🌱 City Approves $4M Transition To Sewer + New Mayor Sworn In

Hi Panama City! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunny and nice. High: 81 Low: 58.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 68.
• Monday: Sunny and beautiful. High: 86 Low: 68.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. A man wanted in Bay County is now in custody after being pulled over by the Walton County Sheriff's Office in DeFuniak Springs — over an hour outside of Bay County. The driver, identified as Zachary Aaron Pascarella, attempted to flee into a nearby wooded area but was apprehended with the help of law enforcement agencies and K-9 units. Pascarella faces multiple charges, including simple battery, fleeing and eluding, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with and without violence. (WJHG)
2. Panama City commissioners have awarded a contract worth over $4 million to Royal American Construction Co. for the Pretty Bayou Improvements Phase 1 project. The project aims to construct infrastructure to facilitate the transition of select residents in unincorporated Bay County from septic systems to the city's sewer system. The funding for the entire project comes from a grant provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and additional phases are planned with available grant funding in the future. (Subscription: The News Herald)
3. Dr. Michael Rohan, also known as "Doc," has been sworn in as the new mayor of Panama City after 12 years of having the same mayor. Alongside him, Janice Lucas and Brian Granger took their oaths as city commissioners. Rohan expressed his excitement and readiness to bring positive changes to the city, acknowledging the challenges ahead and his intention to work as a team to foster the growth and prosperity of Panama City. (WJHG)

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Coming up in Panama City:

Saturday, May 27

• Panama City Cars & Coffee At Panera Bread at Pier Park (7:30 AM)
• Jamah Terry At Uncle Ernie's (6:00 PM)

Sunday, May 28

• Live Music with Brett Stafford Smith At Pineapple Willy's Restaurant (7:00 PM)

Monday, May 29

• Memorial Day Grilling At Harley-Davidson Of Panama City Beach (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Shamrock Irish Partners LLC has purchased the Boar's Head Restaurant on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach for $4.5 million, indicating the arrival of a new pub and restaurant in the area. While an electrical permit has been submitted, no construction plans have been submitted to the city yet, and it is expected to take up to 10 months for construction to be completed. (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. (Panama City Patch)
• On Wednesday, Panama City marked the grand re-opening of the extensively renovated Woods Ball Field on E. 14th St. The project, undertaken by the Quality of Life and Public Works Department, involved reconstructing the in-field, dugouts, installing new sod, and upgrading concession stands. The field now serves as a home for two youth league teams and is also open to the public for recreational use and hosting events. (WJHG)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all 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.