Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Panhandle Toy Expo will arrive this weekend featuring the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile - a special treat for families in Panama City. WJHG
- ➤ Will Rose from the Bay County Animal Shelter appeared live with Donna Bell on Wednesday to showcase a playful 5-month-old cat named Fluffers with a big, black, fluffy tail. The shelter (1600 Bay Ave) says 16 kittens are available for adoption. WJHG
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Tuesday, the Hunt family's home caught fire when a faulty wire in their daughter's bedroom sparked flames that destroyed decades of memories. WJHG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ If your Verizon phone is showing SOS in Panama City, it may be due to a widespread network outage that has caused over 100,000 reports in the last hour & engineers are investigating the issue. Check your network status if problems persist. Panama City News Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Voltari Electric Inc., a Canadian electric boat maker, will create 285 jobs + secure a $38 million investment in Bay County, announced the Bay Economic Development Alliance during Wednesday's meeting. The project, formerly known as 'Project Kilowatt', is expected to boost local economic growth. WJHG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bay District Schools celebrates National Mentor Month throughout January by honoring mentors who help shape student success. The school district is planning activities that recognize mentor contributions. WJHG
- ➤ Seacoast High School is accepting lottery applications for open enrollment and interested families should review eligibility and deadlines + requirements before applying. WJHG
- ➤ Bay District Schools reached a record-high graduation rate of 93.8 percent for the 2024–2025 school year, marking the highest rate in its history. Superintendent Mark McQueen said the milestone reflects the combined efforts of educators, staff, families, and students. Bay County Coastal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power filed on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to run for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District that covers Panama City and Tallahassee. He said his bid focuses on border security and economic growth after Congressman Neal Dunn announced his retirement. WJHG
- ➤ Panama City invites residents to share ideas at charrettes on a planned marina development. Sessions will be held soon — further details will be provided as the project advances. 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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Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras
Feb 6-7 — Destination Panama City — Free entry — Enjoy the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Panama City featuring over 14 Krewes.
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Fire Piano Show featuring Brandon Giles
5:30-9 p.m. — Neons Bar 72 — Dinner event — Light up your Valentine's Day with an unforgettable performance combining piano music and fiery entertainment.
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
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