Good morning, Panama City.

Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center welcomed hundreds when it reopened Jan.16 after an eight-year closure, offering gym space, arts & crafts, and a study room for families and students.

City officials say a membership structure will be introduced on March 1 while outside use remains free.

Team Adaptive Medical Mobility Show and Tell offers a free event that connects Veterans to local resources + details on timing and location will be shared by organizers soon.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is beginning work on a new hopper dredge to boost coastal resilience and protect nearby shorelines when complete.

The project is set to enhance local defenses in coming months.

A new documentary titled Rosenwald: Panama City Documentary explores local history and culture and will feature interviews with community members; screening details are expected soon.

Short-spined thrips, invasive pests that have attacked local gardens since 2020, are now hurting ornamental and vegetable plants throughout Florida.

Experts advise homeowners to inspect leaves for silver scars and curled tips *to catch infestations early* and use natural controls like beneficial insects or horticultural oils.

Online platforms including Facebook groups track sargassum levels that can affect beach vacations today as residents check updated reports along Gulf coast beaches while experts warn that forecasting seaweed arrivals remains challenging.

Former Panama City Beach mayor Mike Thomas was honored yesterday when his name was added to a building's entrance to recognize his service.

The dedication marked his contributions to local leadership.

City officials and Dover and Kohl representatives met with residents at City Hall on Jan.

22 to review plans and approve renovations for City Pier railings while gathering input on the downtown marina’s future. Work is expected to begin soon.

Authorities issued a boil water notice for Alford on Thursday, Jan.

22 after potential water contamination concerns arose. Residents are advised to boil water or use bottled water until officials update the guidelines.

The FHSAA Board of Directors will meet virtually Thursday, Jan.

29 (via YouTube) to discuss a proposal to combine high school Rural and Class 1A football divisions due to falling participation, which could realign competition and clarify independent school status.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gaither Vocal Band Concert

5-7 p.m. — Hiland Park Baptist Church — Tickets starting at $90 — Experience unforgettable harmonies with the Gaither Vocal Band live in concert.

MSBL Sunshine Classic 2026

All day — Publix Sports Park — Free entry — Experience thrilling men's senior league baseball action with live streaming highlights.