Spotlight on Bay County’s Best // February 2025

Aerial Payne, Marketing Magician, Maranta Copy Co.

1. What [are the best pieces] of advice you’ve ever received? It’s a tie: “You’re only as valuable as the number of questions you can answer by yourself.” – Joe Gomez // “Always assume what someone else is doing is more important than what you’re doing.” — another Joe-ism!
2. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? Probably Isla Mujeres with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation on a Whale Shark tagging expedition in 2023! I had the pleasure of spending the entire trip with Guy’s daughter (Jessica), and the biodiversity was unmatched in my experience. These incredible creatures are the sole members of their genus and have a throat the size of a golf ball! Honestly, swimming with these majestic animals, diving with Manta Rays, watching a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle lay her eggs, and then doing underwater dances with cephalopods the next day… my life pretty much peaked.
3. What’s something about you that might surprise people? Probably not surprising after reading about my travels, but I went to college at Nova Southeastern in Davie, FL, for Marine Biology. Right out of high school, I joined the Youth Conservation Corps and later the Student Conservation Corps, working at the Panama City Field Office of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. After that, I worked for Carol at the chamber, helped Mark Sheldon and Rendy Lovelady produce Gulf Coast Jam, and a few years later, I found myself owning my own marketing firm. All of that to say, no one should be surprised when my personal journey leads me back to conservation. Heck, even my company’s name is the scientific name of a prayer plant!
4. What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? Christ… but I’m actually not the best at studying the Bible and even worse at attending church. So, I most often lean into two strong women in my life for inspiration when I need it: Armindie Shores and Destree McNeil. Each has a closeness with Christ that is evident in who they are. From Destree’s light in everything she does to Armindie’s steadfast embodiment of a Proverbs woman, I wouldn’t have founded Maranta Copy Co or grown it to where it is today without these women. Whether personal or professional, I’d be less of a woman without their inspiration in every walk of life.

Lori Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Coast Children Advocacy Center

1. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? Mastering a musical instrument like the piano or guitar —there’s something powerful about music and is a source of emotional connection. I listen to music all the time!
2. What’s something everyone should know about our community? Our community is incredibly resilient and filled with individuals who are deeply committed to helping others. There’s a real sense of unity when it comes to supporting those in need.
3. What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? I’ve worked on creating trauma-informed training programs for law enforcement and child protection professionals. These programs are vital for ensuring victims receive compassionate care throughout their journey.
4. What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? A free, high-quality child development center designed for children aged 0-5, staffed by highly trained and well-compensated professionals. The center would provide comprehensive care, early education, and developmental support, funded entirely through scholarships and grants to ensure accessibility for all families, regardless of income. This would help build a strong foundation for the next generation while ensuring that those caring for our children are supported and valued.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “I don’t know the key to pleasing everyone, but I know the key to failure is trying to.” It’s a powerful reminder to stay true to your values and focus on what truly matters.
6. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? Any wooded mountain top with no cell phone service—there’s something incredibly freeing about disconnecting from the world and immersing yourself in the serenity of nature. The quiet, the fresh air, and the breathtaking views create the perfect space.
7. What’s something about you that might surprise people? I have a deep interest in collecting unique, local art and crafts. I love to visit antique stores when I travel. 
8. What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? The Bible and particularly, the Book of Romans, is an incredible source of inspiration for me.
9. If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? Compassionate, resilient, united.
10. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I’ve always wanted to commit to reading a book a week. It’s a goal that combines personal growth, relaxation, and exploration of new ideas, but finding the time to stick to it consistently has been a challenge.

Monica Morales, Sales Manager, Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront

1. If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? It is more of a full sentence because we are that powerful. I know Jean Vanier didn’t think about Bay County when she said it, but when I read it, I think about us. When I first started becoming more involved in the community, it was a little tough to help, even though my heart wanted to. Then, when I realized that I could make a difference in my community, this verse became my new motivation. This is us: “One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.” – Jean Vanier
2. What’s something everyone should know about our community? Wow, we’ve really grown in so many ways! Our community is filled with diverse cultures, amazing companies, and vibrant businesses. And let’s not forget that our downtown is the new place that locals enjoy with family.
3. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with individuals in the sports industry, which has deepened my passion for this field. I am particularly interested in becoming an assistant coach or pursuing a similar role where I can contribute to developing athletes and fostering teamwork. I believe my experience and dedication would allow me to make a positive impact in such a position.
4. What’s one project you have been a part of that people might not know about? I had the pleasure of volunteering to plant sea oats in the sand dunes! It was such a fulfilling experience, and I loved being a part of nourishing our beautiful beach environment.. 
5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Consider the past as a lesson and focus your energy on the present.