Good morning, Panama City.

A Panama City woman watches her 30 foot century plant grow next to an electrical pole in her yard as it nears a rare bloom.

Experts say the drought-resistant agave, native to Mexico (used in tequila making), can take 20 years to bloom and will soon produce pups.

Yesterday at about 11:45 a.m., a shark attack at NSA Panama City MWR Marina injured one person who was taken to a local hospital by emergency service members.

Grand Master Entertainment will host its inaugural Summer Jam concert — featuring late ’90s and early ’00s sounds — at Frank Brown Park on Saturday, Aug.

15 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thirty-eight Bay County students ages 7 through 12 boarded a bus Monday for Camp Keystone in Starke, a free week-long summer camp provided by the Florida Division of the Salvation Army that offers air-conditioned cabins, swimming, arts and crafts, and survival skills.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northwest of Cuba on Monday, June 8, causing tremors felt in parts of central and western Florida (no tsunami warning was issued).

USGS data confirms that despite the shaking, Florida remains a low-risk area for earthquakes.

Florida homesteaders may see a tax cut after November’s election if an amendment passes, which would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 & $250,000 in 2028; meanwhile, Bay County has begun a hiring freeze and may cut non-essential positions to offset potential budget shortfalls.

After Texas confirmed cases on June 8 (including a travel-related dog case in New Mexico), no screwworm cases have been found in Florida even as concerns rise; officials say the risk to residents remains low and the last outbreak in the Keys was contained in 2016.

Bay County restaurants Beef O Brady’s, Dusty’s Oyster Bar and Taqueria Esmeralda 2 had high-priority violations during health inspections conducted June 1-7 as inspectors noted issues with food temperature control and an expired license; the Department of Business & Professional Regulation said follow-up inspections will ensure compliance.

Val Solorio won the women’s NCAA wrestling title in March and is now sharing her expertise in Bay County to train local athletes.

The champion, who started as a two-state high school star (Florida and Pennsylvania), brings hard-won experience back home.

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.

STEAM Circus for 7-9 Year Olds

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Gulf Coast State College — Cost info not provided — Engage in exciting science activities, technology shows, and engineering fun at the STEAM Circus.

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn

10:30 – 11:30 AM — Martin Luther King Jr Rec Center — Free entry — Explore, create, and discover through engaging activities for little learners and their caregivers.

Grand Slam World Series of Baseball @ The Beach Session III

June 29 - July 5 — Publix Sports Park — Registration required — Participate in a competitive baseball tournament featuring various age groups in beautiful Panama City Beach.

Real Fun Fourth: Star Spangled Spectacular

July 2-4 — Russell-Fields Pier — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with the Gulf Coast's largest fireworks display and festive waterfront events.

2026 July 4th Salute to Freedom Festival

4-9:30 p.m. — Panama City Marina — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display over St. Andrews Bay.