🌱 Used Car Dealer Ordinance Proposal + Police Make 202 Arrests

Good morning, friends. It's Thursday in Panama City and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Sunny and comfortable. High: 71 Low: 65.
• Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 78 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. Panama City city commissioners are proposing a new ordinance to prohibit the sale of vehicles at non-permanent locations in city limits to prevent consumers from being taken advantage of in a bad used car deal. This has been a problem the city has experienced in the past with traveling car lots selling substandard vehicles. Existing brick-and-mortar businesses that want to host a sales event at a remote location would be exempt from the ordinance, as would private sellers who want to sell their own vehicle to another party. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
2. Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said that the department is experienced in dealing with spring break crowds and is making efforts to ensure safety for locals and visitors. The police department has made 202 arrests already for a range of crimes including city ordinance violations, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct, with 30 arrests for underage drinking. Talamantez explained that officers have the discretion to decide whether to take someone to jail or place them in the "drunk tank" until they sober up. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Panama City Beach has been named the second most affordable spring break destination by U.S News and World Report, which is good news for business owners in the area. Business owners hope that the ranking will bring more exposure to the destination, and there has already been a boost in business since the start of spring break. (WJHG)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, March 16

• Sunset Yoga At Oaks By The Bay Park (6:30 PM)
• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (Virtual) Hosted By New American Funding (7:00 PM)

Friday, March 17

• St. Paddy’s Day Party At Salty Oak Brewing Co. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Panama City area at the link. (Panama City Patch)
• Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Check out these eight St. Paddy's Day events going on this weekend that will surely get you in the spirit. (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)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with 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.