Sunset Slush: A Family Tradition Brings Cool Treats to Downtown Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL - What started as a cherished family tradition has now become a refreshing new addition to Panama City. Sunset Slush, known for its smooth and flavorful Italian Ice, is now serving up cool treats at its new storefront on Harrison Avenue, just blocks from the water.

For Barry and Linda Taylor, Italian Ice isn’t just a dessert, but a memory. Years ago, on family trips from their home in Charlotte, North Carolina, they would always stop for Italian Ice from a local cart boy at the beach. Over time, that stop became a special part of every trip, a tradition that stuck and brought the family together.

When Linda’s granddaughter celebrated her graduation, the family made sure Italian Ice was part of the party. It was more than just a treat. It was a symbol of all those family memories. That’s when Linda’s daughter, Amanda Harbaugh, had an idea: why not bring this experience to Bay County to share with others?

The story came full circle in an unexpected way. The same cart boy who once served Italian Ice to the family now owns Sunset Slush, and the Taylor family partnered with him to bring their family tradition to Panama City. What began as a simple cart operation has now grown into something much bigger.

Sunset Slush first hit the local scene as a mobile cart, but the family recently expanded to a full storefront in downtown Panama City. Amanda and her husband, Eric Harbaugh, now help run the shop and serve customers looking to cool down with a sweet cup of Italian Ice.

The shop offers a wide variety of flavors and options, including sugar-free, dairy-free, dye-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free treats. Customers can even mix and match to create their own swirls. There truly is something on the menu for everyone.

Sunset Slush’s pricing is as family-friendly as the atmosphere. You can grab a cup of Italian Ice for $6 or buy a reusable koozie for $10. If you bring your koozie back on future visits, you can get refills for just $6, a perfect excuse to make Sunset Slush part of your summer routine.

Whether you’re strolling through Downtown, taking a break from the beach, or just looking for a sweet way to beat the heat, Sunset Slush is ready to help you make new memories. They’re located at 448 Harrison Ave. in Panama City. Stop by, cool off, and see what all the talk is about!