Preserving Time in Panama City

Panama City, FL - When one of two historic clocks in downtown Panama City left the historic business district, the Historical Society of Bay County took action. The first clock left the historic district and was relocated to a hyper-driven retail corridor. The Historical Society, dedicated to preserving the rich history of Bay County, contacted the owner of the remaining clock, SunTrust Bank, to see how they could help in the repair and restoration of that clock. SunTrust Bank embraced the request and championed its restoration. Had it not been for the Historical Society's request, the bank may not have realized the clock's special meaning to the community at large.

Had it not been for the Historical Society's request, the bank may not have realized the clock's special meaning to the community at large.

The history of the clock goes back to the second bank established in Panama City, Commercial Bank, on the corner of Harrison Avenue and Beach Drive. This was the earliest center of business in Panama City, and that intersection became known as "Banker's Corner." This magnificent electric clock was installed around July of 1926.

It is constructed of copper, has four dials, each two feet square, which are illuminated at night. Below the face is leaded glass containing the name of the bank. The clock peels forth melodious chimes each quarter of an hour...an exact reproduction of those famous Westminster chimes in London. In 1957 Commercial eventually moved north up Harrison to the corner of Seventh Street, and with it went the clock, where it resides today. SunTrust Bank acquired Commercial Bank in 1988.

For many years the clock announced the correct time only twice each day as its hands were frozen on ten o'clock. Finally, the interior of the clock was removed and sent to a clock maker in North Carolina for repair. Six months and $4,000 later, the clock was reassembled and returned to service. SunTrust Bank and the Historical Society are truly downtown hero's for seeing history slipping away and taking action to repair, restore, and replace what is important to the community.

On Wednesday, July 16th at 11:30a.m., the clock will be unveiled in a ceremony hosted by SunTrust Bank and its many community partners including the Historical Society of Bay County, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Improvement Board, and the Greater Downtown Association.