24-02-2025
Locals gathered for Ms. Newby's 50th anniversary, Chili-Jambalaya Cookoff
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – For 50 years Ms. Newby's has been a staple in the local community. Known for its lively atmosphere, cold drinks, indoor liquor store, and unforgettable memories.
Whether it's locals gathering after work or tourists looking for a taste of true beach culture Newby's has been the place to be.
'I come here very frequently for a lot of reasons. As a matter of fact, I've been coming here for about 35 years now. I haven't lived here that long, but every time we come for vacation or spring break, then we always come here. it's friendly and no matter who you sit next to at the bar or a table or meeting outside, you always make new friends,' customer Donna Mason said.
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Ms. Newby was established in 1974 on the corner of Joan Avenue and Thomas Drive by Melva Newby. What started as a small inside bar with around 10 seats turned into an expansion of 4 locations around Panama City Beach and Bay County.
Officials say the reason the business is running so well is because the community knows where the owner's hearts lie.
'I think people have just gravitated to it because everyone in town knew Melva. Everyone in town knows Charlotte. And they're starting to get to know Will West and I and they know where our hearts are. Our hearts lie in the community. And we believe Bay County, you know, we want everything around us on Thomas Drive to prosper Because whatever is good around us even makes us even better,' Operations Director Lindsey Pickenpaugh said.
Something that has always remained on the top of Newby's bargoers' desires is their famous hunch punch.
For 50 years people have been dying to know the secret ingredient in Newby's classic hunch punch.
Officials say while they can't spill the beans on the punch's secret formula they did reveal one thing. It's definitely surrounded by alcohol.
'Everclear, a rum, and a vodka and so that's what we're able to tell you. Now, the red mix can never tell you. You can keep guessing, but no one has guessed yet,' Pickenpaugh said.
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Pickenpaugh says there's always some possibility for another Newby on the west end, but for now, their hands are full.
The other Newby's locations include Newby's Too, Newby's Brew and Booze House, and Newby's Brew on the Bay.
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