🌱 Annual St. Patrick's Block Party + New Bakery Opened Downtown

Hello again, neighbors! It's Tuesday in Panama City and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 67 Low: 51.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. The annual St. Patrick's Day block party in downtown Panama City was celebrated throughout Friday, Mar. 17, and into all day Saturday, Mar. 18. During the event, five different bands played throughout the day, including three outside and two inside the House of Henry, the only Irish pub in the city. Additionally, local businesses like House of Henry and 30A Distillery talked about how they were able to make a larger name for themselves via word-of-mouth and social media. (WJHG)
2. This past Saturday, Kiesha Kelly opened her new bakery Cottage in the Woods in downtown Panama City where she welcomed new customers with $1 off everything and free coffee. The opening event included food, wine, local vendors, and even local talent that provided an inviting atmosphere. Kelly makes all the goods herself, including pies, tarts, and birthday and wedding cakes. She said she hopes that her new bakery will be a cool place to enjoy sweets and admire local art. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Panama City police arrested three men from Alabama for being involved in a shooting near Longboards Restaurant and Bar around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Several reports say it appears the altercation began as an argument in the bar and spilled into the parking lot where two men fired from a vehicle, no one was injured in the incident. Caleb Trosch and Daniel Hunter Jr. were charged with discharging a weapon from a vehicle and concealing a weapon while Jason Wheat was charged with concealing a weapon. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, March 21

• Bay County Council on Aging At Callaway Arts & Conference Center (9:30 AM)
• Bay Business Connections 3 At RibCrib (11:30 AM)
• Planning Board Meeting At Callaway Arts & Conference Center (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, March 22

• Adults & Seniors Arts & Crafts Class At Glenwood Community Center (2:00 PM)
• Zumba At Glenwood Community Center (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Even though it may not feel like it temperature-wise just yet, yesterday marked the first day of spring. Enjoy the change in the seasons as the weather is set to only get warmer! (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)
• Bay District Schools is celebrating March as Music In Our Schools Month, and the district wants to recognize its amazing music teachers all month long. Music teacher Jeremy Johnson is getting this spotlight for the incredible job he is doing at A. Gary Walsingham Academy. (Bay District Schools via Facebook)
• Meet this little hairy armadillo who lives deep inside the coat of zookeeper Aaliyah. The only thing that may lure him out is one of Paul's favorite treats! (ZooWorld Panama City Beach via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.