Food Boat Capsizes in Panama City Beach Storm—Owner Narrowly Escapes Disaster!
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL — A local food boat popular with beachgoers took a terrifying turn over the weekend when sudden severe weather caused it to capsize just off the coast. The floating food vendor, known for serving tacos and tropical drinks to beach crowds, flipped in choppy waters during an unexpected squall Saturday afternoon.
Owner Jake Simmons, who was aboard the vessel at the time, described the moment as “pure chaos.”
“One minute the skies were clear, the next I was fighting waves taller than the boat,” Simmons said. “It happened so fast. I barely had time to grab my life jacket.”
The Coast Guard responded swiftly to emergency calls and rescued Simmons, who was clinging to the overturned boat when they arrived. No other crew members or passengers were on board at the time, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Local beachgoers watched in shock as the boat, usually docked near the sandbar and a favorite for its floating kitchen concept, was swept away and flipped by the winds.
“This was one of our go-to spots for lunch on the water,” said longtime resident Ashley Lopez. “It’s heartbreaking to see it destroyed like that, but we’re so relieved Jake is okay.”
Weather officials reported a sudden squall line moving through the Gulf, bringing strong winds and dangerous conditions not uncommon during Florida’s summer storm season.
Simmons says he’s grateful to be alive and already thinking about rebuilding. “The boat’s a loss, but I’m not giving up. PCB hasn’t seen the last of me.”
Authorities urge all watercraft operators to monitor weather alerts and take precautions during pop-up storms.
