🌱 Sheriff Responds After Three Drown + New Outdoor Gym At Local Park

Hello again, Panama City! I'm here right on time with your Tuesday edition of the Panama City Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid with a heavy t-storm. High: 91 Low: 79.
• Wednesday: Humid in the morning. High: 92 Low: 74.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. Sheriff Tommy Ford expressed frustration and sadness after three individuals drowned in the Gulf of Mexico off Panama City Beach on Saturday, Jun. 24, emphasizing the unnecessary loss of life and the heroic efforts of first responders who risked their lives to save others. Despite efforts to enforce beach safety rules and fine violators, people continue to enter the water during dangerous conditions, prompting Ford to urge personal responsibility and awareness of flag statuses to prevent further tragedies. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with tourism officials and local agencies to improve response capabilities and messaging regarding beach hazards. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Panama City has opened a new exercise pad at Harvey Dee Mathis Park, providing the community with seven different exercise machines for cardio, strength, and flexibility training. The outdoor gym is free for all ages and comes with water-resistant equipment, such as a chest press, leg press, and lat pulldown. Further park renovations are planned, including a new blue-colored playground, and additional features such as lights and a shade sail will be added to the workout area for enhanced usability. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. As the Fourth of July approaches, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is increasing its presence on the roadways to ensure safety and crack down on drinking and driving. They will have more troopers monitoring highways like 77, 79, 98, and 231. FHP emphasizes the importance of using alternative options like Uber, Lyft, taxis, designated drivers, or friends to avoid drinking and driving, as they aim to prevent DUI incidents and subsequent arrests during this holiday period. Additionally, they remind drivers to exercise caution and avoid speeding due to the expected increase in traffic volume. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, June 27

• City Commission Meeting At Bay County Government Center (8:00 AM)

Wednesday, June 28

• Teen Game Night At Bay County Public Library (4:30 PM)
• June Vegan Night At Little Village (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed it: the Panama City Ballet, Inc. is encouraging dancers to audition for roles in their upcoming professional production of "The Nutcracker," bringing the holiday tradition closer to home. The company aims to involve as many local dancers as possible. If you are interested in learning more about auditions, click here. (WJHG)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• On Sunday, the Gulf Coast LGBTQ+ Center organized a peaceful march called "Gay the Hathaway" on the Hathaway Bridge to raise awareness about social injustice. Over 70 people participated, with many drivers honking in support, as they aimed to be seen and heard, emphasizing the importance of visibility and equality. Attendees expressed their belief in love and equal rights for all, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! See you soon for 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.