PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (FPMI) broke ground on a new facility in Downtown Panama City on Saturday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
FPMI raised enough funds to begin the project but are still working toward reaching their fundraising goal, George said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just going to add on as we get more funds so that we can get the whole entire facility back together,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n
Lauren Albrittain, the stranding coordinator for FPMI shared her excitement over the new learning opportunities the building will bring once complete.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Albrittain said.<\/p>\n
Sharky\u2019s is hosting Bay Helping Bay Day on October 29 where all proceeds will go to help the FPMI.<\/p>\n
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