The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (FPMI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles, will host a press conference on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at 200 E. Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida. This press conference will highlight FPMI’s new operational location and outline critical fundraising efforts needed to relocate, rebuild, and fully equip its marine animal care and rehabilitation center. After more than 30 years of service to the Florida Panhandle, FPMI was forced to move in order to ensure continued response capability for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings along more than 200 miles of coastline, stretching from South Walton Beach to St. George Island.
FPMI has served as the only long-term primary marine mammal and sea turtle response and rehabilitation organization in this region, responding to more than 450 marine mammals and assisting over 7,000 sea turtles since its inception. “This press conference marks an important milestone for our organization and our community,” said Pamela George, President of Florida Panhandle Marine Institute. “We are committed to continuing our mission, but we cannot do it without community support. This new location and our fundraising efforts are essential to protecting the marine life that defines the Florida Panhandle.”
FPMI’s new site represents a natural opportunity for a long-term partnership with AMIkids Maritime Academy, rooted in shared values and purpose. This collaboration allows FPMI to expand its educational outreach while continuing its vital rescue and rehabilitation mission. At the same time, it strengthens AMIkids Maritime Academy’s growing marine biology focus, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn about marine life, environmental stewardship, and animal care. This partnership marks a deeper, more impactful chapter for both organizations—enhancing services, education, and outcomes for youth, wildlife, and the broader coastal community.
The event will include remarks from FPMI leadership, AMIkids leadership, public officials, and community supporters, along with an overview of the organization’s rescue operations, future plans, and immediate funding needs. Media will have opportunities for interviews, photos, and video.
The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates under permits and agreements with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). As a member of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN), FPMI conducts emergency response, rescue, rehabilitation, necropsies, and release operations for protected sea turtles and dolphins.
FPMI has served as the only long-term primary marine mammal and sea turtle response and rehabilitation organization in this region, responding to more than 450 marine mammals and assisting over 7,000 sea turtles since its inception. “This press conference marks an important milestone for our organization and our community,” said Pamela George, President of Florida Panhandle Marine Institute. “We are committed to continuing our mission, but we cannot do it without community support. This new location and our fundraising efforts are essential to protecting the marine life that defines the Florida Panhandle.”
FPMI’s new site represents a natural opportunity for a long-term partnership with AMIkids Maritime Academy, rooted in shared values and purpose. This collaboration allows FPMI to expand its educational outreach while continuing its vital rescue and rehabilitation mission. At the same time, it strengthens AMIkids Maritime Academy’s growing marine biology focus, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn about marine life, environmental stewardship, and animal care. This partnership marks a deeper, more impactful chapter for both organizations—enhancing services, education, and outcomes for youth, wildlife, and the broader coastal community.
The event will include remarks from FPMI leadership, AMIkids leadership, public officials, and community supporters, along with an overview of the organization’s rescue operations, future plans, and immediate funding needs. Media will have opportunities for interviews, photos, and video.
The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates under permits and agreements with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). As a member of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN), FPMI conducts emergency response, rescue, rehabilitation, necropsies, and release operations for protected sea turtles and dolphins.