Daily
Panama City
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Panama City. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation will host its annual Midnight Masquerade gala on Feb. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. with a cocktail pre-party, multi-course dinner, live music and auctions to fund local trauma care — only a few sponsorship spots remain. Panama City News Herald
- ➤ On Dec. 18, Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program gifted 615 families in Bay County with holiday items, fulfilling wishes and providing support to local residents. WJHG
- ➤ Panama City Senior Living Group held its fourth annual Christmas dance with a casino night theme Thursday, giving seniors a chance to dress up, play games and socialize after the isolation following Hurricane Michael and COVID-19. The group meets weekly to provide a safe, welcoming space for community members. WJHG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Marina is planning Package 121825 to upgrade its facility in the downtown area. Officials said they will share more details on project timelines and improvements soon. WJHG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Melissa Thomas's garage (decorated like Santa’s workshop) becomes a Christmas Village holiday attraction today, inviting community families to enjoy a festive display. The free show will run throughout the holiday season. WJHG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bay District Schools ended the school year on Thursday with no D's or F's in 17 years as students begin holiday break; Superintendent Mark McQueen said the district will aim for an A grade and improve sports, fine arts, and graduation rates when classes resume Jan. 6. WJHG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Citizens Property Insurance approved 2026 rate recommendations on Dec. 10 that cut premiums by an average of 2.6%, with final approval pending from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and new rates set to begin on June 1, 2026. Some counties, such as Brevard (up 6.5%), may see increases. Panama City News Herald
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu season is peaking as local health experts report rising cases and urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated; residents can visit pharmacies like Walgreens & CVS for flu shots, which may be free with insurance. The increase has been noted across 38 counties amid the holiday season. 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
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
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