Bay County Emergency Services, in coordination with Bay District Schools and the Florida Department of Health, operates a network of disaster shelters throughout the county. These shelters are designa

Bay County Emergency Services, in coordination with Bay District Schools and the Florida Department of Health, operates a network of disaster shelters throughout the county. These shelters are designated for general population use, individuals with special medical needs, and post-disaster recovery operations. Not all shelters are opened during every event—activation depends on the severity, location, and nature of the emergency.Not all shelters open during every incident. Activation decisions are made by Bay County Emergency Services based on hazard impact, safety inspections, and operational needs.Special Needs Shelters - CLOSED (current as of November 3, 2025)These shelters are designated for individuals with medical, access, or functional needs who cannot safely evacuate to a general population shelter. Pre-registration through the Florida Special Needs Registry is required.Deane Bozeman Learning Center (Primary Special Needs Shelter)13410 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32409General Population (Risk-Based) Shelters -  CLOSED (current as of November 3, 2025)These shelters are intended for the general public during evacuations and are selected for their safety standards, capacity, and geographic distribution.Deer Point Elementary School4800 County Road 2321, Panama City, FL 32404Merritt Brown Middle School5044 Merritt Brown Way, Panama City, FL 32404Tommy Smith Elementary School5044 Tommy Smith Drive, Panama City, FL 32404Note: Functions as an overflow site for Merritt Brown Middle School.Rutherford High School1000 School Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401Mass Care Support Shelter -  CLOSED (current as of November 3, 2025)This facility is designated to support large-scale shelter operations and may serve as a technical support site during mass care incidents.Tom P. Haney Technical College (Haney Technical Center)3016 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405