Community

By Ed Offley In the aftermath of unprecedented civil disorder by hundreds of out-of-state troublemakers during the last weekend in March, Police Chief J.R. Talamantez raised the primal issue confronting Panama City Beach: “We have to figure out what kind of a city we want to be,” he told City Council...

By Jamie Zimchek Sweeping vistas of an emerald bay and languid river? Check. Atmospheric antebellum Greek Revival plantation architecture? Check. Miles of white sand beaches? Check. Small-town feel with big-town cultural attractions like parks, museums, and art galleries? Check, check, check. World famous Oysters? That’s a definite check. Perched on...

By Brittany Kirke Henry Brigmond is a man of many talents. When he’s on the air at Beach 95.1, he brings life to the sandy shores he now calls home. As a realtor with Keller Williams, selling properties that become a dream-come-true for his clients is the goal to help...

On February 21, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford announced the details about a county-wide project by law enforcement to optimize crime-fighting efforts in Bay County. The Bay Real Time Operation Center, or BAYROC, went operational November 1, 2022. BAYROC is a collaborative effort by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the...

By ​​Britt Smith, Principal There’s never been a better time to be an Arnold Marlin! Students attending Arnold are encouraged to be part of the A-A-A education experience as a Marlin. The A-A-A demonstrates our emphasis on excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics. You only have to look at Arnold’s...

By Bill Husfelt, Superintendent, Bay District Schools I usually try to keep my column positive and uplifting (there’s already so much bad news in the world) but this month I need to ask for your help and I need to share some of the reality facing our students, our employees...

By Peter Fischetti While the Olympics have come and gone, their impact continues to be felt in the Panhandle. No doubt the most popular sport at the Games was curling, which I found emotionally draining. Like a good novel that you just can’t put down, I could not wait to...

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office Care Coordinators Program grew out of Sheriff Tommy Ford’s concern for those suffering from addiction issues or mental health conditions that have caused them to come to the attention of law enforcement. Sheriff Ford spoke to experts working for the Northwest Florida Healthcare Network....

By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension Bay County As grocery prices rise it is tempting to start growing your own food to save money. However, if you are new to gardening in general or new to gardening in Florida that might be more costly than you’d expect. My recommendation to novice...

By Brian Dusseault, VP & Programs Chairperson, Bay County Audubon Society Penguins in Florida? Not quite, but coming soon it’s the next best thing: famed birder, author, and penguin expert, Noah Strycker, is ditching his cold weather gear for Florida sunshine with a special session that’s part of Bay County...