Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
Good morning, Panama City.
Pine Holler Farm opened its first pumpkin patch after clearing 20 acres of pine trees and building playgrounds—owner David Norwood spent months drilling a water well, adding power, and creating fun attractions.
Families can look forward to more seasonal events such as a strawberry social in spring and additional crops next fall.
The Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation Department will host the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Frank Brown Park on Oct.
25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids 16 and under can fish in a kid-friendly pond — win prizes, enjoy free hot dogs from Optimist Club and learn about the local ecosystem from Bay County Mosquito Control.
Chester at Bay County Animal Shelter needs a new home — shelter staff say he is ready for adoption and look to match him with a loving family soon.
Visit Panama City Beach will host a Pirates of the High Seas and Renaissance Festival this weekend.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Friday at Aaron Bessant Park—fireworks, live mermaid shows, a fire circus, parades and a treasure drop will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
The former Grammar School building in Panama City remains unsafe after Hurricane Michael, and city officials are meeting with the property owner over the next four weeks to update cost estimates and explore funding options—concerns persist over using public funds for a privately owned property. The CRA board will review the project again on Nov. 4.
Panama City’s Charter Review Advisory Board is reviewing the City Charter—unchanged since 1963—to update local governance and gather public input at scheduled meetings at City Hall.
The board will present its recommended revisions to the City Commission in spring, and if approved, the revised charter will be submitted for a public vote in November.
Panama City received an unsolicited proposal to revive Truesdell Park into an event venue with a new catering kitchen and public areas—officials said the plan may bring life to the neglected site.
City leaders will host community meetings and discuss the proposal at Tuesday’s commission meeting while using a $200k grant to repair the building’s exterior.
By The Sea Resorts submitted a $3.3 million bid for Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach after the park closed following dolphin deaths—this bid sets a floor to stop lower offers.
An auction is scheduled for October 13 and a sale hearing will be held on October 27.
On Oct. 6, 2025, Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach began converting 300,000 square feet of grass into turf—a space equal to 13 baseball fields and three football or soccer fields—with games set to start early next year.
The project will finish in December and will reuse the soil to build a new indoor sports facility with groundbreaking planned for early next year.
PCB Seafood Festival
October 10-12 — Capt. Anderson's Marina — Entry fee varies — Celebrate seafood with fresh catches, live music, and family fun at this local favorite festival.
Sea Glass Art Workshop
11 AM — Parker Public Library — Registration required — Get creative with sea glass art in this fun crafting session.
Homeschool Hangout
12-1 p.m. — Parker Public Library — Free — Connect with local homeschoolers in a relaxed environment while enjoying games and LEGOs.
Rory Scovel Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Captain Anderson's Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with actor and comedian Rory Scovel as he shares his unique humor.
Schooners Annual Lobster Festival
October 16th-19th — Schooners — Admission prices vary — Celebrate all things lobster with live music and delicious seafood at this local favorite.
Sea Needles
10 AM – 12 PM — Bay County Public Library — Free entry — Craft your way through knitting and crochet while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Faith Festival
3-7 p.m. — Aaron Bessant Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring concerts, food trucks, and a prayer tent focused on faith and fellowship.
Haunted 5K & Half Marathon
8:00 AM — Conservation Park — Registration required — Lace up your running shoes for a spooky race through the park.
IRONMAN Florida 2025
7 PM – 6 AM — Hotels Panama City Beach City Pier - 53 — Registration fees apply — Experience a flat and fast triathlon course amidst the stunning Emerald Coast atmosphere.
Saturday Storytime: Thankful Hearts
11 AM – 12 PM — Parker Public Library — Free entry — Delight in storytelling and a craft focused on gratitude for ages 3 to 6.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Panama City.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.