Good morning, Panama City.

Groove Fest will take place in downtown Panama City on Saturday, June 27, and founder Jermaine Hill says the music festival will highlight local tunes and community energy.

With summer break underway, local families navigate rising child care costs as Florida law does not set a minimum age for leaving a child home alone; experts advise parents to use trial periods and strict safety rules, recommending unsupervised independence after age 12 (and sibling supervision only from age 15).

National data shows drug overdose deaths declined in 2025, and Bay County recorded a steep drop from 2021 with only two overdose deaths this year.

Local health officials credit measures like Narcan use for improving the situation.

Florida's humid summer poses unique health challenges as heat indices reached 112 in parts of the Panhandle over the weekend.

Experts advise staying hydrated & taking breaks in the shade to prevent heat-related illness during persistent muggy conditions.

Bay County fans can vote for their high school Coach of the Year in the Florida Power + Light poll until noon Friday, June 19, with votes counting toward honoring local coaches.

Voters are encouraged to cast votes often to help choose the top coach.

Panama City Panthers won the APDFL Western Conference Championship against the Alabama Wardawgs on Saturday, June 13 & advanced to the title game.

They will host the championship at Tommy Oliver Stadium at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday, June 27.

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.