🌱 City Now Offering Sign-On Bonus + Bay County Police Memorial

Hello again, friends. It's Saturday in Panama City and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 85 Low: 70.
• Sunday: A shower in the afternoon. High: 87 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. It has been announced that in Panama City Beach employees will receive a one-time sign-on bonus for positions that are difficult to recruit or retain in the city government. The hopes are this new incentive for work will drive more prospective applicants to look into these positions and eventually apply. To qualify for this bonus you must be a full-time employee and work at the city for a year, the bonus is 10 percent of the position's annual salary. (WJHG)
2. This past Thursday the Downtown Artwalk gathered pieces from local art galleries and pop-up galleries to provide a visual art experience like no other for the community and visitors to get a feel for the Historic Downtown Panama City. Visitors followed art walk maps to tour downtown and visit various galleries and businesses while enjoying the experience at the 16 different locations. In addition to art viewing, there were also a variety of vendors selling jewelry and art, as well as local musicians playing live music outside. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. On Thursday morning Panama City Police held a memorial honoring those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty. Commanding officers reported to the podium to share words of wisdom and kindness for Bay County officers who lost their lives, as well as words of strength for officers who continue to put their lives on the line. Officers raised the flags and fired three shots into the air for their fallen comrades. Officers were honored to be a part of the memorial held Thursday that showed honor and remembrance for those who have been lost. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Saturday, May 13

• MLB Jr Homerun Derby - Woods Ball Field (10:00 AM)
• Yin Yoga Workshop For Balancing The Chakras And Body W/ Tracy Jagiello At Balance Yoga & Lifestyle (11:00 AM)
• Dave Jordan: Roux Doux Music Experience 2023 At Destination Panama City (12:00 PM)

Sunday, May 14

• Callaway Farmers Market At 856 N. Tyndall Parkway Callaway FL (10:00 AM)
• Mother’s Day Brunch At Roux 30A (10:30 AM)
• Live Music With Dominique & Rick P At Pineapple Willy's Restaurant (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Panama City Police Department wants to thank Academy Sports + Outdoors for providing them with the ability to donate a bicycle. The bike was donated to a youth who needed one through the After School Assistance Program. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)
• The Bay County Chamber of Commerce held a meeting at the beach earlier this week to discuss Gulf Coast Salute 2024. The plan is coming together for one of the best air shows you will see in Bay County! (Bay County Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• A big congratulations to Ford Insurance for having its grand opening in Bay County earlier this week! Ford Insurance has been personalizing insurance services for its clients since 1964 and is sure to continue to serve the Bay County community. (Bay County Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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