🌱 BDS Will Offer Free Meals For Students + New Publix Coming

Hello, Panama City! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 93 Low: 79.
• Sunday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two. High: 93 Low: 78.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. The new Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center at Bay High School in downtown Panama City will open in August after two years of construction. The facility, costing around $15 million, received financial support from the Nelson family and the City of Panama City. It will seat 700 people and will be available for city-sponsored, nonprofit, and public events, with students having priority access to schedule their activities. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Bay District Schools in Bay County will offer free lunch and breakfast to every student in 27 out of 42 schools during the 2023-2024 school year, without requiring income verification. The program, funded by the federal government, primarily benefits low-income children and families who may be eligible for SNAP benefits and cash assistance. While none of the district's charter schools meet the criteria for universal free meals, most traditional schools in Panama City, Lynn Haven, and Callaway, except for Tyndall Academy and Mosley High School, will participate in the program, which begins on Aug. 10. You can see a full list of participating schools at the link. (WFSU)
3. Construction crews are scheduled to begin building the new centerpiece of SweetBay's town center in October of this year, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2025. The planned community, located north of Highway 390 and Baldwin Road, will feature 3,200 homes and apartment units, necessitating convenient shopping options. The upcoming Publix store will have a unique exterior design tailored specifically for SweetBay. The fate of the nearby Publix store on 23rd Street remains unknown, as Publix corporate officials have not confirmed any closures. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Saturday, July 1

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

Sunday, July 2

• Freedom Fest Picnic At Oakland Terrace Park (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Duplin Winery in Panama City Beach held its soft opening on Tuesday after a year of construction and delays. The winery, located on the former Hombre Golf Course, is the third establishment for the brand and offers live entertainment and main operations while finalizing the kitchen and outside patio for the upcoming grand opening celebration on Aug. 19. (The News Herald)
• Bay Point Marina has been hosting the Bay Point Billfish Open tournament, which began on Jun. 30 and runs throughout today, Jul. 1. After a decade of closure, the tournament has been revived thanks to local businessmen, and fishing teams were excited to see it return to their hometown. An awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, Jul. 2 at 10:30 a.m. (Bay Point Billfish Open)
• A new board game cafe called "The Portal" is set to open on Jul. 8! The cafe, located on West Beach Drive near Destination Panama City, will offer over 200 board games for the community to enjoy. The cafe will also feature custom sodas and snacks, with customers having the option to create their own unique beverages using available ingredients while playing games. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

You're all caught up for today! See you soon for your next 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.