Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
Good morning, Panama City.
World Changers volunteers restored Irma Harrison’s home still damaged by Hurricane Michael as Jacksonville middle school students helped fix the property amid heat+rain.
The group will return in July to provide repairs for more homes in Downtown North and the Millville CRA district.
The Bay County Animal Shelter emptied its kennels on St. Patrick's Day as a fee-waived adoption event that began March 5 resulted in 51 pet adoptions, and more pets will be available tomorrow with waived fees until March 21.
Troy University ATO members are completing a 128.3-mile trek (Walk Hard) from Troy to Panama City Beach to raise funds for Jeep Sullivan's Wounded Warriors.
They were seen passing through Ebro Tuesday and will reach Pier Park this afternoon.
The Man in the Sea Museum offers free admission for kids during spring break—today to March 21—and families can enjoy a fun educational outing at this local venue.
On Tuesday, House of Henry hosted St. Patrick’s Day celebrations where locals enjoyed green beer, Irish music, and contests in a festive community gathering.
Families savored traditional Irish dishes and drinks (including corned beef, cabbage, and shepherd’s pie) as part of the holiday.
Gas prices surged overnight, with regular gasoline now over $4 a gallon in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton + Panama City priced at $3.52 as global supply disruptions from the ongoing Iran war push statewide averages higher.
The Edward F. Hickey Jr. Trust donated $25,000 to Career Online High School scholarships for adults lacking diplomas, with the program run by the Northwest Regional Library System to serve Bay, Gulf, and Liberty counties.
The donation builds on previous support, helping adults earn accredited diplomas while developing career skills.
Panama City is extending the warning period for an automated speed detection system in 11 school zones until a new 30-day period begins, with fines set to start in about a month.
Over 3,500 warnings have been issued so far & the system operates during school hours to enhance safety.
Two sections of Panama City Beach are closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. until April 30 to deter large gatherings and help police enforce spring break rules, as approved by city council.
During inspections from March 9-15, several Bay County restaurants in Panama City Beach received high-priority violations for food safety issues, while others achieved perfect scores with no violations.
Operators are taking action to correct issues identified by state inspectors.
Bay County Commissioners granted Sunstate Ambulance a certificate to provide EMS services—following Coastal Care EMS’s departure—and the new team, with four ambulances and 25 staff, will begin responding in Bay County in April.
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.
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.
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.
Lizzen Live in Concert
8 p.m. — Vibez — Tickets available — Experience a night of R-N-B with Lizzen and DJ Big Boi.
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