🌱 Patch AM: How Port Panama City’s big year could boost local jobs next

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 Port Panama City’s big year could boost local jobs next
• See how a Panama City sailor’s home became a holiday beacon
• How DeSantis’ new budget could impact bases near Panama City

Also on today's calendar: Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 62 and low of 42 degrees.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 73, low: 52.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 73 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Port Panama City reports successful year (wjhg.com) — Port Panama City just wrapped up a strong year, with leaders crediting early cargo shipments ahead of possible tariffs and planning an east terminal expansion that could break ground in 2026. Officials say the port now drives a $1.6 billion economic impact, and they expect more jobs and industry growth in Panama City and across Bay County as cargo volumes increase.
   

• Holiday surprise for Panama City sailor. 'Navy Santa Claus is pretty sick' (newsherald.com) — Neighbors along Ethlyn Road watched as Florida Power and Light volunteers transformed a Panama City sailor’s home into a surprise holiday light display after he returned from medical treatment. Naval Support Activity Panama City sailor Roderick McWilliams, whose family is expecting a baby soon, was honored through FPL’s Holiday Hero Lighting Program recognizing local service members across Northwest Florida.
   

• DeSantis' proposed $117B state budget highlights teacher pay, Everglades • Florida Phoenix (floridaphoenix.com) — Florida’s proposed $117.3 billion state budget could affect Panama City through funding aimed at protecting Panhandle military training ranges from offshore oil exploration. The plan also boosts teacher pay, Everglades restoration, and school security, while restricting spending on social justice and net-zero initiatives, setting up major debates for the upcoming legislative session.
   

📸 Around Panama City

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 11

• Panama City Comedy @ Mosey's Downtown
  Mosey's Downtown, 425 Grace Ave, Panama City
  7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Friday December 12

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal
  Gulf Coast State College , 5230 US-98 , Panama City
  9:00 am
• Line Dancing
  Glenwood Community Center , 722 E 9th Ct. , Panama City
  12:00 pm
• Christmas in Callaway
  Callaway Arts & Conference Center , 500 Callaway Park Way , Callaway
  5:00 pm
• 2025 Jingle Bell Express
  101 W Beach Dr , Panama City
  5:00 pm
• HS Boys BB @ South Walton
  Rutherford High School Panama City, FL 32401
  5:30 pm

Saturday December 13

• No Child Left Behind Toy Giveaway
  Panama City, FL Calendar , 1900 W 11th St. , Panama City
  9:00 am
• Wolf Den Connection
  Capstone House - a Spiritual and Metaphysical Center , 1713 Beck Ave , Panama City
  11:00 am

📣 Panama City Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 11

• PBIS Holiday Store - G8ZTD2A2J5C4
  Rutherford High School Panama City, FL 32401
  8:00 am
• K. Play & Learn
  Oakland Terrace Clubhouse , 1900 W 11th St. , Panama City
  9:30 am
• MS Boys Soccer vs Gulf County Westall
  Rutherford High School Panama City, FL 32401
  4:00 pm
• Band & Choir Christmas Concert - BAYU4Z2D347Q
  Rutherford High School Panama City, FL 32401
  5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Lailo Lema previews her upcoming debut novel, Sick Punt —Lailo Lema Read on Patch

• UPDATE: TOBY’S OWNERS FOUND!!!
  Found on Cherry Street in the Cove. Safe and full now. Call Sheila at 850 348 3768. (Nextdoor The Cove)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Ranger was LOST on December 7, 2025 in Panama City, FL 32405 near Winn Dixie On 231 Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Baldwin/10 Acre)

• Florida State University posted a job opening for Custodial Worker (Part-time, OPS) (Panama City Campus) (Multiple Vacancies) in Panama City. Apply here.
• Cold Stone Creamery posted a job opening for Crew Member in Panama City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Panama City here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lynn Haven

• Lynn Haven commission ratifies contract for Flock cameras (wjhg.com)

Panama City Beach

• Panama City Beach's CRA Segment 3 nears 'substantial completion' (newsherald.com)
• Ledford lives dream through PruittHealth partnership (thenewsobserver.com)
• Bay County TDC discusses accommodations for additional law enforcement during spring break (wjhg.com)

Vernon

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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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