🌱 Bay County Animal Shelter Overcrowded + Philip Griffitts Sr. Pkwy

Hello again, friends. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Panama City Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 85 Low: 71.
• Sunday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 72.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. A motorcycle crash in Cedar Grove resulted in one person being hospitalized after colliding with a pedestrian or bicyclist at the intersection of East 22nd Court and North East Avenue on Thursday. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state with head injuries, while the woman involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries. As a result, authorities closed off a section of East Avenue between 22nd Court and Segrest Drive, with state troopers and sheriff's deputies at the scene. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Local shelters are facing overcrowding issues and are urging people to consider adopting or fostering animals to alleviate the situation and prevent euthanization. Bay County Animal Control is making adoption appointments to manage the population but unexpected arrivals can strain resources. The division manager advises potential pet owners to consider the responsibilities and costs associated with owning an animal and highlights programs in correctional facilities that help train and adopt out animals. If you're interested in adoption or becoming a foster, click here. (WJHG)
3. Bay County plans to extend Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway, also known as Back-Back Beach Road, from Clara Avenue to Chip Seal Parkway to alleviate traffic congestion in Panama City Beach. The project is currently in the design phase, with a project development and environment study set to begin soon, and it is estimated to take over three years to complete. Concerns were raised by Breakfast Point residents about the road being built behind their properties, but county officials have emphasized that plans are not finalized and aim to improve connectivity and traffic flow in the area. A public meeting will be held to answer questions on May 25 at the Lyndell Conference Center at 5:00 p.m. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Saturday, May 20

• Comedy Saturdays At Lie'Brary On Beck (8:00 PM)

Sunday, May 21

• Flower Arranging Class At Florida Legacy Title (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bay County officials have announced the soft opening of a new skate park, located at the Panama City Beach Sports Complex, on May 26. The park, designed by Team Pain Inc., features snake bowls, a drop, and a street course and was funded through impact fees. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• The Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews joined forces with the Red Cross to promote blood donation, providing live musical performances during an event on Thursday featuring beloved songs like "Drive My Life Away" and "Under the Boardwalk." The Red Cross reported that over 75 individuals will benefit from donations. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Panama City area at the link. (Zillow)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.