Good morning, Panama City.

Claire's Stores, Inc. filed bankruptcy and will close 1,119 stores, including its Pier Park location in Panama City Beach, if it fails to find a buyer soon—rising costs and tough competition led to the decision.

A Panama City man (46-year-old Marlow Level Allen) was indicted on Monday by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; he is scheduled to be arraigned in Tallahassee on August 14th at 1:30 p.m., and if convicted, he faces up to 20 years on the drug charge and a mandatory 15 years on the firearm charge.

Bay County Sheriff’s Office shut down a camp near A.

Gary Walsingham Academy today after faculty reported trash and trespassing on private land owned by the St. Joe company—its owner now plans to press felony littering charges and handle cleanup.

The Panama City Symphony will begin its 30th Anniversary Season in September with nine concerts and three special events featuring guest artists and over 100 musicians—this season promises exciting new programs.

The symphony announced the renewal of its five-year contract with Music Director and Conductor Sergey Bogza—who began in 2022 and will lead the orchestra through the 2029-30 season.

Five school districts in the Panhandle returned to school Monday, August 11, and Bay County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jake Navarro reminded drivers to stop for school buses on two-lane roads and urged parents to use caution online—these tips were shared to help keep students safe.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Erin, which formed on August 11, and Invest96L—another weather system that might develop—as hurricane season picks up.

Residents are urged to review evacuation plans, secure homes, and gather supplies to be ready for storms.

A 78-year-old man died at a Bay hospital on August 4 after contracting vibrio vulnificus, marking the second Bay County death this year—Florida has reported 16 infections statewide with five fatal outcomes.

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.

Dale Jones Comedy Show

8:30 PM – 7:00 PM — Beaches Comedy Club — Tickets are non-refundable — Experience a night of high-energy comedy with Dale Jones featuring improvised and animated performances.

Teen Game Night

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Bay County Public Library — Registration required — Engage in exciting Switch gaming with peers in a fun, relaxed environment.

Digital Literacy Class: Computer & Internet Basics

9:30-11:00 a.m. — Bay County Public Library — Free entry — Learn the essentials of using a PC and navigating the internet confidently.