🌱 Students Rally In Response To Controversial Bills + Jazz Festival

Hello, everybody. It's Tuesday in Panama City and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 80 Low: 63.
• Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 80 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. On Sunday afternoon, local students and the Young Democrats of Bay County marched across the Hathaway Bridge from Carl Grey Park to raise awareness for several controversial bills proposed by Florida state officials, including permitless carry, the six-week abortion ban, and the voter suppression bill, among others. The event's goal was to educate Floridians on these extreme bills and encourage them to voice their opinions to their state officials. Matthew Bays, president of the Young Democrats of Bay County, states that it's time for the community to raise its voice. During the march, participants were seen holding posters to draw attention to their cause. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Two young gymnasts, Aiden Kester and Cody Williams, who have been training for a combined total of 17 years, qualified for Nationals and expressed their love for the sport and how it has taught them discipline and teamwork; they hope to gain exposure for future collegiate plans. Even though winning a gold medal is the goal, the young athletes are excited about the opportunity to be able to put their skills on display on a massive stage. Nationals is set for May 9th-12 in Oklahoma City, with over 1,700 athletes ranging from 12-19 years old expected to participate. (WJHG)
3. The Seabreeze Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the U.S., began on Thursday and ended on Sunday with a performance by the three-time Grammy Award nominee Kem. The four-day event hosted by the Seabreeze 106.3FM radio station in Destin had over 35 world-renowned jazz performers, and this year's festival featured the Jackson 5. According to Seabreeze General Manager Mark Carter, the festival has become a destination music festival where people combine a great music show with the beaches and the amenities and attractions of Panama City Beach. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, April 25

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

Wednesday, April 26

• April Vegan Night At Little Village (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Gulf Coast softball team won 3-2 against Tallahassee on sophomore day, ending their three-game losing streak, and they will now host Chipola today (Apr. 25) for the first round of the Panhandle Tournament. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• Full- and part-time job opportunities are available in the Panama City area. Available positions include insurance sales agent, project coordinator, food service director, and more. More details about companies hiring in the area are available at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today. 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.