🌱 Suspect In Custody After Homicide + New Affordable Housing Program

Hello, everybody. I'm back with your new copy of the Panama City Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 61.
• Friday: Turning sunny and breezy. High: 79 Low: 68.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Panama City who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. Panama City police have arrested a person of interest in the fatal shooting of David Hughley, 49. Keshia Tibbs reported that she saw an altercation between Hughley and Patrick Jamane Briggs, 26, who was subsequently charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Panama City Police Department. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Panama City has passed a program called "2023 Infill Program for City Lots," aimed at first-time homebuyers who fall under a specific income bracket, to turn the city's approximately 50 vacant lots into affordable housing. Contractors work with those who qualify, contract negotiations are created, and contractors must also provide a performance bond. This program is funded by federal money for Hurricane Michael Relief. (WJHG)
3. A group of nearly 75 retirees called "Memory Makers" from the Latitude Margaritaville 55 and over community is offering volunteer services to teachers at West Bay Elementary School. The volunteers help out inside and outside of the classroom, from preparing materials to organizing events, and have been a huge asset to the school. The group hopes to become a legacy in the school as the community continues to grow. (WJHG)

From our sponsor:

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.

Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, March 30

• Board Of Directors Block Party At Bay County Chamber Of Commerce (5:00 PM)
• Free Class: Sunset Yoga At Oaks By The Bay Park (6:30 PM)

Friday, March 31

• UNwineD Kickoff Party At 600 Pier Park Drive (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Duplin Winery's Panama City Beach location, which was initially scheduled to open in December, will now open in May or June, citing staffing shortages as a reason for the delay. This location will be Duplin's third establishment and the highest-selling muscadine winery globally. (Subscription: The News-Herald)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Panama City area at the link! (Panama City Patch)
• A recent study by BeenVerified found Florida was the No. 6 hotspot for catalytic converter thefts in 2022. Visit the link for more statistics on catalytic converter thefts in the Sunshine State and across the United States. (BeenVerified)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.