Community Corner

🌱 State Park Project To Begin Soon + Quality Of Life Director Fired

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Panama City.

Good morning, friends. It's Thursday in Panama City and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.


But first, your local weather:

  • Thursday: A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 87 Low: 73.
  • Friday: A p.m. t-storm in spots. High: 86 Low: 74.

From our sponsor:

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

Today’s Panama City Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Panama City Patch newsletter possible.


Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

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

  1. The revitalization project for St. Andrews State Park will begin in September, according to Bay County Tourism Development Council Executive Director Dan Rowe. The project's goal is to reduce the number of large cliffs and bring in additional sand for locals and visitors. The project's completion is scheduled for the end of this year. Mexico Beach will also be re-nourished. (WJHG)
  2. Sean Depalma, Panama City’s former Quality of Life Director, was fired last Tuesday due to several problems involving his management skills. Investigators found several complaints of discrimination, abusive behavior, and treatment and that Depalma did not know how to use his management team. The public was surprised and stated that Depalma, who is Hispanic, engaged with the minority community. (My Panhandle)
  3. In case you missed it - Bay County Sheriff’s officials are asking that the Bay County community sign up for a new program called BAYROC. BAYROC allows homeowners who sign up and who have security cameras to receive group emails about crimes in their area. Video footage makes it easier to track suspects as well as vehicles that may have been involved in a crime. (My Panhandle)

Calling Panama City business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.


Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, June 15

  • Father's Day Community Lunch At Glennwood Community Center (11:00 AM)
  • Summer Concert Series - Anthony Peebles At Aaron Bessant Park (7:00 PM)

Friday, June 16

  • Lord of the Rings Pre-Release Weekend At Arena Comics and Gaming (7:00 PM)
  • An Evening With Henry Cho At Amelia G. Tapper Center For Arts (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Do you need a home makeover? Well, you’re in luck because "The World Changers" are back in Panama City and have spots to fill. To apply, click here. Monday, Jun. 19 is the last day to put in an application! (My Panhandle)
  • Reminder! Today (Jun. 15) only, Bay County Transit will offer free rides to passengers on all bus routes in honor of "Dump the Pump". National Dump the Pump Day is an effort to spread the word about the benefits and cost-effectiveness of public transportation. (My Panhandle)
  • REMINDER - With hurricane season in session, Bay County’s Chief of Emergency Services, Brad Monroe, wants to make the public aware that now is the time to start preparing and devising a plan! He is asking that all Bay County residents sign up for AlertBay. Click here for more hurricane tips. (WJHG)

You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next 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.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Panama City