Good News Bay

On this episode of the Good News Bay Podcast, Dr. Steve Taylor sits down with Florida Representative Griff Griffitts. They talk about his focus in-session—passing bills and securing funding—and out-of-session—serving his constituents. The conversation also covers the Vessel Bill, key legislative appropriations, and a reminder that hurricane supplies are tax-free through the end of the month. About...

Dr. Steve sits down with Brittany Lewis, CEO of Bay Haven Schools, for an inspiring conversation about the future of education in our community. They discuss the vision and expectations driving North Bay, and Bay Haven’s success, exciting updates like new buildings and a brand-new stadium, and what’s ahead for the schools. You won’t want to miss this glimpse into the growth and heart behind Bay Ha...

In this episode, Dr. Steve sits down with Ivan Beach, Principal of Deane Bozeman School and Pastor of Bayside Church in Panama City. They discuss the exciting growth happening at the school. Ivan shares about Bozeman’s long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts — including their nationally recognized Environmental Resources Program. With rising student enrollment a...

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Steve Taylor sits down with Kim Bodine, Executive Director of CareerSource Gulf Coast, to discuss the organization's mission and impact. CareerSource is dedicated to fostering economic prosperity by delivering tailored employment and training solutions. Their work is deeply rooted in collaboration with educational institutions, economic development groups...

In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve Taylor sits down with Blythe Carpenter, Principal of Bay High School, to discuss the exciting developments happening on campus. They highlight the ongoing construction projects aimed at enhancing the school's facilities, making Bay an even better place for students and staff. Principal Carpenter also shares insights into the AICE (Advanced Internati...

In this episode, Dr. Steve sat down with Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez to discuss key public safety topics. Their conversation covered the importance of community awareness and overall protection. They also addressed the increased law enforcement efforts during spring break to maintain safety amid high tourist traffic. Additionally, Chief Talamantez highlighted advancements in pol...

In the latest episode of the Good News Bay Podcast, Dr. Steve Taylor interviews Allan Branch, a candidate for Panama City Mayor. Branch emphasizes his commitment to streamlining city processes, aiming to make City Hall more accessible and user-friendly. He advocates for eliminating outdated regulations to simplify starting businesses, hosting events, and obtaining permits, encapsulating his philos...

In this episode, Dr. Steve sits down with Ross Clemons, the Executive Director of the Panama City Rescue Mission, to discuss the incredible work being done to support those in desperate situations. The Rescue Mission provides shelter, training, and support to help individuals transition from suffering to a life of stability and purpose through Christ-centered transformation. Resources: Panama City...

Good News Bay | Episode 44: Bob Majka & Valerie Sale In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Bay County’s County Manager, Bob Majka, and Chief Communications Officer, Valerie Sale, to discuss emergency operations and to give advice on who to listen to in the wake of a potential natural disaster. Learn how to be properly prepared, as well as some positive improvements Bay Cou...

Good News Bay: Episode 43: Dean Bozeman Agriculture Program In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with the teach of the Bozeman Agriculture Program, Becky Peltonen. They are joined by students in the program, Peyton Gay and Tyler Clements. This is an incredible program that has not only had an impact on the students and faculty at Dean Bozeman, but it has also had a huge impact thr...

Good News Bay: Episode 42: Lt. Col. Alex Goldfein In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with the Lt. Col. Alex Goldfein  to discuss the Tyndall AFB Air Show. The Air Show will take place May 4th and 5th at Pier Park on Panama City Beach. This is the episode for all the information related to the Air Show.  Podcast Resources: - Lightening Within 5 Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/pod...

Good News Bay: Episode 41: Colonel George Watkins In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with the Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing, Colonel George Watkins, to discuss all the updates related to Tyndall Air Force Base. It has been a little over a year since the last episode with Colonel Watkins and there has been a ton of progress made. The future is bright.  Podcast Resources: -...

Good News Bay: Episode 40: Fred Myers In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Professional Red Fisherman, Fred Myers to discuss Faith, Family, and Fishing. Fred is the 2023 Bassmaster Redfish Cup Champion. He is a native of Bay County and is an Insurance Agent for Acentria Insurance. Podcast Resources: - Fred Myers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fred.myers.718/ - Acentria In...

Good News Bay: Episode 39: Dr. Ted Randall "We are making Bay County brighter one marriage at a time!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Ted Randall who is the Marriage Pastor at Northstar Church and one of the Founders of The Bay County Marriage and Family Initiative (BCMFI). In this episode they talk about what the BCMFI is, they discuss different resources for...

Good News Bay: Episode 38: Dr. Scott Dean "Focus on the things you can control, loving and caring for others, and not the things you cannot control. The best is yet to come!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Dr. Scott Dean with Nephrology Associates. In this episode they talk about recruiting in the medical field, the impact Hurricane Michael & Covid had on...

Good News Bay: Episode 37: Victoria Gillman  "We want to bring light to the importance of taking care of your mental health! We want people to feel comfortable in taking the steps towards a safe place to heal mentally and find value in self-care." In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Victoria Gillman who is the Founder & Board Member President for the Green Exhi...

Good News Bay: Episode 36: Haney Technical Institute "With Premiere moving into Bay County, that really opens up an opportunity for students to be able to remain here. In fact, I anticipate we will have students move back to this area!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Angela Reese (Director of Haney), David Deton (Program Director for Aviation), and Parker W. M...

Good News Bay: Episode 35: Brandon Gossett "Neverthirst exist where there is a lack of water and a lack of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are talking about literal water and living water!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Chief Development Officer for Neverthirst, Brandon Gossett.  They talk about what Neverthirst is, how Emerald Coast partners with Neverthirst,...

Good News Bay: Episode 34: Vickie Gainer "The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. " In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Lynn Haven City Manager, Vickie Gainer.  They talk about the rebuild of the City from 2018 through 2023, leading as a woman, and her vision for the future of the city of Lynn Haven....

Good News Bay: Episode 33: Becca Hardin & Parker McClellan "Family is our most important value and we are overjoyed to be expanding in Bay County and creating new opportunities for people to prosper in their hometown. Bay County sells itself and their is no better place to raise your family. " In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Becca Hardin (President - A Econ...

Good News Bay: Episode 32: Alex King "Our desire is for our Port to have the greatest impact it can have in our community and our region! The goal of the Port long term is more jobs, more cargo, higher impact!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with Port Panama City Executive Director Alex King. The two discuss general port information, recent expansions, and the futu...

Good News Bay: Episode 31: Superintendent Mark McQueen "The tip of the spear for education is the teacher! I want Bay County to be the premier education opportunity!" In this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with the newly appointed Bay District Schools Superintendent, Mark McQueen. The two discuss Mr. McQueen's new role, an update on local schools, the importance of te...

Good News Bay: Episode 30: Brian Knox ‘Ministry doesn't have to be behind a pulpit. Whether it’s in business, in church, on a job site building a house, there are opportunities to live out your faith and to reach others.” In this episode of Good News Bay, Steve sits down with the president and owner of Coastal Classic Homes of Florida. The two discuss the beautiful place we live, how there ar...

“The city had to make a commitment, and one of the commitments we made was ‘if we want Downtown to grow we have to make a commitment downtown.’” In this episode of Good News Bay, Steve sits down with Mayor Greg Brudnicki as the two discuss the positive progressions of Downtown Panama City, improvements from Hurricane Michael, and the value of hard work! Podcast Resources: Panhandle Outdoors: https...

“That’s what Leadership Northwest Florida is about, it is about building a group of knowledgeable leaders that understand Northwest Florida so that we can carry that flag whether you move on to become a State Representative. Who knows what role you will have in the future, but we know that more knowledgeable leaders are going to make us better. And that’s what it’s all about.” In this episode, Ste...