This story is part of the weekly Hidden Gems Feature series as USA Today Network. Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.
Destination Panama City, the official local government promotion and marketing agency, has launched an automatic guided tour (or down) the business district of Cove Boulevard. The project, entitled “Glenwood History Marker Trail,” encourages people to explore the rich contributions of black entrepreneurs.
The tourism education campaign was inspired by Myron Hines’ photobook, “A Historic Journey on Cove Boulevard.” The book, a retired Glenwood resident and former broadcast cameraman, first published in 2020, has been released at many stops along the business district of Main Road, from Business 98 to 15th Avenue to 15th Avenue in the US. Transport readers.
What makes this tour so special?
If you’re just going to the beaches in Bay County, you’re missing out on some important and special local history. Information markers along this trail help to provide details.
Companies recognized along the tour include Wilson Brothers. A barber shop founded in 1946. Lady Ethel’s Beautiful University was founded in 1947. Lewis bail bonds were founded in 1955. Lee Motel was founded in 1967. Reed paint and body was founded in 1982. Macedonian Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1909.
“Travelers in Panama City range from 18 to 65 years old or older,” says Jennifer Vigil, president and CEO of Destination Panama City, who is interested in such self-directed experiences. It explains what is.
“And what we found on our visit is that they are more interested in cultural and creative amenities. So this is what our regular visitors do. It’s right along the line.”
Related “virtual trails” are here
Vigil added that her office is planning to expand the city’s virtual trail system with three more experiences. Ale Trail. Mural trail; and the Oyster trail.
When to go and how to get there
The best way to join the tour is to download the OToCast app from either the Google Play Store or the iPhone App Store and search for “Glenwood Historical Markers Trail.” This experience is available on both Android and iOS smartphones.
The app starts with a brief introduction. Visitors can approach trail stops in the way they want and in any order. However, the first location mentioned on the virtual tour is Lady Ethel Beauty College, followed by Lee’s Motel, near 1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The marker is outside the structure, allowing visitors to go at any time and visit as many stops as they wish.
For more information about the Glenwood Business District Revival, contact Mayor Janis Lucas (850) 872-3002 or email jlucas@panamacity.gov.
For more information about your destination Panama City or how to use the OToCast app, see (850) 215-1700 or jennifer@destinationpanamacity.com (850) 215-1700 (
This story version was previously published in the Panama City News Herald
