Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Schooners annual lobster fest kicked off yesterday — inviting local lobster lovers to enjoy the start of the community event. WJHG
- ➤ Over the past 24 hours, Mill Bayou’s HOA proposed transferring its streetlights to the city as its contract with Florida Power and Light ended, but city officials remain reluctant due to a $1,200 annual cost—while Bay County Chamber of Commerce named Al McCambry as president and CEO, United States Air Force Master Sergeant Shane Johnson surprised his family at Breakfast Point Academy, former ABC News President Kimberly Godwin inspired young leaders, and Bay District Schools reached a tentative agreement for record starting teacher pay. My Panhandle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Al McCambry is now president and CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and he aims to support local businesses—by removing obstacles to growth and linking young professionals with opportunities at Tyndall Air Force Base—while working with over 1,200 chamber members. WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local artists Jeannie Whitworth and Olga Guy will display their work at the Bay County Public Library's Open Palette Art Reception (October 25 through November), bringing fresh local art to the community. WJHG
- ➤ Today, Schooners started its annual four-day lobster festival in Panama City Beach at 11 a.m., serving lobster bisque, lobster pot pie, grilled lobster tail and kids’ meals—live music will play each night at 6 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday as the event runs until October 19. My Panhandle
- ➤ The 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights will sail on December 13 in St. Andrews Bay — boats will start from the St. Andrews Yacht Club at 5:30 p.m. and finish near the Hathaway Bridge at 7:30 p.m. Spectators can view the festive maritime display and vote online for the best decorated vessel — while also enjoying seasonal treats and activities at the Holiday Village at Panama City Marina. Bay County Coastal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Oct. 14, Surfside Middle School seventh-graders explored marine ecosystems at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City + they gained firsthand insights into coastal life from park guides. Panama City News Herald
-
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.
-
Panama City Songwriters Festival
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Destination Panama City — Check website for entry details — Experience the 7th Annual Songwriter Festival showcasing diverse musical talents from local to national artists.
-
Public Eye Soar Festival
6 PM – 10 PM — Gulf Coast State College — Free entry — Experience a dazzling display of international art through light and projection from artists around the world.
-
National Home School Football Championships
All day — Publix Sports Park — Check website for entry details — Catch the excitement of home school football in action with live streaming of the games!
-
Parker Public Library Book Club
11 AM - 12 PM — Parker Public Library — Free — Engage in a lively discussion about this month's featured title, 'The Christmas Bookshop' by Jenny Colgan.
-
Job Fair Interview Preparation and Resume Workshop
10-11 a.m. — City of Panama City Florida — From $23.18 — Get ready to ace your job interviews and perfect your resume at this hands-on workshop.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
About Daily Panama City
Welcome to the Daily Panama City, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Panama City, Florida community. If you like the Daily Panama City, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Panama City.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Panama City and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Panama City
A free Panama City community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailypanamacity.com/sitemap