30-Years of Painting Revisited: Watercolors Commissioned for the Opening of Panhandle Educators FCU

Timothy D Thomas and Artwork - Haney Technical Center

In 1995, Panama City local artist Tim Thomas was commissioned to create a series of four original paintings capturing the spirit and architecture of key educational institutions in Bay County, Florida. His subjects included the Haney Technical Center, Florida State University Panama City, Gulf Coast Community College, and the newly constructed Bay County School Board building—each a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to learning and progress for the newly constructed Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union in Lynn Haven, FL.

With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the role of education in shaping lives, Tim brought each campus to life through his brushstrokes, preserving not just buildings, but the vision they represented at the time. In 2018, Hurricane Michael destroyed the original photos.

Years later, after the original works had long since been completed and rehung in the backrooms, Tim was able to obtain updated photographs of his paintings—a poignant reunion with a meaningful chapter in his artistic journey.

These images now stand not only as a celebration of Bay County’s educational legacy, but also as a reflection of the early stages of Tim’s journey as a watercolor artist—a powerful reminder of how art can preserve moments in time and honor the institutions that shape our communities.

Special THANK YOU to Chris Ford, PFC Marketing Director, for assisting me in obtaining the images and allowing me access to photograph the art!