The Historical Society of Bay County
Panama City, Florida
St. Andrews School
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(Click the picture to view the site in Google
Maps)
Marker Location: Corner of
Beck Avenue and West 15th Street
County:
Bay
City: Panama
City
Description:
The first school in St. Andrews, a community established ca.1827, was
built in 1850. That building burned down. The second school was a
two-story wooden structure with two large rooms on each floor. The
school had four teachers and 100 students. In 1925, that school burned,
six weeks before the summer recess. On July 7, 1926, voters
overwhelmingly approved the issuance of bonds totaling $60,000 to build
the present school. E.D. Fitchner, a Tallahassee architect, drew the
plans for the 12 classrooms and an auditorium. J.R. Asbell of Panama
City was the contractor. St. Andrew(s) School has a Mediterranean
Revival Style with classical motifs, and is most noted for its arched
windows, red tile roof, and impressive auditorium. During World War II
(1941-1945), due to the Wainwright Shipyard and Tyndall Air Force Base,
the area grew so rapidly that the school had to go to double sessions.
Through the years the building has been used for community events, such
as plays, public service forums and educational films. St. Andrew(s)
School was completely renovated in 1999-2002, and is the oldest
continuously functioning school in Bay County.