Tonie Bense
Panama City

Commissioner Tonie Bense was appointed to the Commission in September 2011 by CFO Jeff Atwater. She is owner and director of Tonie’s Dance Workshop in Panama City, Florida, is a dance educator and avid dance enthusiast. Her studio has been in operation since 1976 and it has grown to two locations and over 600 students.  A successful businesswoman, Tonie travels the country participating in and teaching at dance seminars and conventions ensuring that she stays up with the latest dance trends. Tonie is a native of Meridian, Mississippi and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi.  Panama City has been her home since 1974 where she continues to be  active in numerous community service projects. She is married to Allan Bense and they have three children and three grand girls.