PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) – Pat McClellan, the longtime co-owner of the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge & Package who built the quiet state-line roadhouse into a nationally famous Gulf Coast landmark, died Wednesday evening.
He died peacefully in his sleep, the establishment announced on social media.
McClellan joined founder Joe Gilchrist as a business partner at the beachside honky-tonk in October 1984, according details of his life outlined in the announcement. He is credited with helping shape the bar’s legendary culture and creating several signature regional traditions, including the annual Inter-State Mullet Toss and the Polar Bear Dip.
Before his decades at the Flora-Bama, McClellan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism and advertising in 1971 before joining the Navy Flight Program. He spent four years aboard the USS Lexington as a public affairs and special services officer…