Visit Panama City Beach partnered with Bay County to buy two new beach wheelchairs and a walker. They were purchased as part of the “Fun. For. All.” campaign; the campaign is designed to promote accessibility in Panama City Beach.
The walker and wheelchair are free to use and can be found at the M.B. Miller County Pier. Bay County Parks and Recreation Division Manager Vincent Martin said, “All they have to do is come up to the County Pier and request a unit if it’s available. They would sign a waiver obviously releasing that unit out there so they can use it for the day.” Visitors have reported that the equipment is easy to use. Stephanie Williams, a visitor from Tennessee, stated that she, “tested it out on the sand, and there was ease of movement.”
However, the program is just beginning. The individuals behind the program want to see more accessibility equipment brought on board. Did you know that 12.1% of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs? Three accessibility tools are a drop in the ocean. Bay County and Visit Panama City Beach are working to install more Mobi-Mats while also working to secure the funding necessary to buy more wheelchairs and walkers.
Mobi-Mats provide a more stable walkway than trudging through the sand; these are useful not only for the disabled but also for young toddlers, individuals pulling carts, and more. Please note that if the walkways are congested, capable individuals should move aside for those with disabilities.