(Note: This is a feel-good story about the aftermath of devastation and the good mojo from building back better. No need to read further if you’re a crusty soul.)
There are a few first names that create powerful emotions. Elvis. Madonna. Herschel. You don’t have to say the last name. Their first name is enough to spark a memory.
Michael is one of those names. To the sports-minded, you probably think of the great Michael Jordan launching from between halfcourt and the foul-line for a thunderous dunk. Music lovers of course immediately think of Michael Jackson and his smooth lyrics and even smoother dance moves.
But to folks on the Florida Gulf Coast – Michael evokes a much different emotion … memories of a catastrophic hurricane that made landfall on the panhandle just east of Panama City. This is where our story begins.
Mexico Beach is a mix of “Old Florida” and new development. Known for its easy-going lifestyle and white sand beaches shared by its neighbors to the west, it is truly a hidden jewel along the Florida panhandle. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Panama City Beach and growing congestion in the 30A area, Mexico Beach delivers the same coastline and same fresh seafood but a bit slower pace that locals and visitors know … and appreciate.
That all changed in October of 2018. Hurricane Michael destroyed the region, making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane as the first storm of that magnitude to affect the mainland United States in over 25 years. Businesses gone. Homes completely leveled. A massive disaster and almost like a Hollywood production, except this was very real. Locals and transients alike were shocked, scared, overwhelmed … and sadly over 70 people perished.
Susan and Chris Cammack are good folks who called Mexico Beach their part-time home. Initially drawn to the area for the same reasons as others, they loved their place and their “second” community.
When Michael hit, they were in Atlanta and received a very brief -and very telling- call from a neighbor. The message was simply this. “It’s gone.”
Susan describes the situation as only she can tell. Hailing originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, her delivery is smooth, sugary Southern … sped up slightly perhaps by years in “the city” where you learn to speak a little faster so the transplants from up north can understand you.
“What do you mean ‘it’s gone’?” It was their home. Leveled to the concrete foundation. No resemblance that a house had ever existed. Sad, confused, overwhelmed, but motivated to build back … and better.
A short time after that dreadful day, Susan and Chris were back in the area, assessing the damage and thinking about next steps. They drove past a row of free-standing retail buildings separated from the beaches by only US 98 which is the main route in the area.
Chris noticed a “For Sale” sign in one window, or maybe Susan noticed first. For the record, Susan gets credit as Chris is also a true Southerner hailing from Dublin, Georgia, and a true Southern gentleman always publicly defers to his wife’s keen eye.
“Let’s buy it” was the simultaneous reaction. As Susan would go on to say, “I immediately had a vision of an ice cream and candy story that oozed fun and happiness which is what folks want at the beach. And this place needed some fun about that time.”
Mexico Beach Sweets was born. With Susan and Chris being hands-on with the renovation “to make sure it was done right”, the new oasis started to take shape. A feature element of the interior is a brightly painted wall of vertical stripes which Chris created – with Susan’s approval – which required numerous iterations. Because it had to be perfect. And it is.
Inside visitors will find refreshing ice cream along with walls of candy, including those nostalgic candies that many “older kids” grew up on. There are games and toys to purchase … one-of-a-kind memorabilia … special frocks and souvenirs … and often the latest-and-greatest “hot toy”. And a centerpiece of the experience is their Pez Candies collection that spans over 900 strong. It is a special place.
Next time you hear the name Michael, maybe think about something other than a sports figure or a musician. But don’t think about a devastating hurricane. Think about a whimsical fun oasis that came to life from two special souls who could see the rainbow after the storm. Because everyone loves ice cream and candy, especially when they’re on vacation at the beach.
Visit mexicobeachsweets.com to learn more and plan your visit.
