History of Bay County, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2025

Bay County, located on Florida's Emerald Coast, had a population of 175,216 in 2020. Panama City serves as its county seat. Bay County forms part of the Panama City metropolitan area. It is known for its beaches and tourism-driven economy, but has also faced challenges from hurricanes, impacting infrastructure and population.

February 12, 1913: Selection of Bay County Name

On February 12, 1913, representatives from five towns on St. Andrews Bay met in Panama City and selected the name Bay for the proposed new county.

July 1, 1913: Creation of Bay County

On July 1, 1913, the Legislature created Bay County from portions of Washington, Calhoun, and Walton counties.

1963: Gideon v. Wainwright Decision

In 1963, Panama City was the origin of Gideon v. Wainwright, a US Supreme Court decision granting all persons accused of a crime the right to an attorney paid for by the government.

1976: Republican Presidential Candidate Support

Since 1976, Bay County has consistently supported the Republican presidential candidate in every election, often by large margins, aligning with the conservative trend in the Florida panhandle.

2000: 2000 Census Data

According to the census of 2000, there were 148,217 people, 59,597 households, and 40,466 families residing in Bay County.

2010: Opening of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

In 2010, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened for commercial flights, connecting the region to major airports in the South and Midwest.