PANAMA CITY — The early morning shift at Gulf Coast Dermatology was interrupted Friday when FBI agents raided the medical complex on Harrison Avenue in search of documents, authorities said.
The workday of employees at Gulf Coast Dermatology, 2505 Harrison Ave., who arrived at 5:30 a.m. Friday morning was cut short by federal agents. FBI investigators served a federal warrant on the business, evacuating the building and demanding to look through documents; but details of what the agents sought remained unclear as their search spanned most of Friday.
Although the office was closed Friday, staff said it would reopen Monday as usual.
One lab employee, who didn’t want to give her name, said they were handling specimens before the office was set to open when agents entered around 7 a.m. and told them to leave the building. Agents said little about why they were there.
“I have no idea,” the employee said. “It was a ‘Hi, we’re here. You need to finish up.’ ”
Meanwhile, other employees received calls telling them to not report to work.
FBI officials did not return requests for comment Friday. And FBI agents on scene weren’t able to divulge much about what was unfolding.
“We’re executing a federal search warrant, and there’s not any additional comments we’re going to make at this time,” said FBI supervisor Spencer Evans.
Dr. Jon R. Ward, president Gulf Coast Dermatology, did not return a request for comment. Dr. Michael A. Stickler is listed as vice president of the business.
Beth S. Courtney, spokeswoman, said they were not sure what authorities sought; and FBI investigators had not revealed the cause for their search. However, Courtney said they expect to be reopened by Monday.
“We are working to resolve any questions in cooperation with the authorities,” she said. “We do not believe this situation will interfere with our ability to care for patients.”
Gulf Coast Dermatology has 21 locations in north Florida, south Alabama and south Georgia, according to their website, including the one in Panama City. Panama City is the company’s corporate headquarters. No other locations have been closed or raided, Courtney said.
“Gulf Coast Dermatology is committed to quality patient care,” she added. “Although our downtown Panama City office is closed today, all other offices are open and patients continue to be served.”