Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds Speaks at Bay County GOP’s Trump Day Dinner

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - On June 1, 2025, Congressman Byron Donalds, a Trump-endorsed candidate for Governor of Florida, delivered an engaging speech at the Bay County Republican Party’s Trump Day Dinner, held at the Todd Herendeen Theatre. He shared experiences from a Miami rally and the Republican National Convention, which followed the assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Donalds highlighted his conservative record in the U.S. House of Representatives, including his opposition to Red Flag laws and his role in passing a 2017 Florida bill allowing parents to review school curricula. He noted his early involvement in Florida’s Tea Party movement. Previously a lifelong Democrat, he explained his switch to the Republican Party upon entering politics to be in a party that aligns with his conservative values. He also emphasized the need for Republican unity in his gubernatorial campaign.

Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer started the evening by speaking about the Bay County GOP’s role in local elections. Lynn Haven Commissioner Jaime Warrick received the Ray Wood Republican Chairman Award. Local Congressman Neal Dunn was unable to attend the dinner.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Trump Day Dinner featuring Congressman Byron Donalds! It was a wonderful way to welcome him to Bay County. Special thanks to Todd Herendeen for hosting at his theatre and for his moving performances of My Name is America and God Bless the USA,” said Tho Bishop, Chairman of the Bay County GOP. Bishop also spoke at the event, explaining the significance of naming the dinner after former President Trump, stating, “We are in the Trumpian Age.”

Florida Senator Jay Trumbull noted, “It was an honor to join conservatives at this special event, which was the final scheduled gathering at the Todd Herendeen Theatre before its closure. Todd’s performance was a heartfelt farewell to this beloved venue. Thank you to the Bay County GOP and all who attended to support freedom, faith, and Florida’s future.”

Evan Power, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, spoke about the successes of 2024. He joked at the event that Miami-Dade has flipped Republican, so we no longer need to rely on the Panhandle. “It’s always a privilege to be in Bay County!” he stated on Facebook. Introduced by April Gibson, Chairman of Bay County Moms for Liberty, Mrs. Gibson spoke of the group’s efforts to help parents navigate public school challenges and find alternative education options in Bay County. She also stressed the importance of age-appropriate, non-pornographic books in public school libraries and announced they will be starting local teacher grants.

The Bay County Republican Women hosted a silent auction to support the event and food was provided by Grits Coastal Southern Catering. 
Photos by Janet Pattison.