Safety Action Plan Meeting
2025-01-16 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Bay County Government Center, 840 W. 11th St., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Bay County was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the federal government to create a safety action plan for improving safety on county roads and will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 about the initiative.

Two Free Dance Lessons!
2025-01-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Grand Square Hall, 1105 Bob Little Rd., Panama City, Florida, 32404, United States

Annual MLK Festival
2025-01-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The community is invited to join the City of Lynn Haven to celebrate at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Festival on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Sharon Sheffield Park.

This commemorative event will feature performances by local organizations and highlight the rich cultural tapestry that unites our community. The tentative schedule is as follows (*subject to change):

10:00AM – 10:20AM – DJ ET – Music

10:20AM – 10:50AM – Family Wealth Moguls – Band

10:50AM – 11:20AM – It’s Up 2U Choir – Choir

11:30AM – 12:00PM – Welcome and Opening Ceremony

12:00PM – 1:00PM – Dionzia Santiago & Friends – Band

1:20PM – 1:50PM – Dance Kraze – Dance

1:50PM – 2:20PM – Sapphire Elite Cheer – Cheer

2:30PM – 3:30PM – True Soul – Band

3:30PM – 4:00PM – DJ ET – Music

Attendees can explore offerings from booth vendors, purchase festival t-shirts at The City of Lynn Haven tent, and enjoy the variety of over 20 food trucks on site.

This festival promises a day of reflection, entertainment, diversity, and harmony, and will reinforce the principles that Dr. King dedicated his life to seeing through. City Manager Vickie Gainer shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, “The City of Lynn Haven is excited to continue this heartfelt tradition in our community. Our goal is to grow this festival each year and we invite everyone to come out and remember the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We look forward to this celebration and hope to see everyone at Sheffield Park on Monday, January 20th.”

For any questions or inquiries on the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, or visit www.cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Blair Jennings, Marketing & Communications Manager

Email: bjennings@cityoflynnhaven.com

Kate Nelson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Email: knelson@cityoflynnhaven.com

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Email: eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

BBIA's The Great American Home & Recreation Expo
2025-01-24 09:00 - 2025-01-25 17:00 | Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center, 9600 S Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408, United States
Whether you’re looking to build, remodel, landscape, upgrade your home—or even add some fun recreational toys to your collection—this event is your one-stop shop! Connect with local, licensed experts and get inspired over 2 days of non-stop excitement. Admission is free, and while tickets aren’t required to enter, registering in advance gives you a chance to win a door prize. Sign up today and we’ll see you at the Expo!

Friday, January 24 – Saturday, January 25
(9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

GCSC Visual & Performing Arts Presents “Burn the Midnight Oil” Exhibit
2025-01-24 17:00 - 19:00 | GCSC Amelia Center Theatre, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
This sculptural exhibit uses a combination of animal forms with found objects as a metaphor for the human experience. In particular, it focuses on the experience of living with, supporting and assisting individuals with severe mental health issues. The title of the show refers to the hard work and dedication that is required in living situations like these. The sculptures represent the heartbreak, the isolation, the encouragement, the motivation, the knowledge, and the physical/mental struggle that takes place within such a household.

Stacey Holloway is an associate professor of sculpture at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to teaching, Holloway is an active national mixed media artist, sculptor, and fabricator that works within a variety of media, including drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and interactivity. Through the exploration of storytelling and ethology, she creates work that communicates a universal societal connectivity.

The exhibit will be on display in the Amelia Center Main Gallery (Room 112), from Friday, January 24 to Friday, February 21

Opening reception is on January 24, 5:00p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission to the reception and the gallery is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Pavel Amromin at pamromin@gulfcoast.edu, 850-872-3886.

Bay County Chamber of Commerce ELECTRIC Annual Dinner - SOLD OUT
2025-01-24 17:30 - 21:00 | Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, 11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407, United States
The Annual Dinner celebrates the Chamber’s accomplishments, honors exceptional individuals, and welcomes incoming and retiring Chairmen of the Board of Directors. This premier semi-formal event is bringing together over 720 attendees (wow! THANK YOU TO our community!), including community leaders and elected officials, for an evening of reception, silent auction, dinner, and networking.

SOLD OUT – stay tuned for more information on award winners!

Reception and Silent Auction starts at: 5:30 PMProgram: 6:30 PM

Starting a Business
2025-01-28 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!

Mobile Office Hours
2025-01-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States

BUSINESSES THAT SHAPED OUR TOWN
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Bay County Public Library, 898 W 11th St., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
This event celebrates some of the businesses that built our town’s foundation. This roundtable storytelling event will feature local icons sharing the origin stories of their family businesses, including:
Carolyn and Jimmy Branch – Speedy Car Wash, Jimmy’s Car Wash, Chicken Box, Jimmy’s Drive-In, and Tallyho Drive-In
• Carolyn Cramer – Tommy Thomas Chevrolet
• Lee Casey – Boyette and Casey
• Paul and Lana Jane Lewis Brent – Junior Food Stores and Sunshine Food Stores
Each guest will share humorous and heartfelt stories about running family businesses, complete with photos and anecdotes that capture the essence of our community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own stories to share about these businesses—it’s a night to remember and celebrate the small businesses that sponsored our youth sports teams, supported local charities, and wove the fabric of the community we cherish.
Come laugh, share, and honor the businesses that have shaped Panama City. We hope to see you there!

BYP Kickoff Event @ History Brewing Class
2025-01-30 16:00 - 18:00
Join us for an exciting evening as we kick off the Bay Young Professionals (BYP) program at History Class Brewing! Network with other young professionals, enjoy great brews, and learn about the opportunities BYP has to offer for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the area, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and be part of shaping the future of Bay County. We can’t wait to see you there!

TRiO at GCSC Hosting Saturday FAFSA Support Series
2025-02-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
TRiO at Gulf Coast State College is offering two Saturday events to assist current students, prospective students, and the community with navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To provide FAFSA guidance and support, TRiO will host events on January 25, 2025 and February 1, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm CST, in the TRiO department located on the first floor of the Student Union West building on Gulf Coast State College’s Panama City campus.

TRiO strives to provide low-income, first-generation, and/or disabled individuals from Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties with impactful services designed to motivate them toward the successfully earning a post-secondary credential. The FAFSA Saturday events are just one of the many free services TRiO offers to support equitable educational outcomes.

For more information about these events or TRiO’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, or Educational Opportunity Center programs at Gulf Coast State College, please contact Dr. Kris Hatcher at khatcher1@gulfcoast.edu.

February 1, 2025

9:00 am-12:00 pm (CST)

TRiO Department, First Floor of Student Union West building

Local High School Students Can Apply to GCSC at No Cost During Free Application Weeks Event
2025-02-03 08:00 - 16:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Gulf Coast State College is hosting Free Application Weeks, February 3 – 14, 2025 for local high school seniors planning to attend GCSC.

Students who would like more information or assistance with their GCSC application are encouraged to contact their school’s Navigator. GCSC Navigators are individuals who work within local schools to help students prepare for their college careers, as well as explore career interests, and offer advice to those planning to transfer from Gulf Coast to a four-year university.

Students who plan to attend GCSC are encouraged to meet with a Navigator for academic advising and to learn about financial assistance options for college, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and GCSC Foundation scholarships. The GCSC Foundation scholarship cycle for 2025-26 is open through March 15, 2025.

Homeschooled students, and students attending schools without a Navigator, can also submit their application free of charge by contacting GCSC’s Enrollment Services Office at (850) 872-3823 or enrollmentservices@gulfcoast.edu.

All Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County high school 2025 spring graduates are eligible to receive $700 per semester for tuition through the Gulf Coast Guarantee. This is an estimated 60% off the cost of full-time (12 credit hours) tuition at Gulf Coast. For more information, visit gulfcoast.edu/guarantee.

Gulf Coast State College Navigators by High School:

Arnold High School

Cindy Penny

cpenny@gulfcoast.edu

Bay High School

Alex Sledd

asledd@gulfcoast.edu

Deane Bozeman High School

Will Archer

warcher@gulfcoast.edu

Mosley High School

Ali Payne

apayne7@gulfcoast.edu

North Bay Haven, Palm Bay Prep, & Rising Leaders

Lacey Frank

lfrank1@gulfcoast.edu

Rutherford High School

Rosemarie Keller

rwadman@gulfcoast.edu

Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, & Franklin County High Schools

Kristal Smallwood

ksmallwoo@gulfcoast.edu

Bay Virtual School, New Horizons Learning Center, Panama City Advanced School, & Rosenwald High School – Contact your guidance counselor.

GCSC to Host Financial Aid Night Event Across Three Campuses
2025-02-04 17:00 - 19:00
Gulf Coast State College is hosting Financial Aid Night on all three campuses in February. High school seniors and prospective college students are encouraged to attend this free event for guidance on completing the FAFSA and applying for scholarships. This is a valuable opportunity to get answers to your financial aid questions and gain insights from knowledgeable experts.

Attendees will also have the chance to win gift cards, sponsored by United Way, at each event location. Don’t miss your chance to walk away with something special just for taking this important step toward your future!

The FAFSA is a crucial step for any student seeking financial aid. Attendees will receive hands-on assistance completing the newly updated 2025-26 FAFSA application. To make the process as seamless as possible, students and any contributors are encouraged to create an FSA ID at least 24 business hours prior to the event. Additionally, bringing your 2023 tax documents is recommended in case of data exchange issues between the FAFSA and the IRS.

A representative from the GCSC Foundation will also be available to assist with the Foundation Scholarship application, which has a submission deadline of March 15, 2025.

Event Details:

Gulf/Franklin CampusTuesday, February 4, 20255:00 – 7:00 p.m. (EST)

Panama City Campus, Charles Hilton CenterThursday, February 6, 20255:00 – 7:00 p.m. (CST)

North Bay Campus, EOC BuildingThursday, February 6, 20255:00 – 7:00 p.m. (CST)

For more information about FAFSA requirements, and to create your FSA ID, visit studentaid.gov.

For questions about the event, contact Katie McCurdy at kmccurdy2@gulfcoast.edu or (850) 872-3814.

Bay Chamber Connect Group 2 Lunch Meeting
2025-02-06 11:30 - 13:00 | Trigo San Francisco Style Deli, 119 Harrison Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Bay Chamber Connect Groups offer a unique opportunity for Chamber members to build relationships, share referrals, and grow their businesses together.

Ready to expand your network? Click here to learn more!

First Friday
2025-02-07 07:30 - 09:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
We’re excited to see you at the upcoming First Friday! Join us for an informative and engaging morning as we showcase CPAR and FSU PC. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members, build new relationships, and stay up-to-date on what’s ahead for Bay County. Networking kicks off at 7:30 AM, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Musically Up Close
2024-10-04 14:30 - 15:30 | City Hall Downtown Panama City, 501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Musically Up Close presented by Parks, Culture and Recreation and the Panama City Symphony. A captivating blend of classical and contemporary compositions performed by the talented musicians of the Panama City Symphony and special guests.

Sponsored by Parks, Culture and Recreation.

All concerts held at the City Hall Rotunda, 501 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL 32401

Panama City Beach Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival **2 day event**
2025-02-08 12:00 - 18:00 | Aaron Bessant Park, 500 W Park Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States
Florida foodies, get ready for the ultimate feast! 30+ of Florida’s top food trucks are set to serve up your favorites at the 8th Annual Panama City Beach Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. Join us on Feb 8th & 9th for amazing food, craft beers, lawn games, music, and more!
Feb 8 (Noon to 6 PM) & Feb 9 (Noon to 6 PM)
Aaron Bessant Park, 600 S Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32413
For tickets & more info go to: www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/panama-city-beach
The event runs rain or shine!
For the very latest news, please follow @FTFofAmerica on X & Instagram and “like” us on Facebook.

Panama City Symphony Presents: Tribute to Tchaikovsky
2025-02-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
A tribute to young talent featuring Victor Shlyakhtenko, College Division Grand Prize Winner of Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist Competition and the full force of the orchestra. Memorable melodies are contrasted with powerful themes of fate and struggle in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Immerse yourself in the music and emerge transfixed by Tchaikovsky and the artistry of Victor Shlyakhtenko.

https://panamacitysymphony.org/product/tribute-to-tchaikovsky

Lynn Haven Celebrates Black History Month
2025-02-10 16:30 - 19:00 | Lynn Haven City Hall, 825 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
Exhibit Opening Night

The City of Lynn Haven is proud to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month. These events aim to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the African American community. The city is kicking off the month with banners on display throughout Sharon Sheffield Park that highlight prominent local and national Black leaders who have influenced our nation and community. We invite everyone to join us throughout February as we embrace the 2025 theme “African Americans and Labor”

Exhibit Opening Night. A look into the history of blues music through an engaging exhibit that explores Florida’s long-standing blues tradition.

February 1-28 – Social Media Trivia. Follow the City of Lynn Haven’s Facebook page during February and be the first to correctly answer trivia questions in the comment section for a chance to win a prize.

Lynn Haven Celebrates Black History Month
2025-02-11 07:30 - 16:30 | Lynn Haven City Hall, 825 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
Florida’s Got the Blues Exhibit

The City of Lynn Haven is proud to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month. These events aim to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the African American community.

The city is kicking off the month with banners on display throughout Sharon Sheffield Park that highlight prominent local and national Black leaders who have influenced our nation and community. We invite everyone to join us throughout February as we embrace the 2025 theme “African Americans and Labor”

Topics include early blues, blues clubs and jook joints, depression blues, and more. Exhibit on loan from the Museum of Florida History.

FSU PC Presents: Let's Do Lunch!
2025-02-11 11:30 - 13:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Let’s do lunch! Join us at FSU Panama City for a delicious assortment of soups and salads paired with mimosas catered by GRITS and a special presentation from Jennifer Coburn, author of the novel The Girls of the Glimmer Factory.

$50 covers the price of admission, including lunch and a signed copy of the novel. Checks can be made to the FSU Foundation and delivered by mail to 4750 Collegiate Dr, Panama City, FL 32405 or payment can be made via cash or check on the day of the event.

*Stay tuned for information about our next event in this series with author Dawn Tripp on March 4th.

AARP Free Tax-Aide Assistance
2025-02-05 14:00 - 18:00
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge
IRS trained & certified counselors
By appointment, no long waiting lines
Call 850-583-4606 and leave a message
You will get a call to make an appointment
Wednesdays at Arc of the Bay
1804 Carolina Ave
Lynn Haven, FL 32444

First Commerce Credit Union’s Power Forward Speaker Series
2025-02-12 15:30 - 17:00
The 11th installment of First Commerce Credit Union’s Power Forward Speaker Series, in partnership with the FSU Division of Research, will bring Futurist Zack Kass, the former head of Go to Market for OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT — to Tallahassee’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall February 12. Zack will share his experiences working at the epicenter of technological revolution. His 14 years in the field of the emerging technology put Kass front and center building AI strategies with some of the world’s largest companies.

Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras
2025-02-14 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States

Starting a Business
2025-02-18 09:00 - 12:00 | The Hive PCFL, 109 Harrison Ave, Panama City, 32401
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.

Lynn Haven Celebrates Black History Month
2025-02-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Lynn Haven City Hall, 825 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
Closing Reception

The City of Lynn Haven is proud to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month. These events aim to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of the African American community.

The city is kicking off the month with banners on display throughout Sharon Sheffield Park that highlight prominent local and national Black leaders who have influenced our nation and community. We invite everyone to join us throughout February as we embrace the 2025 theme “African Americans and Labor”

Join us for a special finale to close out the blues exhibit. Light refreshments and a small gift will be provided for all attendees.

Parents Against Predators Workshop
2025-02-18 17:30 - 19:30 | J.R. Arnold High School, 550 Alf Coleman Road, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32407, United States

Harm Reduction Webinar
2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:00
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: IDEA Bay County- Ending HIV, Hepatitis C, and Overdose in Bay County. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.us02web.zoom.us

Bridal Open House
2025-02-19 12:00 - 18:00 | Hampton Inn by Hilton, 2909 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408, United States
We are delighted to host our first Bridal Open House at The Hampton Inn on Thomas Drive on February 19th from Noon-6 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for couples, wedding planners and those in the wedding industry to visit our property, tour our hotel rooms and see our meeting room. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes and speak to me in person for any of your rooming and events needs. Those interested are encourage to visit our Facebook event page for more details.

Thanks so much for your continued support and we hope to see you on February 19th!https://www.facebook.com/events/610881028010461/

City of Lynn Haven to host 6th Annual Health Fair
2025-02-20 09:00 - 13:00 | Lynn Haven Senior Activity Club, 905 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven will host its 6th annual Community Health Fair on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lynn Haven Senior Activity Club, located at 905 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Community Health Fair event is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, preventative care, disease management, and making connections to health resources. A variety of healthcare vendors including vision, pharmacy, health insurance, fitness and wellness providers will be on-site, displaying their services and distributing information to attendees. The event is free to both participants and approved vendors.

City Manager Vickie Gainer commented, “The Community Health Fair brings a diverse group of medical professionals and information to attendees under one roof. The City of Lynn Haven is committed to giving our residents and our community resources to help them maintain and live healthy lifestyles.”

Vendor applications are still being accepted for this event through February 14th. All interested vendors should visit the city website at www.cityoflynnhaven.com/events to complete the Lynn Haven Community Health Fair vendor form. Any questions can be directed to the Marketing & Communications team at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Blair Jennings, Marketing & Communications Manager | 850-257-3780; bjennings@cityoflynnhaven.com

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing & Communications Coordinator | 850-774-8620; eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

Kate Nelson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator | 850-248-0530; knelson@cityoflynnhaven.com
