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The Cost-of-Living index for Bay County, Florida, is approximately 95.4, indicating it is 4.6% lower than the U.S. average and 7.5% lower than average for the state of Florida.
Bay County Unemployment Rate
Income and Salaries for Bay County
Tax Rates for Bay County
For Emergency Assistance please contact the Tyndall AFB Contingency Hotline: 850-283-CARE (850-283-2273) and listen to the menu options to be directly connected to the helping agency. You may also call agencies directly.
Please Contact Below Agencies Directly:
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Download the “Air Force Connect Mobile App” then add (325th Fighter Wing) to receive up to date information on Weather Events, Installation Entry Gate Closures, Road Closures, Facility Closures, and Upcoming Events.
Hurricane Season Information:
Child Care for PCS (Sponsored by the Air & Space Forces Aid Society)
Eligible members will apply through the AFAS Member Portal and receive funding directly into designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to pay for the allowable child care.
AFAS will provide $200 per dependent child up to age 12 (not to exceed $1000 per family) to eligible members utilizing childcare at:
Welcome to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Home of the Checkertails!
Mission: Project unrivaled combat airpower for America!
Vision: Checkertail Warriors - delivering lethal, agile, and ready global airpower. Anywhere. Anytime.
In December 1940, a site board determined that Flexible Gunnery School No. 9 would be located 12 miles southeast of Panama City, Florida on East Peninsula. On May 6, 1941, Army and local dignitaries held an official ground breaking for the school. Panama City's mayor, Harry Fannin, dug the first spade full of sand, and Colonel Warren Maxwell, Tyndall's first commander, wielded the first ax on the stubborn palmetto plants, so common on the East Peninsula.
On December 7, 1941, the first of 2,000 troops arrived at Tyndall Field. Although construction was incomplete, instructors and students began preparing for the first aerial gunnery class. The first class of 40 gunnery students began on February 23, 1942. Over the years, Tyndall experienced command changes and gained additional missions as other units were stationed on the base. In 1991, as the base entered its 50th year, Tyndall underwent reorganization and the 325th Fighter Wing (FW) became the installation host. Today, a tradition of training continues. The 325th FW is responsible for building an "Air Dominance Force." The wing conducts training for F/A Raptor pilots, air battle managers (ABM), air traffic controllers, weapons controllers and crew chiefs (Mission Ready Airmen) specially trained on the F/A-22. For additional history visit Tyndall's Tyndall Heritage.
On Oct. 1, 2012, the 325th Fighter Wing transitioned to Air Combat Command and the Ninth Air Force. On Aug 20, 2020, 15th Air Force was reactivated (combining 12th and 9th Air Force) at Shaw AFB, which is responsible for generating and presenting Air Combat Command's conventional forces. The wing remains committed to its goal to "Train and Project Unrivaled Combat Power.
Updated Website: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/About/
Population:
Total population: 16,317
Bay County population (2026 estimate): 214,310, reflecting a 3.52% growth rate over previous year 2025.
Bay County is the 30th largest county in Florida.
Population Type
The installation is located in Bay County on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle, 12 miles east of Panama City. The Panama City area, best known for its sugar-white sand, emerald green waters and a popular tourist destination.
The host unit, the 325th Fighter Wing, develops resourceful and resilient airmen trained to project unrivaled combat air power on behalf of the United States of America. The wing is at the forefront of combat aviation, spearheading air dominance with a formidable fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft. It also serves as a vital cornerstone for mission success by hosting numerous tenant organizations integral to national defense.
In 2018, the base sustained a direct hit from Hurricane Michael. Construction is now underway to rebuild the base and shape it into the Air Force’s first 21st century "Installation of the Future."
Tyndall Air Force Base is located on the Gulf of Mexico, in the Florida panhandle, 12 miles east of Panama City on Highway 98 or locally known as Tyndall Parkway. Tyndall can also be reached via I-10, exit highway 231 South to Panama City, then exit left on Transmitter Road to Highway 98, then left on Highway 98 and drive 6 miles to Tyndall AFB. The Panama City area is best known for its sugar white sand and emerald green waters and is a popular tourist destination.
From the Airport
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located at 6300 West Bay Parkway, Panama City, FL 32409 and is approximately 32 miles from the base. If your sponsor is unable to meet you, transportation can be arranged through a commercial taxi, ride-share or shuttle service. The Bay Town Trolley does not go to the base.
By Car
Highway access is via U.S. Highways 98 and 231, as well as State Routes 20, 22, 77, and 79. Interstate 10 is approximately 45 miles north of Panama City. U.S. Highway 98 is the only highway to and from the base. If arriving via U.S. Highway 231 from the north, you must access East US Highway 98. Tyndall is about 13 miles east of Panama City and 20 miles west of Port St. Joe.
Taxi services are not available on Tyndall AFB.
Tyndall AFB does not support a daily Shuttle Bus service. Shuttle Buses are used for base wide events throughout the year.
There is not a Base Operator for Tyndall AFB.