Calling All Gator Fans!

BAY COUNTY, FL - The Panhandle Gator Club, a longstanding organization dedicated to fostering connections between the University of Florida (UF) and its alumni, students, and supporters, recently joined the Panama City Beach (PCB) Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 1981 under the University of Florida Alumni Association (UFAA), the club serves a six-county area encompassing Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties.

With 220 members in the region, the club's primary focus is on cultivating strong relationships between the university and its supporters, as well as raising funds for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship (MFOS) Program. Established in 2005 by UF President Bernie Machen, the MFOS provides scholarships for low-income, first-generation families, and the Panhandle Gator Club contributed $10,000 to the program in 2024.

In addition to their philanthropic efforts, the club organizes a variety of fun and engaging events throughout the year, including gatherings at local venues such as Rock'it Lanes and attractions like wineries and racetracks. They host football watch parties for every game and is hosting a Sunset Cruise on September 22nd and a Beach Bonfire and Putt Putt Tournament on October 26th in Panama City Beach. These events provide opportunities for members and supporters to connect and celebrate their shared love for the Florida Gators.

Importantly, the Panhandle Gator Club is open to anyone who is a fan of the University of Florida, regardless of whether they are an alumnus of the school. Those interested in joining the club can do so by visiting http://panhandlegatorclub.com/

As the club continues to grow and expand its reach in the PCB area, its monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at Rock'it Lanes in Panama City Beach, provide an open forum for Gator fans to connect, network, and share their enthusiasm for the University of Florida Gators!