Good morning, Panama City.

The Panama City Rescue Mission received around 700 boxes of donated food from the Stamp Out Hunger food drive now extended because of rainy weather — volunteers sort the donations so the pantry serves the homeless on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Tuesday evening, locals joined a duck race at Laketown Wharf to raise funds for Beach Care Services and enjoy food, music and a live auction; NewsChannel 7 won the competition with a time of 1 minute (18 seconds).

Ongoing road construction on Luverne Avenue is affecting Save the Closet—a nonprofit offering free clothing to local families.

The paving delay will last until the end of the year as Panama City officials expect summer completion, and University of Memphis students are helping boost donations.

Panama City is launching its Adopt-A-Park program today to engage residents and businesses in park care by volunteering for trash pickup, planting, and reporting issues.

Volunteers sign a one-year renewable agreement and can supplement city-provided mulch, seed, and plants with their own tools + supplies.

Unity Chorus of Northwest Florida is set to present 'There Will Be Light,' a spring show for local audiences that will feature inspiring vocal performances — details on date and venue are pending.

The inaugural Bay County Arts Fair took place at The Atlantis Event and Conference Center in Lynn Haven on May 11.

Forty local artists showcased their work and new programming, and organizers shared plans for a year-round online platform — building a creative hub for local talent.

On Tuesday, Bay District Schools and Gulf Coast State College launched the first CTE Fire Academy for the 2026-2027 school year at Rutherford High School, where 9th and 10th graders earn firefighter one certification after 191 hours of instruction, aiming to boost local firefighting talent.

Researchers are studying a high-pressure method to extract useful alginates from sargassum that is washing onto local beaches — the process requires carefully removing dangerous contaminants.

The study released May 12 could create new economic opportunities if safe processing is achieved.

Florida has expanded red snapper seasons on both coasts (the Atlantic season will last 39 days starting Memorial Day weekend and the Gulf season will extend 140 days) after Gov. DeSantis took over fishery management.

Conservation groups warn the change may increase overfishing risks.

The hurricane season will begin June 1, with daily tropical outlooks starting May 15 to highlight tropical disturbances using a new gray x marker; NOAA and the National Weather Service wrapped up Hurricane Preparedness Week to help residents check evacuation zones and prepare hurricane kits.

North Bay Haven senior Reese Warren, named Bay County Volleyball Player of the Year, signed to play for Southern Miss yesterday (she recorded 363 kills, 233 digs and 22 blocks last season) and earned praise from coach Emersonn Cabatu (whose support highlighted her leadership).

Gulf Coast State College named Adam Sweeney its new men’s head basketball coach on May 6.

He previously served as an assistant at Gardner-Webb and Northwest Florida State College and will be introduced at an upcoming press conference.

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.

Couples Comedy Dinner & Show

6-8 p.m. — Collective Soul PC — $70 per couple — Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy paired with delicious smoked BBQ dinner and fun couples games.