Nicholas A. Beninate
Downtown Improvement Board Chairman
Nick is a partner at the law firm of Harrison Sale McCloy. Mr. Beninate earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from University of Florida in 2006 and his B.A. from the University of Virginia, where he majored in both Biology and Environmental Science. Currently, he serves as City Attorney of Mexico Beach, serves as general counsel to the Panama City Bay-County Airport and Industrial District and the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority, and assists various businesses with their corporate and real estate needs. Before joining the Firm, he worked in environmental regulation and consulting. Mr. Beninate is the Chair of Leadership Bay, the Treasurer of the Downtown Improvement Board, and involved in the Bay Economic Development Alliance.
Liane Harding
Downtown Improvement Board Member
Liane Harding was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She earned a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services and a Master’s in Public Administration. She completed the naturalization process and became a US citizen in 2014. Liane was ecstatic that she was able to vote in her first US Presidential election in 2016. In addition to being a downtown activist, Liane is a 30 year paramedic and a lover of antiques; hence her motivation for opening Main Street Antiques on Harrison Avenue in 2015. When she’s not working and volunteering, Liane and her husband, Donald, a retired US Air Force veteran, enjoy spending time with their animals and working in their garden.
Kimberly J. Syfrett
Downtown Improvement Board Member
Kim Syfrett is a managing partner of Syfrett, Dykes, & Furr, a law firm focusing on personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, and Veteran’s Law. She has been a resident of Panama City since 1995. She earned a A.S. in Legal Administration from Cleveland State Community College, a B.S. from the Univeristy of Tennessee. She graduated from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1996. Kim is a member and active in a number of professional organizations including the National Organizations of Social Security Representatives, Florida Worker’s Advocates, Florida Justice Association, and the National Organization of Veteran’s Advocates. She also serves as a current member of the Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Rules Advisory Committee, and served as a past member of the 14th Judicial Circuit Grieveance Committee for the Florida Bar. Kim’s community volunteerism includes serving as a member of the Gulf Coast Women’s Advisory Board, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board. Kim is married to Clayton Syfrett and they have two children.
Jane Lindsey
Downtown Improvement Board Member
Jane Lindsey is a graduate of the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa campus with a degree in Clothing Design, Textiles and Arts. She was actually awarded a scholarship for clothing pattern designs. Previously, she owned and operated an antique shop in Arkansas that focused on Ozark Mountain primative art, novelties and pottery. Before making Panama City her home, Jane lived in Brazil and the Philippines teaching indigenous women English and homemaking skills. During her decades here in Panama City, Jane has owned and operated the largest antique and doll business in Panama City. She has served in the community as a CRA Advisory Board Member, Main Street member, and Panama City Downtown Improvement Board as secretary / treasurer. During her time on the DIB Board, Jane spearheaded the Dickens of a Christmas event from 2011 – 2015. She is a supporter of the Panama City theaters and performing arts. With a hectic schedule, she still finds time to tour both domestically and internationally teaching doll making and porcelain artwork.
Staff Members
Daric Freeman – Executive Director
