FC–CPM-2026-3Q-merged - Flipbook - Page 24
The Importance
of Fisher House
Emerald Coast
// Christie Bascos
V
isit the panhandle for any length of time
and you will quickly realize that there
is a heavy military presence. From new
enlisted to retired veteran, Northwest Florida has
always been a home to a handful of military bases.
Spanning Pensacola to Panama City, these bases
accommodate thousands of military members
and their families each year, from recruitment to
training, to deployment.
There are countless organizations that come
together for our armed forces but there is one
organization that stands out above the rest. Our
military needs support when they are injured or in
need of medical attention and they need not travel
any further than the Emerald Coast’s very own Eglin
Air Force Base. Currently, Eglin AFB serves over
20,000+ personnel and provides services to over
92,000, according to their website.
Welcoming its 昀椀rst guests in October 2010 on
Eglin Air Force Base, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast was originally founded by Zachary and
Elizabeth Fisher as a way for them to give back to
“America’s Greatest Treasure”, the military personnel who serve our country. With a referral from
their physician, anyone who is serving or has served
in the military can seek accommodation at Fisher
House, as long as they are receiving medical care
in the surrounding area. Their loved ones are also
welcome to stay, and the sta昀昀 at Fisher House encourages it as the support from family during times
of medical care is of the utmost importance.
With seven Fisher House locations across the
state of Florida and 92 total houses in the nation, the
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast sets itself apart
from the rest as being the only house in Florida
located directly on an active Air Force Base. They
receive unwavering support and funding from the
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Foundation.
Situated directly across from the hospital, Fisher
House provides guests with a safe, comfortable
place to stay during the duration of their treatments.
Whether they have travelled from out of state to
receive care on base or are residing in the area and
need easy access to their healthcare provider, Fisher
House is ready and waiting to accommodate them.
The house hosts 12 suites, where visitors can
stay for an in昀椀nite amount of time. There is no limit
on the number of rooms a guest can use. The sta昀昀
is here to accommodate families of all sizes as they
support their loved ones undergoing medical care.
FROM TOP: COURTESY FISHER HOUSE OF THE EMERALD COAST; USDOD
SERVING THE
ONES WHO SERVED
24 // COASTALPOLITAN MAGAZINE // FALL 2026
CPM-2026-3Qp03-xx.indd 24
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