An Olympic Swim team may have it's sights set on the Panhandle, specifically Panama City Beach. The city is in the running to host the team for training for the next four years.
"Quite frankly I think it's ours to lose, I think we have it at this point," Said Ken McGartlin with the International Aquatic and Sports Foundation.
McGartlin says the city is one of two finalists, along with an unconfirmed city in North Carolina, to be the new home of the US Women's Synchronized Swimming Team. Currently, the team trains in Indiana.
"The surroundings and the livability of Panama City Beach would be much more attractive to the young ladies that are going to have to spend at minimum the next four years here," McGartlin said.
The team would make it's way to Panama City Beach to train right after the 2012 games, bringing along with them all the benefits of being home to a world class swim team.
"To be able to demonstrate to other athletes that this is a place that serious athletes come to train and perform, it does help us," said Tourist Development Council Executive Director Dan Rowe.
Rowe says not only would the team bring notoriety, but it could bring other tournaments and events to the area and create a significant economic impact. McGartlin estimates that impact would be anywhere form 1 to 2 million dollars.
Right now it looks like only one thing could get in the way of Panama City Beach's Olympic dreams - a roof. And that's going to cost a bit of money.
"It makes Panama City Beach a far more attractive venue if it has the bubble," McGartlin said.
While it's not a deal breaker, McGartlin says a bubble would be preferred by coaches and would cost anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000. Even so, residents are excited about the opportunity.
"We have a lot of different events here and that would be just perfect," resident Barbara Tomasello said.
"I think it will be something new for the kids to see and watch maybe, and learn and get interested in...as long as it doesn't take up too much of our pool time," PCB resident Jessica Franzese said.
Resident Joellen Horne added: "Panama City Beach is awesome, it's a great place to be, and it just gives us a chance to show what we have."
That four year stay may go beyond that. McGartlin says the team is looking for a permanent home. A final decision on the team's new home is expected to be made before the end of the summer.
