Pat McClellan spoke with 1819 News about the legacy of the Flora-Bama ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2024. After the news of his death last week, the Flora-Bama credited McClellan with building a legacy.
“Some people own a business. Pat McClellan built a legend,” Flora-Bama stated. “If you've ever thrown a mullet, toasted with 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. He had a gift for turning ordinary days into stories worth telling. He believed the best things in life weren't polished... they were salty, sandy, a little loud, and shared with good people. Somehow, he made a little roadhouse on the state line feel like home to millions.”
In 2024, McClellan told the story of how he became involved in 1984 and how far it has come since. From hurricanes to new additions, the Flora-Bama has continued to bring people together from all walks of life.
“We held on, like I said, through hurricanes and everything else for years and years,” McClellan said. “And now, for not only the next 50-year storm, but for the next generation to come, we’re still here.”
The full interview can be viewed below.
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