For almost thirty years the Navy STAGES (similar structures to oil rigs) served the scientific and military communities offshore of Panama City.  After their construction in 1957 the towers stood firm and served in both good weather and bad. In addition to their primary mission the structures also provided an excellent habitat for fish, which in turn drew divers and fishermen. In the early years prior LORAN and GPS the stages were almost a magnet to boats on overcast days when land ranges were not visible.
Both towers were put into service in January of 1958.  STAGE 1 is located approximately 11 miles offshore in 107 feet of water and STAGE II is in 60 feet of water just a couple of miles from the jetties.  Built by a Texas construction firm the towers were pre-fabricated in two pieces and brought to Florida by barge.  When finally in place STAGE I was 105’ by 105’ and weighed over 718 Tons.  STAGE II was much smaller at 60’ by 84’ and weighed ONLY 250 Tons.  Both structures were forty feet above the water and were designed to allow helicopter landings and could support various personnel for up to 30 days.  After weathering dozens of major storms through more than twenty years contracted evaluation in 1980 reported deterioration.  Although remote sensors could now do most of the original projects the safety issue was unavoidable. Projects were continued but prolonged overnight stays were no longer allowed and in early 1984 bids were let for the dismantling.  The houses were taken down by crane and Navy EOD divers set charges on the legs of STAGE I on August the 9^th and STAGE II came down on August the 13^th.
The summer of 1984 was the end of an era in Panama City waters.  For almost 30 years boaters and beach visitors had the familiar site of the lone tower near the beach and on a perfect day you could see the offshore tower as a speck on the horizon.  Both STAGES were retired from their primary work and could concentrate of growing more and diverse marine life.  Now almost twenty years since the explosion removed their signature form the surface the two sites continue to draw fish, fishermen and divers.  The shallow tower has legs that are within 30’ of the surface and the deep tower legs rise up almost 60’ off the bottom.  Both locations hold bait and fish of all species and sizes.