Daily
Panama City
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sherry Melton and her sister Pat used a home kitchen to prepare Christmas dinner for five fire stations and one police department as 2025 ended in Panama City. She hopes to make the holiday meal a yearly tradition that honors first responders. WJHG
- ➤ NewsChannel7’s documentary 'Beneath the Surface: A Gulf World Investigation' examines the decline of a once-loved local attraction, and the 10th Annual Cape San Blas Polar Plunge is set to take place soon, accepting donations for the Volunteer Fire Department. Last year, over 300 residents participated; organizers expect more this year. WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ NewsChannel7 has released an exclusive documentary — BENEATH THE SURFACE: A Gulf World Investigation — that details the decline of Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, once a cherished family landmark since 1969 that changed dramatically last year. WJHG
- ➤ The Panama City Music Association is hosting TAKE3, a concert combining classical, rock, and Americana tunes on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center (1200 Harrison Avenue). Bay County Coastal
- ➤ Emmett Rice, a meteorologist at NewsChannel 7, is building his music career while forecasting weather locally. He plans to release new music in 2026 and will continue balancing both careers. WJHG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Winter has drawn more tourists to Panama City Beach between Christmas and New Year’s, boosting local business traffic. Shimmering Seas will extend its hours today — a sign that holiday activity is expected to continue. WJHG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida was awarded over $209 million in federal funding to improve rural health care by hiring staff, upgrading technology, and expanding services. The Agency for Health Care Administration will soon release procurements for RHTP (Rural Health Transformation Program) statewide. WJHG
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Rosenwald Documentary Red Carpet Event
6-9 p.m. — Florida State University Panama City — Free entry — Experience the premiere of the Rosenwald documentary with a night of film and star-studded excitement.
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Great Pages Circus
1-2:30 p.m. — Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County — Cash only — Experience thrilling acts and family fun at this exciting circus event.
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PCB Mardi Gras and Music Festival
11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Pier Park — Free entry — Celebrate Mardi Gras with music, prizes, and festive activities for all ages.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Panama City
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