Daily
Panama City
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local Venezuelans in Panama City expressed relief after Nicolas Maduro was captured on Saturday as they recalled fleeing a 26-year dictatorship and now hope for change in Venezuela. They remain cautiously optimistic about future accountability. WJHG
- ➤ Operation Spay Bay launches Community Cat Mondays to offer cat owners in Panama City $60 spay and neuter services that include vaccines and a rabies shot. The nonprofit aims to reduce the stray cat population and slow disease spread. WJHG
- ➤ Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday, Jan. 19, giving all 67 county school districts a day off and creating a three-day weekend for state employees and local residents as part of this federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader. Panama City News Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tootsie's Orchid Lounge will reopen around the last weekend of February in the old Spinnaker Beach Club location and plans to hire 200 workers in Panama City Beach. Owner Steve Smith said the venue will feature live performances from top country acts (including Luke Bryan, Riley Green, and Cole Swindell). WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries will host a Jane Austen-themed fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 2—4 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library where guests in Regency attire can enjoy tea, live music, and floral arranging while honoring her 250th birthday as proceeds support library programs. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Tootsies Orchid Lounge, a well-known venue that revived Nashville’s Broadway, is drawing closer to opening in Panama City Beach and will share launch details soon. WJHG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bay County officials have temporarily closed the shellfish harvest area to protect public health. The restriction remains in effect until authorities provide additional guidance. WJHG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials report that the new Subclade K — a mutation of H3N2 — is driving high flu activity in Florida and hospitals have seen rising cases. Local agencies advise residents to get a flu shot as soon as possible to lower their risk of severe illness. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ A new study shows ultraprocessed foods raise colon polyp risk by 45 percent, prompting screening to now start at age 45—Dr. Johnson has noted an increase in younger patients with colorectal issues. WJHG
- ➤ During inspections last week (Dec. 29-Jan. 4), three Bay County restaurants, including Cahall’s Deli, Newks Eatery, and Waffle House, received high-priority health violations. The review identified issues with food temperature controls and sanitizer levels at locations in Panama City and Panama City Beach, prompting mandated corrective actions. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Dr. Thomas Johnson of Ascension Sacred Heart explained Dry January’s impact on health + raised concerns about a possible cancer link from alcohol consumption during a local segment. Panama City residents can use these insights as they plan their month-long challenge. WJHG
- ➤ Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf earned the Performance Leadership Award on Jan. 5 (recognizing its commitment to quality patient care). 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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Panama City
Welcome to the Daily Panama City, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Panama City, Florida community. If you like the Daily Panama City, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Panama City.
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