Panhandle Strong 2020

From 2019 to 2020

The year is finally coming to a close later this December as we transition from 2019 to 2020. We often forget that December is about more than holiday decorations and gifts. It is also about bringing together friends and family, about making amends as the year starts to wrap up. We look back on the year to see if things have gone as planned, but we know they never do.

We’re fortunate to count our blessings, tallying up the things that went right versus the things that went wrong. We look to those who are still with us, and those who have moved on (figuratively and literally). No matter how we look at it, things have changed since January 2019, and it’s around this time that we take stock of that.

Reflecting One More Time on Michael

For Panama City, we have seen the majority of the change going into our city, our homes and local business. Thinking back to this time last year, we were all going through the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. This was an experience that was not limited to some, but to all of us. The city was in shambles, and many of the local business were in disrepair.

We had hoped that everyone would be able to get in their feet, yet we have seen that that has not been the case for everyone. As the year comes to an end, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is still being affected by Hurricane Michael. Let’s continue to look to each other for help and support.

Panhandle Strong 2020

Not all is lost however, as the latter part of the year has seen the return of many people and business to the area as well. The trees came back to life, in one form or another – and I think that speaks to the way that Panama City has been able to bounce back. No matter what condition or position the trees were left in after the hurricane, they still found a way to come back whether they were torn, mangled, upside down or tilted to one side or another.

One of the most impressive things to see is that the tree is green, healthy, and possibly the envy of all it’s neighbors. That is what the panhandle should aspire to be this coming year. The the whole of the panhandle was gravely affect by the hurricane last year, but with time it has been able to slowly but surely recover. No matter what position it was left in, or what direction it faced in the future – it will come back stronger and greener in this coming year! Panhandle Strong 2020.

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