🌱 Ordinance Limiting Beach Hours + College Lacrosse Returns To City

Hey, everybody! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 74 Low: 62.
• Sunday: Breezy with a thunderstorm. High: 76 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. On Thursday, the Panama City Beach Council in nearby Panama City Beach approved an ordinance that will temporarily shut down portions of Sandy Gulf Beach after 10 p.m. from now until Apr. 30. This new ordinance is to combat the issues over the past few years during spring break where officers had to respond to fights almost every night, which prevented them from responding to other issues. The beach shutdown will give officers additional time to patrol neighborhoods and keep both residents and visitors safe. Violation of the ordinance can result in a fine of up to $500. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. The Spring Fling Women's Division 3 College Lacrosse event is returning to Panama City this week on Field One at the Publix Sports Park. This event started here in 1997 and had a memorable six-year stretch before leaving the area in a decision that felt right for the women participating in the event and the good of the sport in general. With improvements to the city and the sports complex, organizers believe that the event has the potential to be a big hit. Dozens of Division 3 teams are flying in this weekend from New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, etc. for competition to start on Monday. (WJHG)
3. Officials are reporting a recent rise in coyote sightings in nearby Panama City Beach lately as the animals are becoming more of a common sight. Wildlife habitats are constantly being developed into housing and business spaces, and displaced animals are finding new places to make their home. It is also peak breeding season for coyotes, so you are more likely to see the animals out all throughout the day searching for a mate. It is very unlikely you will be attacked by one of these animals, but remain cautious of your surroundings as well as with children and small pets. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Panama City:

Saturday, March 11

• Family Paint Day Spring Edition At My Space Downtown (11:00 AM)
• "Bad Decisions" Band At Salty Oak Brewing Co. (5:00 PM)
• Emerald Coast Modeling Collective Fashion Show At GFWC Woman's Club Of Panama City (5:00 PM)

Sunday, March 12

• Daylight Savings Time At Springfield City Offices (All Day)
• Callaway Farmers Market At 856 N. Tyndall Parkway, Callaway (10:00 AM)
• Todd Allen Herendeen At Todd Allen Herendeen Theatre, Panama City Beach (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Heather Clements Art has added another masterpiece to Panama City with another beautiful mural. You can find this piece of work at Watson Landings Marina. Learn more about public art here. (Destination Panama City via Facebook)
• A huge congratulations to Sirlena Andrews, the Office Manager, Dean's Office, and Faculty Support for FSU Panama City, on being recognized for winning the 2023 WISE staff award. FSU is grateful and lucky to have Sirlena as a part of the staff. (Florida State University Panama City Advancement via Facebook)
• The Panama City Police Department is participating in a high-visibility enforcement program for the next few months looking for impaired drivers. The hope is that the additional training and patrolling will reduce and deter drunk driving on the roads. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all 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.