Good morning, Panama City.

Police responded Tuesday evening to an armed incident on Clement Drive in Southport after a family member called 911 about a man with a knife—meteorologists confirmed two rare tornadoes struck Mexico Beach on Monday, leaving damage and some residents without homes.

Gulf County schools closed Tuesday after threats at Port St. Joe High, a New Orleans ministry began renovating Endeavor Park buildings for a women’s rehabilitation center, and Panama City extended utility relief to federal workers and SNAP recipients amid a shutdown.

NewsChannel 7 reported that Jake Navarro of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office advised Panama City residents to trick-or-treat in groups—use reflective tape on pets, stick to well-lit porches, and avoid distracted driving for a safe Halloween.

Bay County Council on Aging will host its annual Fall Festival Fundraiser at 1116 Frankford Avenue in Panama City on November 1 from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—the event features a $6 pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., a silent auction, arts and crafts, a $7 BBQ lunch with a drink from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a car auction offering a chance to win a 2011 Chevy Impala to support senior services.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck Mexico Beach on Oct.

27 with winds of 100 mph, injuring 10 and damaging the El Governor Beach Resort and a nearby RV park — local crews quickly restored power.

Two tornadoes hit Mexico Beach on Monday morning—one causing EF-1 damage over 1.2 miles and the other an EF-0 event—injuring 10 people as cleanup crews and local businesses began recovery efforts.

A caller told the school secretary they were coming to harm students, and the superintendent closed Gulf District School as a safety measure — officials are looking into the threat.

Erica Todd was named this week’s Golden Apple Award winner on Oct.

28 — the honor recognized her exceptional contributions to education.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28 near Panama City with strong winds and heavy rain, and local officials are urging residents to take safety measures as emergency teams monitor the situation.

The Florida Department of Health warned locals and visitors that red tide was detected in St. Andrews Bay near Flower Avenue and the Hathaway Bridge after tests on Oct.

24 — residents should avoid water contact, wash off if exposed, and keep pets away to prevent irritation.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County issued a health alert for red tide near Mexico Beach after water samples taken Oct.

25 showed harmful algae, and residents and visitors are urged to avoid contact with the affected water—red tide can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. Officials recommend people living near the beach keep windows closed and maintain air conditioner filters as a precaution.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County warned residents and visitors that red tide near St. Andrews Bay — close to Flower Ave and Hathaway Bridge — may cause skin irritation and eye problems.

It also advised against swimming at Carl Gray Park and Beach Drive because tests on October 27 showed water with high Enterococcus bacteria levels that do not meet safety guidelines.

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.

3rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

8-10 a.m. — Gulf Coast State College — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive run/walk to kickstart your Thanksgiving celebrations.