🌱 Open Container Downtown Discussion + BDS Job Fairs In May

Hello again, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Panama City Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 81 Low: 57.
• Sunday: Pleasant with sunshine. High: 83 Low: 59.

Business owners and marketers in Panama City: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. Health Officer Sandon Speedling of the Bay County Department of Health reassured the public that their services are still available despite the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Michael. On Wednesday, the department hosted an event offering health services, including blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, and HIV services, as well as opportunities to learn about hurricane preparedness and response. Interested individuals can find more information about the Bay County Department of Health by visiting their website. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) in Panama City is considering the possibility of allowing consumers to walk around freely with an alcoholic drink purchased from local sellers in an open container district to attract more people downtown. Any open container ordinance would have to be approved by the Panama City Commission, and the board wants public feedback before presenting an ordinance to the City Commission. DIB Director Catherine Shores believes it will benefit merchants, restaurants, and bars, and that it will be a popular addition to downtown Panama City. (WJHG)
3. High schools in the area will be hosting job fairs during the week of May 8 through May 12, with community members welcome to attend from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Bay High School, Arnold High School, Deane Bozeman, and Rutherford High School will each host a job fair on different days, and more than 35 businesses are scheduled to participate, with interested businesses asked to contact the district office as soon as possible. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Saturday, April 22

• Free Event: Family Fun Day At Daffin Park (12:00 PM)
• Comedy Saturdays At Lie'Brary On Beck (8:00 PM)

Sunday, April 23

• Dem Cajun Sundays At Dat Cajun Place (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Make Waves Earth Day 2023, an eco-market and community cleanup event, will be held in downtown Panama City tomorrow, Apr. 22. Hosted by Aleighsa Wright of Aleigator Supply Co. and Jessica Tharp of Melted Honey, the event will feature a morning cleanup of local outdoor spaces followed by a market full of eco-friendly vendors and classes! (WJHG)
• Bay senior Cortney Smith set up a "lemonade stand" selling water and soda for a dollar on the corner of Everett and 5th in Panama City to raise money for college funds, particularly a plane ticket, and to save up for new clothes, food, and other necessities. Smith, an aspiring collegiate athlete attending Highlands Community College in Kansas on a full athletic scholarship, is thankful for the community's support and encouragement. He can be found on weekdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (WJHG)
• Have you seen this teen? The Panama City Police Department is asking for the public's help locating 16-year-old Harley Hart, who was last seen at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday near Lisenby Avenue. For a photo and further details, visit the link. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.