PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – A donation from the Edward F. Hickey Jr. Memorial Trust will provide a new element of constructive playtime for children at FSU Panama City’s Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP).

According to a news release, $38,000 is going toward improvements in the ECAP Fun Room, including an enclosed activity area with slides, tunnels, and more.

“It’s going to infuse new energy into the Fun Zone and provide excitement for our clients that can be used to fuel their individual progress,” ECAP Program Director Nikki Dickens said.

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The new Fun Zone play area will be unveiled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22 in the ECAP clinic at 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City.

Hickey, a Panama City Beach business community pioneer since the mid-20th century, died in 2021. He owned and operated several businesses in Panama City Beach over the years, including Ed’s Beach Services, which provided jobs and opportunities to generations of residents.

Hickey continues to provide for Bay County’s future.

In 2024, the trust established an endowed scholarship at FSU Panama City; later this year an adult education component of the ECAP program, funded by the trust will open to provide life skills training.

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