🌱 Teen Killed In Single-Crash Accident + Annual Block Party

Hello, hello. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Panama City Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 76 Low: 56.
• Wednesday: Clouds and sun; less humid. High: 72 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, a 16-year-old male passenger was killed in a single-car crash in nearby Southport after the car swerved off the road and overturned. The driver, an 18-year-old male, reportedly sustained minor injuries and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, while the passenger was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday near North Gainer Bayou Road on County Road 2321. (WJHG)
2. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual block party in Panama City to thank the community and celebrate county achievements. The event will feature free food, games, live music, and T-rex relay races where community members compete in dinosaur suits. The party will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 30 in front of the chamber offices located at 235 W. 5th St. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Operation Spay Bay held an event on Saturday, Mar. 25, to raise money for their new facility. With up to 100 animals neutered every day, the nonprofit hopes to expand to make more of a difference. They have reached their fundraising target of $10,000 but still need about $3 million to build the new facility. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, March 28

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

Wednesday, March 29

• Free Class: Zumba At Glenwood Community Center (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• New homes have been listed for sale in the Panama City area! Get all the property details at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• The North Bay Seventh-day Adventist church held a plant giveaway and gardening classes event for the fourth year in a row, and this year, 2,600 vegetable plants were given to community members. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
• A new two-bedroom, one-bathroom art-filled Airbnb has been launched in Panama City, designed with contributions from over 15 local artists. Host January Johnson said the house reflects the character of St. Andrews and features local art and reproductions of local art. Johnson and her team worked for 14 months on the Bside by Floriopolis. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you soon with 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.