Daily
Panama City
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Beach named his top ten U.S. beaches for 2026 with three Florida sites on the list. St. Andrews State Park near Panama City ranked second, Caladesi Island State Park came in third, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park was sixth. Panama City News Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arnold High held its commencement at Mike Gavlak Stadium in Panama City Beach on May 20, where graduates earned their diplomas and received congratulatory remarks from school officials (including principal Britt Smith and superintendent Mark McQueen). Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Authorities lifted lockdowns at Arnold High School and Breakfast Point Academy after confirming a student who was reportedly seen on campus was safely located at his home. WJHG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ NOAA predicts the 2026 hurricane season will be below- to near-normal with 8 to 14 named storms and 1 to 3 major hurricanes; residents are advised to prepare since one storm can change the outlook (55% chance below average, 35% chance near normal). WJHG
- ➤ The local shellfish harvest area reopens today after final safety inspections; officials say it meets all health guidelines and advise fishermen to follow current regulations. WJHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bay County leaders held a public meeting to get input on park improvements at Hiland, Majette and Zollie Young parks as the county plans to upgrade playgrounds, basketball courts, boat ramps and ADA access for the 2027 fiscal year + the proposals will be reviewed by county commissioners soon. WJHG
- ➤ Panama City Beach officials are urging visitors and residents to follow safety measures as Memorial Day weekend approaches — advising caution in busy beach areas to help ensure a safe holiday. WJHG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital emphasized the importance of recognizing stroke signs during EMS Week and Stroke Awareness Month in Panama City. Doctors urged quick action to shorten the door-to-needle time to 45 minutes (compared to the national 60-minute goal) and help prevent permanent disability. WJHG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The NAACP launched its Out of Bounds campaign on May 19, asking college football athletes, recruits and fans in Florida to withhold support to press for voting rights changes, but local universities and conferences have so far remained silent. The effort to influence the state’s heavy football economy remains theoretical. Panama City News Herald
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Breast Screening & Thermal Imaging Clinic
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Hope & Faith Wellness, LLC. — Cost varies — Explore non-invasive thermal imaging for breast health with expert interpretation included.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
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