Good morning, Panama City.

Residents can donate nonperishable food by leaving it near their mailbox this Saturday—Letter Carriers will collect the donations for local groups like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities facing low food supplies.

The Panama City Police Department located 58-year-old Larry Hall after he was reported missing when he was last seen at about 1 p.m. on May 5th near the 400 block of West 23rd Street wearing a gray t-shirt, black pants (and black shoes).

The Historical Society of Bay County will host award-winning environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett on Tuesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. in the Bay County Library Community Room as she presents Seashells and The Sound of the Ocean through the Florida Humanities Speakers Bureau (co-sponsored by the Gulf Coast Shell Club). Admission is free (donations are appreciated).

Bay District Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 5 for a new classroom building at Deane Bozeman High School that will add 23 classrooms and cost $14.5 million — the project is partially funded by a FEMA hazard mitigation grant and will finish in 18-24 months.

The Florida Legislature passed HB 1105 that will ban mobile phones and tablets for elementary and middle school students from bell to bell+the law also sets a pilot program in six districts to test a full-day ban and report its impact by the end of 2026.

High school students may use devices for class work when allowed+the measure makes it easier to convert public schools into charter schools.

On May 4, Florida State University Panama City held its graduation at Tommy Oliver Stadium and awarded diplomas to 214 students.

John Barnhill—associate vice president for enrollment management—delivered the keynote address at the ceremony.

Students from local schools built artificial reefs for coastal restoration now on display at Capt. Anderson’s Marina as part of the Eastern Shipbuilding Group Coastline initiative—partnered with the Bay County Artificial Reef Association and UF IFAS extension.

The reefs will be deployed 17 to 28 miles off the coast in the coming weeks to serve as fish habitats and offer hands-on experience in welding and engineering.

The Bay County Commission awarded a $3,575,466 bid to Killian Construction to build a new fire station at 12421 East Highway 20 in the Fountain Community Complex.

The project is funded by a Community Facilities Program Grant — pending USDA approval with completion required within 365 days — and Killian faces a daily $1,000 fine if the work is delayed.

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.

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.

Seashells and the Sound of the Sea

5-6 p.m. — Bay County Public Library — Free entry — Discover the captivating history of seashells and their significance in nature and culture with expert insights from environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett.

Gulf Coast Jam Country Music Festival

May 29- June 1 — Frank Brown Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the vibrant country music scene over four days in beautiful Panama City Beach.

Jelly Roll Live Performance

12-4 a.m. — Frank Brown Park — Tickets TBA — Experience genre-bending songs from the rising star Jelly Roll.

The Red Clay Strays Concert

12-4 a.m. — Frank Brown Park — Free entry — Experience the musical journey of the Red Clay Strays from Mobile, Alabama.