The second of two stalwarts who grew the Flora-Bama into the iconic roadhouse it is today, Pat McClellan, has passed away.

McClellan, who joined long-time owner Joe Gilchrist as a part owner in 1984, died July 22.

“He had a gift for turning ordinary days into stories worth telling,” a press release from the bar stated. “He believed the best things in life weren’t polished… they were salty, sandy, a little loud and shared with good people. Pat was quick with a joke, had a boisterous laugh, a huge presence, was never short on a story and somehow always managed to remind us not to take life too seriously… quietly showing us what really mattered… people.”

Gilchrist, who bought the Bama from the Tampary family in 1978, passed away on May 25, 2022. John McInnis III is the current majority owner of the Flora-Bama, buying the majority share in 2009 and bringing in another partner, Cam Price.

McClellan was personally responsible for many of the fun events that thrive today and are highlights of the year at the frolicking beachside party place. Mullet Toss, dubbed “Adult Spring Break,” started when he and some buddies were sitting around bragging about who could throw a mullet the farthest. It is now a four-day event that packs the island and the Flora-Bama with nonstop revelry and raises tens of thousands of dollars for local charities.

Another McClellan brainchild is the annual Polar Bear Dip at noon on New Year’s Day. It’s also another that kind of started this way: “That water ain’t that cold. I’ll go for a swim,” on a random New Year’s Day some 43 years ago.

“Some people own a business. Pat McClellan built a legend,” the news release states. “If you’ve ever thrown a mullet, toasted a Bushwacker, danced barefoot to a band you didn’t know you’d love, laughed with a stranger who became a friend or watched the sun disappear over Perdido Key… you’ve experienced a little piece of Pat’s heart.”