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🌱 Patch AM: How did a Panama City bus roof help 20,000 kids?

Make time for Panama City A Cappella Chorus on the Panama City Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Panama City? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did a Panama City bus roof help 20,000 kids?
  • What Bay County deputies are showing in their new crime web series
  • Why a Panama City man is jailed without bond in Georgia

Also on today's calendar: Panama City A Cappella Chorus and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Panama Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Panama Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Periods of rain and a t-storm, with a high of 68 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 68, low: 40.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 69 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bay County toy drive exceeds annual goal (wjhg.com) — A long-running holiday toy drive based in Panama City has surpassed its 20,000-toy goal this year, helping Toys for Tots agencies across Bay County. Organizer Skip Bondur spent 10 days living on top of a bus while local schools, families, and groups like the United Cajun Navy pitched in to provide gifts for children from babies to young adults.
   

2. Bay County sheriff debuts first episode of 'Busted in the Panhandle' (newsherald.com) — Bay County deputies are starring in a new “Busted in the Panhandle” web series that follows real arrests around Panama City, Panama City Beach, and nearby shopping plazas. The first episode, released this week, shows storage-unit burglaries, a dangerous traffic stop, and retail theft suspects, and has already drawn thousands of views and mostly positive reactions online, along with some criticism of the concept.
   

3. Man accused of furnishing Marietta teen with obscene materials (macon.com) — A 21-year-old man from Panama City is jailed in Georgia on charges that he electronically sent obscene materials and sexually explicit images involving a minor at a Marietta residence. Authorities say the alleged conduct spanned several months in 2025, and the suspect remains in custody without bond while the case proceeds.
   

4. Florida Gas Prices Drop Below $3 Per Gallon as Holiday Travel Season Begins (96krock.com) — Panama City currently has the cheapest gas in Florida at just $2.66 per gallon, giving local drivers a welcome break as holiday travel ramps up. Statewide prices have fallen for three straight weeks, and analysts say refinery output and lower crude costs are pushing averages to their lowest levels in years, with most Florida cities now below $3 per gallon.
   

5. Educators emphasize holiday reading to prevent skill loss over breaks (wjhg.com) — In Panama City, Merriam Cherry Street Elementary’s media specialist is urging families to keep kids reading over the holiday break so they don’t lose hard-earned skills. She suggests daily shared reading, festive Christmas stories, and age-appropriate reading goals to reduce stress, strengthen family traditions, and keep learning fun through the season.
   

📸 Around Panama City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City

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📣 Panama City Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Daisy, a dog who went missing in Panama City, FL, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 21 minutes. Message from Owner: "Hey… (Nextdoor Baldwin/10 Acre)
  • Lost puppies found on lake avenue, if you have any info on them please contact me.
    They were found late last night, and I think they may have been dumped out but I don't know for sure. Please help us find these puppies home! (Nextdoor Beach Dr)
  • Southeastern Grocers posted a job opening for Bagger in Panama City. Apply here.
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Panama City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Panama City here.

Ok Panama City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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