Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of July.
Good morning, Panama City.
🏘️ Community
Bay County celebrated its 113th birthday today as residents reflect on a long and rich history.
Local retirement community Latitude Margaritaville Watersound (located off 79) continues to grow as a popular option for people 55 and older.
Local groups in Panama City are organizing an aid drive to help victims of an earthquake in Venezuela, with donation centers set to receive contributions today + community volunteers coordinating the effort.
🎭 Culture
A new entertainment venue at Pier Park in Panama City Beach features three interactive attractions & offers visitors a fun chance to test their skills.
The venue presents a fresh option for local entertainment.
🎓 Education
The Florida Department of Education released 2026 district grades showing Bay, Jackson, Gulf and Washington maintained B's + Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton and Calhoun kept A's, with Franklin moving up and Holmes dropping, giving local schools a snapshot as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.
On July 1, Florida enacted education laws that require grades 3-5 to learn cursive, let marching band and art count as PE credits, and allow at-risk students to carry epinephrine devices; teachers can renew expired licenses and union rules are changed (updates will roll out in public schools statewide).
🌲 Environment
A record sargassum season — the worst in 15 years — is testing local beaches as cleanup crews work to clear the algae ahead of the Fourth of July.
Some collected sargassum is placed at the dune toe to naturally restore beach nutrients.
🏥 Health
A new Florida law took effect Tuesday to expand free swim lessons for children 1 through 7 (administered by the Florida Department of Health) at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, enabling families with limited income to apply for vouchers online.
DOH-Bay issued a 60-day rabies alert Tuesday after capturing a rabid raccoon in the Anderson Bayou area off Illinois Ave, covering parts of North Bay and Lynn Haven (areas including 17th Street, Britton Rd, and Maine Ave); residents are advised to avoid contact with wildlife.
🎉 Panama City Events
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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.
🏠 Panama City Real Estate
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💼 Panama City Job Board
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📣 Panama City Announcements
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