Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The ULA Atlas V rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral at 1:45 a.m. ET Saturday, April 4 carrying Amazon Leo satellites and may be visible from many parts of Florida — weather permitting. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ The Lynn Haven Garden Club will host its semi-annual Plants & More Sale on Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roberts Hall, 821 Florida Ave, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and school beautification projects. WJHG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Since the Iran War began, Florida businesses have faced steep fuel price surges — diesel is up 58% and gas 47% — leaving companies like Daytona Beverages and independent truckers struggling with higher costs. Panama City News Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Breakfast Point Academy teacher Grace Owens is answering her 4th-5th graders' questions with poetry and science lessons for Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Day. The class will hold a special event on April 16 (featuring a play and a song) to explore historical figures with autism. WJHG
- ➤ Patronis Elementary principal Brooke Loyed was named a top-three finalist for Florida Principal of the Year by the state Department of Education (selected from 67 counties). The statewide winner will be announced later this year. WJHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City leaders and residents viewed updated renderings for the downtown marina improvement project (current planning) on Wednesday. The project has been in development since 2019 and will help revitalize the marina area. WJHG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Panama City Beach officials warn that dangerous rip currents are expected this weekend during spring break. The Beach Safety Division advises swimmers to obey red flag warnings — stay only in knee-deep water and call 911 if someone appears to be in trouble. WJHG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Brad Waggoner has decided to remain as head coach for Blountstown football in 2026 instead of stepping down. He explained that his family & community are why he will continue to build the Tigers into a top team. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Rutherford senior wide receiver and defensive back Bray'lyn Hurd signed with Warner University on Wednesday, April 2, to continue his football career and study nursing, building on his success at Rutherford. Panama City News Herald
-
Lizzen Live in Concert
8 p.m. — Vibez — Tickets available — Experience a night of R-N-B with Lizzen and DJ Big Boi.
-
Earth Day Celebration
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Oaks by the Bay Park — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with family activities including music, crafts, and a special tree giveaway.
-
Tree Giveaway
8-11 a.m. — Oaks by the Bay Park — Free trees for residents — Grab two free trees to help restore the urban canopy after Hurricane Michael.
-
Dave Koz Summer Horns Concert
12:00 – 8:30 PM — Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater — Ticket prices not specified — Experience a day of smooth jazz with renowned musician Dave Koz and friends at this exciting festival.
-
Blessing of the Fleet & Fish Fry
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Panama City Marina — Proceeds benefit local services for brain injury survivors — Celebrate with fish, festivities, and the unique tradition of Sock Burning.
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
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Panama City
Welcome to the Daily Panama City, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Panama City, Florida community. If you like the Daily Panama City, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Panama City.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Panama City and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Panama City
A free Panama City community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailypanamacity.com/sitemap