Daily
Panama City
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Edward F. Hickey Jr. Park and Beach Access 22 opened on Tuesday with accessible beach features such as handicap parking spaces, an accessible beach ramp, and over 100 feet of mobility mats that extend from the sand to the water. The site—named to honor the founder of one of the first beach service companies—reflects a strong legacy in our community. WJHG
- ➤ Gulf Coast School for Autism will host its 2nd Annual Margarita Ball on May 10th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Shriners in Panama City to raise money for a sensory room for its clients. Kuryn Wheeler and Hope Patterson shared details about the event this morning during a NewsChannel 7 studio interview. WJHG
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On March 29th, police arrested three teens from Dothan after shots were fired near the Sky Wheel in Pier Park; on April 3rd, officers detained a suspect from Dothan following gunfire near Hammerhead Fred's; and on April 11th, three individuals from Georgia were taken into custody when seven shots were fired near a crowd at Zaxby's—all of which State Attorney Larry Basford said will face charges in the 14th Judicial Circuit. WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Bay County Public Library is hosting a bird-themed art exhibit featuring photos and paintings by Bay County Audubon Society members that is on display through the end of May— a meet-the-artists reception will be held on May 3 at 2 p.m. Panama City News Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Damon, a 200-pound male loggerhead who had nearly a year of rehab for buoyancy issues, returned to the Gulf after a satellite tag was attached to track his movements — a second sea turtle was also released on Wednesday morning. Officials said the institute continues rescuing sea turtles despite ongoing investigations nearby and will be busy during the summer season. WJHG
- ➤ The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will run from June 1 to November 30, and Florida has a 92% chance of a named storm—65% chance of a hurricane and 35% chance of a major hurricane. Residents are urged to prepare now by reviewing evacuation zones, making household plans, and restocking emergency supplies. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Clear Florida skies help residents watch the Lyrid meteor shower, which is active today and will peak on April 21-22. Fast, bright meteors are best seen in the predawn sky — they may appear suddenly — and will overlap with the Eta Aquarids peaking May 5-6. Panama City News Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bay County received a notice from FEMA in January 2024 that it might have to return $27.2 million in funds used to repair roads after Hurricane Michael—funds that have already been spent. Bay County commissioners said they are appealing the decision since all repair projects have been completed. WJHG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After winning a 2—1 Class 3A District 2 semifinal against North Bay Haven, Rutherford now faces Bay High in the championship today—marking their third meeting with previous wins of 13—3 and 4—1 over the Buccaneers. Panama City News Herald
WELLNESS NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR BetterHelp makes getting support simple and practical. They match people with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and sessions happen by phone, video, or chat from wherever life takes you. For a limited time, get 25% off your first month. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Panama City.
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Calvary for a Cause 5k/Egg Stroll
Calvary Panama City is hosting this 5k and Easter Egg Stroll on Saturday, April 19 downtown at the Courthouse to celebrate Easter. All proceeds go to the Panama City Rescue Mission.
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Calvary for a Cause 5k/Egg Stroll
Calvary Panama City is hosting this 5k and Easter Egg Stroll on Saturday, April 19 downtown at the Courthouse to celebrate Easter. All proceeds go to the Panama City Rescue Mission.
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Free Truist Family Financial Night
Attention parents and youth of Bay County! Register for a FREE event with dinner included that you don’t want to miss. Come learn about money with the whole family on April 22nd with Truist! Must RSVP by Wednesday, April 16th at https://forms.gle/BoRPM87wuovB1d8PA. 📍Location: Girls Inc. Center at the St. Andrew School at Oakland Terrace 2010 W 12th St Panama City, FL 32401.
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Redfish Film Festival
Thu-Sun — Destination Panama City — Ticket information available — Celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking in the heart of Panama City.
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Premier Events 7v7 Football Tournament
April 26-27 — Publix Sports Park — Registration fees apply — Compete in an exciting 7v7 football tournament for all skill levels.
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Comedy Open Mic Night
8-10 p.m. — St. Andy's Sports Pub — Free to attend — Showcase your comedic talent or enjoy a night of laughs hosted by Malcolm Xavier.
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Cinco de Derby Celebration
4-7 PM — 30Avenue — Tickets available — Experience the thrilling fusion of the Derby and a Cinco de Mayo fiesta with a Big Hat Contest and piñata-smash fun.
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20Th Century
Kaleidoscope Theatre - 207 E24th St, Lynn Haven - Ken Ludwig’s hilarious adaptation of the classic comedy by Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur. The stakes are simple: will Oscar Jaffe, the egomaniacal Broadway director, con his erstwhile and glamorous leading lady, Lily Garland, into signing up for his next Broadway show? It should be a piece of cake, except that Oscar is bankrupt and Lily is now a movie star. It all takes place aboard the Twentieth Century Limited from Chicago to New York, so the clock is ticking.
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Florida Hot Tub Expo
May 15-29 — Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County — Check pricing on various hot tubs and transform your backyard into a personal oasis.
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May the Cards Be With You!
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM — 4728 Bylsma Cir, Panama City, FL — Bring a dish to share — Enjoy a night of card games with friends and great food.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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~ Benjamin Franklin
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