🌱 Bay County Man Executed + City To Receive Millions In Funding

Welcome back, Panama City. I'm here in your inbox this spring morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 83 Low: 68.
• Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 83 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. A Bay County man, Darryl Barwick, who spent 37 years on Florida Death Row, was executed on Wednesday by lethal injection at Florida State Prison. Barwick's final statement lasted about 30 seconds and he apologized to the victim's family and his own family, stating that he did not know why he committed the crime – he killed Rebecca Wendt, 24, in 1986. None of the witnesses had a personal connection to the case and there were no displays of emotion during the execution. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Congressman Neal Dunn believes that the criminal charges against Austal’s leadership could benefit Eastern Shipbuilding, a Panama City company, by allowing the cutter project to go back out to bid. Eastern Shipbuilding is currently working on the first four cutters in a billion-dollar contract to build a fleet of ships for the U.S. Coast Guard. Austal’s leadership, meanwhile, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud affecting a financial institution. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. After a long legal battle with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Panama City officials announced on Thursday that they will receive millions of dollars in funding to repair more than 25 miles of roads damaged by Hurricane Michael. In 2021, FEMA denied Panama City’s request, then offered $44,000 to repair all of their roads after an appeal. An independent panel of judges with the U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals later granted the city’s request for additional funding. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Saturday, May 6

• Mystic Festival At Capstone House (12:00 PM)

Sunday, May 7

• Stevie Monce At Runaway Island (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Panama City Police Department is hosting its third annual bike rodeo today, May 6, to promote biker safety and prevent accidents caused by inattention. Bike experts and law enforcement officers will be present at Oakland Terrace Park to provide safety tips and make necessary adjustments to personal bikes and helmets. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• VITAS Healthcare is holding a community support tour to commemorate the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, and they will be donating money to six local nonprofits that helped residents in the aftermath of the storm. The tour began with a $49,000 donation to Rebuild Bay County, which will be used to assist the elderly by providing safety devices and assistive equipment. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, accompanied by Congressman Dr. Neal Dunn and The Fish and Wildlife Commission acting executive director, held a news conference in Panama City on Thursday morning. The purpose of the conference and its announcements were not disclosed. (WJHG)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— 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.