Good morning, Panama City.

Bay County has a full slate of community events scheduled from today through July 31—featuring the Upward Bound Vacation Bible School starting at Covenant Presbyterian Church, the MBARA Kingfish Tournament at Mexico Beach, local concerts at Aaron Bessant Park, and various activities for seniors, families, and teens across Panama City and nearby areas. Organizers planned events that offer something engaging for all ages while providing opportunities for exercise, learning, and fun.

Alphanso Frederick Hall, a Panama City man, was arrested on a manslaughter charge on July 16 for allegedly supplying fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose on Dec.

3, 2024 in Panama City Beach—he is now held in Bay County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

Kayle Bates, convicted for the 1982 abduction and killing of Janet White from a Florida insurance office, is scheduled for execution on August 19 after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant—Bates' attorney said further appeals will be filed.

Multiple back-to-school supply drives are set up around the Panhandle, with events at PCB Market on August 2 & 3, City Hall from July 14 until August 11, the Bay Area Jeep Association drive from July 4 through August 14, the Pilot Club drive in DeFuniak Springs from July 1 to 30, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation drive at Walmart locations on August 2, and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers drive in Miramar Beach from July 1 to August 4.

Northwest Florida educators are beginning week-long training in advanced manufacturing and aerospace with courses provided by FSU InSPIRE—free sessions that end with industry certifications and aim to boost local skills—backed by Triumph Gulf Coast and FSU.

Today, the National Hurricane Center is tracking a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic that has a 20% chance of developing into a storm over the next week while Florida remains under a statewide heat advisory with heat index values near 112 (which means very hot conditions).

Forecasters added that two tropical waves in the Caribbean are also being monitored as environmental conditions are expected to slow further development by midweek.

The State Department of Health released a statement about flesh-eating bacteria in the panhandle.

One person in Bay County died and another was infected with Vibrio Vulnificus — there have been 11 cases and 4 deaths in Florida this year.

Doctors at Florida Cancer Affiliates have expanded treatment choices by adding targeted therapies & immunotherapy to traditional chemotherapy to help patients experience fewer side effects.

Oncologist Bruce Porterfield said these treatments are designed to kill cancer cells while aiming to improve patients’ quality of life.

Bay County high school football schedules for 2025 have been released.

The games will run from August 21 through October 31 with kickoff classics starting on August 15 and district matchups marked by an asterisk.

Back to School Bash: Backpack and School Supply Giveaway

4-5:30 p.m. — Keller Williams Success Realty — Free entry — Enjoy a grill out and pick up a backpack filled with school supplies for the first 100 students.

US 5K & Half Marathon

8:00 a.m. — Conservation Park — Registration needed — Lace up for a fun-filled active day in Panama City Beach's scenic park.

Field Adventures by the Bay

9-11 a.m. — Destination Panama City — Registration required — Explore marine ecosystems and discover local wildlife along St. Andrews Bay.

On-Site Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Senior Helpers — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living with exceptional food and care.

Ninja 5K & 10K Race

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Callaway Recreational Complex — Registration fees apply — Participate in a fun and challenging running event for all skill levels.

BCPL Virtual Book Club: The Grey Wolf

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Bay County Public Library — Registration required — Explore 'The Grey Wolf' by Louise Penny in a friendly Zoom discussion.

Class G License Requalification Training

7-11 a.m. — Gulf Coast State College North Bay Campus — Cost details not provided — Stay compliant with your Class G license through essential re-qualifying training.