Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Lynn Haven Celebrates Black History Month
2025-02-11 07:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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.

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.)

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

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

Safety Action Plan Meeting
2025-01-16 17:00 - 19:00 | 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.

A Roadmap to Small Business Funding
2025-01-15 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for “A Roadmap to Small Business Funding” and take the first step towards securing the financial foundation your business needs to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this workshop provides actionable insights that will propel your business toward success. Don’t miss this opportunity to map out your path to small business funding excellence!

Featured Speakers:

Kelly Massey, Florida SBDC at UWF

Marsha Asbury-Turner, First Capital Finance & Florida First Capital Finance Corporation

Lyndsey Blanks, Hancock Whitney

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

Panama City Symphony Presents: Rachmaninoff and the Golden Age of Cinema
2025-01-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
The Symphony rolls out the red carpet to welcome back piano virtuoso Ilya Yakushev for a masterful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2. Then follow the yellow brick road with the Symphony on a journey through the Golden Age of Cinema and a selection of Hollywood’s most memorable movie scores. It’s an evening of drama, adventure, and sweeping melodies worthy of an Oscar!

https://panamacitysymphony.org/product/rachmaninoff-and-the-golden-age-of-cinema-2

Panama City Symphony Presents: Rachmaninoff and the Golden Age of Cinema
2025-01-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
The Symphony rolls out the red carpet to welcome back piano virtuoso Ilya Yakushev for a masterful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2. Then follow the yellow brick road with the Symphony on a journey through the Golden Age of Cinema and a selection of Hollywood’s most memorable movie scores. It’s an evening of drama, adventure, and sweeping melodies worthy of an Oscar!

https://panamacitysymphony.org/product/rachmaninoff-and-the-golden-age-of-cinema

Lynn Haven to name Chambers in honor of former Mayor
2025-01-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Lynn Haven City Hall, 825 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
On October 8, 2024, the Lynn Haven city commissioners approved naming the city hall commission chambers after former Mayor Walter T. Kelley. The City of Lynn Haven invites you to join us for a special dedication and naming ceremony to unveil the newly named chambers. Light refreshments and a reception will follow.

Mayor Kelley served as the Mayor of Lynn Haven from 1998 to 2015. His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on our community, and we are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone in the city’s history.

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

First Friday
2025-01-10 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!

Panama City Symphony Presents: Bella Notte
2025-01-08 18:00 - 21:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Be part of a magical evening at Bella Notte, a formal gala where elegance and artistry create an unforgettable experience. Begin with cocktails and live jazz in the Holley Rotunda, followed by a gourmet dinner and a captivating performance by guest pianist Ilya Yakushev. Hosted by Music Director Sergey Bogza, this black-tie-optional affair invites you to dress your best, gather friends, and support Panama City Symphony in a night of connection, culture, and inspiring music.

For tickets and reservations, please call Operations Director, Ellen Andrews, (850)-785-7677.

Panama City Symphony is seeking volunteers for their next event (Bella Notte) at FSU on Jan. 8th.

Sign up at https://signup.com/go/YQuugGV

Bay Chamber Connect Group 2 Lunch Meeting
2025-01-07 11:30 - 13:00 | Golden Corral, 105 E. 23rd St., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States

SNOW MUCH FUN DAY
2024-12-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Northstar Church, 2440 Saint Andrews Blvd., Panama City, Florida, 32405
Bring your family and invite your friends for a FOR Bay County Snow Much Fun Day on Sunday, December 22 from 10am-1pm! We’ll have real snow, inflatables, food trucks, Christmas photo ops and much more!

TRiO at GCSC Hosts FAFSA Night
2024-12-17 16:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
TRiO at Gulf Coast State College is hosting a FAFSA Night to provide current and prospective students with the guidance needed to complete their 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The event will take place on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 in the TRiO Office in Student Union West on the first floor from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST.

The FAFSA is a crucial step in accessing financial aid for higher education. The TRiO team will offer one-on-one assistance to simplify the process, answer questions, and ensure applications are accurately completed and submitted.

TRiO’s mission is to provide academic and personal development services to motivate individuals toward successful post-secondary education completion. Dedicated to enhancing college retention and graduation rates, TRiO focuses on supporting low-income and first-generation students in pursuing higher education through specially designed programs. FAFSA Night is one of the many services TRiO offers to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.

Event Details:

Dates: Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Location: TRiO Office located in Student Union West, First Floor 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.

Panama City Symphony Presents: Holiday By The Bay
2024-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
Magic, Merriment, and Music! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the holidays with the Panama City Symphony! The familiar sounds of the season come alive with the dynamic vocals of special guest, tenor Justin John Moniz. It is an evening of musical gifts sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

https://panamacitysymphony.org/product/holiday-by-the-bay

38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
2024-12-14 17:30 - 19:30
The holiday season has officially set sail in Panama City, Florida and Destination Panama City is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Boat Parade of Lights! Once again, we’re teaming up with the City of Panama City to illuminate the waters of St. Andrews Bay during this cherished community tradition. The boat parade will feature a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations, transforming St. Andrews Bay into a magical winter wonderland.

Event Details:

Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina: Holiday-themed vendors, festive music, and a special visit from Santa will have everyone filled with Yuletide cheer!

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Route: Beginning at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, the parade will travel westward along the shoreline of beautiful St. Andrews Bay, floating past Historic Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina, Historic St. Andrews, and ending at the Hathaway Bridge.
