Daily
Panama City
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents can vote in a poll until noon on Feb. 25 to choose their favorite headliner ahead of the 2026 Gulf Coast Jam, set for May 28-31 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. Ticket packages are selling out quickly. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Zoo World is rebuilding with four improvement projects after a Jan. 15 fire damaged its Madagascar exhibit and killed seven lemurs. The zoo will add new lemurs, a bald eagle, and a remodeled giraffe exhibit, with some projects expected to finish in March. WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Smithsonian food exhibit 'Bayside Bounty' opens today at 10:00 a.m. featuring vintage local food artifacts, and Henry Godwin will discuss Rosenwald High School history on Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Bay County Public Library. WJHG
- ➤ Forrest Jamison was named this week’s Golden Apple Award winner in recognition of his community contributions (local organizers extend their congratulations). WJHG
- ➤ The 37th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival kicked off Friday with a sold-out shrimp boil at 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and will continue today at Village of Baytowne Wharf with over 1,800 expected for gumbo tastings, a Bloody Mary competition, and live zydeco music. WJHG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hutchison Beach Elementary was recognized statewide for earning the 2026 Exceeding Expectations Award — the only Panhandle school to do so. Its staff will travel to Orlando to join a statewide conference and share effective teaching practices. WJHG
- ➤ Ohana Institute will host an open house soon offering campus tours, teacher meetups and a look into its unique teaching approach for families in Panama City. WJHG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Department of Agriculture announced that the West Bay Shellfish Harvest Area will reopen today at sunrise for harvesting oysters, clams, and mussels after tests confirmed the water and shellfish meet NSSP standards under the Biotoxin Management Plan. WJHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials announced a boil water notice for Panama City Beach effective Feb. 23, advising residents to boil water before use until further notice. WJHG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bay High state champion Alannah Rhodes was voted Florida Power and Light Athlete of the Week after receiving 20,425 votes on Feb. 20 + she won the title in the 101-pound Olympic weightlifting category and earned bronze in the traditional lift. Panama City News Herald
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Gumbo Cook-Off
10 a.m. — Mexico Beach Boat Ramp — Entry fee varies — Enjoy a flavorful competition with live entertainment and community spirit.
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10th Annual Shaddai Shriner’s Rodeo
5 PM – 10 PM — Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County — $20 — Experience thrilling rodeo action and community spirit at this annual event.
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KoSA Bougie Bingo 2026
5:30-11:30 p.m. — The KOSA Event Center — $15.00 – $800.00 — Experience a night of luxury and laughter with the Krewe of St. Andrews' bingo fundraiser.
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Boston Richey Live Performance
4:30-7 p.m. — Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County — Tickets required — Enjoy an energetic performance by Real Boston Richie in a lively fair setting.
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Heroes Child 5K & Fun Run
8:00 AM — University Academy — $30 early registration — Run for a cause and dress as your favorite superhero while supporting local childcare scholarships.
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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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