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Panama City Beach Community News

New Registry to Help Families Sheriff Tommy Ford is excited to introduce a project to Bay County that he has had staff working on for several months: a Special Needs Registry. The Registry is now online and ready for Bay County families with members who have special needs due to...
The Bay County libraries have organized some fantastic adult programming throughout February for our residents and winter visitors! If looking for programs highlighting arts, culture, and history, the library is the place to be. Library programs are free and open to the public to attend. Library cards are free for...
By Mayor Mark Sheldon Happy new year to all! I trust that you are enjoying a prosperous and positive 2024 thus far. The City of Panama City Beach is looking forward to a successful year, and I am especially excited to share that we have begun our improvements and enhancements to...
By Ed Offley They were prepared. A small army of first responders and volunteers throughout the greater Panama City Beach area instantly sprang into action after a powerful tornado struck the Gulf Beachfront and lower Grand Lagoon at 5:31 a.m. on January 9, devastating several dozen businesses, homes and tourist accommodations...
On Monday, December 11, 2023, Gulf Coast State College inducted its third class into the Public Safety Hall of Fame, recognizing five individuals who have demonstrated commitment and service in public safety. These five individuals were nominated by their peers from various agencies in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. Today,...
By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension Growing vegetables in containers can increase flexibility of location selection and help the gardener to overcome pests and poor soil conditions. One of my favorite vegetables to grow in a pot are Irish potatoes also known as “new potatoes” which should be planted by mid-February...

Backpack Blessings

By Mark McQueen, Bay District Schools Superintendent As we embark on a new year, I am eager to draw your attention to a remarkable organization that significantly impacts our community—Backpack Blessings. This organization, true to its name, is a blessing in our community. Their dedication to ensuring our students in Panama...
Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the appointment of Michael Kraynick and the reappointment of Eugene “Tommy” Ford to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision. Eugene “Tommy” Ford: Ford is the Bay County Sheriff. He currently serves as Chair of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and as...
Elevate Bay, now entering its seventh year, is Bay District Schools’ mentor initiative. This grass roots program was created in response to the growing need in our community for positive role models in the lives of so many of our students. Although our initial focus was elementary school, following...
By Paul Bonnette Although Christmas may have come to an end and the lights are being put away, for Scott Fester, putting away the decorations gets a bit more complicated. When it comes to decorating for the holidays Scott Fester goes all out. For thousands of Bay County residents and...