Good morning, Panama City.

Gulf Coast State College honored four local public safety heroes (Brian Hardin, David Morrison, Wilburn 'Alan' Hart, and Joel Welch) on Dec.

9 at its Public Safety and Emergency Operations Center in Southport while celebrating their decades of service in fire, emergency, and highway patrol roles.

Deckhand Social hosted its first annual Polar Plunge last Thursday, Dec.

11 to raise funds for Toys for Kids. Participants took a chilly plunge to help local children in need.

The local Boys and Girls Club is partnering with a nearby retailer to make holiday wish lists come true this festive season.

The initiative will provide extra support for local families to shop for gifts in Panama City.

Painter Justin Gaffrey turned his 9-5 into a nationally recognized art career by transforming his former home into a gallery—he plans to open a new gallery in New Mexico that will blend local beach inspiration with nearby mountains.

Enchanted, a Taylor Swift Christmas experience, is coming tomorrow to the Panama City Center for the Arts from 6-8 p.m.—local media reported the event will feature festive interactive displays for visitors.

Panama City Ballet kicked off its Nutcracker weekend on Thursday, Dec.

11 with a special performance (sponsored by FPL) and will continue staging additional shows through the weekend.

Celena Arcabascio from B and C Event Planning LLC (local event planners) shared decorating tips to curate the perfect Christmas tree for homes this holiday season.

Residents can use these suggestions to add festive touches as they prepare for upcoming celebrations.

Hundreds of trees will be planted at Majette Park by Bay County Disc Golf Club (in partnership with Root for Bay Initiative) to restore canopy lost to Hurricane Michael, with planting scheduled soon.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bay County has over 120 trees waiting for local residents to pick — the initiative aims to boost our community's green spaces while details on how to participate are forthcoming.

Parks and Recreation staff reduced fees and added a monthly membership option at PCB Aquatic Center yesterday (Dec.

11). The change is designed to better support community use.

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.

Christmas Community Feast

2-4 p.m. — Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach — Bring a dish to share — Enjoy a festive community gathering with a delicious feast and good company.

New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop

Evening — Pier Park — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with a spectacular beach ball drop and festive atmosphere.