Good morning, Panama City.

Skip Bondur spent 10 days on a bus collecting toys for Bay County children during his 14th annual Stuff the Bus campaign+ local residents and schools helped exceed the goal of gathering 20,000 toys for Toys for Tots.

Airport officials advise travelers to arrive two hours early at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport today as the holiday travel rush begins — local authorities expect peak hours to cause delays.

Local officials advise residents to install surveillance cameras to discourage porch pirates (updated guidance) and review footage promptly if packages go missing.

Jermaine Hill, founder of Groove Fest and a Bay High football coach, spoke with the News Herald on Dec.

15 about MLK Recreation Center’s bright future – highlighting plans for expanded programs and renovated facilities to better serve Panama City.

Animal shelters report that pets adopted before Christmas are often returned by spring (the novelty wears off) as staff prepare for a busy season.

Local teams advise potential adopters to plan for long-term care.

Will Rose from the Bay County Animal Shelter brought in two terrier mixes on Wednesday—one a laid-back unnamed pup and his energetic brother—to offer pet lovers a chance to find a new holiday companion; the animals are available for adoption at 1600 Bay Ave.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group launched new Saltchuk escort tugs on Wednesday as part of a fleet renewal built at its Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities to meet environmental standards.

The tugs will support ship assist and escort operations along the West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska.

Bay Arts Alliance launches two exhibitions at the Panama City Center for the Arts on Saturday, Jan.

10 from 1-3 p.m. The Art of Renewal by Dana Montenieri and The Work of Our Hands let visitors meet local artists and explore works focused on healing and storytelling.

Cherry Street Elementary media specialist Lori Young (offering holiday book tips) encouraged local students to read during Christmas break to help maintain their skills; her guidance aims to keep young readers active throughout the holiday season.

Students in Bay, Franklin, and Union counties begin their winter break tomorrow (Dec.

19) with classes resuming Jan. 6, while other Florida counties start their holiday on Dec. 22.

Panama City commissioners voted to waive fees at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center until March 1 after residents voiced concerns at its soft opening.

City officials said they will gather public feedback when the center reopens in January to set an affordable rate.

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.