[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5791]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         BAY COUNTY CENTENNIAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stockman). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Southerland) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SOUTHERLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the place that I 
am proud to call home, Bay County, Florida.
  One hundred years ago today, Bay County was established by act of the 
Florida Legislature, igniting a century of growth and opportunity for a 
close-knit community that still cherishes its rich history and 
traditions.
  Bay County is located in the heart of northwest Florida, overlooking 
41 miles of sugar-white sand beaches along the gulf coast's emerald 
green waters. With an additional 270 square miles occupied by pristine 
lakes, springs, streams, and the magnificent St. Andrews Bay, Bay 
County has become a national destination for tourists, families, 
fishermen, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts.
  While Bay County's beaches and diverse inland areas attract over 8 
million visitors each year, it is its people who live and work there 
that give this place a unique spirit. A small community of little more 
than 11,000 people in 1920, Bay County now embodies the drive of a 
diverse and growing population, totaling more than 170,000 people.
  Bay County's workforce is among the best educated and most highly 
prepared in northwest Florida, with institutions of higher learning 
that rival any in the region. Its economic engine is fueled not by 
tourism alone, but also by thriving small businesses, nationally 
recognized companies, major manufacturers, and one of the newer 
airports in the United States. And, as the home of Tyndall Air Force 
Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and more than 22,000 
veterans, Bay County enjoys a rich military history.
  On this day, April 24, 2013, the day of Bay County's centennial, I am 
proud to join my friends, neighbors, my family, and local and county 
officials from Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Springfield, 
Parker, Callaway, Mexico Beach, and the unincorporated areas of our 
county to celebrate our past and our bright future as we work hard to 
make Bay County a better place to live, work, and play.

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