### Introduction
As communities strive to enhance the health and well-being of their residents, fitness centers play a crucial role. One such center, the Forgotten Coast Fitness and Wellness Center, is on the verge of relocating to a new and improved facility in Eastpoint, Florida. This transition represents an exciting opportunity for community engagement and fitness enhancement, but it comes with the need for financial support.
The Forgotten Coast Fitness and Wellness Center is preparing to move from its former location at the Apalachicola High School building by September 2. To ensure a smooth transition to its new Eastpoint facility, the center is working to raise $120,000—critical funds needed for the necessary interior construction.
According to Jim Jones, the vice president of the nonprofit organization, the target opening date for the new fitness center is August 15. This timeline should allow adequate time for transitioning members and equipment before vacating the current site.
A significant driving force behind this relocation is a generous anonymous donation of $1 million from a St. George Island resident. This contribution enabled Forgotten Coast Fitness to acquire a new 8,000-square-foot facility in Eastpoint. Since then, local businesses have rallied to support the initiative, contributing over $200,000 in in-kind labor, materials, and equipment.
This project, with an estimated value exceeding $1.3 million, is completely funded by private philanthropy and corporate support, with no reliance on government or taxpayer funds.
Key contributors in construction and design include Galloway Construction and CONN and Architects. Additionally, companies such as Cates Electric, Thompson Total Air Solutions, and Keith McNeill Plumbing Contracting Inc. have donated vital services, while Bayside Lumber and Building Supply and ACE Hardware have provided necessary supplies and professional assistance.
Several local businesses have already pledged their financial support, including Water Street Seafood and St. George Island MedSpa and Wellness.
Kara Landiss, a board member at the fitness center, remarked, “This is a true community mission. Local businesses and corporate partners have stepped up in a huge way, and now we need the community’s help to finish the facility and open on schedule. This gym supports seniors, families, and young people, playing a vital role in keeping Franklin County active and healthy.”
For long-time member expressing personal connection to the center, the upcoming changes are significant. “I joined after I fell and broke my femur and ribs,” she shared. “Working out here helped me regain my mobility, balance, and independence. This place gave me my freedom back, and I know it’s done the same for so many others.”
The new Eastpoint facility is envisioned as a regional hub for residents from Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and Eastpoint. The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment, locker rooms, showers, and 24-hour access, providing the flexibility to grow with the needs of the community.
For more information on donating or exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.forgottencoastfitness.org or reach out to Jim Jones at [email protected]
### Conclusion
The efforts to relocate and expand the Forgotten Coast Fitness and Wellness Center highlight the power of community collaboration in promoting health and wellness. As the new facility takes shape, it provides a valuable opportunity for local residents to engage in fitness activities that support better lifestyles. Your involvement—whether through donations or simply spreading the word—can contribute significantly to enhancing community health.
