Bay County

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Florida's climate varies by region, with the northern and central parts experiencing a humid subtropical climate, while South Florida enjoys a tropical climate. A distinct rainy season lasts from May through October, with afternoon thunderstorms fueled by daytime heat. These storms bring heavy but brief rainfall.
  
  Starting in October, Florida enters its dry season, which begins early in the month in the north and later in the month in the south, lasting until late April. During this time, mid-latitude storm fronts occasionally pass through, bringing light, short-lived winter rainfall to northern and central Florida. Winters can be quite dry, and in some years, drought conditions lead to water restrictions. Although most of the state rarely sees frozen precipitation, northern Florida occasionally experiences light snow or sleet a few times per decade.

  Thunderstorms

  Florida experiences more thunderstorms than any other U.S. state, due to its position between two warm bodies of water—the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sea breezes from these waters push hot air inland, where it rises and forms towering thunderclouds that generate frequent and intense thunderstorms, often with dangerous lightning.
  
  Some areas experience more than 90 thunderstorm days per year, making Florida one of the most electrically active regions outside the tropics. The state also has the highest density of lightning strikes in the U.S., leading to several lightning-related fatalities each year. However, lightning deaths have been declining since 1992, thanks to improved safety awareness. Construction workers and outdoor laborers are at the highest risk, though a significant portion of fatalities occur indoors, particularly among people using electronic devices.
  Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rainfall, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. Flash flooding is also a risk, especially during intense storms. While thunderstorms are most common in summer, they can occur year-round.

  Tornadoes

  Florida has the highest number of tornadoes per square mile of any U.S. state, though most of these tornadoes are weaker and shorter-lived than those found in the Midwest or Deep South. Stronger tornadoes do form, typically associated with cold fronts in the winter or spring.

  Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes

  Florida is no stranger to tropical cyclones, with storms affecting the state year-round, except in March. Roughly one-third of these storms occur in September, with the majority hitting between August and October, marking the peak of hurricane season. Certain areas along the coastline are the most likely to experience hurricanes, with some of the highest frequencies of intense storms in the U.S. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest activity typically in September and October.

  Extreme Heat

  Florida's intense heat can also pose a serious health risk, especially during the summer months. It's essential to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and seek air-conditioned shelter when possible. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, death.

  Rip Currents

  Rip currents are a significant hazard in Florida, particularly along the Gulf of Mexico. These narrow, fast-moving channels of water flow away from the shore at speeds of up to eight feet per second, creating dangerous conditions for swimmers. Always exercise caution when venturing into the water.

  Emergency Notification System – Alert Bay

  Sign up for Alert Bay (alertbay.org) to receive emergency notifications and important community updates. This system ensures you get critical information quickly, including severe weather alerts, road closures, missing persons, and evacuation notices. You can choose how to receive these time-sensitive alerts—via mobile or business phone, email, text message, and more—so you stay informed wherever you are.
• Hurricane Preparedness

  Living in Florida means we're vulnerable to hurricanes and the associated risks, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. Evacuations are typically triggered when there's a threat of a storm surge or the possibility of being cut off from essential services.

  Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. During this period, the local Chain of Command and Emergency Management Team closely monitor weather conditions to keep CAF families informed and prepared. If necessary, they coordinate evacuations to ensure everyone’s safety.

  In recent years, the Canadian Detachment at Tyndall has had to evacuate a few times due to severe weather, with one significant event being Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018, which directly impacted Tyndall Air Force Base.

  When families arrive at post, they receive detailed briefings on how to prepare for natural disasters. This proactive approach ensures that everyone is equipped with the knowledge and resources to stay confident and well-prepared should an emergency occur.

  For more information on disaster preparedness, visit ready.gov

• Getting Around

  Public transportation options in the area depend on where you live. Buses are available, but their coverage may be limited. For more flexibility, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also widely accessible, offering convenient alternatives for getting around.

  For more information on local bus routes, you can visit Bay County Transportation: Bay County Transit.

  Electronic Toll Transponders: While not required for everyday travel, using a transponder makes paying tolls easier when traveling within Florida or across multiple states. Both E-ZPass and SunPass devices allow you to pay tolls automatically by deducting fees from your prepaid account, so you can pass through tolls without stopping. While E-ZPass is accepted on most Florida toll roads, SunPass is the state’s primary transponder system, offering the best rates for local travel.

  Learn more about SunPass here: SunPass
  Learn more about E-ZPass here: E-ZPass

• Critters & Wildlife

  Florida is home to a diverse range of wildlife, some of which can pose risks to humans and pets. Whether you're exploring the outdoors, enjoying the water, or simply living in the Sunshine State, it’s essential to stay aware of potential hazards from Florida’s native creatures and take precautions to ensure your safety.

  However, alongside this natural beauty, Florida is also home to potentially dangerous creatures.
  
  Dangerous Wildlife

  • Alligators: Alligators are common in nearly every freshwater body in Florida, including lakes, rivers, and retention ponds. While attacks on humans are rare, they can be aggressive if provoked or if they feel threatened—especially during mating season (April to June). It’s important to always keep a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and stay cautious near water, particularly at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
  • Snakes: Florida is home to several venomous snake species, including the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin), Coral Snake, and Pygmy Rattlesnake. While these snakes typically avoid human contact, they may bite if startled or provoked. To reduce the risk of encountering a snake, wear closed-toe shoes when hiking or walking in wooded or grassy areas, stick to marked paths, and avoid reaching into dense brush or under logs where snakes may be hiding.
  • Spiders: There are two types of venomous spiders in our area, the black widow and the brown recluse. Preventative pest control measures can be taken by having your home and yard sprayed quarterly for these insects. 
  • Ticks: There are five species of ticks in Florida. Although all tick species can carry viruses and bacteria, these species are the main culprits - the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), the lone star tick, and the American dog tick. 
  • Marine Animals: It's also important to be aware of dangerous marine animals including sharks, sting rays, and jellyfish like the Portuguese man o' war that can cause severe pain, even death. 

  Understanding and respecting Florida's diverse wildlife is key to enjoying its natural wonders while staying safe from potential hazards. 

• Neighbourhoods

  Historically, members and their families have found homes in the following areas surrounding Tyndall AFB, all parts of Bay County, FL.

  • Panama City Beach
  • Panama City
  • Lynn Haven
  • Callaway

  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.  

• Tyndall AFB & Surrounding Area

  Tyndall Air Force Base is located on the Panhandle in Northwest Florida. It is approximately 19.5km east of Panama City on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The Panama City Beach area is best known for its white sandy beaches, and emerald green water and is a popular tourist destination. The 43km stretch of beautiful beachfront is always open to the public and is a main attraction. The area is home to many beautiful parks that include nature reserves, recreation areas, historic sites and miles of trails for hiking, walking and biking. 
   

  Get to know Tyndall Air Force Base better with these go-to links:

  • Military One Source: Tyndall AFB
    Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community.
  • 325th Force Support Squadron
    Here you'll find all of the incredible services you can access, including family support, child care, youth activities, entertainment, recreation and adventure resources, fitness, and more! 
• On-Base Medical Facility

  Tyndall AFB does not provide on-site medical care for spouses or dependents, but they do have full access to the pharmacy for prescriptions and essential medical imaging services, such as ultrasounds and X-rays.

  Spouses and dependents will need to seek care from off-base providers. A list of recommended in-network providers can be found on the Humana TRICARE website, though dependents are also welcome to choose their own providers or seek recommendations from the local community.

  CAF members receive medical care at the on-base medical treatment facility (MTF).

  325th Medical Group
  340 Magnolia Circle, Bldg 1465
  Tyndall AFB, FL 32403
• Children's Education

  Bay District Schools - Bay County, Panama City & Panama City Beach Florida 

  Bay District Schools takes pride in supporting military families. Teachers, administrators, and staff throughout our school district recognize the special challenges for those who serve in the armed forces and fully understand it is the entire family who serves. Bay District Schools are a member of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and have a specific link to provide support to military families relocating to Bay County - www.bay.k12.fl.us/military.

  • Offers public, charter, catholic and Christian schools. 
  • The school year runs from mid-August to the end of May. 
• Child Care
  Childcare options vary depending on your chosen living area, with facilities offering full-time, part-time, and before- and after-school care. For a complete list of daycare centers, as well as options for nannies, recurring sitters, and one-time babysitters, you can visit www.care.com. Additionally, local Canadian community members may have teenagers who have completed babysitting and first aid courses and might be available for occasional or casual childcare.