Good morning, Panama City.

Panama City and Bay District Schools are partnering for the third annual Giving Tree program that will give holiday gifts to 20 local students chosen from 50 shopping options, and participants can pick up wish list tickets at City Hall and return unwrapped items by Dec.

10—helping ease holiday financial stress for families.

Panama City's 39th Annual Boat Parade on December 13th will include a new 15-minute drone show starting at 5 p.m. from the downtown marina+ the parade will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning at St. Andrews Yacht Club and ending at Hathaway Bridge.

Destination Panama City ended its lease on the nearly 100-year-old St. Andrews School on Tuesday because high costs halted its plan to restore the building into an arts center; the lease will end December 31 (monthly costs were $4,500 and the project cost reached $700,000), and the group hopes to work with Bay County for future projects.

Port Panama City is starting the second phase of its East Terminal turning basin project to add a 200,000 square foot warehouse and extend the docks — work will begin soon to boost capacity and cut delays.

Tammy Chambers, 57, was fatally shot on November 11 while leaving work in a case of mistaken identity—her seven closest friends gathered to honor her memory and her funeral is set for Friday at 2 p.m. at Hiland Park Baptist Church.

Panama City Ballet will perform The Nutcracker and host the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party at Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium, 550 Alf Coleman Rd in Panama City Beach — with shows scheduled for December 12 at 7 p.m., December 13 at 2 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.

Gulf Coast State College earned a spot on the Best for Vets Colleges list, showing its care for veterans as President Glen McDonald said the college is committed to those who served our country.

Bay District Schools are reexamining their dress code policy after complaints from students, parents and staff.

The board will vote in January on allowing multicolored jackets and designating black as a neutral color—changes that will be implemented immediately if approved.

The Florida Forest Service approved a 255-acre prescribed burn in Panama City Beach and contractors for the St. Joe Company are managing the burn at the Breakfast Point Mitigation Bank — with the Forest Service and local fire departments patrolling nearby areas.

School Resource deputies began delivering prepackaged bags to local schools Tuesday as part of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Operation ThankFULL—designed to assist families across the county.

Panama City commissioners unanimously backed the Panama City Rescue Mission’s plan to expand downtown shelters by writing a letter for state funding.

The nonprofit will seek around $6 million to build two new short-term shelters—one for men and one for women—to help the homeless reintegrate into society.

Bay County has been issued an Army Corps permit to build a boat ramp at Highpoint Park on Deerpoint Lake—commissioner Daniel Raffield said the $1.2 million project will go out to bid once half of the grant money from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is received, with construction expected in about 180 days.

Three Bay County restaurants, Bayou Bills Crab House, Neon Bar, and Waffle House Inc, had high-priority health violations during routine inspections from Nov 10th to 16th.

Inspectors found issues with food storage and temperature controls and required follow-up inspections — measures aimed at protecting customer health.

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.

Beach Home For The Holidays

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Aaron Bessant Park — Free entry — Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with festivities as Santa Claus comes to town.

Jingle Bell Express

5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. — Destination Panama City — Check website for prices — Experience the magical ride connecting Downtown Panama City & St. Andrews in a festive holiday atmosphere.

2025 Panama City Christmas Parade

6 PM — Historic Downtown Panama City — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive parade featuring community floats and holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker by Panama City Ballet

7-9 p.m. — Arnold High School — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey through dance with the enchanting tale of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker.

39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Destination Panama City — Free entry — Enjoy a magical holiday boat parade illuminating St. Andrews Bay with festive lights and decorations.