Top, Lila Banachech, a waitress at The Boarding House, busily delivers lunchtime order Thursday. The Bay County Commission voted not to renew the lease for the popular restaurant near the Bay County Courthouse. Like an old Frank Capra movie, community residents are rallying around The Boarding House restaurant to prevent the county from shutting it down. For 10 years, proceeds from The Boarding House restaurant have benefited unwed expectant mothers.
Some customers are outraged.
Tom Cremeen of Panama City says The Boarding House is one of his favorite restaurants. He sees no reason for the county to close it. County commissioners voted to evict The Boarding House because of repair problems. According to a February inspection, the building needs the roof replaced as well as some window panes and screens. The kitchen floor is in immediate need of repair.