🌱 Panama City Mom Sentenced To 30 Years + Gulf Coast IRONMAN Race

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

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 84 Low: 73.
• Wednesday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 83 Low: 70.

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 in Panama City today:

1. Panama City resident Megan Dauphin has received a 30-year prison sentence for the tragic death of her baby, who was left in a hot car. The incident took place in September 2020, when authorities found the lifeless child outside Dauphin's Canal Avenue home after being left unattended in the car for several hours. Further investigation uncovered meth paraphernalia in her residence, and a blood test confirmed her impairment during the incident. (WJHG)
2. Saturday's Panama City Beach IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast race saw thousands of participants crossing the finish line, thanks in large part to the dedicated volunteers. These volunteers played a vital role in guiding participants, offering encouragement, and providing essential support such as water in the humid heat. Some volunteers shared that they gave up their weekend to contribute, while others joined to meet new people and gain firsthand experience of a legendary IRONMAN event. (WJHG)
3. Among the top ten U.S. summer destinations listed by Airbnb, Panama City is the sole representative from Florida. Kentucky is the only state with two cities on the list, with Louisville claiming the first spot and Lexington securing the third. (WFLA)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in and around Panama City:

Tuesday, May 16:

• Book Babies At PCB Public Libray (10:00 AM)
• Korean Culture Teen Program At Bay County Public Library (4:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 17:

• Jeeps And Coffee At Techspresso (7:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Panama City Police Department is hiring! Are you interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement? School Resource Officers are needed for the upcoming school year. Learn more at the link. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)
• The City of Panama City is inviting the public to a grand reopening event at 9:00 a.m. on May 24 to celebrate the successful renovation of the Woods Ball Field. Community members are encouraged to attend and join in the celebration of the completed renovation, which included various upgrades such as the reconstruction of the infield and concession stand, installation of new sod, dugouts, and batting cages with turf, bleachers, and lighting. (Facebook Events)
• Text-to-911 is now available for Bay County residents. This alternative is important for individuals who may find themselves in situations where they cannot make a phone call to 911 or for those who are unable to communicate verbally. (Bay County Emergency Services)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! 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.