Good morning, Panama City.

Families in Panama City celebrated Family Reunification Month at the Woman’s Club today (with certificates awarded and a raffle held) to honor their progress and unity.

The 70th annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival kicked off Friday night with singer Tracy Byrd and opens today with a run, pancake breakfast, and live music from Grace and Grit in Panama City — marking 70 years since its start in 1956.

A young man from Naval Warfare Center Panama City Division was critically injured in a shark attack while snorkeling near the MWR Marina on June 8, and he remains in intensive care at HCA Gulf Coast Hospital; a friend started a GoFundMe to support his ongoing recovery + medical expenses.

Bay District Schools announced a free breakfast and lunch program at 27 schools for the upcoming 2026-27 year — covering more than half of its 49 campuses.

The new policy will help students access meals at their school.

NSA Panama City has ordered that all recreational swimming areas be reopened after waters were closed following a recent shark attack.

Officials advise swimmers to be aware of marine life (including stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks) and to use the fish cleaning station across the street.

Social Security & SSI payments in July arrive on schedule with SSI checks on Wednesday, July 1 and Social Security benefits on birthday-based Wednesdays, while the agency transitions paper checks to electronic payments and updates Direct Express debit cards from Comerica to Fifth Third Bank for about 3.6 million cardholders.

The CDC warns tick bites are rising in Florida and the season is one of the worst in decades.

Local residents are urged to check themselves after outdoor activities and follow prevention tips — like proper tick removal using fine-tipped tweezers — to reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Tom's Hot Dogs was the highlight of Foodie Friday on Jun.

26, 2026 — drawing local fans with its classic hot dog offerings in Panama City.

The first day of weigh-ins for the Bay Point Billfish Open took place Friday with tournament scales open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local viewers tuned in to the NewsChannel 7+ stream at 6:30 p.m. CT for full coverage.

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.