Panama City In The News

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – People who live near Highway 231 and 390 will soon have a new place to shop for groceries. ”It’s going to provide some 300 to 350 jobs eventually,” Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki said. Construction has started on a new Publix in Panama City. The grocery store will be about 50,000 square feet including a liquor store. “We’re going to be using some of the money that they generate through the one percent merchant fee. Re-invest it back into the road that’s going to be going from Highway 231 over to Highway 390,” Brudnicki said.

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)– Local sexual assault survivors are channeling their trauma through the means of art, in hopes of healing themselves and others. The Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center will host the first ever Survivor Art Gala on April 23 at 6 p.m. at the Panama City Center for the Arts. Local victims and survivors of sexual violence will donate their expressive art projects to be auctioned off and funds collected will go towards the local rape crisis center.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — It’s almost Easter time, and Leslie Jones Photography held the annual Egg-stra Special Easter photo shoot at the Bay County Humane Society’s thrift store on Sunday. Children of all ages had their photos taken with the Easter Bunny— and even dogs and cats took part in the fundraiser. From Australian Shepherds to Golden Retrievers, many four-legged friends enjoyed having their photos taken with the big bunny for a good cause.

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Several Easter Egg Hunts will take place next weekend and there’s even one just for the adults.

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The FSU Early Childhood Autism Program, commonly referred to as ECAP, is gearing up for its 10th annual Auction for Autism Awareness. The last time this event was held was in 2019. It had to take a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. A suggested donation of $30.00 is recommended to attend.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Many college students know what’s it’s like to worry about finances, and on Wednesday, Gulf Coast State College students had the opportunity to learn about dozens of agencies that can provide services to them. The college held its 22nd Community Service Day at the campus student union.

BAY COUNTY Fla. (WMBB) – A “Big” franchise is coming to the Panhandle in a “Big” way. The Panhandle Restaurant Group signed a commitment deal with “Big Chicken” and founder Shaquille O’Neal. The company is thinking about opening a future Big Chicken location. “Unbelievable chicken sandwiches,” CEO of Panhandle Restaurant Group Chris McMillan said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – In light of recent tough times in the area, it is time to spread the love. The entire month of April is Autism Awareness Month. The Bacot Academy wanted to promote acceptance and understanding of individuals and their families living with autism.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – “Art is just individually just a human thing I guess. It’s like your innate way to express creativity and connect with others around you,” Anastasia Dengerud, Panama City Center for the Arts Marketing and Exhibits Coordinator said. Coming from Hurricane Michael into the pandemic, now the city once again seems to be flourishing as people are coming out to embrace the culture. From the Martin Theater to the Center for the Arts there is something for everybody.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — The Panama City Center for the Arts unveiled a new permanent installation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday evening. Titled “Transformation” the fused glass art created by local artist Dr. Marlene East consists of over 200 individually crafted pieces and can now be located at the stairwell of the center. The evening also marked the opening of the center’s April exhibitions which includes more glasswork by Dr. East, metal and woodwork pieces, as well as the Bay County Audubon Exhibition and Competition.

BAY COUNTY Fla. (WMBB) – The Alzheimer’s Association is hitting the road for its ‘Brain Bus’ tour. The educational effort began in downtown Panama City on Thursday. Over six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Of those, 580,000 living in Florida. “In every 65 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” the association’s program manager Rob Harris said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)– Calling all teens! The City of Panama City’s Quality of Life Department is teaming up with the Bay Arts Alliance and Palmetto Paint PC to host a Teen Paint Night. Admission is and all supplies are provided to attendees. Teens will learn how to do a step-by-step canvas from a local artist. The theme for this month is, “A pot of gold” in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

The Italian QSR brand is set to make mid-May debut near Bay City Point shopping center. PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Sunshine State can’t get enough of Fazoli’s Fast. Fresh. Italian., which is why the brand is expanding into Panama City! Fazoli’s first Panama City restaurant is currently under construction at 2219 MLK Blvd., with a grand opening slated for mid-May. When the new 2,300-square-foot restaurant makes its debut, Fazoli’s will serve its premium, craveable Italian dishes and signature hot, fresh breadsticks.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Kiwanis Club of Panama City is brining back a staple fundraiser – Pancake Days. The club said they haven’t done it since Hurricane Michael in 2018. This year’s fundraiser is March 31 – April 2 at Forest Park United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at the corner of Lisenby Avenue and 23rd Street.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Locals got the chance to meet a Heisman Trophy winner Thursday evening at the FSU Panama City campus. Former FSU quarterback and alumni Charlie Ward was one of the featured guests at the ‘Engage’ event. It was hosted by DevotioNOLES, a Christian-based student organization in conjunction with Collide College Ministry.