beaches.

On November 22, 1985, Hurricane Kate's eye passed over Mexico Beach. Category 2 winds and tides destroyed beachfront homes and businesses.

Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach on October 10, 2018, just before 1 p.m. local time with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Michael made history as the third strongest (by pressure) and fourth strongest (by wind speed) landfalling storm in the continental United States. The storm caused extensive damage to the community, and to the nearby Tyndall Air Force Base. Nearly all homes were totally destroyed. Brock Long, the FEMA administrator, told CNN that Mexico Beach was "wiped out" and referred to the community as "ground zero". The elementary school and city hall were among the buildings devastated; the pier washed away, and the water tower was knocked down.

A report by the State indicated that roughly 285 people in Mexico Beach had declined to evacuate the area, although some of those may have left before the peak of the storm. Three people from Mexico Beach were listed among the deaths due to the hurricane. At that time, Mayor Al Cathey told residents it might be months before electricity, water, and plumbing were restored.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Mexico Beach is located at 29.94139°N, -85.40639°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.7 km2, of which 4.6 km2 is land, and 0.1 km2, or 2.84%, is water.

Mexico Beach is located in the Florida Panhandle, along the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Mexico Beach has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 916 people, 745 households, and 415 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,072 people, 599 households, and 325 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the population density was 595.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,852 housing units at an average density of 1,028.9 /mi2.

In 2010, there were 599 households, out of which 11.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were headed by married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.90, and the average family size was 2.43.

In 2010, in the city, the population was spread out, with 11.3% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 16.7% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 31.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,017 people, 526 households, and 319 families residing in the city. The population density was 299.7 /km2. There were 1,322 housing units at an average density of 389.6 /km2. The racial makeup of the city was 95.67% White, 1.28% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.77% of the population.

In 2000, there were 526 households out of which 11.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.42.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out with 11.1% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 34.8% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $31,950, and the median income for a family was $40,163. Males had a median income of $30,278 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,871. About 8.1% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.8% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Although physically located in Bay County, Mexico Beach is served by Gulf County Schools rather than the Bay District Schools. Mexico Beach is located within the school district boundary of Bay District schools, which then pays the Gulf County district the tuition money for Mexico Beach residents.

title: Mexico Beach, Florida


text:
Panama City, Florida

Panama City is a city in and the county seat of Bay County, Florida, United States. Located along U.S. Highway 98 (US 98), it is the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola. It is also the most populated city and a principal city of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,939, down from the figure of 36,484 at the 2010 census.

Name
The development in this once unincorporated part of Northwest Florida was created by combining the settlements and communities of Floriopolis, Harrison, Millville, Park Resort, and St. Andrews. In 1906, the development was named Panama City and it was first incorporated as Panama City in 1909. When Panama City was incorporated, its original city limits were 15th Street (Hwy 98) on the north, Balboa Avenue on the west and Bay Avenue on the east. According to the Panama City Public Library's A History of Panama City, George Mortimer West hoped to spur real estate development in Bay County during a period of intense popular interest in the construction of the Panama Canal by changing the town's name from Harrison to Panama City, because a straight line between Chicago and the Central American country Panama's national capital intersected the Florida town. Additionally, since required meanders around land formations in a seaborne route to the canal added distance when starting at other ports, Panama City was the closest developed port in the US mainland to the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Panama City is located at 30.17444°N, -85.66444°W (30.174451, –85.664480) within the Florida Panhandle, and along the Emerald Coast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city limits encompass an area of 91.8 km2, of which 75.8 sqkm is land and 16.0 sqkm, or 17.39%, is water.

Climate
Panama City has a humid subtropical climate, with short, mild winters and long, hot and humid summers. In January, the average low is 42.6 °F (5.9 °C), and in July the average high is 91.1 °F (32.8 °C).

Due to its location on the Gulf Coast, the city is susceptible to tropical cyclones. Panama City was directly hit by Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm caused catastrophic damage to the city and surrounding communities, with winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) at landfall. The city previously suffered significant indirect impacts from Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Opal (1995). Panama City is also no stranger to tornadoes, having recently been affected by an EF3 tornado on January 9, 2024 and an EF2 tornado on March 18, 2022.

Time zone
Panama City is part of the Central Time Zone, unlike the city of Tallahassee to its east.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 32,939 people, 15,733 households, and 8,856 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 36,484 people, 15,419 households, and 8,893 families residing in the city.

As of the census of 2010, the population density was 1,245.2 PD/sqmi. There were 17,438 housing units at an average density of 595.2 /sqmi.

In 2010, there were 15,419 households, out of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.3% were headed by married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28, and the average family size was 2.91.

In 2010, in the city, the population was 20.7% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

As of the 2000 census, the city's median household income was $31,572, and the median income for a family was $40,890. Males had a median income of $30,401 versus $21,431 for females. The city's per capita income was $17,830. About 12.1% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.

Industry
Two military bases make the federal government the largest employer. As of 2024, industrial employers in the Bay County area include Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Oceaneering, Florida Power & Light, Trane, L-3 Communications, and Jensen-Group.

Real estate
In 2006, Panama City was named the best place to invest in real estate in the US by CNN's Business 2.0 magazine.

Military
Tyndall Air Force Base to the east, is undergoing a $5.3 billion rebuild to make it the "installation of the future" after Hurricane Michael hit the base in 2018. Naval Support Activity Panama City and Coast Guard Station Panama City are just over the Hathaway Bridge in Panama City Beach. The 153rd Cavalry Regiment, part of the Florida Army National Guard, is headquartered in Panama City with units throughout the panhandle. Panama City is also approximately 100 miles south of Fort Novosel, Alabama, home to the U.S. Army's Aviation Center of Excellence.

Retail
The city's main retail center was the Panama City Mall until it was permanently closed after Hurricane Michael. In August 2020, owners of the Panama City Mall released plans to demolish the mall and build a new commercial complex. The plans included a hotel, shops, and restaurants. As of 2023, those plans have not come to fruition. Another local retail center is the Bay City Pointe, on FL 368 (locally known as 23rd St.). Pier Park, on the beach across the Hathaway Bridge spanning St. Andrews Bay, is a third local retail center. Other retail areas in the Panama City Metro are the 15th Street Shopping Strip (A area between Harrison Ave/US Highway 231 and Beck Ave/US Bus 98/State Road 390), 23rd Street Shopping Strip, Downtown Panama City, Historic St. Andrews, and Millville Historic District.

Hospitals
The city has two hospitals, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay (known as Bay Medical Sacred Heart until Hurricane Michael destroyed a large portion of it) and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Medical Center.

Roads
The two main east–west thoroughfares in Panama City proper are 23rd Street and US 98. SR 368 runs east–west across the northern part of the city as a bypass. US 98 runs east–west through the city itself, leading southeast 24 mi to Mexico Beach and west 10 mi to Panama City Beach.

The two main north–south thoroughfares in the city are Martin Luther King Boulevard, otherwise known as SR 77 and US 231. SR 77 leads north 6 mi to the Panama City suburb of Lynn Haven. US 231 begins its national journey northward in the city, leading northeast 83 mi to Dothan, Alabama.

Other more local highways run through the city, including many county roads.

Bridges
Because of the city's position on St. Andrews Bay, bridges are very important to the area, and most directions into or out of the city require the use of one of three large bridges to cross parts of the bay. These are the Bailey Bridge to the north on Hwy 77, the Dupont Bridge to the south on Hwy 98 and the Hathaway Bridge to the west on Hwy 98. The largest of these is the Hathaway Bridge, which is the only direct connection between Panama City and Panama City Beach.

Rail
The Bay Line Railroad has an 82 mi rail line running north to Dothan, Alabama, to a connection with CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. Until some point between 1955 and 1956 the Atlanta and St. Andrews Bay Railroad ran passenger trains from Panama City to Dothan, Alabama. Additionally, the A&StA operated sleeping car service to Atlanta from Panama City.

Bus transportation
Local transit is handled by the Bayway. Service generally runs Monday–Saturday from 6 AM to 7 PM.

Air transportation
The city was served by the Panama City-Bay County International Airport (PFN) until May 22, 2010. It was replaced by the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) with Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. In June 2018, ECP also added American Airlines. In 2020, ECP was ranked the fourth fastest growing airport in the U.S.

Port
The Port of Panama City is on St. Andrews Bay.

Media
Sports Talk
 * The News Herald, newspaper
 * WJHG, NBC affiliate on channel 7
 * WMBB, ABC affiliate on channel 13 with The CW Plus on DT2
 * WECP-LD, CBS affiliate on channel 18 with MyNetworkTV on DT2
 * WPGX, Fox affiliate on channel 28
 * WFSG, PBS affiliate on channel 56 (satellite of WFSU-TV, Tallahassee)
 * WPCT – Public-access television cable TV
 * WGSX, 104.3 ESPN Northwest Florida,
 * WASJ, Bob FM 105.1, 1980s/1990s/2000s
 * WBPC, Beach 95.1, Oldies
 * WFLF-FM, Fox News Radio
 * WFSW, public radio
 * WFSY, adult contemporary
 * WILN, Island 106, Contemporary hit radio
 * WKGC-FM, public radio
 * WKNK, Kick'n Country, country
 * WPAP, country
 * WPFM, K-Love, Contemporary Christian music
 * WRBA, Classic Rock 95.9, Classic Rock
 * WYOO, Talk Radio 101, Talk Radio
 * WYYX, 97X, "Panama City's Rock Station"
 * WAYP-FM, 88.3 WAY-FM Christian Hit Radio

Education
Panama City's public schools are operated by Bay District Schools. A system of charter schools: Bay Haven (K-8) North Bay Haven (K-12) Palm Bay Academy(6-12) [https://tcs.fsu.edu/#:~:text=The%20Collegiate%20School%20welcomed%20its,preparatory%20curriculum%20and%20career%20preparation. The Collegiate School] (9th as of 2024), and University Academy (K-8) also service the Panama City area. Private schools in the city include, Holy Nativity Episcopal School, St. John Catholic School, Jacob Austin Prep. Academy, Covenant Christian School. Gulf Coast State College, formerly Gulf Coast Community College, is now a 4-year state college. Florida State University Panama City Campus and a satellite campus of Troy University are located in the city. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has a satellite campus on Tyndall Air Force Base. Tom P. Haney Technical College is a local alternative to traditional college, offering a variety of vocational training programs. The school operates under the auspices of Bay District Schools. Public high schools in the Panama City metro-area include Rutherford High School, Bay High School, A. Crawford Mosley High School, Arnold High School, Deane Bozeman Learning Center, and Rosenwald High School.

Notable people

 * Mike Campbell, lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
 * Jaye Chapman, pitcher with the Chicago Cubs
 * Adam Cole, professional wrestler
 * Donnie Craft, running back for the NFL and CFL
 * Clint Daniels, country music artist
 * Codi Galloway, member of the Idaho House of Representatives
 * Clarence Earl Gideon, the plaintiff in Gideon v. Wainwright
 * David Herndon, MLB pitcher with the New York Yankees
 * Robert Lee McKenzie, entrepreneur, real estate developer, first mayor of Panama City, and an important figure in the early history of Bob Jones University
 * Dan Peek, member of the soft rock band America
 * Blake Percival, whistleblower who exposed USIS
 * Blood Raw, rapper with the group U.S.D.A and Young Jeezy
 * Janarius Robinson, 2016 graduate of Bay High School, defensive end in the NFL for the Las Vegas Raiders, former defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings, former defensive linemen for the Florida State Seminoles
 * Kenny Saief, player for the United States men's national soccer team
 * Anwar Stewart, CFL defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes
 * Thurop Van Orman, took inspiration from the city when living here as a kid to make The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack
 * Ray Wilson, NFL defensive back for the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers
 * Stacy Wilson, former captain of the Canada women's national ice hockey team, former assistant coach, author, and former head coach of the Bowdoin College women's ice hockey team
 * William Witherspoon, 1998 graduate of Rutherford High School, NFL linebacker

Twinned City
Panama City, Florida is twinned with one city:
 * 🇲🇽 Mérida, Yucatán (November 13, 2003)

title: Panama City, Florida


text:
Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach is a resort town in Bay County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. It had a population of 18,094 at the 2020 census, up from 12,018 in 2010. It is a principal city in the Panama City—Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Panama City Beach is often mistakenly referred to as "Panama City". Panama City Beach's slogan is "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches" due to the unique, sugar-white sandy beaches of northwest Florida.

Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States. The town is also a popular spring break destination, due to its beach and proximity to most of the Southern United States. The first two seasons of MTV's Floribama Shore were filmed in the town.

Panama City Beach has dangerous rip currents. Multiple people have drowned at Panama City Beach while struggling against rip currents. Sea conditions are particularly dangerous during periods when lifeguards have put up double red flags, indicating active rip currents. Drowning often occurs when people attempt to swim directly against a rip current. By attempting to directly return to the beach, against the rip current, swimmers get tired-out in the process and drown. Instead, swimmers caught in a rip current should relax, and swim parallel to the beach, until they are naturally carried out of the rip current.

Real estate boom
A construction boom in the early to mid-2000s changed the image of the area due to the older homes and motels being replaced with high-rise condominiums and more expansive homes. However, this is turning unobstructed, low-rise beach views and affordable waterfront property into rarities. At the peak of the real estate boom, many beachfront properties had quadrupled or more in value since 2000. In November 2006 CNN/Money named Panama City Beach the No. 1 real estate market in America for the next five years in.

Beachfront property has sold for upwards of $60,000 per "front foot" (linear foot) at the top of the market. The downturn in the U.S. real estate market in 2007, combined with a surge of new condo construction, brought spiraling prices somewhat under control. With the real estate boom, Panama City Beach became a well known destination for spring break.

Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach in Bay County on October 10, 2018, becoming one of the strongest and most-destructive hurricanes in American history as it destroyed a large part of the county, including many structures in Mexico Beach and Panama City. An EF-0 tornado did minor damage to the northwest part of Panama City Beach, Florida on February 15.

Geography
Panama City Beach is located at 30.2075°N, -85.85139°W (30.207362, −85.851485).

The city is located in the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. The main roads through the city are U.S. Route 98 and Florida State Road 30. US 98 runs from northwest to southeast just inland from the coast, leading east 10 mi to Panama City and northwest 47 mi to Destin. FL-30 runs along the coast from northwest to southeast as Front Beach Rd, leading east to Panama City and northwest 15 mi to Rosemary Beach. There are approximately 9 mi of shoreline in Panama City Beach fronting the Gulf of Mexico.

The city has a total area of 48.2 km2— 47.6 km2 is land and 0.6 km2 (1.17%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,094 people, 5,538 households, and 3,440 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,018 people, 5,149 households, and 3,166 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the population density was 653.2 /mi2. There were 17,141 housing units at an average density of 931.6 /mi2.

In 2010, there were 5,149 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were headed by married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals. 9.5% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22. The average family size was 2.76.

In 2010, 18.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

In the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $41,198, and the median income for a family was $49,127. Males had a median income of $32,459 versus $22,358 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,734. About 2.2% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The City of Panama City Beach has a council–manager government. The Mayor sits as a Council member-at-large and presides over City council meetings. If the Mayor cannot preside over a City Council meeting, then the Vice Mayor is the presiding officer of the meeting until the Mayor returns to his seat.

The City Manager is responsible for the administration and the day-to-day operation of all of the municipal services and city departments. The City Manager also maintains intergovernmental relationships with federal, state, county and other local governments.

The primary law enforcement agency in the city is the Panama City Beach Police Department. Part of the city is in unincorporated Bay County and is under the jurisdiction of the Bay County Sheriff's Office.

City council

 * Stuart Tettemer (Republican) – Mayor Term: 2024–2028
 * Paul Casto (Unknown) – Ward 1 Councilman Term: 2022–2026
 * Ethan Register (Unknown) – Ward 2 Councilman Term: 2024–2028
 * Mary Coburn (Unknown) – Ward 3 Council Member Term: 2022–2026
 * Michael Jarman (Republican) – Vice Mayor Ward 4 Councilman Term: 2024–2028
 * Eusebio Talamantez Jr. – Chief of Police

Former Mayors

 * Dan Russell (Unknown) 1970–1980
 * Aaron Bessant (Unknown) 1980–1982
 * Philip Griffitts Sr. (Republican) 1982–2000
 * Lee Sullivan (Republican) 2000–2006
 * Gayle Oberst (Nonpartisan)2006–2016
 * Mike Thomas (Republican) 2016–2020
 * Mark Sheldon (Republican) 2020–2024

Services

 * Panama City Beach Police Department
 * Panama City Beach Fire Rescue

Education
Surfside Middle School serves as the main middle school and Arnold High School serves as the main high school for Panama City Beach.

Primary and secondary public education is provided by the Bay District Schools (BDS).

The Gulf Coast State College is located in Panama City, just across the Hathaway Bridge from Panama City Beach.

The Florida State University Panama City branch campus is also located in Panama City, just across the Hathaway Bridge from Panama City Beach.

Transportation
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) provides commercial flights into the area. The airport serves private aircraft, domestic passenger flights, and freight/cargo flights. It is the first international airport to be constructed after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Other modes of transportation include scooters, which can be rented by the day, as well as taxi and shuttle companies, which are permitted by the local police.

Panama City Beach also has public bus transportation known as Bayway available hourly Monday through Saturday. The Bayway runs throughout the county giving its tourists and locals the resource they need to get around Bay County.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 98.svg|25px]] US 98 is an east–west highway running along the Gulf Coast. It is the main route to Destin and to Panama City proper.
 * [[Image:Florida 79.svg|25px]] State Road 79 is a north–south highway that starts in Panama City Beach and heads north to Interstate 10 and on to the Alabama state line.
 * [[Image:Florida 30.svg|25px]] State Road 30, formerly US 98 Alt, also named Front Beach Road, is an east–west highway that runs mostly along the beach front, beginning and ending at US 98.
 * [[Image:Florida 392A.svg|25px]] State Road 392A, also named Hutichison Boulevard (formerly known as Middle Beach Road), is an east–west highway that runs slightly inland, generally parallel, and beginning and ending at State Road 30/Front Beach Road.

Sports
The city was home to the Panama City Beach Pirates, a fourth-division soccer team from 2007 to 2015.

It is also notable that World Championship Wrestling held their last WCW Nitro event in Panama City Beach. WCW was bought out by their rival competition WWF (now WWE).

Recreation

 * Frank Brown Park – 100-acre complex with baseball, softball, soccer and t-ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, several playgrounds, shuffleboard courts, a youth fishing pond, three dog park enclosures, and a 20-acre festival site.
 * Panama City Acquatics Center – located at Frank Brown Park, the center includes an outdoor Olympic-size pool and kids splash pool.
 * Publix Sports Park – 160-acre sports complex with 13 fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and more. Nine are synthetic turf fields.
 * St. Andrews State Park – offers a variety of experiences included swimming, boating, camping, snorkeling, bicycling, and more.

In popular culture

 * Panama City Beach is the setting for the 2015 film Dancin': It's On!
 * Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
 * Gulf Coast Jam – this 3-day outdoor concert event is held annually in May/June and showcases country music performers. The event in 2024 is sold out.

title: Panama City Beach, Florida


text:
Parker, Florida

Parker is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 US census, it had a population of 4,010, down from 4,317 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Parker is located at 30.12955°N, -85.60087°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 km$2$ (2.4 mi$2$), of which 1.9 sqmi is land and 0.5 sqmi (20.16%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,010 people, 1,789 households, and 1,110 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 4,317 people, 2,012 households, and 1,140 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the population density was 2,272.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,310 housing units at an average density of 1,215.8 /sqmi.

In 2010, there were 1,861 households, 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were headed by married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 29.4% of households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% were someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.32, and the average family size was 2.82.

In 2010, the age distribution was 21.2% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% 65 or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

As of the 2000 census, the median household income was $35,813, and the median family income was $43,929. Males had a median income of $28,455 versus $21,205 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,660. About 10.1% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Parker is home to Parker Elementary School, the city is part of the Bay District Schools district.

Parks and recreation
The following parks are located within the city limits:
 * Earl Gilbert Park
 * Parker Sports Complex
 * Parker Environmental Exploratorium and Boat Ramp
 * Parker Memorial Park
 * Under the Oaks Park

title: Parker, Florida


text:
Pretty Bayou, Florida

Pretty Bayou is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,911 at the 2020 census, down from 3,206 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to the city.

Geography
Pretty Bayou is located at 30.19583°N, -85.69667°W (30.195901, -85.696528).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Pretty Bayou CDP has a total area of 4.8 sqkm, of which 4.4 sqkm is land and 0.4 sqkm, or 8.26%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,206 people, 1,310 households, and 921 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,885.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,488 housing units at an average density of 875.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.5% White, 3.1% African American, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.8% Asian, 0.8% some other race, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,310 households, out of which 21.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were headed by married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36, and the average family size was 2.77.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 17.5% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

At the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the CDP was $48,347, and the median income for a family was $56,856. Males had a median income of $39,261 versus $29,185 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,930. About 4.0% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pretty Bayou, Florida


text:
Springfield, Florida

Springfield is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States, east of Panama City. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Springfield was incorporated on February 12, 1935. The population was 8,075 at the 2020 census, down from 8,903 at the 2010 census.

Unlike much of Bay County, Springfield has been mostly left out of the recent real estate boom, possibly due to the large and odoriferous chemical plant and paper mill on the city's waterfront.

Geography
Springfield is located at 30.16556°N, -85.61056°W (30.165451, –85.610525).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.8 km2, of which 11.2 km2 is land and 0.6 km2 (4.88%) is water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,075 people, 3,648 households, and 2,474 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 8,903 people, 3,588 households, and 2,270 families residing in the city.

In 2010, the population density was 2,070.5 inhabitants per square mile (794.9/km$2$). There were 4,238 housing units at an average density of 985.6 /sqmi.

In 2010, there were 3,478 households, 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.8% were headed by married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 28.8% of households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% were someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52, and the average family size was 3.07.

In 2010, the age distribution was 24.6% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% 65 or older. The median age was 34.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

In 2010, the median household income was $36,693. The per capita income for the city was $18,001. About 15.3% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.7% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 8,810 people, 3,427 households, and 2,350 families residing in the city. The population density is 859.0/km2 (2,223.6/mi2). There are 3,946 housing units at an average density of 384.7/km2 (996.0/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 67.43% White, 23.34% African American, 0.85% Native American, 4.26% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.96% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. 2.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there are 3,427 households out of which 33.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% are married couples living together, 18.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% are non-families. 25.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.05.

In 2000, in the city the population is spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city is $27,844, and the median income for a family is $34,665. Males have a median income of $25,417 versus $19,916 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,689. 21.5% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 29.7% are under the age of 18 and 15.1% are 65 or older.

Education
Springfield is home to Rutherford High School, Everitt Middle School, Springfield Elementary School, and Shaw Adult Learning Center. The city is part of the Bay District Schools district.

title: Springfield, Florida


text:
Tyndall Air Force Base

Tyndall Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base located 12 mi east of Panama City, Florida. The base was named in honor of World War I pilot 1st Lt. Frank Benjamin Tyndall. The base operating unit and host wing is the 325th Fighter Wing (325 FW) of the Air Combat Command (ACC). The base hosts 2,902 active duty members. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to the base.

History
Tyndall Field first opened its doors on December 7, 1941 as a gunnery range. The airfield was named in honor of 1st Lt Frank Benjamin Tyndall (1894–1930). With the establishment of the United States Air Force in 1947, the facility was renamed "Tyndall Air Force Base" on 13 January 1948. In December 1940, a site board determined that Flexible Gunnery School No. 9 would be located 12 mi southeast of Panama City, Florida, on East Peninsula. On 6 May 1941, U.S. Army and local dignitaries held an official ground breaking for the school. Panama City's mayor, Harry Fannin, dug the first spade full of sand, and Colonel Warren Maxwell, Tyndall's first commander, wielded the first ax on the stubborn palmetto plants, so common on the East Peninsula. The site was covered with pine and palmetto trees, scrub brush, and swamps. Bulldozers worked around the clock to clear the brush and fill in swamps. The base also subsumed the settlements of Cromanton, San Blas, Redfish Point, Auburn and Farmdale.

Although construction was well underway, the base lacked a name. Congressman Bob Sikes suggested naming the school in memory of Lieutenant Francis B. Tyndall. A native of Sewall's Point, Florida, Lieutenant Tyndall was a fighter pilot during World War I, Silver Star recipient, and commander of the 22nd Aero Squadron, who was credited with shooting down six German planes well behind enemy lines in 1918. While inspecting Army fields near Mooresville, North Carolina, on 15 July 1930, Tyndall's plane, Curtiss P-1F Hawk, 28–61, crashed, killing him instantly. On 13 June 1941, the War Department officially named the new installation Tyndall Field.

On 7 December 1941, the first of 2,000 troops arrived at Tyndall Field. The first class of gunnery students began in February 1942. Although construction was incomplete, instructors and students began preparing for the first class. The first class of 40 gunnery students began on 23 February 1942. Of the thousands of students passing through the Tyndall gates, the most famous was actor Clark Gable, a student here as a U.S. Army Air Forces lieutenant during late 1942 and part of January 1943. Foreign student training began at Tyndall in 1943 with French Air Force gunnery students being the first and Chinese students following later that year.

Cold War
When World War II ended, Tyndall Field was demobilized. The base fell under the control of the Tactical Air Command (TAC) in 1946, but this only lasted three months, as Tyndall became part of the Air University (AU). Tyndall Field was subsequently renamed as Tyndall Air Force Base when the U.S. Air Force (USAF) became a separate service in 1947.

In September 1950, Tyndall became an Air Training Command (ATC) installation, designated as the USAF Pilot Instructor School. The base also trained Ground Controlled Intercept (GCI) operators as well as interceptor pilots & flight crews for the Air Defense Command (ADC). Under the auspices of this training system, GCI trainees would direct TF-51H Mustangs against "enemy" A-26 Invaders. In late 1952, both aircraft were replaced by Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainers. Airborne radar operator students would begin their training aboard radar-equipped TB-25 Mitchells, then transition to either Lockheed F-94 Starfire or Northrop F-89 Scorpion aircraft. North American F-86F and F-86Ds were eventually added to the training program as ADC units were equipped with them.

In September 1957, Tyndall became an Air Defense Command, later Aerospace Defense Command, base until October 1979 when ADC was inactivated and all its bases and units transferred to Tactical Air Command. Tyndall was headquarters of the ADC 73d Air Division in the late 1950s, and the NORAD Southeast Air Defense Sector from 1960 to 1979. ADC's 20th Air Division based at Tyndall was responsible for the air defense of virtually all of the southeastern United States during the 1960s and 1970s, while ADC's 23d Air Division, also based at Tyndall, was responsible for air defense forces in the upper midwest and south central United States.

Fighter-Interceptor base
In the late 1950s into the 1960s, the base transitioned into the North American F-100 Super Sabre, F-101B, F-102A and TF-102B, F-104 Starfighter, and the F-106A and B aircraft, training interceptor pilots for ADC assignments. The base served as a stopover and refueling point for ADC aircraft deployed to Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis, to be redeployed to other bases in the southeast shortly thereafter. The base maintained an alert facility from which the F-101 Voodoo and F-102 Delta Dagger interceptors were scrambled to intercept unknown aircraft. Tyndall shared training for the F-102 aircraft with Perrin AFB, Texas, until Perrin's closure in mid-1971.

Radar station 1956–present
On 1 July 1956 Tyndall AFB became the station operating for the third phase of the ADC mobile radar program, designated as TM-198. Activated by the 678th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Tyndall became operational to support the CIM-10 Bomarc surface-to-air missile program at Hurlburt Field. In 1958 the site was operating with an AN/FPS-20 search radar and a pair of AN/FPS-6 height-finder sets to support the 4751st Air Defense Missile Squadron.

In 1962 the search radar was upgraded and re-designated as an AN/FPS-64. On 31 July 1963, the site was redesignated as NORAD ID Z-198. During 1965 Tyndall AFB joined the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, feeding data to DC-09 at Gunter AFB, Alabama. After joining, the squadron was re-designated as the 678th Radar Squadron (SAGE) on 1 June 1965. Also in 1965, Tyndall became a joint-use facility with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

It also received a Back-Up Interceptor Control (BUIC) II, and later BUIC III, capability to perform command and control functions. Tyndall retained this function until the 1980s. On 1 March 1970, the 678th was redesignated as the 678th Air Defense Group.

In addition to the main facility, Tyndall operated two AN/FPS-14 Gap Filler sites:
 * Carrabelle, FL (TM-198A): 29.86583°N, -84.63139°W
 * Eglin AFB, FL (TM-198B): 30.55389°N, -86.76°W

On 1 October 1979, this site came under Tactical Air Command jurisdiction with the inactivation of Aerospace Defense Command and the formation of ADTAC. On 1 March 1983 the 678th Air Defense Group was inactivated and Tyndall became the home of the NORAD 23rd ADS (Air Defense Squadron) and operated the Southeast Regional Operations Control Center (SE ROCC), later renamed Sector Operations Control Center (SOCC).

The height-finder radar, modified as an AN/FPS-116 c. 1977, was removed c. 1988. In 1995 an AN/FPS-64A was performing search duties. The site now operates an ARSR-4 search radar under FAA control as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS) as site "J-11".

Reorganization, 1991–2018
In 1991, Tyndall underwent a reorganization in response to the Department of Defense efforts to streamline defense management. Headquarters, First Air Force, what had predominantly been the Numbered Air Force for the Air National Guard, moved from Langley AFB, Virginia, to Tyndall. With the disestablishment of Tactical Air Command (TAC) in 1992, Tyndall was temporarily transferred to the Air Combat Command (ACC) and then to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) in July 1993.

The 21st century proved to be momentous for Tyndall AFB, because it was selected as the first home of the Air Force's newest aircraft, the F-22 Raptor. In 2002 the Chief of Staff of the Air Force changed the organizational structure of the 325th Fighter Wing from an objective type wing to a combat organization. This organization moved all maintenance activities under the 325th Maintenance Group and all support activities under the 325th Mission Support Group.

Today, Tyndall is the home of the 325th Fighter Wing, providing training for all F-22A Raptor pilots. In 2012, with the gaining of a combat-coded F-22 squadron, Tyndall AFB returned to Air Combat Command, after a 19-year tenure in AETC.

Hurricane Michael, 2018
On 10 October 2018 Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane at Mexico Beach just to the east of the base. A weather station near the base recorded a wind gust of 130 mph before it failed, according to the National Hurricane Center advisory shortly after landfall. The National Weather Service, in a preliminary report released later in the month, stated that the maximum sustained wind speed at the base was 75 kn and the maximum wind gust was 121 kn, both from 60°. However, in a later interview with Aviation Week on 27 October 2018, Commander Air Combat Command general James M. Holmes stated that, based on other data, the actual peak wind speed was closer to 172 mph. Ninety-three Air Force personnel remained on the base during the storm, while the base's remaining 3,600 personnel and their families (a total of over 11,000 individuals) were evacuated beforehand. Air Force officials described the damage to the base from the hurricane as "catastrophic," with all of the base's facilities being declared "unlivable". While efforts to repair the base were underway, as of 12 October 2018 there was no confirmed time of completion on the repairs, according to 325th Fighter Wing Commander Col Brian Laidlaw. Airmen assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing were told they would be away from the installation for a significant amount of time. Thirty-three of Tyndall´s 55 F-22 stealth fighters were flown to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio before the storm. Many of the seventeen F-22s which were left behind became damaged. The extent of the damage to the planes was then unknown. According to US Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Matt Gaetz, the aircraft left behind were not in a condition to be flown. A spokesperson for the Air Force said that none of the F-22s were destroyed and that they "believe at this time that they are all repairable."

In April 2019, the Air Force estimated the hurricane damage to the base at $4.7 billion.

In April 2022, Detachment 1 of the 823rd Red Horse Squadron inactivated at Tyndall and was replaced by the 801st Red Horse Training Squadron. The unit's role is to provide integrated, realistic training and exercises to combat support teams.

Environmental issues
The soil of an aerial gunnery school training range on Tyndall was contaminated with lead from 12-gauge shotgun shells during World War II. Tyndall Elementary was constructed on the former site of this training range; In 2009 a $5.5 million remediation of the soil at the school was completed and a perimeter fence put up, including a "buffer zone" outside the fence. When the hurricane destroyed the fence in October 2018, contractors erected a temporary replacement slightly offset which included some sections contaminated with lead to be located within the campus. As of August 2019, a new perimeter fence was planned to be erected until 12 August 2019 and School district officials were planning to contact families of the 180 affected students.

Major units assigned, 1941–present

 * 80th Air Base Group, 1 August 1941 – 2 October 1942
 * 69th Base HQ and Air Base Sq, 6 July 1942 – 30 April 1944
 * 2135th AAF Base Unit, 1 May 1944 – 30 October 1945
 * 308th AAF Base Unit, 1 March 1946 – 27 February 1948
 * 500th Aerodrome Gp, 17 May 1947 – 27 July 1948
 * 3625th Training Wing
 * Various Designations, 28 July 1948 – 15 August 1958

 * USAF Instructor Flight School, 1 October 1949 – 1 December 1951
 * USAF Interceptor Weapons School, 20 August 1956 – 1 March 1970
 * 73d Air Division, 1 July 1957 – 1 April 1966
 * 4756th Air Defense Wing, 1 July 1957 – 1 January 1968
 * 4756th Drone Squadron
 * Redesignated 4756th Air Depot Squadron, 1 July 1957 – 1 July 1992

 * 20th Air Division, 20 January – 1 April 1966; 19 November 1969 – 1 October 1979
 * 73d Aerospace Surveillance Wing, 17 June 1967 – 30 April 1971
 * USAF Pilot Instructors School, 8 October 1967 – 23 August 1972
 * 23d Air Division, 19 November 1969 – 1 October 1979; 15 April 1982 – 1 July 1987
 * 678th Air Defense Group, 1 March 1970 – 1 October 1979
 * 4750th Test Squadron, 1 January 1965 – 1 July 1992
 * USAF Air Defense Weapons Center, 31 October 1967 – 1 July 1992
 * HQ, Southeast Air Defense Sector, 1 January 1960 – 1 November 2005

 * 325th Fighter Wing (Various Designations), 1 July 1981 – present
 * 1st Fighter Squadron, 1 January 1984 – 15 December 2006
 * 43d Fighter Squadron 1 October 2002 – present
 * 95th Fighter Squadron, 1974 – 21 September 2010, October 2013 – present
 * 2d Fighter Training Squadron, 1973 – 11 May 2010, August 2014 – present
 * 325th Air Control Squadron (Various Designations), 15 October 1983 – 12 October 2012
 * Detachment 1, Headquarters, Florida Air National Guard (ANG), 1 October 1999 – present
 * 325 FW Associate Unit (325 FW AU); F-22 flight instructor augment unit to 325 FW

 * 337th Air Control Squadron (Air Education and Training Command), 12 October 2012 – present
 * 44th Fighter Group (Air Force Reserve Command), 12 July 2014 – present
 * 301st Fighter Squadron (AFRC), 12 July 2014 – present

 * 53d Weapons Evaluation Group, 15 October 1983 – present
 * 81st Range Control Squadron, 15 October 1983 – present
 * 82d Aerial Targets Squadron, 15 October 1983 – present
 * 83d Fighter Weapons Squadron, 15 October 1983 – present

 * First Air Force, 12 September 1991 – present
 * 601st Air Operations Center, 1 November 2005 – present
 * 101st Air and Space Operations Group – Florida ANG, 21 August 2010 – present

 * Det 1, 823rd Red Horse Squadron / Silver Flag Exercise Site, 1972 – 1979; 1992–present

References for history, major commands and major units

Major commands to which assigned, 1941–present

 * Southeast Air Corps Training Center, 16 June 1941

 * USAAC Flexible Gunnery School, March 1941

 * Air Corps Flying Training Command, 23 January 1942

 * Redesignated Army Air Forces Flying Training Command, 15 March 1942
 * Redesignated AAF Training Comd, 31 July 1943

 * Continental Air Forces, 28 February 1946
 * Tactical Air Command, 21 March 1946
 * Air University, 15 May 1946
 * Air Training Command, 1 September 1950
 * Air Defense Command, 1 July 1957

 * Redesignated Aerospace Defense Command, 15 January 1968

 * Tactical Air Command, 1 October 1979 – 1 June 1992
 * Air Combat Command, 1 June 1992 – 1 July 1993
 * Air Education and Training Command, 1 July 1993 – 30 September 2012
 * Air Combat Command, 1 October 2012–present

325th Fighter Wing
The 325th Fighter Wing (325 FW)'s primary mission is to provide a combat ready air dominance force, train F-22A Raptor pilots and maintenance personnel, and train air battle managers to support the combat Air Force. Tyndall's combat mission is performed by the 95th Fighter Squadron. Training for F-22 pilots is performed in the 43d Fighter Squadron and the 2d Fighter Training Squadron. The 325th Air Control Squadron trains air battle managers for assignment to combat Air Force units. Additionally, wing personnel manage the southeastern air combat maneuvering instrumentation range and provide mission-ready F-15, F-16, and F-22 air dominance forces in support of the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and the Commander, First Air Force (1 AF) / Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH) contingency plans.

From 1983 until 2010, training for F-15 Eagle pilots was performed at Tyndall AFB by the 1st, 2d, and 95th Fighter Squadrons in the F-15A, F-15B, F-15C and F-15D aircraft. The 1 FS inactivated in 2006, while the 2 FS and 95 FS inactivated in May and September 2010, respectively. During this time, Tyndall also hosted training for F-15C/D maintenance personnel and intelligence officers assigned to F-15C/D units. The 95 FS was reactivated in September 2013 as part of the F-22 Raptor consolidation plan that moved the 7th Fighter Squadron's aircraft to Tyndall. The 2nd Fighter Training Squadron was activated in 2014 to perform T-38 adversary operations in support of the F-22 training mission.

The 325th Fighter Wing is host to more than 30 tenant organizations located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The wing consists of the 325th Operations Group, 325th Maintenance Group, 325th Mission Support Group and 325th Medical Group. It is also augmented by two Air Reserve Component (ARC) units from the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and the Air National Guard (ANG), respectively.

Detachment 1 of Headquarters, Florida Air National Guard (FL ANG) provides instructor pilot augmentation to the 325 FW, training active duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel to fly and fight F-22A Raptor aircraft.

44th Fighter Group (44 FG)
The 44th Fighter Group of the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is an associate unit of the 325 FW and, if mobilized, is operationally-gained the Air Combat Command (ACC). Otherwise, it operates at Tyndall as a Geographically Separate Unit (GSU) of AFRC's 301st Fighter Wing at NAS JRB Fort Worth/Carswell Field, Texas. The 44 FG flies and maintains the F-22A Raptor in partnership with the 325 FW.

First Air Force (1 AF)
Headquarters, First Air Force at Tyndall is part of the Air Combat Command (ACC), ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States. As the CONUS geographical component of the bi-national North American Aerospace Defense Command and air component of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), 1 AF also provides airspace surveillance and control and directs all air sovereignty activities for the continental United States.

1 AF primarily consists of Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) and Air Reserve Technician (ART) personnel of the Air National Guard (ANG), augmented by additional part-time "traditional" Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel, as well as active duty personnel of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard. Operationally-gained by ACC, 1 AF is the only Numbered Air Force in the Air National Guard and is responsible for all Air National Guard F-15 and F-16 fighter units.

53d Weapons Evaluation Group
The 53d Weapons Evaluation Group (53 WEG), is an Air Combat Command tenant organization that reports to the 53d Wing (53 WG) at nearby Eglin Air Force Base. Among its subordinate squadrons at Tyndall, the 53 WEG manages offshore weapons ranges over the eastern Gulf of Mexico (EGOMEX), manages target drone programs ranging from sub-scale target drones to a fleet of QF-16 Fighting Falcon Full Scale Aerial Targets (FSAT) based on conversion of older F-16A and F-16C aircraft. The 53 WEG previously managed QF-4 Phantom II FSATs, most of which were converted F-4E and F-4G aircraft. The 53 WEG also serves as primary manager for "William Tell", a biennial air-to-air weapons and aerial gunnery meet and competition for fighter aircraft held by the United States Air Force during even-numbered years.

Other organizations
125th Student Flight, Florida Air National Guard

The 125th Student Flight is a training unit based out of Jacksonville, Florida. Established in 2018, the Tyndall AFB detachment of the 125th serves as a holding unit for Florida Air National Guard trainees. Once enlisted, Air Guardsmen awaiting basic training and tech school will be sent to the Student Flight detachment nearest to their home. The Tyndall detachment is located on a separate compound within the main air base, where instructors teach recruits basic skills and knowledge regarding the Air Force and the Florida Air National Guard.

337th Air Control Squadron
The 337th Air Control Squadron (337 ACS) is a Geographically Separate Unit (GSU) of the 33d Operations Group, 33d Fighter Wing, at Eglin AFB, Florida. As an Air Education and Training Command (AETC) unit, the 337 ACS conducts Undergraduate Air Battle Manager Training (UABMT) at Tyndall AFB. All of the Air Force's Air Battle Managers are initially trained at Tyndall prior to proceeding to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma for actual positional training in the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft or Robins AFB, Georgia for the E-8 Joint STARS aircraft.

Air Force Civil Engineer Center
Prior to October 2012, Tyndall AFB was home to the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA). Following AFCESA's merger with the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment and Air Force Real Property Agency, it was renamed the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), but AFCEC headquarters remained with the other two previous activities which had relocated from the former Brooks AFB to Lackland AFB, part of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. As a tenant unit at Tyndall, AFCEC is a subordinate unit of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). Its activities at Tyndall include the AFCEC Energy Directorate, Operations Directorate and Readiness and Emergency Management Directorate.

Air Force Research Laboratory
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio maintains a research facility at Tyndall as a Geographically Separate Unit.

Based units
Flying and notable non-flying units based at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which although based at Tyndall are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location.

United States Air Force
Air Combat Command (ACC)
 * Fifteenth Air Force
 * 325th Fighter Wing (Host Wing)
 * Headquarters 325th Fighter Wing
 * 325th Comptroller Squadron
 * 325th Operations Group
 * 2nd Fighter Training Squadron – T-38A/B/C Talon
 * 43rd Fighter Squadron – F-22A Raptor
 * 95th Fighter Squadron – F-35A Lightning II
 * 325th Operations Support Squadron
 * 325th Training Support Squadron
 * 325th Maintenance Group
 * 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
 * 325th Maintenance Squadron
 * 325th Medical Group
 * 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
 * 325th Medical Operations Squadron
 * 325th Medical Support Squadron
 * 325th Mission Support Group
 * 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
 * 325th Communications Squadron
 * 325th Contracting Squadron
 * 325th Force Support Squadron
 * 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron
 * 325th Security Forces Squadron
 * 800th Red Horse Group
 * 801st Red Horse Squadron (GSU)
 * First Air Force
 * Headquarters First Air Force
 * 601st Air and Space Operations Center
 * 702nd Computer Systems Squadron & System Support Facility
 * Air Force National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate
 * Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
 * US Air Force Warfare Center
 * 53rd Wing
 * 53rd Electronic Warfare Group
 * 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron
 * Detachment 1 (GSU)
 * 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group (GSU)
 * 53rd Test Support Squadron
 * 81st Range Control Squadron
 * 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron – BQM-34 Firebee, BQM-167 Streaker, E-9A Widget, QF-16A/C Fighting Falcon
 * 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron

Air Education and Training Command (AETC)
 * Second Air Force
 * 82nd Training Wing
 * 982nd Training Group
 * 372nd Training Squadron
 * Detachment 4 (GSU)
 * Nineteenth Air Force
 * 33rd Fighter Wing
 * 33rd Operations Group
 * 337th Air Control Squadron (GSU)

Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)
 * Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center
 * Air Force Civil Engineer Center (GSU)
 * Energy Directorate
 * Operations Directorate
 * Readiness and Emergency Management Directorate
 * Air Force Research Laboratory
 * Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
 * Research Facility (GSU)

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)
 * Tenth Air Force
 * 301st Fighter Wing
 * 44th Fighter Group (GSU)
 * 301st Fighter Squadron – F-22A Raptor

Air National Guard (ANG)
 * Florida Air National Guard
 * Headquarters Florida Air National Guard
 * Detachment 1 (GSU)
 * 101st Air and Space Operations Group
 * 101st Air Communications Squadron

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the base has a total area of 37.6 sqkm. 37.5 sqkm of it is land, and 0.2 sqkm of it (0.44%) is water.

Demographics
The base is delineated as the Tyndall AFB census-designated place (CDP) and recorded a population of 139 at the 2020 census, a 95% reduction in population from 2,994 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

As of the 2000 census, 2,757 people, 663 households, and 653 families resided on the base. The population density was 73.1/km$2$ (189.2/mi2). There were 663 housing units at an average density of 17.6/km$2$ (45.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the base was 77.8% White, 14.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.1% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 4.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.3% of the population.

There were 663 households, out of which 81.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 90.8% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 1.4% were non-families. 1.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 0.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.57 and the average family size was 3.59.

On the base the population was spread out, with 37.9% under the age of 18, 17.5% from 18 to 24, 42.4% from 25 to 44, 2.1% from 45 to 64, and 0.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.7 males.

The median income for a household in the base was $34,191, and the median income for a family was $33,897. Males had a median income of $25,857 versus $19,821 for females. The per capita income for the base was $11,281. About 3.8% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Accidents and incidents

 * On 25 February 2021, a Mirage F-1B fighter jet of Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) crashed at the base after sliding off one of the base's runways. Both pilots were taken to a Panama City hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

General references

 * Manning, Thomas A. (2005), History of Air Education and Training Command, 1942–2002. Office of History and Research, Headquarters, AETC, Randolph AFB, Texas
 * Shaw, Frederick J. (2004), Locating Air Force Base Sites, History’s Legacy, Air Force History and Museums Program, United States Air Force, Washington DC.

title: Tyndall Air Force Base


text:
Upper Grand Lagoon, Florida

Upper Grand Lagoon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 15,778 at the 2020 census, up from 13,963 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Upper Grand Lagoon is located at 30.17°N, -85.75583°W (30.169898, -85.755909).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 41.2 km2, of which 21.0 km2 is land and 20.2 km2, or 49.13%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,889 people, 4,615 households, and 3,032 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,320.2 PD/sqmi. There were 5,733 housing units at an average density of 695.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.66% White, 1.41% African American, 0.82% Native American, 1.63% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.45% of the population.

There were 4,615 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $42,060, and the median income for a family was $55,000. Males had a median income of $35,179 versus $25,056 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,996. About 7.5% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Upper Grand Lagoon, Florida


text:
Brooker, Florida

Brooker is a town in Bradford County, Florida, United States. It is part of the North Florida region. The population was 322 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1838, the community was initially called "Ward City", which was named after an early settler, E. P. Ward. In 1892, Thomas R. Collins petitioned for a US Post Office, and became postmaster in 1894. Between April 17, 1893, and August 23, 1894, the post office was briefly renamed "Vandy", before ultimately being renamed yet again as "Brooker" on August 24, 1894.

Collins renamed the post office after the old Brooker Bridge located across the Santa Fe River, and that bridge was named after Ed Brooker, an early farmer from the community. The postmaster decided to change the name of the area because a majority of the citizens preferred the name "Brooker" over the original community's name, "Ward City". Although being around since 1838, the "Town of Brooker" wasn't officially incorporated as a municipality until 1952.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Brooker is located in western Bradford County at 29.88889°N, -82.33139°W (29.888922, –82.331397).

It is 17 mi west of Starke, the county seat. The town has an offshoot of the Santa Fe River running through its town limits as well as Florida State Road 235.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.4 km2, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Brooker has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 322 people, 113 households, and 82 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 338 people, 142 households, and 104 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 352 people, 123 households, and 93 families residing in the town. The population density was 670.7 PD/sqmi. There were 136 housing units at an average density of 259.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.44% White, 0.57% African American, 1.14% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.12% of the population.

In 2000, there were 123 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.16.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $40,938. Males had a median income of $29,000 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,091. About 8.8% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 22.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Brooker, Florida


text:
Hampton, Florida

Hampton is a city in Bradford County, Florida, United States. It is located in North Florida. The population was 432 at the 2020 census.

Early history
Hampton was first settled in 1859, officially incorporated as the "Town of Hampton" in 1870, and officially reincorporated as the "City of Hampton" in 1925. At the time, it was at the junction of the Georgia Southern and Florida Railway and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad with stations for both.

In the mid-1990s, Hampton annexed a short stretch of U.S. Highway 301 west of the city in order to obtain revenue from traffic tickets issued to motorists driving on that highway. At the peak of this time before the dismantling of the police department, it had 1 officer per 25 residents.

2013–2014 controversies
In November 2013, the city's mayor Barry Layne Moore was arrested for selling Oxycodone.

On February 10, 2014, auditors from the Florida Joint Legislative Auditing Committee presented 31 violations of state law, city charter and federal tax requirements to state legislators. The city made $211,328 ticketing people driving its 1260 ft of U.S. Highway 301 during 2012, giving the city an unenviable reputation as a "speed trap". The committee asked State Attorney Bill Cervone to investigate any potential criminal activity and a number of state representatives and senators pursued the dissolution of Hampton. In the wake of the controversy, many city officials resigned. State legislators visited Hampton on March 28, 2014 to see if the issues had been solved. They agreed to let Hampton stay incorporated, because the city retracted the annexation of U.S. Highway 301 and decommissioned its police force. Hampton also accounted for budget shortfalls, and reformed its city council proceedings. In May of 2022, the justification for the speed trap was deemed invalid from its inception by Reason magazine, which reported that, "Many speed-trap towns defend their aggressive traffic enforcement on ostensible public safety grounds. But Hampton could not even make that sort of claim, since the highway was a mile away."

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Hampton is located in southern Bradford County at 29.86417°N, -82.13667°W (29.864261, –82.136761).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.12 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Hampton has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 432 people, 220 households, and 128 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 500 people, 182 households, and 118 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 431 people, 160 households, and 110 families residing in the city. The population density was 417.0 PD/sqmi. There were 190 housing units at an average density of 183.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.01% White, 11.14% African American, 0.23% Native American, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.16% of the population.

In 2000, there were 160 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.07.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $24,091, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $23,250 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,620. About 20.4% of families and 26.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8% of those under age 18 and 38.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hampton, Florida


text:
Keystone Heights, Florida

Keystone Heights is a city located in southwestern Clay County, Florida, United States. It is the southwestern most city in the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the principal city and primary economic driver of the Lake Region, a region in Florida consisting of southwestern Clay County and parts of Bradford, Putnam, and Alachua counties, known for its many lakes. The city's name is derived from the state of Pennsylvania's nickname, the "Keystone State". The population of the city was 1,446 at the 2020 census, up from 1,350 at the 2010 census.

Early years and founding
In 1917, the area that would eventually become known as the city of Keystone Heights was a small community known as "Brooklyn" located along present day State Road 100, about one mile north of the present location of Keystone Heights on Lake Brooklyn.

In those early days Brooklyn consisted of a large unpainted building called the Brooklyn Hotel; a combination general store and post office; and several small houses scattered about. Property Developer John J. Lawrence, who hailed from Pennsylvania, noticed the area on a visit to Lake Brooklyn, and instantly became attracted to the region.

In 1920, the Lawrence family completed their home, the first house built in Keystone Heights, which overlooked Lake Geneva, and still lies there today at the corner of Jasmine Avenue & Lawrence Blvd. (State Road 21). After hearing of natural wonders and the many different lakes of the area, other families moved to Keystone, putting a strain on those attempting to build structures within the city. Helping to address the issue, in late 1921, C. Ray Lawrence came to Keystone Heights, and began laying out the streets and lots in the city.

The municipality was officially incorporated as the "City of Keystone Heights", named after Lawrence's home state of Pennsylvania's nickname, the "Keystone State", in 1925.

Keystone Inn era
The opening of the Keystone Inn on New Year's Day in 1923 was one of the most significant events in the early history of the city. The inn hosted many festivals and socials, becoming an important centerpiece of the town.

Tourists visiting the inn would often also frequent the nearby Chautauqua. A large open pit that effectively served as a type of amphitheater, the Chautauqua served as a beacon for various musicians, artists, and speakers from the Chautauqua circuit in New York.

Within two years of opening, visitors traveled to the Keystone Inn and the community of Keystone Heights from across the country to experience the town for themselves. The small community boasted a public beach with a pavilion, picnic grounds and a nine-hole golf course. The University of Florida's football team would even stay at the inn before their homecoming games.

The inn no longer exists. It burned down in October 1954, and was never rebuilt. However, it did play an important role in transforming Keystone Heights into a popular vacation destination, a status it still holds today. The former property of the inn is now a park in front of City Hall.

1960 to present
In 1984, an American sycamore seedling, germinated by the United States Forest Service, was planted at the Keystone Heights Library. The "Moon Tree" traveled with Stuart Roosa, a former U.S. Forest Service smokejumper, aboard the Apollo 14 mission on January 31, 1971. Roosa and his five varieties of seeds orbited the Moon 34 times and the resulting seedlings were planted all around the United States and the world.

In the early 2000s, the city saw its tourism industry decline as many of its surrounding lakes, which serve as a primary inflow point for the Floridan aquifer, nearly disappeared. Increased rainfall totals in the 2010s have helped in the recovery of many area lakes including Lake Brooklyn and Lake Geneva.

The Black Creek Pipeline, a $43.3 million project to pump excess water from Black Creek in central Clay County to Alligator Creek just north of Lake Brooklyn, is expected to further restore lake levels. The project began in August 2022.

In fall of 2021, Keystone Heights served as the host of the internationally televised Nitro Rallycross North America Championship at the Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park at the Keystone Heights Airport. In April 2022, Keystone Beach hosted the Motosurf Games, a motorized surfboard racing contest on Lake Geneva that was televised on CBS Sports. The games returned to the city in April 2023 as the first race of the 2023 season.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Keystone Heights is located in Northeast Florida in the southwest corner of Clay County, at 29.78722°N, -82.03306°W (29.787243, –82.033026).

The city overlooks the north shore of Lake Geneva and is bordered to the west by Bradford County and to the north by Lake Brooklyn. State Road 21 leads northeast 30 mi (via SR 16) to Green Cove Springs, the Clay County seat, and south 18 mi to Hawthorne. SR 100 crosses SR 21 and leads northwest 12 mi to Starke and southeast 26 mi to Palatka. Located in the center of town, Keystone Lake is the only lake entirely within the city limits.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.9 km2, of which 0.03 km2, or 1.16%, is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Keystone Heights has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,350 people, 554 households, and 350 families residing in the city.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,446 people, 565 households, and 366 families residing in the city.

According to the 2020 ACS, the median age in Keystone Heights was 34.3 years. 29.2% of residents were 0–19 years, 10.9% were 20–29, 17.2% were 30–39, 9.8% were 40–49, 12.2% were 50–59, and 20.8% were 60 years and over.

In 2020, there were 565 households in the city, of which 36% had children under 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, and 40.9% were individual householders with no spouse or partner present. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.13.

In 2020, the median income for a household in the city was $61,250, and the median income for a family was $61,625. Males had a median income of $51,488 versus $49,063 for females. The per capita income was $30,116. About 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line including 28.5% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 and over.

In 2020, the ten largest ancestry groups in the city were German (14.4%), Irish (9.9%), English (7.2%), American (4.7%), Italian (4.6%), Polish (2.7%), Dutch (2.4%), Russian (1.5%), Welsh (1.4%), and European (1.3%). Other ancestral groups accounted for 15.8% of the population. The majority of residents (96.4%) speak only English at home. Of those that speak a language other than English at home, the top languages were Vietnamese (1.7%), Spanish (1.1%), and French (0.3%).

In 2020, over half of residents (59.2%) were born in Florida. 37% of residents were born in another state, primarily other southern states. There is a small community of immigrants in Keystone Heights, accounting for 3.5% of the population. Over 92% of these immigrants are naturalized with the majority entering the United States prior to 2010.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,349 people, 515 households, and 374 families residing in the city. The population density was 296.9 /mi2. There were 562 housing units at an average density of 123.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White, 0.44% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.67% of the population.

In 2000, there were 515 households, out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.09.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out with 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $39,519, and the median income for a family was $47,404. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $24,886 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,157. About 5.1% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

City government
Keystone Heights has a Council–manager form of government, with a mayor, vice mayor and three council members, all elected at large. They serve three-year terms.

As of 2024, the current City Manager is Charles Van Zant Jr.

As of 2024, the current office holders are:
 * Keystone Heights City Council Seat 1 – Tony Brown
 * Keystone Heights City Council Seat 2 – Christine Thompson
 * Keystone Heights City Council Seat 3 – Dan Lewandowski
 * Keystone Heights City Council Seat 4 – Nina Rodenroth
 * Keystone Heights City Council Seat 5 – Stephen Hart

Education

 * Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School
 * Keystone Heights Elementary School

Schools within Keystone Heights are operated by the Clay County School District (Florida).

 Higher Education

 * Santa Fe College's Watson Center located just outside city limits in Bradford County serves southern Clay and Bradford counties as an important learning and cultural institution.

title: Keystone Heights, Florida


text:
Lawtey, Florida

Lawtey is a city in Bradford County, Florida, United States. The population was 636 at the 2020 US Census, down from 730 at the 2010 US Census.

The City of Lawtey has received national attention and earned the dubious distinction of being one of only two official speed traps designated by the American Automobile Association (AAA), (the other being Waldo a few miles to the south). However, the label was removed by AAA in August 2018 after reforms by police chief Shane Bennett.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Lawtey is located in northern Bradford County at 30.0458°N, -82.07213°W.

It is 7 mi north of the county seat, Starke, by U.S. Route 301. To the north it is 18 mi to Interstate 10 at the town of Baldwin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.7 km2, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Lawtey has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 636 people, 296 households, and 219 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 730 people, 365 households, and 249 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 656 people, 259 households, and 182 families residing in the city. The population density was 476.8 PD/sqmi. There were 295 housing units at an average density of 214.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 64.79% White, 32.16% African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.46% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.68% of the population.

In 2000, there were 259 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $23,875, and the median income for a family was $27,375. The per capita income for the city was $14,122. About 21.2% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.0% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Volney Job Shipman, Union Army officer, businessman, and Republican gubernatorial candidate (1888 Florida gubernatorial election)

title: Lawtey, Florida