Community

By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension Five months ago, we experienced severe cold weather for three days which impacted landscapes across the panhandle. Since prolonged deep freezes are not common in our area we were unable to predict how plants would fare long term. As we progress into spring, it’s a...

By Bill Husfelt, Superintendent, Bay District Schools When most people think of Bay District Schools, they think of schools for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade but did you know we also run a very successful technical college? Tom P. Haney Technical College offers hands-on learning programs to hundreds of...

By Paul Bonnette For over half a century, the Branch family has been known in Bay County for businesses such as Speedy Car Wash, Jimmy’s Drive-In, and Tally Ho, the last of which is still in operation today. Since the 1940s these historical businesses have been serving up some of...

Publix Sports Park, Coastal Waste and Recycling, and United Way of Northwest Florida are partnering to host a Youth Sports Equipment Swap Meet and Community Day on May 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Publix Sports Park. Families are invited to attend the Youth Sports Equipment Swap Meet...

The Bay County Public Library Foundation is organizing a Book Drive May 1 –19 to restock the Foundation’s Free Library on Wheels (FLOW) and FLOW Book Boxes. The Book Drive is open to community members to donate new or gently used children’s book titles that would be appropriate for...

By Ed Offley Another major highway construction project is on the horizon for Panama City Beach and Bay County residents. State highway officials have announced a formal study for the possible widening of U.S. 98 from the Bay-Walton County line to SR 79 in Panama City Beach.After evaluating a number...

Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council Holds 2nd Annual Golden Eagle Award Event Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council presented the 2nd Annual Gold Eagle Award to Chris Moore at a fundraising event late April. This award honors an Eagle Scout for distinguished service in their profession and...

By Sharon Michalik, Director of Communications, Bay District Schools Retirees often dream of more “downtime” and less activity in their golden years, but that’s not the vision of some new residents of the Margaritaville neighborhood in Panama City Beach. Margaritaville, a retirement community built by the St. Joe Company, has a...

From the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety As the calendar flips to May, it marks the beginning of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Not quite five years removed from the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael, Panama City Beach does not need to be reminded about the importance of being...

Hutchison Beach Elementary School Principal, Glenda Nouskhajian, has always believed her staff can offer students at our small school something they can’t find at larger public schools – a strong education with leadership qualities. Classroom teachers, instructional-support teachers, and our media specialist make a powerful team to educate our...