2023

Summer Work Travel Exchange Visitor

PROGRAM INFORMATION GUIDE

SERVER
Hilton, Inc. dba Holiday Inn Resort
11127 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Global Educational Concepts • 2451 Atrium Way • Nashville, TN 37214

Phone: 615-391-2924 • Emergency Only Phone: 1-888-789-5178
Email: info@gecexchanges.com

www.gecexchanges.com rev. 1.3.23

This guide will provide specific important information regarding your arrival instructions &
employer as well as offer general information that you will need in order to know what you
can expect in the local area where you will be living and working. Be sure to reference
your GEC Participant Handbook for information regarding your J-1 program rules and
regulations.

FEE DISCLOSURE & EXPENSES

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO U.S.

EMPLOYMENT
• Employer name, address and contact information
• Job description and duties
• Wages and Compensation
• Work Hours
• Duration of program and general employment information
including conditions and terms

HOUSING
• Information and Conditions of Housing Arrangement
• Costs
• Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

TRANSPORTATION
• Information and Conditions of Transportation
• Costs

CULTURAL AND LOCAL AREA INFORMATION

• Local Community Resources
• Cultural Activities and Information

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Note: Please understand that this guide represents the good faith information at
the time of production. Things do change from time to time. GEC will make every
effort to update you with any changes that might take place between your
acceptance of this guide and your arrival for your program. While we never
anticipate any changes to pre-arranged housing, please know 2 | Pwe
a gwill
e
communicate with you in the event there are any changes to this guide.
ONE
GEC PROGRAM FEE DISCLOSURE

SUMMER WORK TRAVEL

PROGRAM COSTS:

PROGRAM COSTS
Please see your Program Fee Disclosure Form for GEC and Agency Fees, including Cancellation and Denial Fees.

HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION FEES:

Housing & Transportation USD Amount What is Included

Personal funds needed upon $150 per week Housing rent of $130 per week + $20 of the $100 refundable
arrival and other costs to security deposit paid through weekly payroll deduction for the first
expect for duration of program 5 weeks. Not due until first paycheck.

$130 per week Housing rent per week paid through weekly payroll deduction
(after first 5 weeks).

Varies Housing is approximately 0.8 – 2.1 miles from job site, and
transportation is not provided. Various methods of transportation
are listed in Program Guide, and cost varies per person.

FUNDS NEEDED UPON ARRIVAL:

Arrival Funds Needed USD Amt. Description

Minimum Funds $1,000 In addition to the above, a minimum of $1000 is required upon arrival into the
U.S. Be sure to review your Program Information Guide to ensure you have
enough funds to cover initial housing and transportation costs, setup fees,
rent, deposits, meals and spending money.

While the work component of your program will provide some funds throughout your program, your wages earned in the
U.S. may not cover all of your living expenses or the costs associated with expenses to come to the U.S. Use the budget
section in your Participant Handbook to ensure you have enough funds.

Host Organization: Hilton Inc. dba Holiday Inn Resort – Server

 TWO
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO THE U.S.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO THE US Housing Name: Club at Panama Beach

Housing Address: 98 Paddock Club Dr
Airport Arrival Destination: City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407

For this placement, it is recommended that your Housing Contact: Dustin Henley
final airport destination be Northwest Florida Phone: 850-230-6677
Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City, Email: dustin.henley@maac.com
Florida. This airport is approximately 26-30 minutes
(18-19 miles) away from your placement housing
address. Housing Name: Edgewater Crossings
Housing Address: 204 Potters Bluff Dr
Do NOT fly into any other airport to save money, City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407
because in reality you will not save money and it is
often dangerous and more expensive to try and Housing Contact: Sheila Ballard / 850-249-5982
find “cheaper” ways to get to your final Email:
destination. edgewatercrossings-CM@pegasususresidential.com

Transportation from airport to living address:

Housing Name: 10X Living at Breakfast Point
Participants must arrange airport pickup directly Housing Address: 9700 PCB Parkway
with Host Organization Human Resources Dept. two City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407
days prior to arriving. Airport pickup will ONLY be
available from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Housing Contact: Rebecca Redd
Saturday. If you do not pre-arrange pickup, or if you Phone: 850-236-0133
arrive on a Sunday, or outside of those hours, you Email: rebecca.redd@rpmliving.com
will need to arrange your own transportation to
your pre-arranged housing address. Go to the
ground transportation areas of the airport terminals You must let GEC, your employer, and your home
and secure and pay for a Taxi, shuttle, Uber or Lyft country agency know the date you will arrive in the
from the airport to your housing address: U.S. This must be done at least 2 weeks before your
arrival. If you experience a flight delay, you must
https://www.iflybeaches.com/airport-info/ground- let your Employer know in case you will arrive past
transportation. office hours or in the middle of the night. In that
case, you may have to make alternate lodging
(You MUST pre-arrange airport pickup with your arrangements for the first night and then check-in
Host Organization AT LEAST 2 days prior to arrival.) to your housing the next day. Just be prepared and
keep all informed.
From the airport you will go directly to your housing
address at one of these pre-approved locations:

4|Page
THREE
EMPLOYMENT

Employer Name, Address and Contact Information:

Hilton, Inc. dba Holiday Inn Resort

11127 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

www.hipcbeach.com

Primary On-Site Supervisor: Spencer Milton (VP of Food & Beverage)

Supervisor’s phone number: 850-624-9814
Supervisor’s email: spencer.milton@paradisefound.com

Alternate Contact: Julia Williams (Sr. VP, Human Resources)

Alternate Contact phone: 850-230-4065
Alternate Email: jwilliams@paradisefound.com
Job Description and Duties: Drug test required: NO

SERVER Application Required: YES

Duties & Responsibilities: Serving food & beverage
items to guests in hotel dining area and/or pool deck.
Receiving and entering food and beverage orders into
point of sale system at poolside grill. Collecting or
processing cash, credit and room charges. Will
maintain a high standard of customer service and
cleanliness. Will interact with other International and
American Team Members. SafeStaff Food Safety
Training will be provided.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Uniform Required: YES – Uniform shirt is provided
at no cost. Solid Black Pants are required for Breakfast
& Dinner Positions (not provided). Solid Black or Khaki
Shorts are required for all pool-side grill positions (not
provided). Non-Slip shoes are required for all F&B
positions (not provided).
Dress Code Requirements: Participants must exhibit
neat and business-like appearance and high degree of
personal cleanliness at all times and must wear
prescribed uniform and approved name badge.

Pay Rate:
Tipped position:
Overtime available:
Pay is received:
$ 9.00 per hour + Tips Grooming Requirements: Neat and business-like
appearance shall include the covering of all visible
YES tattoos by use of sleeve coverings/long sleeved shirts
for arms and long pants for legs. Hair must be neatly
YES restrained in all F&B positions. Fingernails should be
neatly trimmed and free of polish or false nails in all
Weekly F&B positions. Hair should be of a natural color.

WORK HOURS: Free or Subsidized Meals: NO

Hours Per week: 32 – 40 Does employer allow participant to start work without
a Social Security Number: YES
Training period required: Yes

Length of Training Period: 1 week Make sure to take all your important documents
(passport, DS 2019 form, and work agreement) with
Hours during training: 32 hours during that you when you meet with the employer for the first
week of training. time as the employer will need to make copies of
these for their employee records.
Reduced hours at end of summer: No
The employer will have you complete new employee
Duration of Program and general employment paperwork and other procedures so they can get you
information including conditions and terms: set up as an employee.

Program extensions are not granted even if you have

a new job offer that allows you to work longer than
what was offered to you in your original work
agreement. This means you may have a shorter J-1
Work and Travel program than the 4 months allowed
by law.
 FOUR
HOUSING
Your Host Employer assists with your housing arrangement at one of these pre-approved locations.

Option 1:

Housing Name: Club at Panama Beach

Housing Address: 98 Paddock Club Dr
City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Website: https://www.maac.com/florida/panama-city-beach/club-at-panama-beach/

Housing Manager: Dustin Henley

Housing Manager Phone: 850-230-6677
Housing Manager Email: dustin.hensley@maac.com

7|Page
Option 2:

Housing Name: Edgewater Crossings

Housing Address: 204 Potters Bluff Dr
City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Website: www.edgewatercrossings.com

Contact: Sheila Ballard

Contact Phone: 850-249-5982
Contact email: edgewatercrossings-CM@pegasusresidential.com

8|Page
Option 3:

Housing Name: 10X Living at Breakfast Point

Housing Address: 9700 Panama City Beach Pkwy
City, State, Zip: Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Website: https://www.10xlivingbfp.com/

Contact: Rebecca Redd

Contact email: rebecca.redd@rpmliving.com
Contact Phone: 850-236-0133

9|Page
INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF HOUSING
ARRANGEMENT:
Is this housing required for the job placement? NO
Are you required to sign a housing agreement? YES, a
copy of the agreement follows.
Is there a penalty if you move out? YES, once
participants elect housing, they will be responsible for
the rent, even if they decide to move out prior to their
program date. The security deposit will be applied to
any remaining rent, cleaning or damage fees.
Type of Housing: Apartment
Number of occupants per Housing Unit: 4–6
(a maximum of 2 people per bedroom are allowed).
Number of bedrooms: 2 - 3
Types of beds: Premium Full/Queen-Sized Raised Air
Mattress
Number of baths: 1 - 2
Does each student have their own bed? Yes
Amenities provided by property: All apartments are
unfurnished. Host Organization will provide one bed
(Premium Full/Queen Sized Raised Air Bed) per
occupant and basic kitchen essentials, such as
cookware, plates, bowls, cups, eating and cooking
utensils.
Utilities provided by property: Electricity & Gas, with
an allowance of $200/2-bedroom and $300/3-
bedroom per month. Any amount over allowance will
be divided per occupant.
Furnishings and items supplied by GEC participants:
You will need to rent or purchase all furniture needed
for the apartment, other than beds. Any furnishings
purchased MUST BE REMOVED before you move out
of the apartment. Additionally, you will need TV,
linens (sheets, blankets, and towels), personal
toiletries, and consumables. You are responsible to
keep your housing clean for the duration of your stay
by regularly washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen,
bathrooms, bedrooms and vacuuming/sweeping the
floors. You are also responsible for your own cleaning
supplies, linens and towels.
COVID-19 Guest Policy: Please be prepared to adhere
to whatever COVID-19 policies are in effect for your
housing, host organization, and any city/county/state
mandates in effect.
Quiet Hours: Unless noted differently by housing
provider, generally quiet hours are 10:00 pm – 8:00
am Sunday-Saturday. Smoking, hosting parties and
events, and pets are NOT allowed, and violations may
include a fee or fine from the management of the
property. Possible eviction and forfeiture of security
deposit are at the property’s discretion. All violations
will be documented.
Visitor Policy: Review your housing agreement to
confirm if guests are or are not allowed in your
housing. No overnight guests.
10 | P a g e

A NOTE ABOUT PRE-ARRANGED HOUSING:
GEC must pre-approve any housing for Exchange
Visitor placements, you are not allowed to live in any
housing that has not been vetted or approved for
YOUR program by GEC. Your complete U.S. address
including room number, apartment number, etc.
must be correct in your GEC account for SEVIS at all
times during your program. This section outlines the
vetted and approved housing information for your
program. Your Host wants you have a safe and
affordable housing experience. The best way you can
prepare yourself for your housing is to read all of the
Housing Section and ask your housing provider any
questions before you arrive.
HOUSING COSTS:
RENT: Your reservation is for the duration of your
program.
Typically, ALL U.S. properties require that you “pay
to stay.” In other words, if you pay by the week, you
will pay rent for that week AT THE BEGINNING OF
THAT WEEK.
4 – 6 occupants $130.00 weekly per person
To whom do you make rental payments? Your Host
Organization.
How do you make your rent payments? Rent is paid
through weekly payroll deduction.
Are there late fees if you don’t pay rent on time? See
Housing agreement.
Utility overage charges: Electricity & Gas is provided,
with an allowance of $200.00 for a 2-bedroom
apartment and $300.00 for a3-bedroom apartment
per month. Any amount over allowance will be
divided per occupant.
Additional occupancy notes: Houses, Hotels and
apartments have specific occupancy rules and
regulations that are illegal for them to break. If you
break these rules, your housing manager, hotel
and/or apartment complex can ask you to leave. GEC
must pre-approve any housing including moving to
another unit/room number BEFORE you move. Your
GEC account must reflect a complete and accurate
housing address including room/unit number at all
times.
NOTE: All participants MUST open an American bank
account within the first week of arrival. Don’t forget
your $1,000 minimum funds that you are required to
bring with you to the U.S. This money will be needed
to pay any initial expenses when you arrive, as your
first paycheck often has adjustments or is short due
to training, and therefore doesn’t leave you enough
money for your first housing payment.
Refundable Security Deposit: $100.00 (Refundable
security deposit based on condition of housing at
check-out and based on landlord’s discretion).
Apartment must be left in clean, satisfactory
condition with no damage. It is suggested that carpets
are cleaned prior to moving out.
Notes on Security Deposit: The security deposit cannot
be substituted for rent at any housing.
Security deposits are collected when the housing that
is secured for you requires a deposit. The deposit is
submitted to the housing owner or manager. The Host
Organization does not keep that deposit. A deposit is
only returned after you have departed the housing,
and the landlord has thoroughly inspected the
property to determine if the housing is in satisfactory
condition. Almost every single student overestimates
how clean they think they leave their housing. If
anything at all is left in the housing, including any ring
in the bathtub, scuff marks on the walls or holes in the
wall, a refrigerator that is still fully stocked or spill in
the refrigerator, the landlord will hire a cleaning
service. This service fee may be deducted from your
security deposit. Many participants underestimate
the damage they do to carpets, walls, appliances, etc.
Any expenses incurred due to damage that must be
repaired, carpets that must be replaced, or any walls
that must be cleaned or repaired, will come out of the
11 | P a g e
security deposits before any refund is given. If you
have questions about your deposit or set-up fees,
please contact your housing provider or GEC.
How you are determined eligible for security deposit
refund, and method of return: Upon inspection and
release from the apartment complex, the deposit will
be refunded minus any charges for cleaning and/or
damages. See Housing Agreement for details.
Breakdown of costs:
ARRIVAL Not due until first Paycheck
AMOUNT =
$130.00 Rent – will be taken from 1st
paycheck
$20.00 Refundable Deposit – will be taken in
$20 increments from first 5
paychecks to equal $100
$150.00 TOTAL (first 5 weeks)
*Note: after first 5 paychecks, you will only have $130
withdrawn from payroll each week.
To whom do you give your arrival housing payment?
Not due until first paycheck
Method Arrival Payment: Will be paid through payroll
deduction.
CHECK-IN PROCEDURE:
Before your arrival, you will receive a pre-arrival email
from GEC or your host with detailed arrival
instructions on how to check-in. In the email, you will
receive further check-in and arrival details including
your official check-in date. Please follow all of the
instructions and wait to book flights until you have
your check-in instructions (day, time etc.) from Host
Employer or GEC. Your arrival information must be
received at least two weeks prior to your arrival date.
Once you have received your visa and are ready to
book your flights, please contact GEC if you have not
yet received your official housing check-in
information including date or time requirements
before you book your flight tickets!
Housing Check-in days for your placement will vary
but is typically 1-2 days before the work program
start date on your DS-2019 form. Pre-arrival
instructions will be sent by email to you for detailed
information on how to check-in, day to arrive, etc. If
you have questions, please contact GEC and your
Host employer BEFORE you book your flight tickets.
Your room and roommates may be preassigned. You
are required to follow these room assignments if
assigned by your housing provider or host and ensure
your room number, unit number or apartment unit
are correct at all times in your GEC account.
* If your flight is delayed, you must let GEC, your host
employer, and housing provider know this and
contact us by phone or email at:
GEC’s office phone number: (615) 391-2924
GEC’s email address: info@gecexchanges.com
Host Organization contact:
jwilliams@paradisefound.com
If you arrive before your official check-in date, you
will be responsible to find your own accommodation
until you can check-in.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE:
You are required to checkout by your housing end
date or date approved by your housing manager or
host employer. Check with your housing manager on
when you must provide notice of your move-out date
and to confirm all your responsibilities when moving
out. Before you checkout, you must remove ALL
personal items and ALL trash from the room. Make
sure you leave your housing in excellent condition.
Before you leave be sure to contact GEC and your
housing manager and inform them of your departure.
You must also remove ALL furniture that you
purchased.
Note: A move out inspection will take place once you
depart from your housing. All areas must be clean, all
personal items and trash are taken out of your
housing. If there is damage or final charges are made
due to poor care for all occupants will be subject to
pay the additional cost. Ask your Housing Manager
12 | P a g e
for a checklist of all items to be completed by you
before checking out.

HOUSING AGREEMENT: When you sign the Program

Guide Acknowledgement page, you are also agreeing
to ALL LEASES AND HOUSING AGREEMENTS
CONTAINED IN THIS GUIDE between GEC, you, and/or
your housing location. Read carefully and please feel
free to send any questions to gec@gecexchanges.com
so anything can be explained to you before you sign.

Facts about Rent costs and leases in the USA for our
Summer/Spring/Winter Work Travel participants:
Most houses and/or apartments prefer a 12-month
lease, and the rent is lower for people who take a 12-
month lease. However, you will be entering a 3-4
month lease, and USA housing increases its rental
costs once the lease terms drop below 12-months.
The shorter the lease, the higher the rent. This is
often why our participants may be paying more in rent
than their USA neighbors. However, our participants
generally do not have to rent their furniture, pay
utilities, pay for cable or Internet set-up or pay for
homeowner association fees. Sometimes there are
utility overage charges but all costs are fully disclosed
in this Guide. Other costs included are furniture
rental, utilities, Wi-Fi, insurance, cleaning, move in
and move out costs.

13 | P a g e
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15 | P a g e
FIVE 


Don’t ever walk alone.

Don’t walk at dark.

TRANSPORTATION
 Don’t walk through people’s yard or
Information and Conditions of Transportation: grass.

Your job site is approximately 0.8 to 2.7 miles from  Be aware of your surroundings (cars,
your housing location, and transportation is not people, etc.).
provided.
 Do not hitch-hike.
The approved methods of transportation in your area
include: Public Transportation, Taxi Service,  Do not accept offers to ride with
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft). strangers.

 Always verbally ID your Uber/Lyft

driver, check the license plate, and
make sure it matches your Uber/Lyft
record. Also make sure the driver IDs
the passengers correctly, as well,
Please note: GEC does not approve of participants during the exchange.
riding bikes as a method of transportation in the U.S.
Most areas in the U.S. do not provide designated or To find the best methods of transportation in your
safe bike lanes. Drivers in the U.S. may not be used to area, use this handy website:
bikes on the road which may be different from your
home country. Should you decide to ride a bike
anyways, review the Safe Transportation video in your
GEC account dashboard. GEC requires all participants
in the U.S. who decide to ride a bike anyway, to wear
a helmet and reflective gear at all times regardless of
if the law requires it in your state. Failure to adhere to
this GEC requirement can result in the termination of https://www.rome2rio.com/
your GEC program. The bike should be in good
condition, and you are responsible for knowing the
local bike laws in your area and following them. If you
need assistance with where to buy reflective gear or a
helmet before you ride a bike, contact GEC at any
time.
To find taxi fare information, click here:
GEC recommends using public transportation, taxi, or www.taxifarefinder.com
rideshare as the safest mode of transportation during
your program. Please remember if you choose to walk For a location that is not within walking distance, you
in the area, use common sense for your safety. and several other participants could plan a local trip
together and split the cost of a taxi ride.
RIDE SHARING:
NOTE: Rideshare Services REQUIRE a valid Credit
Card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Wallet account.
safely. Hop on board today and travel around town
the Bayway!
Hopping on Bayway is a breeze! You can purchase
your pass one of the following ways:

• Onboard any bus. All of our vehicles are

equipped with electronic fare boxes. The fare
boxes do not make change, so we recommend
having exact change.

• By calling us at 850-769-0557
www.uber.com / www.lyft.com
• At our office:

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: 920 Wilson Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401

Fares
Type Price
Regular, 1 Way Fare $1.50
Student (with local ID) $.75
Senior (age 62 and older) $.75
Medicare Card Holders $.75
Persons with Disabilities $.75
Children under 5 FREE
Bayway Transit Day Pass (unlimited rides all day) $4.00
920 Wilson Ave 31-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 31 days) $35.00
Panama City, FL 32401
850-769-0557
https://www.baywaytransit.org/tickets/
https://www.baywaytransit.org/
Routes & Maps
Service Hours:
https://www.baywaytransit.org/system-map/
Monday-Saturday, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bus Tracker
No Service on Sundays. Must use taxi service or
https://www.baywaytransit.org/bus-tracker/
ride share on Sundays and after-hours.

Whether you’re commuting for work or exploring the

town on a weekend getaway, Bayway is here to get
you to your destination. As your public transit system,
we’re committed to getting you around Bay County

17 | P a g e
 SIX
LOCAL AREA INFORMATION

Healthcare Providers:
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES: (IMG Network Providers as of 11/23/22)

URGENT CARE FACILITIES:

Emerald Coast Urgent Care – Urgent Care Center

POLICE DEPARTMENT
2704 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
Panama City Beach Police Substation
850-236-8655
536 N Richard Jackson Blvd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Doc Smileys Urgent Care – Urgent Care Center
850-233-5000 (non-emergency)
43 Cassine Way, Ste 102
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Emergency - 9 1 1
850-231-1919
https://www.pcbfl.gov/departments/police-
department
*HOSPITAL / EMERGENCY ROOM:

Ascension Sacred Heart Bay – General Hospital

11111 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-770-3270

*NOTE: Please remember that your out-of-pocket

expenses will be higher if you visit an Emergency
FIRE DEPARTMENT Room instead of an Urgent Care Center.

Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, Fire Station #32 Please refer to your Insurance Card, and your
10015 Hutchison Blvd Insurance information packet for more detailed
Panama City Beach, FL 32407 instructions on searching for an in-network
850-233-5120 (non-emergency) provider.

Emergency – 9 1 1

https://www.pcbfl.gov/departments/fire-
department/fire-stations

18
 PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Panama City Beach Public Library

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE 12500 Hutchison Boulevard
SUITE 1114 Panama City Beach, Florida 32407
2659 PROFESSIONAL CIR, 850-233-5055
NAPLES, FL 34119
1-800-772-1213 http://www.nwrls.lib.fl.us/

www.ssa.gov
LOCAL BANK:
Your Host Organization will assist in applying for a
Social Security and transportation to the Social
Security office when it is time for you to apply for
your social Security Number. Please refer to your
Handbook and program materials for more details
and instructions. Regions Bank
10800 Hutchison Blvd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
NOTE: Please check with your local Social Security 850-563-7600
Office for hours of operation, and how to inquire
how to get an appointment to apply to get your www.regions.com
Social Security Card.

LOCAL PHARMACY:

Walmart Pharmacy
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau 10270 Front Beach Rd
17001 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Panama City Beach, FL 32413 850-235-1748
850-233-5070
www.walmart.com

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/

19
LOCAL GROCERY STORE: CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION –
Panama City Beach, FLORIDA

Publix Store (Breakfast Point Marketplace)

11240 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-236-4515

www.publix.com

SHOPPING:
Located in Northwest Florida, just 98 miles
southwest of Tallahassee and 297 miles southwest
of Atlanta. Perfect spot for a Northwest Florida
vacation! The city has a year-round population of
just over 12,000. Ever wonder why our beaches stay
Walmart Supercenter
so clean & powdery white? The legendary pure
10270 Front Beach Rd
white sand of Panama City Beach is attributed to
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
quartz crystals washing down from the Appalachian
850-234-1989
Mountains centuries ago. Along their journey, the
crystals were bleached, ground, smoothed, and
www.walmart.com
polished. The surf and tides of the Gulf of Mexico is
responsible for depositing these millions of grains of
sugar-white sand onto the pristine shoreline....the
result of this rigorous process is the beautiful,
renowned beaches of Panama City Beach.
LOCAL POST OFFICE:
Panama City Beach Florida has an average of 320
days of sunshine per year. Panama City Beach
weather is sub-tropical, with a year-round
temperature averaging 74 degrees, which means
United States Post Office
heavenly conditions for those enjoying Panama City
420 Churchwell Drive
Beach travel. St. Andrews State Park has been
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
named the #2 Beach in America by Trip Advisor. The
800-275-8777
1,260 acre park has forests, sand dunes covered
with sea oats, fresh and saltwater marshes, a lagoon
www.usps.com
swimming area, fishing jetties, hiking trails, 1.5 miles
of beach and two campgrounds. Opened in 1951, St.
Andrews was once the site of a World War II Military
Reservation and has won the World's Best Beach
Award. Panama City Beach is bordered on either
side by State Parks: St. Andrews and Camp Helen.

https://www.pcbfl.gov/
20
WEATHER: Panama City Beach, FLORIDA

In Panama City, the

summers are long,
hot, and oppressive;
the winters are short,
cool, and windy; and
it is wet and partly
cloudy year round.
Over the course of
the year, the temperature typically varies
Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends November
from 46°F to 89°F and is rarely below 33°F or
30. This guide will inform you of valuable
above 93°F. Based on the tourism score, the best
information that you can use before, during and
times of year to visit Panama City for warm-weather
after a storm in the area.
activities are from early April to mid May and
from early October to early November. A wet day is
Important Hurricane Information:
one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent
precipitation. The chance of wet days in Panama City
varies significantly throughout the year. The wetter • Tropical Storm Watch – Tropical storm
season lasts 3.1 months, from June 9 to September conditions are possible within 36 hours. Your
11, with a greater than 41% chance of a given day preparations should be underway.
being a wet day. The month with the most wet days • Tropical Storm Warning – Tropical storm
in Panama City is July, with an average of 18.0 conditions are expected within 24 hours.
days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. Your preparations should be rushed to
The drier season lasts 8.9 months, from September completion.
11 to June 9. The month with the fewest wet days in • Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are
Panama City is October, with an average of 6.5 possible within 36 hours. Your preparations
days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. should be underway.
Among wet days, we distinguish between those that • Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions
experience rain alone, snow alone, or a mixture of are expected within 24 hours. Your
the two. The month with the most days of rain preparations should be rushed to
alone in Panama City is July, with an average of 18.0 completion.
days. Based on this categorization, the most
common form of precipitation throughout the year
is rain alone, with a peak probability of 62% on July *Each storm, whether a tropical storm of a
29. hurricane, has particular features that may affect
different areas. See the below Emergency
Management information to keep up to date about
evacuation information.

***If you decide against evacuation, please be

aware that there may become a time during a storm
event when no emergency services are available.
Typically, EMS (ambulance) will NOT respond once
winds reach 40 mph and the Fire Department will
NOT respond once winds reach 50 mph.***

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 BEACH SAFETY

Bay County Department of Emergency

Management
840 W 11th St
Panama City, FL 32401
850-784-6149

http://www.co.bay.fl.us/166/Emergency-
RIP CURRENTS can be unpredictable, dangerous
Management-Division
and deadly!
Preparation is key to navigating any natural or man-
made emergency, and this publication sets forth Please use good judgment while swimming in the
practical steps and advice for ensuring the safety of Ocean.
you and your family should the worst occur.

Click Here to View our Disaster Preparedness Guide LOOK FOR:

 Unusual Choppiness
 Discoloration of Water
 Debris & Foam moving seaward

RIP CURRENTS CAN BE DANGEROUS

www.alertbay.org Learn how to identify and avoid them:

Get alerted about emergencies and other important  If you're caught in a Rip Current, don't panic.
community news by signing up for Alert Bay. This Swim parallel to the shore until the current
system enables us to provide you with critical weakens, then swim back to the shore.
information quickly in situations such as severe
weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons
and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.  Rip currents are strong, localized rivers of water
that usually flow away from the beach at a
You will receive time-sensitive notifications
surprisingly high velocity.
wherever you specify, such as your home and/or
office via mobile or business phones, email address,
 Usually, they are associated with large waves and
text messages and more. You pick where, you pick
strong offshore winds, but not always!! In rare
how.
cases, rip currents occur during calm conditions.

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BEACH WARNING FLAGS
WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC
HIGH HAZARD - High Surf and/or Strong
Currents
MEDIUM HAZARD - Moderate Surf and/or
Strong Currents
LOW HAZARD - Calm Condition, Exercise
Caution
DANGEROUS MARINE LIFE
BUGS & INSECTS:
Listing of bugs and other insects that can be found
in FLORIDA:
https://www.insectidentification.org/insects-by-
state.php?thisState=Florida
Note: Please note that insects do not adhere to man-
drawn borders on a map and as such they may be found
beyond their listed 'reach' showcased on our website.
Insects are typically drawn to a given area by available
food supply, weather, environmental factors (pollution,
etc...), water supply, mating patterns, etc... and can be
territorial. Therefore, consider this list as a general
indicator of the insects, bugs and spiders that may be
found in a given state or province.
23
 Shipwreck Island Water Park
Cultural Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida https://www.shipwreckisland.com/
and the surrounding areas:

Recommended websites that list things to do and

events in the area: Gulf World Marine Park
https://gulfworldmarinepark.com/
https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/

https://www.pcbeach.org/events/
Camp Helen State Park
https://www.beachguide.com/PanamaCityBeach/ https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-
Events trails/camp-helen-state-park

https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-
go/northwest/panama-city-beach
St. Andrews State Park
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-
trails/st-andrews-state-park

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

https://www.ripleys.com/panamacitybeach/

Panama City Beach has 27-miles of beautiful

beaches to choose from, and you'll find a different WonderWorks
experience at each stop along the way. On Shell https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-
Island, you can find miles of beach with hardly a city-beach/location-info/
footprint that isn't your own, no development, and
no access other than by boat.

https://www.shellislandshuttle.com/ ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory

https://zooworldpcb.com/

SkyWheel Panama City Beach

https://skywheelpcb.com/

Water Activities are abundant – cruises, boating,

fishing, diving, snorkeling, etc.
SEVEN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

I have received the Program Information Guide disclosure materials regarding my upcoming
Summer Work Travel placement.

This Program Information Guide along with the GEC Participant Handbook covers important
information about my program that I understand and agree to, including:

Purpose of program
Cultural component requirement
Travel and entry information
Fee Disclosure
SEVIS instructions including program validation and updating my address
Insurance information
Housing and Transportation
Work Agreement

I have read and understood the information presented to me in this document. I will participate in
the GEC online orientation and read my additional program materials found in my GEC record
thoroughly before I enter the U.S. If I have questions or need assistance I will contact GEC.

I understand that once this document is returned to GEC, cancellation or visa denial fees will apply
should I cancel or be denied a visa as outlined in the fee agreement from my sending Foreign
Partner.

Printed Name _______________________________________________________

Signature ___________________________________________________________

Placement: Hilton, Inc. dba Holiday Inn Resort – Server

25