Good morning, Panama City.

Panama City Beach is set to host the 2026 Gulf Coast Jam at Frank Brown Park from May 28-31.

Country music stars such as Keith Urban and Post Malone will perform while several premium ticket packages have sold out; general admission remains available in some tiers.

Spirit Airlines closed five Florida locations, including at Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Miami, and laid off almost 5,000 workers after filing a WARN notice on May 4.

The shutdown came amid rising fuel costs & global events that sharply worsened business conditions.

Schooners will host its annual beach party for students from the Margaret K.

Lewis Center with activities to help them build social skills plus a police escort and volunteers providing safety and support.

Gulf Coast State College held its 65th Annual Convocation on May 1 in Panama City to honor top students and faculty for their commitment.

Award recipients (including winners of the Bob Mcspadden and Robert R. Tinney Awards) were celebrated, and student affairs urged new students to take in-person classes to build campus culture.

Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 3 to May 9; on May 5, officials explained how watches + warnings differ and urged residents to rely on the National Hurricane Center's forecast cone to prepare for impacts ahead of Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1.

Bay County honored firefighters Tuesday by presenting Capt. Jared Sasnett's family (he died April 18) a flag flown at the Capitol, marking a tribute to his 13 years of service.

Leaders said the gesture honors local emergency work.

Bay County officials are urging residents to prepare emergency kits now as hurricane season begins on June 1, recommending flashlights, batteries, nonperishable foods and at least one gallon of water per person (and pets) during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Bay County awarded BCL Contractors a contract to upgrade the boat ramp at Highpoint Park on Deerpoint Lake to add more spots+ two docks and a kayak launch.

Construction is expected to begin 180 days from Tuesday.

City crews are repairing a water main break near the Martin Theatre downtown, and water service is expected to return by 4:00 p.m. Officials will alert residents if a boil water notice is issued.

Bay High freshman Kamari Saunders, whose standout basketball dunk helped launch his high jump career, practiced on Monday, May 4 in Panama City as he prepared for state competition — a promising step in his athletic journey.

Bay High veteran runner Nathaniel Wilson shared his tips for beating nerves ahead of state finals during practice on May 4 in Panama City (his advice aims to boost local athletes preparing for high-pressure meets).

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.

Unlocking the Secrets to Probate & Curative Title

6-8 p.m. — FINNS Island Style Grub — Free entry — Delve into probate and curative title strategies with expert Al Nicoletti for savvy investors.

Full Moon and Blue Moon Exploration

2-3 p.m. — Bay County Public Library — Free entry — Delve into fascinating insights on full moons and blue moons with the library’s NASA Ambassador.

Gulf Coast Jam with Riley Green

12–3 PM — Frank Brown Park — Free entry — Celebrate the 6th Annual Jam on the Coast with live music and community spirit.