Local chef Paul Stelatto dies, leaving a culinary legacy across Bay County

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Chef Paul Stelatto died Thursday after years of serving Northwest Florida’s culinary scene.

Stelatto set the standard with his French-Floridian cuisine at well-known restaurants like Canopies, Firefly, and Pompanos across Bay County.

“Chef Paul was one of these old-style French-style chef’s where no excuses, get the consistency, maintain the standard, and make sure it’s done,” said Chef Leon Brunson.

Dave Trepanier, owner of Firefly, said Stelatto played a huge role in the restaurant’s success.

“Paul came along; he was one of the main reasons I wanted to buy into Canopies, to have him here at Firefly. So he has been here with us since day 1. And was obviously just very instrumental in the success of Firefly,” Trepanier said.

Stelatto’s talent took him beyond Bay County. He cooked at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and for former President Barack Obama.

“To me, I wanted to be near people who had that kind of experience because that’s something I wanted to do. He had an insane sense of pride, not only in his name and the restaurant but in every single dish,” Brunson said.

Trepanier said Stelatto could be demanding but caring.

“He could be as mad as he could possibly be, but he had a kind heart too, you know. He looked out for people. Cared about people. So I mean, he was the same guy who could throw a pan in one minute and give a big hug around your neck the next minute,” Trepanier said.

Beyond the kitchen, Stelatto was a Miami Dolphins fan, motorcycle enthusiast, and, according to his family, the best grandfather.

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