Panama City In The News

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Thursday around 4 PM people gathered at City Hall to honor and remember some of the women that helped shaped Panama City. The Panama City Quality of Life Department put together an exhibit of twenty-six women that have shaped the City of Panama City and the surrounding area. The showcase’s opening on Thursday afternoon featured remarks from the honored women and their families. The theme for the inaugural event was hope.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) -Most little girls dream of being a princess, and in one local pageant every girl is. “My pageant is a little bit unique, said Princesses of Paradise Pageant founder Mia Bennett. “It’s completely free to sign up and to participate.” Mia Bennett was just 12 when she won her first pageant title, Jr. Teen Miss Freeport. Part of her duties included participating in the Seaside Fourth of July parade.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Multiple parks across Panama City are getting much-needed updates.  Most of these outdoor locations were ruined in Hurricane Michael, leaving limited places for the community to gather.  Panama City’s Quality of Life Director, Sean DePalma, said crews are actively working on rebuilding Sudduth Park in The Cove.

BAY COUNTY Fla. (WMBB) – A local artist is finally reopening his doors after three years. Paul Brent is known worldwide for his beach and nature oil and watercolor paintings. Soon the public can enjoy them in person once again. “We first built our gallery at 5th and beach drive in 1990,”  Brent said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Bay County Robotics Team, known as the Galactic Squirrels, started doing in-person competitions earlier this year. The team is made up of kids from Rutherford High, Bay High, Florida Virtual, and Mosley High Schools. Carson Kelly, a member of the team, started his journey early on in Lego Leagues, but it took some time. “Seven-ish years later, it led to this when I was finally old enough to compete,” Kelly said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – There is a lot of laughter and mouth-watering food at Josiah’s Southern Cooking restaurant. “I love to cook and I’ve always had to feed multiple people. My mom died early and I kind of raised my siblings and I had three children,” said Sharolyn Gaines owner and manager of Josiah’s Southern Cooking. Gaines had always dreamed of opening a cafe and that dream finally became a reality 7 years ago.

BAY COUNTY — Bay County leaders helped the Panama City Mall move one step closer to revitalization Tuesday.  The Bay County Commission approved a proposed interlocal agreement with Panama City and the Panama City Redevelopment Agency toward an expansion of the Downtown North Community Development Area to include Panama City Mall, which has been mostly closed since Hurricane Michael in 2018.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Historical Society of Bay County wants to share Panama City’s rich history with you. Kenny Redd, a member of the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Bay County, stopped by the NewsChannel 7 studio to tell us about an upcoming lecture. The presentation is based on Redd’s book, “Odyssey of The Enchanter.” The book highlights Vincent E. Valentine, a man who had a big impact and helped make the Panama City area what it is today.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The 6th Annual Salty Dog Day event was held Saturday in St. Andrews. Community members gathered for a day of fur-filled fun which included an extension of the farmers market. Dog merchandise, food, music, shopping, and pet adoptions were all available. Proceeds benefited Operation Spay Bay, a non-profit clinic in Panama City. Operation Spay Bay Veterinarian Technician Maxine Cornette said the event benefits the community while also having fun.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The celebration of Black History Month continues. The community gathered on Saturday afternoon at McKenzie Park in Panama City. Panama City Quality of Life partnered with several different groups to host various Black history events throughout this month. This one included food, music, a rap battle, and local Black-owned businesses. Panama City Quality of Life Director Sean DePalma said Black History Month is important for community members of the past, present, and future.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — On this day in 1909, the City of Panama City was officially incorporated. Wednesday is the 113th anniversary. When Panama City was first developed in 1887 it was called Park Resort. “Demorest and Jenks were the first two gentlemen to develop the town and the name gives an idea of what they intended the development to be. They had a park in mind that we are standing on the edge of now,” Bay County Historical Society Vice President Bob Hurst said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — A new pup will be sworn in as the mayor of St. Andrews this week. The community of St. Andrews is set to name a new Salty dog Mayor this Saturday. This is the event’s sixth year, and it will take place at the St. Andrew’s Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Salty Dog Mayor serves as the ambassador for St. Andrews, making appearances at events around town.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — If you’re looking to indulge yourself in delectable desserts and help women in Bay County, there’s an event that allows you to do both. The Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association is hosting its 21st annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser on March 1. The event will start at 5 p.m. at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach. Kathie Kern, the co-chair of the Silent Auction committee for the event, said that the best part is of the event is that it benefits Bay County women.“100% of the proceeds go toward the Emerald Coast Business Women Association scholarship fund to help women over age 23 in Bay County further their education at a local school,” she said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Paying out of pocket for a dental visit is expensive. However, “Kidz Klinic” at Gulf Coast State College is hoping to take the bite out of the price tag. “It’s important for us to reach out into the community, especially for the parents who maybe do not have access to a regular dental office,” adjunct instructor and dental hygienist Donita Keller said. The College also provides affordable dental services to children and adults outside of the program.

ST. ANDREWS, Fla. (WMBB) – Panama City tourism officials said this year’s St. Andrews Mardi Gras celebration brought in record numbers. They had more than 50 entries in the parade and more than 35,000 spectators. Destination Panama City President and CEO Jennifer Vigil said they still don’t have an exact revenue total for the event, but by the looks of the crowds, it was a successful weekend for St. Andrews businesses.