a family legacy of thrills and tradition in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Sea Screamer isn’t just any speedboat—it’s the world’s largest, and it’s making waves in Panama City Beach. Brought to the area by the Redmond family, this unique attraction offers a blend of thrills, education, and fun for all ages.

Cody Redmond, the son of the family and a captain on the Sea Screamer, describes the experience as much more than just a boat ride.

“We play good music, we narrate, we talk about the history of Panama City Beach. Our main focus is to go see dolphins—that’s really the main thing—but then we also have activities planned. We let all the kids take a picture steering the boat. In the summertime, and on our day trips only, we do our boat-to-boat water gun battle, where we pull up the boats side by side, and it’s just a crazy water gun battle. We give out dolphin tattoos to the kids and the adults, and at the end of the cruise, in the warmer months of the year, we pull up a crab trap and educate people on crabs, giving them the opportunity to hold a crab,” Cody said.

However, the journey to creating this popular attraction was not without challenges. Andy Redmond, a Vietnam War veteran who piloted Army helicopters, faced significant health issues due to exposure to Agent Orange. Despite injuries that left him with only one functioning kidney and a restructured leg, he and his wife saved up to invest in the Sea Screamer business.

Now, it’s truly a family affair. If it’s not a Redmond at the helm, it’s likely a close family friend. Garrett Hine, another captain for the Sea Screamer, has a long history with the family.

“I got involved and met the Redmonds a long time ago. Cody and I surfed growing up, and I’ve always been close with their family, working on the boats on and off through the years,” Hine explained.

The Sea Screamer has become a beloved tradition for many families, including Anna Huff’s.

“Our families are locals, so we like to come down every year and experience something new. They always bring all of the family out here whenever we come out,” Huff said.

From dolphin sightings to unforgettable water gun battles, the Sea Screamer offers more than just a ride—it’s a tradition that continues to grow with each season.

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