🌱 Bay County EMT Makes History + U.S. Coast Guard Locates Boater

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

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 79 Low: 59.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. Spence Jordan, a Bay County firefighter and EMT, has made history as the first person from Bay County to take home the statewide Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefighter/EMT of the Year Award. Jordan was chosen from a tough field of potential candidates around the state. Jordan performed 40 surf rescues in a single year, according to representatives of the Bay County Fire Rescue. The award was given to him during a ceremony that took place Saturday morning (Apr. 29) at a nearby VFW. (WJHG)
2. The U.S. Coast Guard was seeking the public’s assistance in locating a possible overdue boater between Destin and Panama City. Kurt Guenther, 59, has since been found safe at Watson Bayou with no injuries. Guenther was on board and departed Destin early on Apr. 29 in transit to Panama City. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Lawrence Brenton Cowart, a resident of Panama City, entered a plea agreement in Walton County on Thursday (Apr. 27) for a vehicular homicide accident that took place in February 2021. Cowart was found to have been under the influence of alcohol and benzodiazepines at the time of the collision during the traffic investigation. The investigation further revealed a speed impact of above 90 miles per hour, which was well over the 65-mile-per-hour zone assignment. Cowart was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. The minimum required term for vehicular homicide is four years in state prison, with a maximum sentence of 15 years. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, May 2

• Bounce & Rhyme Storytime At Bay County Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Youth Paint Night At Frank Nelson Clubhouse (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 3

• Bay County Board Of County Commissioners Meeting At Bay County Government Center (3:00 PM)
• Tourism Appreciation Day At M.B. Miller County Pier (5:00 PM)
• Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally At Frank Brown Park (6:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Teachers or those with school groups: Do you need field trip ideas? How about a wild trip to the zoo to meet amazing animals? It's a great place to create lasting memories! Slots are booking fast, so book yours today at ZooWorldPCB.com! (ZooWorld Panama City Beach via Facebook)
• Come out and celebrate Star Wars Day at a family-friendly event on May 4 from 5-8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Panama City. The event will feature a Storm Trooper meet and greet, an immersive Star Wars soundscape, a character scavenger hunt, fun activities for kids, and more! For more information, visit the link. (Star Wars Day Event via Facebook)
• The annual Gulf Coast Jam at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach is an event you don't want to miss! From Jun. 1-4, you can enjoy the most exciting acts in country and southern rock music today. Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a four-day country music festival and is expected to be the biggest year yet with Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, plus many more. For more information, click here. (visitpanamacitybeach.com)

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.