🌱 Missing Boater's Body Found + Bay District Teacher Shortage

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

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 81 Low: 68.
• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the a.m.. High: 85 Low: 70.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. Florida Fish and Wildlife officers have located the body of a missing boater, identified as Steven Chery, 23, of Panama City, who had fallen off a jet ski in Parker Bayou. The boater's body was discovered by an off-duty FWC lieutenant around 7 p.m. on Saturday (May 6). The incident is being investigated as a fatal boating accident, and the authorities have informed the family of the boater. (WJHG)
2. Candace Leebrick, a counselor at Rutherford High School, expressed concerns about the shortage of teachers at Bay District Schools, as the district struggles to retain and attract educators. With over 60 open teacher positions for the next school year, the district has approved a memorandum of understanding offering financial incentives for highly qualified teachers to transfer to low-rated schools. However, Leebrick believes the staffing problem extends beyond D- and F-rated schools, as even higher-rated schools face shortages due to factors such as stress and workload. (Subscription: The News Herald)
3. Congressman Neal Dunn, R-Panama City, is urging President Joe Biden to take stronger action to address the fentanyl crisis by securing the southern border and labeling fentanyl as a schedule one narcotic. Dunn proposed declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction to allocate more resources for law enforcement and facilitate international policing. He highlighted the underfunding of mental health programs, expressing concern over sheriffs having to manage mental health issues in county jails and emphasizing the need for specialized mental health professionals. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Panama City:

Tuesday, May 9

• City Commission Meeting At Bay County Government Center (8:00 AM)

Wednesday, May 10

• Bay Business Connection Lunch Meeting At Sonny’s BBQ, Lynn Haven (11:30 AM)
• LEGO Club At Bay County Public Library (4:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• Club 360, a nonprofit organization based in Panama City, held its annual Hats and Horses event as part of the Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday. The event included a silent auction, games, and watching the race itself, with the aim of raising funds for college scholarships for young women entering the workforce. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• Full- and part-time job opportunities are available in the Panama City area. Available positions include office assistant, surveillance investigator, property manager, café barista, and more. More details about companies hiring in the area are available at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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.