What thrift stores are now reopened in the area?

Nov. 05--BAY COUNTY -- At a time when many residents have items to donate and many more are needing low cost replacements for items lost in the storm, a reader took to our Bay Asked, We Answered series wondering, "What thrift stores have reopened in the area?"

While many sustained major damage, a handful have reopened.

Goodwill stores are open in Panama City and Panama City Beach several weeks after Hurricane Michael.

The Goodwill on 23rd St. in Panama City is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by next week plans to resume usual business hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The 23rd St. location accepts donations, and had several customers Saturday.

Goodwill locations in Panama City Beach--2826 Thomas Dr. and 13415 Panama City Beach Pkwy.--are also currently open from 9 to 6 p.m., though the Panama City Beach Pkwy. store also plans to extend closing hours depending on a manager's decision, according to an employee who declined to give their name.

The Thomas Dr. store is selling full stock and accepting donations, said Sarina James, the manager on duty.

Business "has been picking up," said James. "More people are coming out every day because they're getting vouchers from the Red Cross."

In addition to Goodwill, the Salvation Army on 15th St. will open Tuesday. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Other stores damaged

Other thrift stores in Bay County weren't so fortunate. The Goodwill in Lynn Haven -- an area that took a heavy hit from Hurricane Michael -- was damaged by the storm and not open Saturday. Portions of the side wall facing Ohio Ave. are gone and construction equipment is in the parking lot.

The Humane Society Thrift and Gift on Harrison Ave. in Panama City is also wrecked. A large chunk of the front wall is gone and the inside is full of debris. Signs saying "Do Not Enter" and "No Trespassing" are on the property. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on 15th Street, Catholic Charities thrift store on Business 98, and the Panama City Rescue Mission Bargain Center on 77 all appeared to have substantial damage.

Representatives from those stores were not able to be reached for comment.

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