"FOR Bay County" Movement Unveils the Power of Community Support

BAY COUNTY, FL - Many people have seen the bumper stickers with the message, “FOR Bay County” and are left wondering what it represents. The message and the idea are as simple as they sound. “FOR Bay County” is an effort designed to support people and organizations in the community who are making a difference in the lives of others in Bay County, Florida. I spoke with the founders of this initiative, Marty and Angela Martin, to get a better understanding of what this movement entails.

"At its core, “FOR Bay County” is about supporting the people and organizations that are making a difference in our community," Angela Martin explained. "We witnessed the strength of our tight-knit community after Hurricane Michael, how we came together to connect people with essential resources. It highlighted the incredible spirit of the people here. That's when we started thinking about the resources available to us and the various aspects of our community that could benefit from additional support. Out of this, 'FOR Bay County' was born."

“FOR Bay County” operates on a simple yet impactful mission: connecting people to existing resources and opportunities, mobilizing volunteers in areas that need support, and providing financial resources to boost specific community efforts.

Angela Martin shared examples of recent activities undertaken by “FOR Bay County.” "We provided supplies for a positive behavior intervention store in a local school, offered volunteers to an organization feeding and clothing the under-resourced, supported local small and micro businesses through networking and learning initiatives, raised funds for 'home in a bag' backpacks for the homeless, distributed fully-cooked Thanksgiving meals to local families in need, and provided regular financial support to various community initiatives."

Since May of this year, “FOR Bay County” has contributed over $50,000 to address diverse needs within the community. While recognizing the impossibility of meeting every need, Marty and Angela emphasized their desire to rally the community's awareness and collaborative spirit to work towards meaningful solutions.

The "FOR Bay County" movement encapsulates the essence of community support, serving those who selflessly serve others. It reflects the beauty and joy that arise when a community works together for a common cause.

So, as you see those "FOR Bay County" bumper stickers around town, know that they represent a commitment to making Bay County an even better place for all its residents. Whether through connecting people, mobilizing volunteers, or injecting financial support, “FOR Bay County” stands as a testament to the strength that comes from unity and compassion.