Panama City / Overview & History   Panama City is one of northwest Florida's most popular vacation spots. From sugar-sand beaches to fine restaurants, and fun family attractions to night clubs, Panama City is a great place to be.

Area Trivia:

• Natural geography (high bluffs and trees) protected Panama City and Bay County from early European explorers. Indians fished these waters and harvested oysters, but established few permanent villages. Prehistoric relics are still found in this area.
• Salt was a major industry after the US acquired Florida.
• The Bayline railroad reached Panama City in 1908.
• Bay County was created by state legislation in 1913 and Panama City was incorporated in 1909, two years after the town of St. Andrews.
• The military plays a significant role in the area. The 20,000-acre Tyndall Air Force Base currently employs more than 6,700 military and civilian personnel. The Navy's 648-acre Coastal Systems Station employs more than 2,180.

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