Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Florida APEX Accelerator at UWF Presents “Federal Government Contracting: What Can The SBA Do For You?”
2024-01-08 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, 418 W Garden St, CO:LAB Bldg, 4th flr, Pensacola, FL, 32501, United States
The Federal Government sets annual goals to award government contracts exclusively to small business. Join us to learn about the tools the Small Business Administration has for you to prepare your business for Federal Government Contracting and be a part of the federal industrial pool of prime contractors and subcontractors serving our nation. Speakers: Jessica Tenney, Government Contracting Consultant, Florida APEX Accelerator and Sara Logsdon, Procurement Analyst/Procurement Center Representative (PCR), Office of Government Contracting – Area III, U.S. Small Business Administration. Fee: $15. Location: Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, 418 W. Garden St., 4th Flr, CO:LAB Bldg, Pensacola FL 32501. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

Holiday By The Bay
2023-12-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
There’s always something special to unwrap at a Panama City Symphony holiday concert!

CANCELLED - Panama City Christmas Parade
2023-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Panama City, Harrison Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
The Panama City Christmas Parade in Historic Downtown Panama City scheduled for December 16th has been CANCELLED.

Wreaths Across America
2023-12-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3733 US-231, Panama City, Florida, 32404, United States
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 9 am CST. The event will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, located at 3733 US-231, Panama City, FL 32404. This gathering is open to the public and free of charge, so feel free to extend the invitation to friends and family.

Our distinguished keynote speaker for the occasion is Matt Standish, a retired US Air Force veteran, and the National Anthem will be performed eloquently by Neysa Wilkins, a news anchor for WJHG Channel 7. Coffee and small bites will be provided during the ceremony.

This is an opportunity to actively participate in our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. We’re thrilled to share that we achieved a record-breaking year with 528 wreaths purchased, and we owe this success to our incredible sponsors and individual donors, including:

Gold Sponsor: Kent-Forest Lawn:https://www.kentforestlawn.com/

Silver Sponsor: Kia Bill Byrd: https://www.billbyrdkiapanamacity.com/

Bronze Sponsors:

* Rotary Club of the Emerald Coast

* Royal Exteriors

* Community Bank

* Watersound Fountains

* Family Floral Designs and Events

* Dominos Pizza

* Maranta Copy Co

* That Boot Store

* Coastal Wildlife

* Kirkland Insurance Co

* Woodall’s

* Cardinal Finance

* The Garmon Law Firm

Special thank you to those that contributed to this great cause.

Holiday Social
2023-12-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Hotel Indigo, 7 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States

Business After Hours
2023-12-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States
SPONSORED BY: Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC

11th Annual Bethlehem Christmas Village
2023-12-13 17:30 - 2023-12-16 20:30 | Capt. Anderson’s Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City, FL, 32408, United States
Join us at Capt. Anderson’s Marina, for our 11th Annual Bethlehem Christmas Village December 13-16 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, as we walk through ancient Bethlehem….. being present as Isaiah, Mary and Joseph learn and tell others of the coming of the Christ child.

Follow the path they did as they strolled through town looking for a place to sleep. Celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. A different charity will benefit each night from the “tax collector” booth in the form of a toy and food drive.

Bring your family to this free event and enjoy the petting zoo with free pony rides and a live nativity. 8 local schools chiors will perform in addition to many vendors selling everything festive you need for the holiday. We hope to see you there!

Lynn Haven Christmas Parade
2023-12-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Lynn Haven City Hall, 825 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven invites you to join us for our 8th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th, 2023. The parade will begin promptly at 9:00 AM on 5th Street and follow a route that turns onto Florida Avenue through Lynn Haven’s historic downtown.

More than 60 parade floats will be part of our parade with participation from school bands, dance organizations, sports leagues, local businesses across Bay County, and a special appearance from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Each year, thousands gather along Florida Avenue to spread holiday cheer with the community’s favorite tradition.

Meredith Sanders, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, notes that the Lynn Haven Christmas Parade is a wonderful opportunity to bring the spirit of the holidays to all of Bay County. She states, “Our Christmas Parade is definitely a fun time for family and friends. We hope everyone can join us to help spread holiday cheer throughout Lynn Haven.”

For more information on the Christmas Parade, please contact the Marketing & Communications team communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, or visit www.cityoflynnhaven.com.

Ugly Sweater Contest & Fun Run
2023-12-09 08:00 - 12:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, 1001 W. 11th St., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Strides for Scholars is a timed 10K and 5K Run, Walk, and Youth Fun Run designed to promote fitness and fellowship among supporters of education and to raise funds to benefit the programs of the Bay Education Foundation. Proceeds benefit Take Stock In Children scholarship and mentoring program for local kids, Grants for Great Ideas (a grant program for classroom teachers), and the Greener Grass Employee Tuition Assistance.

Panama City Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
2023-12-08 19:00 - 22:00 | Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium, 550 Alf Coleman Rd., Florida, 32407, United States
Experience the inaugural performances of The Nutcracker, brought to you by Panama City Ballet!

https://www.panamacityballet.com/performanceinformation

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Starting a Business” – Navarre
2023-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1804 Prado St, Ste A, Navarre, FL, 32566, United States
Have an idea for a business, but not sure where to start? Take the first step with the Florida SBDC’s “Starting a Business” workshop; we will discuss the fundamentals of launching your new venture, including how to determine feasibility and legal structures, licensing and permitting, funding options for your business and basic marketing strategies to help you get started! Location: Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1804 Prado St, Ste. A, Navarre 32566. Fee: $50. To register, visit our website at www.sbdc.uwf.edu and click on “Training & Events”.

Florida APEX Accelerator at UWF Presents “How To Do Business With Your Local Government”
2023-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Pensacola City Hall, Hagler/Mason Conference Room, 222 West main Street, 2nd Flr, Pensacola, FL, 32502, United States
Considering doing business with Escambia County and the City of Pensacola? Join us to receive information on opportunities and gain an understanding of the process of how to do business with local city and county governments. Speakers: Jessica Tenney, Government Contracting Consultant, Apex Accelerator (formerly PTAC); Dedria Lunderman, Assistant Purchasing Manager, City of Pensacola; Brian Wyer, President/CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce; Lyndsey Stevens, Interim Director of Purchasing, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners; Bob Pacenta, Purchasing & Stores Manager, ECUA; Allison Watson, Procurement Director, Escambia County Public Schools. Beverages will be provided by the city of Pensacola. Location: Pensacola City Hall, Hagler/Mason Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 222 West Main Street, Pensacola, FL, 32502. No fee. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

Florida APEX Accelerator at UWF Presents “How To Do Business With Your Local Government”
2023-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Pensacola City Hall, Hagler/Mason Conference Room, 222 West main Street, 2nd Flr, Pensacola, FL, 32502, United States
Considering doing business with Escambia County and the City of Pensacola? Join us December 4 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. to receive information on opportunities and gain an understanding of the process of how to do business with local city and county governments. Speakers: Jessica Tenney, Government Contracting Consultant, Apex Accelerator (formerly PTAC); Dedria Lunderman, Assistant Purchasing Manager, City of Pensacola; Brian Wyer, President/CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce; Lyndsey Stevens, Interim Director of Purchasing, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners; Bob Pacenta, Purchasing & Stores Manager, ECUA; Allison Watson, Procurement Director, Escambia County Public Schools. Beverages will be provided by the city of Pensacola. Location: Pensacola City Hall, Hagler/Mason Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 222 West Main Street, Pensacola, FL, 32502. No fee. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

GCSC Visual and Performing Arts Presents Annual Holiday Concerts
2023-12-01 19:30 - 21:30 | GCSC Amelia Center Theatre, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
The Visual & Performing Arts Division at Gulf Coast State College is proud to present two annual holiday concerts coming early December. The first concert, held on Friday, December 1, 2023, will feature the Singing Commodores and the GCSC Jazz Ensemble. The second concert, held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, will feature the Concert Chorale and the Concert Band. Concertgoers can expect an array of holiday favorites that encompass the spirit of the season.

The Singing Commodores and Jazz Ensemble will perform on Friday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Amelia Center Theatre.

The Concert Chorale and Concert Band will perform on Sunday, December 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the Amelia Center Theatre.

Both concerts are free and open to the community, though monetary donations are accepted to support music scholarships.

For additional information, please contact Jennifer McAtee at jmcatee@gulfcoast.edu or (850) 872.3887. Information for both events can be found at www.gulfcoast.edu/arts

Beachy Holiday Art Walk & Party
2023-12-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Beachy Beach Real Estate, 17651 PCB Parkway, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States
Beachy Holiday Art Walk & Party benefiting Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food4Kidz & Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance

12/1/23 | 6-9 PM | Beachy Beach HQ 17651 PCB Pkwy, 32413

$25 donation to charity to enter

Great Food

Art Gallery

Live Music by the Will Thompson Band

Jingle Bell Express
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Destination Panama City, 101 W. Beach Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
All aboard the Jingle Bell Express! This magical holiday experience connects Downtown Panama City & St. Andrews for riders to enjoy all of the Christmas wonder to be found in the historic neighborhoods. The enchantment and glow of the season can be felt with twinkling light displays, horse drawn carriages, Christmas parades, local shops filled with holiday gifts, and more. It’s family-friendly and FREE!

The Jingle Bell Express will run on Friday and Saturday evenings during the first three weekends in December, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, providing a delightful opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the magic of the season. The Jingle Bell Express will make stops at cherished local businesses, including Destination Panama City, History Class, Mosey’s, Little Village, Hunts, and Oaks by the Bay. Passengers will have the chance to explore these wonderful stops, including the historic neighborhoods of Downtown Panama City and St. Andrews, and enjoy the festive decorations, delicious holiday treats, and unique shopping opportunities.

Adding to the merriment, the Panama City A Cappella Chorus will be on hand to lead everyone in spirited Christmas carols, filling the air with the sweet sounds of the season. This magical ride is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones.

WHEN:The Jingle Bell Express will run on the following dates from 5-9 PM each eveningFriday, December 1Saturday, December 2Friday, December 8Saturday, December 9Friday, December 15Saturday, December 16

WHERE:You can get on the Jingle Bell Express at multiple locations in Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews.– Downtown Panama City pick up/drop off locations: Destination Panama City, History Class, and Mosey’s– Historic St. Andrews pick up/drop off locations: Oaks by the Bay Park, Hunt’s, and Little Village

Panama City Holiday Bazaar
2023-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Panama City, Harrison Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
There’s ‘snow’ place like Historic Downtown Panama City to kick off the holiday season!

Join us at Four Points Plaza on Friday, December 1 for an evening full of Christmas cheer:

Annual Downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony • 6-7pmSupport local artisan vendors at the two-day Holiday Bazaar presented by Bay Arts Alliance at the Center for the Arts • 5-8pm (10am-3pm on Saturday, December 2)Wagon rides organized by the Downtown Improvement Board (ticketed event)• 5-8pmKids cookie decoratingSpecial performance by the Bay High School ChoirAnd so much more!

Grab your jingle bells and come downtown to get into the spirit of the season!

Family-friendly and free to attend!

First Friday
2023-12-01 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!

FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory Lecture Series
2023-11-30 19:00 - 20:00 | FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St. Teresa, Florida, 32358, United States
The Silence and Sound of Bird Song: Thinking with Rachel Carson in the Fuegian Archipelago

Boy Scouts of America 2nd Annual Integrity Roast
2023-11-30 17:30 - 19:30 | The Venue at Beach Weekend, 109 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548, United States
Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council is partnering with several sponsors to hold their 2nd annual Integrity Roast in November. The goal of this event is to recognize and honor legendary leaders in the community for going above and beyond to give back to the Emerald Coast. This year’s Integrity Roast will honor Okaloosa County District 5 Commissioner, Mel Ponder, for his dedication to local youth and communities.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
2023-11-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay County Government Center, 840 W. 11th St., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners will hold its 14th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Bay County Government Center, located at 840 W. 11th St., Panama City.

The Bay High School Choir will perform Christmas music while free hot cocoa and cookies are served to the public as they await a special appearance by Santa Claus.

The public is invited to attend and encouraged to bring cameras for photos with Santa.

https://www.facebook.com/BayCountyFLEmergencyServices/

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Starting a Business” – Crestview
2023-11-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Dr., Crestview, FL, 32539
Have an idea for a business, but not sure where to start? Take the first step with the Florida SBDC’s “Starting a Business” workshop; we will discuss the fundamentals of launching your new venture, including how to determine feasibility and legal structures, licensing and permitting, funding options for your business and basic marketing strategies to help you get started! Location: Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Dr, Crestview, 32539. Fee: $50. To register, visit our website at www.sbdc.uwf.edu and click on “Training & Events”.

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Starting a Business” – Crestview
2023-11-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Dr., Crestview, FL, 32539
Have an idea for a business, but not sure where to start? Take the first step with the Florida SBDC’s “Starting a Business” workshop. In this workshop, we will discuss the fundamentals of launching your new venture, including how to determine feasibility and legal structures, licensing and permitting, funding options for your business and basic marketing strategies to help you get started! Location: Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Dr, Crestview, 32539. Fee: $50. To register, visit our website at www.sbdc.uwf.edu and click on “Training & Events”. Presented by John Emsing, Assistant Director, Florida SBDC at UWF. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

Lynn Haven Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
2023-11-28 17:30 - 20:00 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven will host its 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at Sharon Sheffield Park in Lynn Haven.

Please join the city alongside WJHG News Channel 7 with their Holiday Spectacular program featuring Neysa Wilkins! Holiday festivities will kick off at 5:30 PM, with the tree lighting countdown at 6:00 PM by City Manager Vickie Gainer.

This is a free event and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy these holiday festivities in the park. In addition, there will be photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, free hot chocolate and cookies, and food trucks on site. The lighting of the Christmas Tree symbolizes the start of all the Christmas festivities for the City of Lynn Haven residents. The giant 35-foot Christmas tree was first erected in Sheffield Park in 2018 after the devastation of Hurricane Michael.

Mayor Jesse Nelson shares that the holiday season is always memorable in the City of Lynn Haven. He states, “The holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year because they bring together our community while in a festive atmosphere. Our Christmas Tree Lighting is one of our beloved events and I hope the residents of Lynn Haven and surrounding communities come and join us for this festive tradition.”

We hope you can kick the holiday season with the City of Lynn Haven!

For any questions on the Christmas Tree Lighting event, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, or visit www.cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 774-8620

Meredith Sanders, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: msanders@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 774-4465

Beach Home For The Holidays
2023-11-24 15:00 - 20:00 | Aaron Bessant Park, 500 W Park Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States
Join Us On Thanksgiving Weekend In Panama City Beach As We Set The Stage For The Most Magical Month Of The Year!

Thanksgiving Thursday, May Be The Time For Turkey, But That Weekend, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town! Beach Home For The Holidays Waves Goodbye To Fall And Sets The Stage For The Most Magical Month Of The Year. Aaron Bessant Park Serves As The Site Of Carol-themed Concerts, S’mores, Christmas Tree Lighting, An Appearance By Santa, And Activities For The Kids.

Fireworks Will Be The Encore Each Night!

Lynn Haven Winter Wonderland
2023-11-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven is excited to announce that its annual premier shopping event, Winter Wonderland, will be on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Sharon Sheffield Park.

More than 120 vendors from across Northwest Florida will be set up throughout Sheffield Park to sell a variety of goods, such as handmade crafts, jewelry, furniture, jams/preserves, door hangers, candles, oils, and so much more! This holiday spectacular event is the perfect opportunity to knock out all of your holiday shopping while supporting small and local businesses.

In addition, there will be plenty of entertainment for everyone to enjoy! We will have dance and music performances lined up from local organizations, photo opportunities, story time with Mrs. Claus, and a fashion show. There will also be several food trucks on site for everyone to enjoy. As this event grows in attendance and vendors each year, the city could not be more grateful to have such an interactive community to help carry on the Winter Wonderland tradition.

Lynn Haven City Manager Vickie Gainer states, “Winter Wonderland is a beloved tradition for our city and the entire community, it creates excitement for the upcoming holidays. We always have really talented vendors that get more creative each year. Many gems and treasures are discovered at Winter Wonderland. I hope people get the opportunity to come out and support these local businesses while finding great presents, home décor, and more.”

For more information on the Winter Wonderland event, please contact:

Marketing and Communications team at 850-248-0530 or communications@cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meredith Sanders, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Email: msanders@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 774-4465

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Email: eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 774-8620

GCSC VPA presents the 16th Annual Cup Show: Form and Function
2023-11-17 17:00 - 19:00 | GCSC Amelia Center Theatre, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
The Visual & Performing Arts Division of Gulf Coast State College is proud to present the Sixteenth Annual Cup Show: Form and Function. This nationally juried show is a survey of the wide variety of approaches to contemporary ceramics through the lens of the most intimate and accessible vessel, the cup. The central theme of the exhibition is the function and concept of the drinking vessel, including its relation to history, politics, craft, technology, utility and narrative. The juror of the show is Chadra DeBuse.

Exhibit timeline: Friday, November 17 to Friday, December 8; Amelia Center Gallery (AC112)

Opening reception: Friday, November 17 from 5pm–7pm

Gallery hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am–6pm; Friday, 10am–4pm

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Pavel Amromin at pamromin@gulfcoast.edu or (850) 872.3886, or visit www.gulfcoast.edu/arts.

Toys for Toys Drop Off Site
2023-11-17 08:30 - 2023-12-05 17:00 | Florida
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon cares about children. We support the mission of Toys for Tots and once again are a drop off location for new, unwrapped toys/bikes. You may drop off toys Monday through Friday, 8:30a-5p at any of our office locations in Miramar Beach, Pace or Pensacola.

Downtown Art Walk - Fall 2023
2023-11-16 16:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Panama City, Harrison Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
On Thursday, November 16th, we welcome you to explore the creative side of Historic Downtown Panama City during the Downtown Art Walk! Over a dozen local art galleries and pop-up galleries have joined together for this exciting visual art experience. If you made it out to our spring event, you surely won’t want to miss it this fall!
From 4 to 8 pm, each gallery will serve up delightful and unique art exhibits accompanied by live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages and more! Strolling from gallery to gallery, Art Walk participants will discover the rich and varied offerings of the downtown art district. Local artists will be on hand to talk about about their work and process. Entertainment will feature live demonstrations and live music.
Visitors can pick up an Art Walk map at any one of the participating galleries and follow a self-guided tour of art around downtown. This event is free and open to the public. Original art and gifts will be priced to sell, with some locations offering special pricing and door prizes for the Art Walk event. In addition to the galleries, many Downtown businesses will keep their doors open late. Downtown will come alive for Art Walk.
Come enjoy Art Walk and support local artists and businesses in our beautiful, creative & growing Downtown Panama City Arts District!

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Unpacking SBIR/STTR”
2023-11-16 09:00 - 22:15 | Doolittle Institute, 1140 E John Sims Pkwy, #1, Niceville, 32578
Gain an overview of the Florida APEX Accelerator and SBDC programs as well as the federal government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. We will cover the tools and resources which small businesses can use to further research and development (R&D) in addition to strategies for how best to engage with a Department of Defense or other government customer. This is a hybrid event – presented both in-person and online. You can choose which way you want to attend this when you register. Host: Doolittle Institute, 1140 E John Sims Pkwy, #1, Niceville.
