Day 34 – Downtown Panama City

Apologies for the tardiness of this post – getting the last day or two of a “leg” published doesn’t happen until we are home.  We spent the first part of our last day cleaning up the boat, doing laundry and preparing to go home later that afternoon.  After that, we took a walk downtown “Historic” Panama City.

A little research revealed a connection between our hometown of Chicago and Panama City, according to a “semi-official” account.  Incorporated in 1909, the city’s original name was Harrison.  Its developer, George Mortimer West, gave the town its present name because it was on a direct line between Chicago and Panama City, Panama, in Central America. The name change took place during the building of the Panama Canal, as a way to link the area to an ongoing media interest, in hopes of promoting real estate development in Bay County.

 

 

 

We happened to be in Panama City on a Sunday, and nothing was open but the Dollar General and a tavern.  The buildings are small, 2-3 story, and date back to the 1920s and 1930s art deco style.  There is not much to speak of here, with the main action along Highway 98 (strip malls, big box stores, fast food restaurants) and Panama City Beach.   An old theater, which is now a performing arts building, and the largest skateboard store I have ever seen are the highlights. 

 

  

Tyndall Air Force Base is located east of the city. The HHT 1-153 CAV is stationed there. It is part of Florida Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade. The city is also home to the U.S. Navy's Naval Support Activity Panama City.  We may get a chance to see the air force base when we return to Panama City on 12/18.  We would also like to drive into Panama City Beach when we return.

 

As we headed back to Kristin Says, we stopped by the September 11th Memorial by the harbor.

 

Back on the dock, another small group of trawlers has pulled in, probably Loopers.  We have time to relax a little before meeting our cab and heading to the airport.  It is always sad to leave the boat, but it is only a few short weeks until we will return.