Daily
Panama City
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Bay County sheriff released the first episode of 'Busted in the Panhandle,' while a local hospital marked one year of stroke care by honoring its team as 'Superheroes,' and Panama City lit its Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Residents at MLK Rec Center expressed surprise when membership fees (not previously discussed) were introduced at the soft opening. Community members now await further details on how the fee policy will be managed. WJHG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Panama City metro area grew by 3.8 percent and ranked second nationally behind Ocala. Local officials are reviewing the impact for planning future community services (population trends are noted). WJHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, Bay County commissioners discussed a rezoning proposal for 9104 Laird Street after local residents voiced concerns about changing the area from residential to neighborhood commercial use. The commission approved a motion that restricts the upcoming development of ten townhomes to residential use only & maintained community safeguards. WJHG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cardiac Surgical Institute of Northwest Florida opened a heart surgery center in Bay County on Dec. 16 to offer same-day procedures — residents can now access timely treatment for urgent conditions. WJHG
- ➤ Flu cases in Bay County have risen as the holiday season approaches. Health officials advise residents to stay home when sick to prevent further spread during gatherings. WJHG
- ➤ On Dec. 16, 38 Florida counties saw a rise in flu cases and hospitalizations linked to a new influenza A H3N2 mutation (subclade K) that may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness, experts reported. Doctors advise that getting a flu shot remains the best protection as the flu season continues. Panama City News Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bay High’s boys basketball team beat Arnold 58-56 in overtime on Monday night at John Cobb Gym — Izavier Byrd’s key play sparked a comeback that revived local basketball passion and improved Bay’s record to 6-2 ahead of their Dec. 19 home game against Huntsville. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ Bay County high school volleyball awards were announced today when top teams were recognized in the all-county selections. North Bay Haven's senior Reese Warren won Player of the Year — coach Emersonn Cabatu earned Coach of the Year for a second time. Panama City News Herald
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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.
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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.
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
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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