PANAMA CITY, Florida (October 9, 2019) – On October 18 & 19, Bay Arts Alliance will be hosting a Haunted Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Panama City featuring stories of murders and hauntings throughout downtown.

“Being in the Center for the Arts, right in the heart of downtown historic Panama City, we are so excited to be hosting this event. Surprisingly enough, we’ve learned things about this area that we didn’t know,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance.

“For instance, the unsolved murder of Joseph Mullins, and how his car was found down by the Post Office covered in blood. And The Light Room’s old life as a haunted antiques shop. Even the extent of the hauntings in the Martin Theatre is surprising. I think residents young and old will learn something new and get a kick out of the tour.”

The tour is approximately one hour long and will take visitors from the Center for the Arts past Francie’s, down to the Bay County History Museum, and back again. Visitors will learn about some downtown hauntings, old murders, past uses for familiar buildings, and historic events.

“It should be a lot of fun!” said Dixie Clough, Director of Marketing for Bay Arts Alliance. “Some of the stories will be told by our talented guides, but at many of the stops, you’ll hear from the historic figures themselves. In fact, we need to extend a huge thank you to all the amazing local talent that will be volunteering to make these nights so spooktacular.”

The tour is wheelchair accessible and open to all ages, though it is aimed at older children and adults due to its length. Bay Arts Alliance suggests that parents take into account their children’s tolerance levels for walking, standing, and listening.

Those interested in the tour can sign up in advance through the Center for the Arts website: pccenterforthearts.com/haunted-walking-tour, or via phone at 850-640-3670. There will also be limited space for walk-ins on each tour in addition to any ticketed spots that have yet to sell. Tickets are $10, and children 5 years old and under are free.

The tours will start at 6pm and leave every 15 minutes. The last tour will start at 9:30pm.

“I’ve loved teaming up with the Center for the Arts this year,” said Beverly Nield, author of the Haunted Panama City book, which the tour is based on. “We were planning to do so last year, but as with everything else, Hurricane Michael got in the way. This will be our third year for the tour and we hope people love it!”

“This type of event is what makes Panama City special.  There is a depth to our city that embraces history and culture.  I am always amazed with the creativeness that goes into telling the stories of our community. Be sure to pre-register, people know how much fun it is an it always sells out,” said Jennifer Vigil, President of Destination Panama City.

All the proceeds will go to support Bay Arts Alliance and the Center for the Arts.