Good morning, Panama City.

Deseree Barnes was named this week’s Golden Apple Award winner on May 23rd for her contributions to the community—she was recognized for her local efforts.

Rebuild Bay County, Inc. held a grand opening event on May 15 to unveil a new transitional home in Panama City with Bay Habitat for Humanity & the Bay County Chamber of Commerce partnering to support residents in need.

Guests toured the living spaces at 900 E. 9th Court and learned about the application process for up to six months of shelter assistance.

FPL is preparing for hurricane season by running mock storm events and upgrading infrastructure such as hardened bunkers, underground power lines and stronger poles (with smart meters, drones, and advanced tracking software) in Panama City.

The company advises residents to have emergency plans and extra supplies ready (including charged phones and pre-cooled fridges) as the storm season approaches.

Residents at St Andrews Towers will march on May 28 to demand a new stoplight at the dangerous downtown intersection after 81-year-old Mary Spitzer was hit by a truck running a stop sign and later died, and Clynton Ray Davis faces DUI manslaughter charges.

A Panama City charter captain, 31, was sentenced to one month in prison and fined $51,000 after he intentionally used toxic methomyl bait to poison and shoot bottlenose dolphins during his fishing charters—prosecutors said he carried out these actions between 2022 and 2023 even in front of children and other fishermen.

On May 16th, Sheriff Tommy Ford announced that Operation Staycation, a joint effort by local, state, and federal agencies, arrested 21 illegal aliens in Bay and Leon counties who mostly overstayed their visas—with four arrested for entering without inspection.

Bay High School marked 100 years of graduating classes by celebrating its 100th class — the class of 2025 — with a series of events that connected past alumni with current students.

Bay County Veterans Services will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery + local military bases and veterans organizations will honor fallen service members.

The public is invited to attend or reflect on the day + county partnerships with the Board of County Commissioners and Veterans Council support local veterans and their families.

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.

On-Site Tour of Superior Residences

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Superior Residences of Panama City Beach — Free entry — Discover top-rated senior living amenities and community activities during an informative tour.

PCPHC Charity Event

5:30-8 p.m. — Papa Joe's Bayside — Donation encouraged — Enjoy live entertainment by Shack N Up while supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bay County.

BCPL Virtual Book Club

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Bay County Public Library — Free entry — Dive into 'The Grey Wolf' by Louise Penny with fellow book enthusiasts online.

Florida Panhandle Toy Expo

All day — Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County — Cost info not provided — Discover a treasure trove of toys and collectibles at this exciting expo.

DAD GAMES 2025

1-7 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Panama City Beach — Ticket purchase required — Families compete in an ultimate arcade showdown to claim the title of DAD GAMES champions.

2025 Boys Basketball Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Gulf Coast State College — Cost info not provided — Campers will learn essential basketball skills in a fun and engaging environment.