В Панам-Сити прошел благотворительный конкурс барбекю в пользу ветеранов

Smoke off competition raises money that benefits wounded veterans PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -T’s on Thomas and Warrior Beach Retreat teamed up Sunday for a smoke-off competition where local pitmasters put their barbecue to the test, and the community picked the winner. T’s on Thomas hosted the smoke-off competition, with the community tasting, judging and picking their favorite. “Today we have some amazing local pitmasters, they have businesses alongside the beach, they have come to challenge their skills and they are putting out the best of the best on these pits right now,” said Frank and Rick Thompson, owners of T’s on Thomas. One hundred percent of ticket and raffle sales went to Warrior Beach Retreat. “We’re local and we started 17 years ago after our son lost both of his legs above the knee in Iraq and wounded his hands,” said Linda Cope, founder of Warrior Beach Retreat. Warrior Beach Retreat is a local nonprofit organization started by Linda Cope and her husband that brings wounded veterans and their spouses or caregivers to Panama City Beach, giving them a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. “So many of them have felt alone and isolated, and when they come and it’s eight other couples, they realize they are so often dealing with the same battles and challenges and they literally heal each other,” Cope said. Cope said the organization has helped hundreds of couples find community in each other. “They see the support of this community and realize they are not forgotten,” Cope said. On Sunday, Bay County made that support loud and clear, with over 135 tickets sold. “When we need to come together it is an impactful beach that comes together and unites. I am so proud to call this community home,” Cope said. Warrior Beach Retreat’s next event is Nov. 12 at Boardwalk Beach Resort. The organization will host a parade and ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. honoring eight veterans and their spouses while they are on the retreat. The event is free and open to the public. To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter). Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email [email protected]. Please include the article’s headline in your message. Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app. Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.