Panama City In The News

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)– Bay County residents have a saying, “I live where you vacation.” Tourism is the number one industry in the area, and several local organizations are taking the time to celebrate the opportunities the industry brings to the area. National Tourism Week takes place from May 1st through 7th, but the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Destination Panama City are collaborating to host events all month long for locals to enjoy.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – When you think of tourism in Bay County, it’s easy to think of the world’s most beautiful beaches. But Panama City Beach isn’t the only area people are visiting when they come to town. Bay County wouldn’t be what it is today without tourism. “One in six people in Bay County are directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. And it brings in more than $3 billion worth of outside revenue to this area every year,” Destination Panama City President Jennifer Vigil said. And it isn’t just the white sandy beaches bringing people in.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)– If you’re still in need of a gift for Mother’s Day, never fear the St. Andrews has plenty of options for a gift for mom. The market will also be relocating from its current location at the CSS Yacht Basin to Oaks by the Bay Park, located at 2715 W. 10th St, Panama City, FL. 32401. The first day for the new Market will be May 7th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. President of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership, Janis Boatright said the vendors are excited. There will be more access to shade, grass, and electricity.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Panama City held its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration Thursday afternoon. Dozens of residents gathered at Oakland Terrace Park from 4-7 pm. A DJ played music and chips and salsa were served at the free event. A food truck sold food and ice cream to attendees.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay Arts Alliance held its second annual Star Wars Day in downtown Panama City Wednesday. “Last year we had about 300 people that responded to the event. We had about 500 show up. This year we had 1500 people respond before the event and I think you see it,” event organizer Aaron Rich said. The event featured Star Wars-themed crafts, soundscapes, and even a lightsaber battle.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Are you looking for a perfect Derby Day or Mother’s Day hat? The perfect one may be just a DIY project away. Hats on Harrison is being hosted by local businesses in historic downtown Panama City. It is a ladies-only event where you can enjoy getting a hat and stopping by different shops to customize your hat. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, and end at 12:00 p.m.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Live music will soon be coming to Panama City! Tom Smith with the Shaddai Shriners joined us in studio to tell us about the event. Saturday, May 14 musician Chad Street will be performing at the Shaddai Shriners located at 1101 West 19th Street in Panama City.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Seeing a growing need, 24 new inpatient beds are now available at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. CEO Brad Griffin said he’s thrilled for this expansion. “As this community continues to grow and develop and need more healthcare, HCA Florida Gulf Coast is answering that need by expanding our services, adding space for those patients to come here,” Griffin said.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — A new restaurant named after one of the most prominent streets in Panama City will open in the fall. “Harrison’s”, owned by The St. Joe Company is being built next to Hotel Indigo on the Bay. “It’s important to us, for us to do our part to do our part in the revitalization,” St. Joe Company Corporate Director Matt Moore said. “We have a lot of small business, private business around here that we’ve seen grow, we’ve seen the streetscape grow.”

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Shaddai Shriners are cooking up some delicious barbecue for their Pig Roast Luau at the No Name Lounge in Panama City. This family-friendly event takes place May 14 at 1:00 p.m.. Those who attend will be treated to a pork plate and will have the opportunity to take part in the cornhole tournament or axe-throwing.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – There’s more visible signs of progress in the Harrison Avenue StreetScape project on Tuesday. City crews planted 20-foot tall Highrise Live Oak trees along Harrison, in conjunction with the ReTree PC program and National Arbor Day. 10 of the 49 trees are now in place.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)– Grab your lightsaber and prepare for a galactic-sized celebration! Downtown Panama City is set to host Star Wars Day on Wednesday, May 4th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free. It will take place at the Center for the Arts parking lot, 19 E. Fourth St. and local businesses of the galaxies will come together with all things Star Wars for kids and their families. There will be popular Star Wars characters in attendance, including Jedi Knights, members of the Rebel Alliance and young Padawans. You’re encouraged to attend in your favorite costume!

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — The first of three job fairs hosted by Bay District Schools is set to take place Monday afternoon at Rutherford High School. 55 employers will be onsite for part time, full time, summer and year round positions. Some of the businesses scheduled to participate include Walmart, Buffalo Rock, St. Joe Hospitality and Bay Correctional Facility.

BAY COUNTY Fla. (WMBB) –  A local restaurant owner has big plans for Panama City and Panama City Beach. Chris McMillan and his company, Panhandle Restaurant Group, plan to open a dozen new restaurants in the next two years.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Hurricane Michael destroyed about 80 percent of the trees in Panama City, so National Arbor Day has more significance for locals.These days Florida celebrates twice a year. The state Arbor Day is the third Friday in January and The National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April.