🌱 Suzuki Marine USA Technical Center Opens + Blessing Of The Fleet

Hello, Panama City. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 81 Low: 66.
• Wednesday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 80 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. Last Wednesday, local officials celebrated the grand opening of the Suzuki Marine USA Technical Center in Panama City, a research facility expected to create 25 high-paying jobs with a capital investment of $25 million. The facility's location on the coast of Saint Andrew Bay provides easy access to waterways for boat testing and has attracted international attention, with the executive team from Japan attending the grand opening. The Bay County Economic Development Alliance has been actively working to diversify the local economy, with several projects announced in 2022 and more on the horizon to complement the tourism industry and strengthen the economy. (The News Herald)
2. The 26th annual Blessing of the Fleet occurred at St. Andrews's Marina on Saturday, where boats from the community gathered to receive blessings from a local pastor. Initially a fundraiser for Second Chance of Northwest Florida, a nonprofit supporting adults with traumatic brain injuries, the event has grown into a significant occasion for the fishing community. Following the boat blessings, attendees have the opportunity to take part in another ceremony known as the "burning of the socks," organized by Second Chance. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Mosley High School band students organized a car show fundraiser in their school's parking lot on Saturday to gather funds for their upcoming trip to London, where they have been selected to perform at a New Year's event. The local community showed strong support for the event, with various food and coffee businesses participating. Band Director Douglas Dobos expressed gratitude for the visible and tangible support from Lynn Haven, Panama City, and Bay County. The band is scheduled to depart for London in late December 2023. (WJHG)

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, May 23

• Panama City Commission Meeting At Bay County Government Center (8:00 AM)
• Michael Lister Author Event At Bay County Public Library (5:30 PM)

Wednesday, May 24

• Live Music With Jack & Gin At Pineapple Willy's Restaurant (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• ZooWorld is hosting a Summer Celebration event on Jun. 1 to mark the end of the school year, featuring baby animal meet and greets, complimentary ice-cream sandwiches, and the opportunity to see zoo animals enjoying their own ice pops! (ZooWorld Panama City Beach via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• The Glenwood community garden has officially opened as part of the nonprofit organization "Grand Rising" initiated by Nancy Williams, a teacher at Bay High School. The garden offers 20 planters for adoption at an annual fee of $10 and provides opportunities for membership, visiting, and receiving gardening assistance from master gardeners and the Florida extension office. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Featured events:

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You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another 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.