Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Veterans & First Responders FREE LUNCH
2024-11-12 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | First Baptist Church of Panama City, 640 Grace Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
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A Superior Air Conditioning Company's Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch
2024-11-12 11:30 - 13:00 | First Baptist Church of Panama City, 640 Grace Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/veterans-first-responders-appr/1612656442981443/?mibextid=9l3rBW&rdid=A9bcgMjRo5EhjT1G&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FVJhF3iXe58fBrm9J%2F%3Fmibextid%3D9l3rBW

Public Eye Soar
2024-11-08 18:00 - 22:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Help Us Celebrate 11 Years of Soar!

Public Eye Soar returns to Gulf Coast on November 8 – 9, 2024, from 6pm-10pm, on the Panama City Campus. Join us for a free outdoor art festival featuring projected art, animation, music, theatre, dance and interactive activities.

Submissions closed for Public Eye Soar 2024 on September 1st and it was an avalanche of creativity and art. Over the last eleven years, hundreds of artists from all over the world have shared thousands of pieces of art and transformed dozens of buildings throughout Bay County into the largest, free, outdoor public art gallery in the Southeastern United States. The Public Eye Soar Projection and Light Festival celebrates eleven years of sharing art in all of its forms in unexpected places and ways to delight, surprise, educate and inspire our community.

Together, Public Eye Soar and Gulf Coast State College are partnering on November 8 and 9, 2024, from 6pm to 10pm to display art on the beautiful architecture of GCSC. SOAR 2024 will feature artists from around the world and from our own vibrant local art scene. New installations, visual surprises and interactive art displays are already in production. Festival favorites will return like Sand art, GCSC Living Statues, the Shadow Dome and JD’s Fun House. Live music, dance and interactive experiences like the GCSC Lost City exhibit and the Yellow Room will delight all ages. Plus, the Veterans Honor Wall will return to celebrate our veterans during the festival.

The Public Eye Soar 2024 Presenting sponsors are St. Joe Community Foundation, Gulf Coast State College, Chevron, Destination Panama City, and The Charles A. Whitehead Foundation. Because of their generous support, Public Eye Soar is free and open to the public! Sponsors and volunteers are needed and donations are accepted! Soar is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Please note, due to construction on campus at Gulf Coast State College the festival footprint has been adjusted. To find out more about the Public Eye Soar Projection and Light Festival visit our website at www.publiceyesoar.net and stop by our Facebook page and Instagram.

Contact Margaret Webster at 850-890-6631 for more information.

The Public Eye SOAR mission is to share art in all of its forms in unexpected places and ways to delight, surprise, educate and inspire our community.

2024 Boots & Bling
2024-11-08 17:30 - 22:00 | The Barn at the Wicked Wheel, 10025 Hutchinson Blvd., Panama City Beach, 32407
Our 9th Annual Boots & Bling event will take place at The Barn at the Wicked Wheel on November 8th! It is Girls Inc. of Bay County’s premier casual gala, with a country music concert by a rising star, dancing, VIP Meet & Greet* with the performing artist, sumptuous dinner, and silent auction. We are proud to announce Caylee Hammack will be performing this year!

Doors Open at 5:30pm. Tickets are $100 each. Must be 21 years old or over to attend.

Are you a business owner interested in donating items for the Silent Auction or interested in an Event Sponsorship? Contact us.
*VIP Meet & Greets – Only for Specified Sponsor Levels

All proceeds benefit Girls Inc. of Bay County where together we are building a new generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders.
For more information, please contact bpace@girlsincofbaycounty.org or call 850.588.8711

Love PC Mini Masterpieces Ribbon Cutting
2024-11-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Destination Panama City, 101 W. Beach Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
https://destinationpanamacity.com/destination-panama-city-murals

13th Annual Warrior Beach Retreat Barbecue Fundraiser
2024-11-08 10:30 - 13:00

Wal-Mart Grand Re-Opening
2024-11-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Walmart Lynn Haven, 2101 Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States

Holly Fair
2024-11-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, 11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407, United States
Tickets are now on sale for Holly Fair 2024, the Junior League of Panama City’s (JLPC) largest annual fundraiser, set to take place November 7-10, 2024, at Edgewater Beach Resort. Tickets are available for purchase at hollyfair2024.com.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of the holiday season back to Panama City Beach with Holly Fair 2024,” said Holly Fair Committee Chair Jennifer Guynn. “This cherished tradition is made possible thanks to our Champion partners and generous community sponsors. The funds raised from this event allow us to continue supporting the vital programs that serve women, children, and families in Bay County.”

In addition to a weekend filled with holiday shopping, Holly Fair 2024 offers a variety of special events, including the exclusive Preview Party on Thursday night, a Champagne Brunch on Friday morning, and a family-friendly Children’s Event on Sunday, featuring crafting activities and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Guests can look forward to entertainment, delicious food, music, auctions, and much more!

General admission tickets to Holly Fair are $10 and provide access to nearly 60 vendors offering a wide range of products, from Christmas décor to boutique clothing, kitchen gadgets, and designer jewelry. All net proceeds from Holly Fair directly support the programs and mission of JLPC.

Holly Fair is one of JLPC’s largest annual fundraisers, raising approximately $75,000 each year to fund the Junior League’s programs. Over the past three decades, the organization has dedicated over 5,000 volunteer hours and awarded $25,000 in scholarships to local teachers, contributing approximately $3 million to the Bay County community.

For more information about Holly Fair, visit hollyfair2024.com.

Lay's Insurance Agency Ribbon Cutting
2024-11-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Lay’s Insurance Agency, 12118 PCB Pkwy Suite 22, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407, United States

Warrior Beach Retreat Salute
2024-11-07 15:30 - 20:00
WARRIOR BEACH RETREAT will host a Parade & Ceremony on Thursday, Nov 7, 2024.
9 Combat Wounded Warriors and their spouses will be honored.
The parade starts at 3:30 PM @ Pier Park.
The ceremony starts at 7:00 PM @ Forest Park Church, 1401 W 23rd Street, Panama City, FL.
All are encouraged to attend the ceremony which is free and open to the public.
Line the streets of the parade route with signs and flags to honor our nation’s heroes.
Visit warriorbeachretreat.org for parade route details.

Emerald Coast Cruizin'
2024-11-07 08:00 - 2024-11-09 18:00 | Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
https://emeraldcoastcruizin.com/event-schedule

Springfield Government Complex Groundbreaking
2024-11-07 08:00 - 08:30 | Springfield Government Complex, 1141 Transmitter Rd., Springfield, Florida, 32404, United States

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Connect to Capital”
2024-11-06 09:00 - 10:00
This panel discussion is a must-attend for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the funding options available to drive business growth. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry experts, ask questions, and gain the knowledge needed to secure the financial support your business deserves. Join us from 9:00 am – 10:00 am for an engaging conversation on building bridges to opportunities in the world of small business financing. Presenters: Kelly Massey, Regional Director, Florida SBDC at UWF; Vitalii Pysarenko, Senior Small Business Banking Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo; Patricia Parker, Vice President, Business Lending, Pen Air Credit Union. No fee. Please note, this is a virtual event. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”.

TRiO at GCSC Celebrating First-Generation Day
2024-11-06 08:00 - 13:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
TRiO at Gulf Coast State College is set to celebrate First-Generation Day on November 6th, 2024 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (CST) on the Gulf Coast Panama City Campus.

This event coincides with the 60th anniversary of Federal TRiO Programs—which break down higher education barriers for low-income families, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.

“First-Generation Day will serve as a platform to recognize the resilience and determination of students who will be the first in their family to achieve a college degree,” said Kris Hatcher, Director of TRiO Programs at GCSC. “We hope everyone joins us on Wednesday to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Gulf Coast State College’s first-generation students.”

The event at Gulf Coast State College will feature activities and celebration. Current students, prospective students, and the community are encouraged to participate.

Event Details:

Date: November 6th, 2024

Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (CST)

Location: Student Union Breezeway at Gulf Coast State College

For more information, please contact Kris Hatcher at khatcher1@gulfcoast.edu, (850) 873-3526.

TRiO at Gulf Coast State College refers to a set of federally-funded programs designed to provide support and outreach services for students facing economic, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. These programs are specifically aimed at individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who are low-income and first-generation Americans. The ultimate goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates among the participants by addressing the unique challenges they may encounter on their educational journey.

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BYP Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
2024-11-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Lynn Haven Sports Complex, 2201 Recreation Dr., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
We are thrilled to announce that team registrations, sponsorships and vendor opportunities are now available for the BYP Inaugural Pickleball Tournament on November 2nd at the City of Lynn Haven Pickleball Courts!

This exciting event welcomes the entire community, offering local businesses and organizations a valuable opportunity to showcase their products and services to a large, engaged, and energized audience. Become a sponsor and connect with attendees in a fun, vibrant setting! For more information, see the attached forms or contact Lisa Moore at Lisa@baychamberfl.com or 850-774-4779.

Intersections Events Open House
2024-11-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Intersections Events, 1316 Illinois Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States

Public Safety Fall Festival
2024-11-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Henry Brooks Memorial Walking Park, 3529 E. 3rd Street, Springfield, Florida, 32401, United States
The City of Springfield is excited to invite you to our 9th Annual Public Safety Fall Festival on November 1, 2024 (NEW DATE)! This event will conclude our Fall Event Series, which includes movies in the park on October 4, 11, and 18. Our past Public Safety Fall Festivals have been immensely popular, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees each year. All events will be held at Henry Brooks Memorial Walking Park, 3529 E 3rd Street.

The highlight of the festival will be our trunk or treat, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families in our community. We recognize that many of our residents may not have access to similar events, and we deeply appreciate everyone who comes out to support us.

If you plan to attend the Fall Festival, please let us know the size of the area you will need, the activities you intend to offer, and whether you require electricity. We ask that everyone be set up by 5:15 p.m.

As a reminder, this is a free event for the public, and we ask that no charges are made for activities, food, or any other services.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (850) 724-2076.

We look forward to seeing you there!

First Friday
2024-11-01 07:30 - 09:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Come to the Chamber’s most popular event and experience networking, refreshments, and learn how our partners are Building a Better Bay!

Lynn Haven Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-31 17:30 - 20:00 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
Join the City of Lynn Haven for a spooktacular evening at the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31st from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Sharon Sheffield Park (901 Ohio Avenue).

This family-friendly event is free to the public and invites the community to a festive evening of tricks, treats, and fun. With over 30 creatively decorated trunks from local Bay County organizations, kids can safely trick-or-treat while also enjoying carnival games, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers, photo ops, and of course, lots of candy!

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to add to the festive spirit. This event continues to grow, and the city is expecting a great turnout for this year’s celebration.

Lynn Haven City Manager Vickie Gainer shares that the Halloween Carnival symbolizes the strong spirit in Lynn Haven. After Hurricane Michael, this event brought many residents together to celebrate and thrive in the face of hardship, after they had lost so much. Gainer states, “Our Halloween Carnival is always a family-fun night for children, friends, and neighbors in the community to enjoy. We are excited to provide an event that highlights our area and the wonderful families who live here.”

The city is proud to host this event with the help of our sponsors, Dewberry Engineers and First Commerce Credit Union. For any questions about the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

Kate Nelson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: knelson@cityoflynnhaven.com

Starting a Business
2024-10-31 09:00 - 12:00 | TechFarms, 7543 Holley Cir, Panama City Beach, 32408
tinyurl.com/sab-oct
So you’ve got that business idea. You may not know the first steps, or you may want some guidance on if you’re taking the right steps. Let’s work with the ideas that have been forming in your head and see if we can make them into a tangible, feasible small business. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll take a deep dive into the following aspects of setting up a successful business:
Is there a need for your product or service?Can you make money at it?Are you the right person to bring this to market?Is this business compatible with your personal goals?What rules, laws, and licensing apply to your business?What are funding options for your business?What about marketing strategies, legal structures, and taxation?What are your available resources?Also, after attending this workshop you’ll have access to a Florida SBDC Business Consultant to assist you at no cost as you create your business plan and move toward your goals!
*UWF students and employees may attend SBDC workshops at no cost. Contact us at 850-474-2328 to register with your Nautilus Card number.
Please note: No refund credit without 48-hour notice. Contact us at sbdc@uwf.edu or 850-474-2328 with questions.
Brought to you in part by Wells Fargo.

Public Workshop
2024-10-30 15:30 - 17:00 | Port Panama City, One Seaport Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Join us for our Safe Streets for All and Smart Regions Public Workshop on October 30, 2024.

The purpose of the workshop is to view the High Injury Network and gather feedback on the prioritized projects, strategies, and goals that are laid out in the Draft Safety Action Plan and Draft Smart Regions Master Plan.

For meeting materials and additional information, please visit our website: www.ecrc.org/7LayerProjects Community members are encouraged to attend.

Tech Talk Tuesday: Demystifying AI for Business Owners
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Demystify the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its potential for your business in our workshop, ‘Demystifying AI for Business Owners.’ Tailored for entrepreneurs and business leaders, this session provides a clear and accessible overview of AI technologies and their practical applications.

Explore real-world examples, understand how AI can enhance decision-making, automate processes, and gain a competitive edge. From machine learning to natural language processing, we’ll break down the complexity of AI, empowering you to make informed decisions about integrating these technologies into your business strategy.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of AI, demystifying the buzzwords and equipping you with the knowledge to harness AI for business success.

Please note, this is a virtual event. We’ll see you online!

Tech Talk Tuesday: Demystifying AI for Business Owners
2024-10-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Demystify the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its potential for your business in our workshop, ‘Demystifying AI for Business Owners.’ Tailored for entrepreneurs and business leaders, this session provides a clear and accessible overview of AI technologies and their practical applications.

Explore real-world examples, understand how AI can enhance decision-making, automate processes, and gain a competitive edge. From machine learning to natural language processing, we’ll break down the complexity of AI, empowering you to make informed decisions about integrating these technologies into your business strategy.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of AI, demystifying the buzzwords and equipping you with the knowledge to harness AI for business success.

Human Trafficking Awareness
2024-10-28 16:30 - 18:30 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
This free human trafficking awareness training is open to the public and meets annual Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requirements. All attendees will receive a training completion certificate provided by the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking of the Attorney General’s Office.

Special Guest Speakers:

Florida State University Panama City – Dr. Laurie Lawrence

US Congressman – Dr. Neal Dunn

Panama City Beach Police – Chief JR Talamantez

Bay County Sherriff’s Office – Investigator Ryan Nelson

GCSC's Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Get Ready to Trunk-or-Treat at our Fall Fest!

Gulf Coast’s Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting its annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 25, 2024, an evening of festive enjoyment that welcomes the entire community. Attendees can look forward to a night of family-friendly entertainment, including the popular Trunk-or-Treat activity, where decorated vehicles will be filled with treats for all to enjoy. The SGA will also offer food, games, and prizes. This event is free to attend and open to the community.

Encompass Health Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Encompass Health, 1847 Florida Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Please come out to Encompass Health of Panama City for our second annual TRUNK-OR-TREAT on October 25th, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. This event is open to the public! We will have candy, games and lots of family fun activities. We look forward to seeing you then!

Play for the Bay Benefit Golf Tournament
2024-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | St. James Bay Golf Resort, 151 Laughing Gull Lane, Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Sunset Village Community Blood Drive – Open to Public
2024-10-24 14:00 - 19:00
Sunset Village Community is doing our part for the blood shortage due to recent storms and events. Each donor will receive a $20e gift card, a glow in the dark Halloween shirt and get a complimentary wellness checkup including: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
2024-10-24 11:00 - 13:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
The 2024 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon gives the business community an opportunity to say “thank you” and honor local first responders. During the luncheon, one individual from each discipline (EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Communications) is awarded First Responder of the year. Stay tuned for more details!

Starting a Business
2024-10-24 09:00 - 12:00 | TechFarms, 7543 Holley Cir, Panama City Beach, 32408
So you’ve got that business idea. You may not know the first steps, or you may want some guidance on if you’re taking the right steps. Let’s work with the ideas that have been forming in your head and see if we can make them into a tangible, feasible small business. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll take a deep dive into the following aspects of setting up a successful business:

Is there a need for your product or service?
Can you make money at it?
Are you the right person to bring this to market?
Is this business compatible with your personal goals?
What rules, laws, and licensing apply to your business?
What are funding options for your business?
What about marketing strategies, legal structures, and taxation?
What are your available resources?
Also, after attending this workshop you’ll have access to a Florida SBDC Business Consultant to assist you at no cost as you create your business plan and move toward your goals!
