When I was just 13 years old, I was victim to a very random attack. A total stranger, whacked out on drugs and totally out of his mind, randomly picked my house to break into when we were all home! It wasn't quite dusk and the streets were quiet. I was already in my pajamas, doing my homework. This perpetrator aimlessly stopped in front of our house, strode up the sidewalk, and proceeded to beat our front door down.
This was back in the days before cell phones. We were tied to land lines. Our rotary phone happened to be in the front entry of our house, in close proximity to this crazed maniac, who was pounding and kicking on our front door. Being too afraid to go to the phone to call for help, I ran out the side door, and across the street to report what was happening. I remember being in my pajamas, and so frightened by what was happening that I could barely speak. My teeth were literally chattering, my young body shaking in fear.
To this day, I don't recall exactly what happened, and the full sequence of events. I was traumatized. I didn't feel safe for a very long time afterward, but I quickly came to have a very strong appreciation for local police officers and law enforcement officers. Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, it was the Raleigh Police Department who responded to the 911 call to summon help. I remember the lights flashing outside our house, and standing in fear and awe as they arrived, and quickly took control of our unwanted intruder.
Sgt. Mike Morris is a 15 year veteran of the Bay County Sheriff's Office (BCSO.) He shows up when his community calls for help. Originally from Texas, he was born in Houston, and grew up in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth. He moved to Florida in 2005, just before Hurricane Katrina, and pursued his desire to become a Police Officer there. A child of the 1980's, he grew up watching Miami Vice and other tv shows featuring police, and always wanted to become an officer of the law. He now covers the west end of Panama City Beach, where our little beach cottage, FLIP FLOP HOLIDAY Beach House, is located. This is where Eddie and I got to meet Sgt. Mike as I affectionately refer to him.
Sgt. Mike is the Crime Prevention Officer, and is in charge of the Beach Patrol and Surf Rescue Team. He serves as a liaison to the Carillon Beach community, and I am proud to say he is our friend. Sgt. Mike serves under the leadership of Sheriff Tommy Ford, of Bay County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Mike is yet another reason to be proud to be part of this special community. He is a gentleman, a brave and staunch civil servant, and a protector of our community quietly serving those he is charged to protect.
Because of officers like Sgt. Mike, Carillon Beach, and the Panama City Beach area are made safer for it's residents and visitors alike. It is often the influx of visitors who cause the local population to swell that challenges law and order, but I am confident that BCSO and other local law enforcement offices are ready and able to handle any situation. Thank you for making our beloved community safe for us and for our guests! You are appreciated.
Note: Now offering 50% off our regular Admin fee for all law enforcement officers (LEOs.) The officer must be the primary guest, who books the reservation, and must provide proof of their service in order to receive this discount. Eddie and I thank you for your service! God bless you and protect you.
~Lynn and Eddie