Crowds view Andrews Institute
Curious folks tour world class medical complex

Submitted photo Guided tour groups got their chance to tour the Andrews Institute on Saturday. Approximately 1,500 people came through the main buildings and research and education center during the week and Saturday's attendees had the opportunity to meet Floyd Landis, the 2006 Tour de France winner, who came at the request of Smith+Nephew, a medical equipment group.

"Phenomenal" was the word that Robbie Mott used to describe the new Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze. Mott and others from Bikes Plus had the opportunity to see all that Andrews Institute has to offer the world class athlete or Olympian, and even the regular folks who want to be treated like one.

"The institute is great for all walks of life," Mott said.

Mott was one of approximately 1,000 people who showed up to see what's behind the Mediterranean architecture of the Andrews Institute, and why it will attract people from around the globe for performance training, surgery, rehabilitation, biomechanics and more.

"The day was a success. We are so pleased to have the community come and support us in droves," said Nikki Troxclair, marketing manager for the Andrews Institute.

Pam Randall/Gulf Breeze News Chip Wade tells a tour group that the Education and Research facility covers everything from childhood obesity to osteoporosis.

There were many other events scheduled on Saturday, including the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Pet Fest, and it was the first sunny Saturday in about a month, but people still managed to come and view the facility, which is named for famed orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.