🌱 NOAA Proposes Year-Round Speed Limit + Reward For Historical Marker

Hello, everybody! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Panama City Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 96 Low: 78.
• Friday: Humid with sun and clouds. High: 93 Low: 77.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Panama City Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Panama City Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top four stories today in Panama City:

1. The Children's Advocacy Center has opened a new facility in Panama City Beach, providing the same services as its larger Panama City location. Both centers offer support and assistance to children who have experienced abuse, including forensic interviews, medical examinations, therapy, and victim advocacy. The new facility aims to improve accessibility for children in need on Panama City Beach, eliminating the need for lengthy travel and ensuring a comprehensive range of services under one roof. (WJHG)
2. Bay District Schools board members have approved a new student insurance program starting in the upcoming fall semester. Previously, insurance coverage was limited to students participating in extracurricular activities, but the board has now extended it to cover all students. The accidental insurance program, provided by KidGuard, is expected to cost around $90,000 and is aimed at addressing potential medical expenses resulting from accidents rather than providing comprehensive health coverage. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce disagrees with the proposed year-round speed limit for boaters imposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Chamber is concerned about the potential negative impact on the local economy, including port operations and fishing industries. In response, the Chamber has written a letter expressing opposition to NOAA's rule and encourages community members to submit formal comments before the public comment period ends on Jul. 6. (WJHG)
4. Local historians are seeking the return of a missing Civil War historical marker on Beach Drive, which commemorates the only Civil War skirmish in present-day Bay County. The marker disappeared around the time of Hurricane Michael, but attorney Stanley Peacock believes it was intentionally removed due to the condition of the pedestal and missing bolts. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Organization is offering a $1,000 reward to recover the marker and restore it to its rightful place on Beach Drive. If you have any information, you can contact Preserve Heritage at (850) 814-1771 or email preserveheritage@aol.com to assist in the search. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, June 29

• BYP Social At Harrison’s Kitchen And Bar (4:00 PM)

Friday, June 30

• Blue Sky Express Car Wash Grand Opening At 2701 Lisenby Avenue (10:00 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Panama City. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• 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)
• Join the community picnic in Panama City on Saturday, Jul. 1, which is open to everyone and will take place outside Rosenwald High School's gym from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event offers free admission, food, drinks, and a chance to win prizes, aiming to bring the community closer together and become an annual tradition organized by Skip Bondur and various groups, businesses, and organizations. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Panama City area at the link! (Panama City Patch)

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 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.