Good morning, Panama City.

The Walton-Defuniak library, Florida’s oldest operating library, is getting essential repairs—waterproofing, roof and window upgrades, and plumbing improvements—to safeguard its history and meet modern community needs.

Renovations will finish in 30 days and keep the library a vital place for learning and connection.

Panama City is hosting Halloween events, including a Trunk or Treat, that invite residents to join in seasonal fun (details are on the community calendar).

A Hand Up International is preparing for a food drive today on Russ Lake Drive — gates open at 6 a.m. with food distribution beginning at 9 a.m. as more families are expected due to the government shutdown.

The Krewe of St. Andrews offers a free domestic draft for every pack of diapers donated—donors get a drink with their donation.

The Triumph Gulf Coast Board approved one grant and advanced two projects to create new jobs and training programs in the Florida Panhandle.

The international boat maker project will add 298 jobs while aviation and digital tools initiatives are expected to be approved by early 2026—boosting local workforce skills.

Bay High students celebrated their 75th homecoming parade on Oct.

23 as they followed a 2-mile route from the downtown marina to Tommy Oliver Stadium + friends, family, and alumni cheered in support.

Tropical Storm Melissa was about 800 miles east of Florida on Friday and is forecast to intensify rapidly to a Category 2 hurricane by Sunday and a Category 4 by Monday+ the National Hurricane Center shows a steady wind increase.

Forecasters expect the storm to be steered northeast away from our coast+ experts report that there is less than a 5% chance of any outer bands affecting the area.

Bay County officials said rural fire stations closed temporarily because of EMS staffing shortages—leaving longer response times for residents.

County manager Robert Majka announced that 20 new firefighter and EMS positions have been approved, with 12 already filled, and he expects gaps to narrow by June 2026.

During breast cancer awareness month, health experts say that dense breast tissue makes it harder for scans to spot cancer so extra screening tests may be needed.

Doctors stress that understanding this risk helps catch cancer early— prompt follow-up may improve treatment.

Bay High football player Kaden Brown was voted Florida Power & Light Athlete of the Week for Oct 13-18 after earning more than 22,000 votes & 48.12% of the total, while Bozeman's TJ Truett finished second with 32.71%.

Mosley High School beat Gulf Breeze 54-14 on Oct.

23 as quarterback JP Holsombake and running back Sammy Chisolm scored key touchdowns, boosting their record to 8-1 and completing a district sweep for the third straight season; they will host Florida High on Oct. 30. Rickards High School rallied from a halftime deficit to beat Arnold High School 30-13 with running back Karlise Price rushing for 191 yards and four scores, leaving Arnold at 2-7 with their final game at Rutherford on Oct. 31.

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.

18th Annual Bay County Sheriff’s Rodeo

7-10 p.m. — Central Panhandle Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling rodeo action perfect for the whole family.