PANAMA CITY BEACH — Part of a road on Panama City’s beach will now be named in honor of a longtime resident who helped the city make a call on its own.
In honor of William “Bill” Buskell, the author of Pineapple Willy’s Eating Place who passed away on November 8, 2021, City Council members voted last week to rename the component of South Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach to “Bill Buskell Memorial Drive. “
“Bill was a non-public friend of mine for over 30 years, and he was just a wonderful person,” Councilman Paul Casto said. We can do that to honor him. “
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According to the website of Pineapple Willy, the popular dining spot at 9875 South Thomas Drive once known as Pier 99 Lounge, an extension of the Pier 99 Hotel, of which Buskell is a managing partner.
Later, he bought the salon, renamed it and expanded the company’s footprint.
The editing schedule noted that Buskell developed Pineapple Willy’s in 1984. It not only has a landmark in Panama City Beach, but also an exclusive stop for thousands of tourists.
“The good fortune of Pineapple Willy’s led its visitors to take home souvenir T-shirts, which are street advertising for the town and its beautiful beaches,” the paper reads.
He also says Buskell “contributed” to the founding of Beach Care Services, a nonprofit that is helping other less fortunate people who live and paint in Panama City Beach.
“He’s a pillar of this city,” Councilman Michael Jarman said. “I never met him to do anything positive for this city. “
“We are grateful for everything he has done,” said Mayor Mark Sheldon. “No one has given back to this network more than they ever have. . . You might just fill his restaurant, and all those other people together wouldn’t. “do as much as Bill did for the network. “