Good morning, Panama City.

City leaders will reveal plans for a new military memorial trail at Bay Memorial Park on July 2 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Club — the event will feature branch flags, monuments and interactive reenactments, with full installation expected by early next year.

Panama City Beach will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks sponsored by Reel.Fun.Fourth, featuring displays on July 3 at the bay and Grand Lagoon and the Star Spangled Spectacular at local piers on July 4.

Officials urge visitors to arrive early and stay safe during this busy holiday weekend.

On June 27, kids enjoyed a splash at Daffin Park as the Bay County NAACP Youth Council hosted an event featuring an inflatable waterslide, beach ball play and cotton candy treats.

The event offered a safe, fun outing for local families.

Walton, Bay, and Okaloosa counties will host 4th of July festivities on Saturday, July 4 with local events planned to honor American independence.

More details, including times and locations, will be released as plans are finalized (check local listings).

Most major grocery stores and retailers will operate with regular or modified hours on July 4 while Costco remains closed; shoppers should verify local hours as Publix opens at 7 a.m. and Walmart at 6 a.m.

Widow on the Bay is hosting a free local history event at Little Village in St. Andrews today at 6 p.m. Residents can learn about the area’s past + connect with local heritage.

FSU Panama City's first Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice class passed the national certification exam with a 100% rate after completing a rigorous three-year program with over 34,000 procedures and 86,000 clinical hours.

Many graduates had already accepted full-time job offers at their training sites.

Florida faces a heat dome this week with temperatures rising 3-6 degrees above normal in the Panhandle, leading to dangerous heat and periodic thunderstorms ahead of the Fourth of July.

Residents are advised to take precautions & monitor local forecasts.

Doctors at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay warn that with Fourth of July approaching, fireworks, water hazards and heat can cause burns, deep tissue injuries and potential drowning.

They advise residents to cool burns quickly, assign a water watcher, stay hydrated and curb alcohol use for safer holiday celebrations.

Three Bay County restaurants earned perfect scores during June 22 — 28 inspections.

Captain’s Table Fish House Restaurant in Panama City, Schooners in Panama City Beach, and Tropical Drinks Bar Restaurant — a mobile unit — had no violations.

Record weekend temperatures in Florida prompt caution for residents as Europe endures a severe heat wave with rising heat-related deaths — health experts warn.

Dr. Laurie Rothman of Tampa General Hospital advises staying in cool air, drinking water, and watching for signs of heat exhaustion to stay safe.

Panama City Panthers lost 26-6 to Columbus Storm in the APDFL championship game Saturday at Tommy Oliver Stadium, finishing a season with a 7-4 record.

They will begin summer play in the Gridiron Developmental Football League on July 11 — facing the Huntsville Rockets next.

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.