🌱 Hit-And-Run Incident In Panama City + 10-Year Accident Anniversary

Hi all. I'm back with your new edition of the Panama City Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of thunderstorms. High: 90 Low: 78.
• Friday: Thunderstorms. High: 89 Low: 77.

Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. The family of Derek Burnette is currently searching for answers and justice following the hit-and-run accident that took his life in Panama City. Burnette's family believes the incident could have been avoided as Burnette was allegedly kicked out of a bar after getting into an altercation with another person. He was later arrested by the Panama City Beach Police Department and taken to the County Jail. Allegedly he was taken to the hospital from jail because he required medical attention and that is when he somehow walked down Highway 231 South and was later hit by a vehicle. (WDHN)
2. This past Monday marked the 10-year anniversary of a parasailing accident in Panama City Beach that made national headlines. Two teenage girls were parasailing together when the tow line suddenly snapped and the strong winds carried them into a condo and powerlines before eventually landing on top of a Sport Utility Vehicle. The parasailing company was sued following the incident and the Florida Legislature passed new laws regulating the industry due to the incident. Both of the girls did survive the accident, they had a long recovery and received a settlement from the lawsuit. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. There has been conflict nearby in Mexico Beach between the city council and the new mayor. City Administrator Doug Baber had his last day the last Wednesday and two members of the council walked out after the mayor pointed out that she wants the new administrator to report directly to her as she has expressed in previous meetings. This has brought division between the council and mayor. Applications are not being accepted for the position until a job description can be agreed on, the two councilmembers who left the meeting did not resign from their positions. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, July 6

• BBC 2 Coffee & Connections At Golden Corral (8:00 AM)
• Live Music With Sean Williams At Pineapple Willy's Restaurant (6:00 PM)

Friday, July 7

• Yoga Flow At Mike Walker Fitness (11:00 AM)
• Jocko & Doug At Patches Pub PCB (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• For this week's Meet the Team Tuesday, Bay District Schools highlighted Patronis Elementary School's Assistant Principal Katie McKenzie who has been with the district for 14 years. Katie worked her way up in the district from substitute teacher to full-time and then worked through the administrative ranks. (Bay District Schools via Facebook)
• The Panama City Police Department was excited to serve the city at the City Marina yesterday for the Salute to Freedom event. Officers were able to serve in so many ways whether vehicle patrol, bike, or on foot to make sure everyone was safe and having a great time. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)
• Everyone had their own vision of celebrating independence in Bay County, whether it was at a larger event with the community or a nice barbeque with loved ones. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce captured how a few Chamber Chicks celebrated the day. (Bay County Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.