Panama City, Fla. — The Bay County Chamber of Commerce hosted its October First Friday on Friday, Oct. 2, at Florida State University Panama City, bringing members of Bay County’s business community together for networking, Chamber updates, community recognition and timely information about issues affecting the area.

October’s featured presentation focused on Amendment 3, a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution appearing on the November 2026 ballot. Bay County manager Joel Schubert provided an informational overview of the proposed amendment and its potential impacts to Bay County Services, and Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford gave an overview of the amendment’s potential effect on law enforcement in the county.

“First Friday has always been an opportunity to bring our business community together, build relationships, and make sure our members have access to information about the issues affecting Bay County,” said Al McCambry, president and CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. “With Amendment 3 on the November ballot, we want our members to have an opportunity to hear directly from Bay County about what the amendment proposes and what its potential local effects could be. Our goal is to provide information that helps our members better understand the issue before they cast their vote.”

Amendment 3 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that would make changes to Florida’s property tax structure. The measure requires approval from at least 60 percent of voters to pass.

Bay County projects that Amendment 3 could result in a recurring revenue reduction of approximately $22 million in FY 2027-2028 and approximately $36 million in FY 2028-2029 if approved.

The October presentation is intended to give attendees information about the ballot measure and its potential local effects ahead of the November election.

More Than a Featured Presentation

First Friday is one of the Bay County Chamber’s signature monthly programs, providing a regular opportunity for members of the business community to connect, recognize investment in Bay County and stay informed about Chamber and community developments.

The morning began at 7:30 a.m. with networking and refreshments in the Holley Academic Center rotunda. Attendees were able to visit participating vendors and connect with Chamber members, business leaders, community partners and guests before the formal program began.

At 8 a.m., attendees moved into the auditorium for the First Friday program, which included a presentation from the month’s presenting sponsor, Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida; a report from the Chamber’s Chairman of the Board, Allen Armstrong; introductions of new Chamber Members; community and Chamber updates; giveways; and the month’s featured presentation. The event was emceed by Scott Clemons of The Clemons Company.

Local Businesses Recognized for Community Investment

The Chamber also presented two local businesses with its Apple of Our Eye Award, which recognizes Chamber members that demonstrate a conscientious effort to approve the appearance of their properties and, in turn, enhance the image of the Bay County community.

Holy Nativity Episcopal School received the Apple of our Eye Award for the new construction of their Linda and Tom Weller Stream Building, while Birdie Social in Panama City, Fla. was recognized for the renovation of their downtown location.

The awards reflect the Chamber’s appreciation for businesses that invest not only in their own properties, but in the continued improvement of the community as a whole.

Thank You, Sponsors!

Links

For more information about this event, visit the event page: https://business.panamacity.org/events-calendar/Details/october-2026-first-friday-1901230

Additional information about Amendment 3 and the Bay County’s projected local financial impacts is available on the Bay County Government website: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/829/Understanding-Amendment-3