Good morning, Panama City.

Over a dozen HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital employees spent time outdoors in Lynn Haven to spruce up the new Born Learning Trail — a series of interactive stations that encourage families and kids to get active at Rails to Trails.

The effort partnered with United Way Northwest Florida and builds on the hospital's strong volunteer work noted in 2024.

Today, KidFest 2025 is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bay County Fairgrounds on 2230 East 15th Street where families can enjoy face painting, interactive games, and resource booths — including Florida KidCare info from Big Bend AHEC — while the free event brings the community together.

Organizers said the Redfish Film Festival is back in Panama City for its second year — they thanked the community for its support.

The 2nd Annual Red Fish Film Festival is celebrating the art of documentaries in Historic Downtown Panama City.

Tourism officials in Bay County say House Bills 1221 and 7033 would make tourist taxes expire every eight years — a change that might cut funding for ads, beach work, and local venues.

Officials urge residents to email state lawmakers to share concerns that these changes could hurt local tourism and the economy.

City leaders will move ahead with the West Beach Drive project after Tuesday’s election showed most voters support development.

At Thursday’s commission meeting, officials said one million dollars was spent on studies, fees and design plans — and that an 8 million dollar sidewalk extension from Frankford Ave to Johnson Bayou is planned while they keep working with the community.

A fox killed on April 17 in Bayou George tested positive for rabies, prompting the Florida Department of Health to issue a 60-day warning in Bay County.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with wild animals—ensure pets and livestock are vaccinated and seek medical help if exposed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paint Night at House of Henry

6-8:30 p.m. — House of Henry Irish Pub and Restaurant — All materials included — Create strawberry vibes while sipping and painting in a fun atmosphere.

Corey Hall Live Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — Burgunbarrel — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the soulful sound of Gulf Coast musician Corey Hall blending blues and folk elements.

Night of Poets

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Panama City Center for the Arts — No refunds — Experience an evening filled with captivating poetry, music, and art performances that celebrate creativity and expression.