PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (FPMI) broke ground on a new facility in Downtown Panama City on Saturday.
After the Gulf World Marine Park closed in 2025, the nonprofit needed to relocate. AMIkids Maritime Academy opened their doors to the marine institute, leasing them land to build a new facility, said the president of FPMI, Pam George. The new facility will include pools for rehabilitation, a vet lab and some new learning opportunities for students.
FPMI raised enough funds to begin the project but are still working toward reaching their fundraising goal, George said.
“We’re just going to add on as we get more funds so that we can get the whole entire facility back together,” George said.
Lauren Albrittain, the stranding coordinator for FPMI shared her excitement over the new learning opportunities the building will bring once complete.
“We have always had education as a part of our mission and being able to be this close to students that have acknowledged and chosen a maritime study, and they know that they like the marine environment, it just feels like there is so much potential,” Albrittain said.
Sharky’s is hosting Bay Helping Bay Day on October 29 where all proceeds will go to help the FPMI.
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