MLK Rec Center Opens in Bay County, Fla.
The long-awaited MLK Rec Center in Bay County, Fla., opened its doors for the first time on Monday. Kids who grew up here returned for the soft opening, seeing the space transformed into modern classrooms, gyms, and community spots. And it’s just about ready for a whole new generation.
“A recreation center in the heart of Glenwood is what’s been needed for a long time since Hurricane Michael. We brought back AD Harris, but this center is going to be able to serve a lot more children and adults in this community,” Panama City Commissioner Janice Lucas said.
For some, the soft opening was a reminder of the magnitude of this breakthrough.
“I was born into the rec center; my father was one of the many men from the Negro Improvement Association that bought and paid for the land that the recreation centers own. They made a deal with the city with the condition that if it’s not used for a recreational center, then it reverts to the Negro Improvement Association,” Student Advocacy Center Inc. Gregory Dossie said.
Fair Oaks Community Center Opens in East Tampa
The stunningly new Fair Oaks Community Center is opening its doors, ready to receive the many passionate East Tampa residents who are eager to return to their programming and wellness activities as well as new members who want to get involved.
Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa councilmembers, Skanska representatives, and dozens of neighbors will attend the ceremonial groundbreaking for the transformation of Fair Oaks Park.
The $34.7-million project is one of the largest projects undertaken by the Parks and Recreation Department. The centerpiece is a 33,055-square-foot community center, with space dedicated for seniors, multipurpose rooms, a teaching kitchen, and an indoor basketball court. Additionally, the building boasts a large collection of solar panels to cut energy costs.
"What a gift it is to be able to welcome East Tampa community members to their new recreation center, right in time for the holidays," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Tampa's recreation centers are among my favorite places, and although this facility blows it out of the park with its many features and amenities, the intangible benefits that happen inside are what make them worthwhile. This is where lifetime friendships are formed, where advice is shared, and where comfort and safety can be found."
New Basketball, Fitness Center Coming to Bluffton
Basketball lovers in Bluffton are about to get a major upgrade. PickUp USA Fitness is headed to the Lowcountry, bringing the town a new 18,000 square-foot basketball facility and fitness club designed for nonstop hoops.
Located in Westbury Park, the project is scheduled to begin site work in the next few weeks, with an official groundbreaking set for early 2026.
The facility is expected to open in 2027. The center will be at 5 Westbury Park Way, at the roundabout at Plantation Park Drive and Westbury Park Way.
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