Good morning, Panama City.

The Historical Society of Bay County celebrated Gulf Coast barbecue traditions with Sonny’s BBQ today.

The event honored local heritage and highlighted community culinary pride.

A WalletHub study ranked Florida 13th nationally for its public school system, citing strong digital learning, low dropout, & bullying rates.

Most local K-12 schools will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 10.

Tropical Storm Bertha is approaching with heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf as tropical storm watches remain in effect along Florida’s coastal areas today.

Residents should prepare for flash flooding + strong waves in the Big Bend region and beyond as the storm moves west-northwest.

Florida Lottery officials reported that the Tuesday, July 21 drawing ended with a $707 million Mega Millions jackpot after 35 rollovers, offering a cash option of $307.7 million.

Drawings continue at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Fridays for local players to join the excitement.

Bay County Emergency Management is advising residents to assemble a go-bag with essentials for hurricane season.

Assistant Chief Frank Donehoo reviewed key items and available resources (like the Bay County Disaster Preparedness Guide) during a news segment.

Recent health inspections in Panama City Beach from July 13 to 19 revealed high-priority violations at several restaurants, including Dragon Bowl Sushi and El Rodeo Tequila Bar (issues ranged from improper food storage to temperature control errors) that will require follow-up reviews.

DOH-Bay issued a water quality advisory yesterday in Bay County after tests showed water in two locations did not meet safety standards for Enterococcus bacteria.

The advisory covers Beach Drive in Panama City and Earl Gilbert Park in Parker.

Florida's housing market strengthened in June as Realtors sold more homes than last year, with the median sale price reaching a record $432,000.

In the Panama City area, closed sales increased 11.4% to 440 amid low inventory and stable mortgage rates.