The FL panhandle is one of the worst places to commute from in the country for SWA. Delta guys have it rough too, but at least they have frequency and the state bird of Florida (the 757) on some flights.
I used to live there. It's a great place to live. That commute will suck the life out of you, though. I know guys down in destin/ft Walton that used to have to drive to PNS are now able to use VPS, but everything down there is highly seasonal and generally full.
As mentioned above, commuters are like water and flow in the path of least resistance. Most go to Houston. The thought of even considering driving to ATL is a non starter. Way too senior, not that close. I know there used to be a few Orlando commuters who lived there and took silver when that was a thing (not sure if it still is), but same scenario there.