Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bay High School’s Student Government Association will host a fish fry fundraiser on Friday, Mar. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot across from Tommy Oliver Stadium to honor Blake Burch—a junior JROTC cadet who died of leukemia in February—and support his mother, a teacher at the school. WJHG
- ➤ Panama City Beach lifeguards are on duty today for spring break with full staffing of 20 and expanded patrols using 11 teams with jet skis to cover the shoreline. The department also emphasizes flag education to help keep beachgoers safe. WJHG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched a Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station around 5 a.m. on Mar. 4, lighting up the Panhandle sky for local residents. WJHG
- ➤ Panama City Beach businesses are welcoming spring break visitors as hotels and restaurants report rising bookings; Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort sees 50+ to 80+ percent occupancy, and local owners expect the busy season to extend into April. WJHG
- ➤ A power company cleared 7 acres on Whitfield Road yesterday + began work for a new substation with no warning. The clearing is part of planned upgrades to local power services. WJHG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Panama City's regular gas now averages $2.92 a gallon, up 12.5 cents since Tuesday — part of statewide increases linked to global supply concerns. Residents should expect further changes in pump prices if the situation endures. Panama City News Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State law prohibits touching sea turtles, nests and hatchlings on local beaches during nesting season from Mar. 1 to Oct. 31, and officials advise contacting beach personnel or the FWC if a turtle appears distressed. Panama City News Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On March 04, Governor DeSantis visited Panama City and announced over $13 million in awards from the Job Growth Grant to fund an aircraft engine repair station in Bay County, a float dry dock at Eastern Shipbuilding, and a road to support future workforce housing in Port St. Joe. Bay County Coastal
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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.
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Owls of Colorado and Florida Presentation
3-5 p.m. — FSU Holley Academic Center — Free entry — Discover the fascinating world of owls with expert Scott Rashid, featuring his stunning watercolor art and engaging presentation.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.
~ Naval Ravikant
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