Good morning, Panama City.

The Pregnancy Resource Center is hosting its annual 'The Time Is NOW… Stand Up For LIFE' Fundraising Banquet on October 2 at Hiland Park Baptist Church, with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. and dinner served at 5:45 p.m.—the event will feature a plated meal, silent auction, guest speaker Gianna Jessen, testimonials and networking along with sponsorship options ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

On December 3rd, 2024, a 39-year-old victim was found unresponsive on Raven Street in Panama City Beach after showing overdose signs, and after a months-long investigation the Bay County Sheriff's Office linked the fatal fentanyl to Alphanso Hall, who was charged with manslaughter on July 16 and is held in Bay County Jail—his bond is $1,000,000.

On July 21st, Bay District Schools re-opened the Adrianna Swearingen Teacher Resource Store at Rutherford High School to offer first-year teachers a one-stop shop for supplies using a $100 coupon and volunteer-credit system.

The store, named for the 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year, was celebrated by Superintendent Mark McQueen and other officials and was funded by grants from the Bay Education Foundation and St- Joe Foundation.

Panama City commissioners voted four to one to keep the general fund millage rate capped at 4.7999 for the fiscal year 2025 to 26 and maintained the Downtown Improvement Board millage rate at three mills.

They set budget hearings for Tuesday, September 9 at 8 a.m. and Tuesday, September 23 at 5 p.m.—the budget must be passed by October 1.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County tested water on Monday, July 21, and found Enterococcus bacteria levels above safe guidelines at Bid-A-Wee Beach on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach and at Carl Gray Park on Collegiate Drive in Panama City.

Officials advise against water activities until safe levels are restored (additional tests are planned), to protect public health.

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.