In the heart of the bay community, a devastating fire at the iconic St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club has left residents and members shocked and heartbroken. An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed the beloved facility.
As news of the fire spread, Gabriela Cumbie, a Cove resident and yacht club member, couldn’t believe her eyes. The pictures she saw showed the extent of the damage, and she immediately woke her husband to share the heartbreaking news.
For those who live in the Cove community, the loss is difficult to comprehend. Crowded around the scene, residents sat and cried as flames engulfed the historic club.
Panama City Fire Chief David Collier explained that the time and size of the fire made it incredibly difficult for firefighters to control the blaze. In addition, nearby fire hydrants did not have an adequate supply of water, further hampering firefighting efforts.
Jared Jones, Panama City’s Assistant City Manager, acknowledged the water supply issues and mentioned ongoing improvement projects to address the problem. However, this particular fire required the assistance of Bay County Fire Rescue, which provided water shuttle operations using drop tanks.
As the community mourns the loss of the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, it is important to remember that the spirit of the club lives on. Though the facility may be destroyed, the memories and sense of togetherness forged within its walls will never be extinguished.
The club’s Commodore expressed resilience and determination, stating that while the fire took away the physical structure, it could not erase the true essence of the club.
