Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Panama City Beach will hold its annual beach cleanup on April 25 between 8 and 10 a.m. at the Russell-Fields Pier, where city staff and Public Works will provide gloves, pickers, and bags so volunteers can clear debris that threatens wildlife. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Today, Au-some Fest (a community celebration for people with autism) runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bay County Fairgrounds, coinciding with Autism Awareness Month. WJHG
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two infants died after being left in hot cars this year (including one in Florida), and forecast highs in the 90s this weekend remind parents to check their vehicles before parking to keep children safe. Panama City News Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Historical Society of Bay County announces a cooking segment with Ann Robbins at 1:00 p.m. today at the Bay County Historical Museum featuring 100-year-old kitchen gadgets — historical presentation on a 1963 court case will follow at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 27 at the Bay County Public Library. WJHG
- ➤ Angel Morris was named this week’s Golden Apple Award winner for her community contributions. The recognition was announced yesterday, adding another honor to our local achievements. WJHG
- ➤ Today at the Bay County History Museum at 133 Harrison Ave, local educator Ann Robbins will speak (from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.) about the history of Florida’s early frontiersmen known as Florida Crackers and how their lifestyle shaped local food traditions. Panama City News Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA reported that the national regular gas price dropped 7 cents to just over $4.07 last week; however, Florida prices remained nearly unchanged at about $4.09 on April 17 (Panama City averaged $3.76). Monroe County still has the highest rates. Panama City News Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at FSU Panama City showcased their research projects at the annual Student Research Symposium at the Holley Center, with faculty + community volunteers judging presentations and awarding scholarships and honors; the event highlighted academic growth and career skill development. WJHG
- ➤ Margaret K. Lewis School held a mock deployment as part of the Month of the Military Child; staff divided classes into squadrons for job assignments and military training, and students joined Tyndall Air Force Base airmen at a nearby location for care package distribution. WJHG
- ➤ Florida education officials blocked introductory sociology courses from counting toward general education requirements at state colleges on April 17. The decision extends a rule already in place at public universities amid debate over course content that critics say promotes ideology. Panama City News Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bay County faces high fire risk starting today amid its worst drought since 2012—officials report burn bans are in effect as gusty, dry conditions could boost wildfire spread until April 20. Panama City News Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida residents may search for unclaimed funds using the state's FLTreasureHunt.gov website—this free service returned a record $92 million in March, including $1.06 million for Panama City residents—to help families claim forgotten financial assets. Panama City News Herald
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Panama City Beach Gulf Coast IRONMAN 70.3
Time to be announced — Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort — Entry fees vary — Experience a challenging triathlon amidst stunning emerald waters and white sand beaches.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Panama City
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