Bozeman Breaks Ground on Expansion

Bozeman Breaks Ground on Expansion to Support Student Growth

PANAMA CITY, FL– Deane Bozeman School in northern Bay County is turning the page to an exciting new chapter. On the heels of years of planning, setbacks, and perseverance—especially in the wake of Hurricane Michael—the school has officially broken ground on a transformative $14.5 million classroom expansion.

The highly anticipated project is being funded through a FEMA mitigation grant and will add a brand-new 23-classroom facility to the campus. This expansion is designed to accommodate the school’s rapidly growing student population, which has more than doubled in the past two decades.

When Deane Bozeman first opened its doors in 2000, it served around 700 students. Today, the school is home to over 1,700 students—and that number continues to climb. School and district leaders emphasize that this expansion is not just about adding space—it’s about investing in the future of Bay County and ensuring that students in the northern part of the county have access to modern, quality learning environments that can keep up with demand.

“This is more than bricks and mortar,” one official noted at the groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s a commitment to our students, our families, and our growing community.”

The expansion is also a sign of resilience. Hurricane Michael delayed much-needed progress across Bay County, and schools were no exception. The fact that this project is moving forward, funded in part by FEMA, stands as a testament to the region’s recovery efforts and its dedication to rebuilding stronger.

Construction is expected to move swiftly, with school leaders hopeful that the new classrooms will be ready to welcome students in the near future.

As the Bozeman community celebrates this milestone, the message is clear: Bay County is growing—and it’s ready to meet the challenge head-on with infrastructure that reflects the heart, strength, and future of its people.