First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils First-in-the-Nation Opportunity for Parents and Grandparents to Support Students in the Classroom  Florida is rejecting the traditional, stigma-laden mental health approach for a new approach that imbues the positive virtues of resiliency. LYNN HAVEN, FL— First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled new Resiliency Florida resources to support students and parents to build resiliency at school and home. The First Lady also announced a first-in-the-nation opportunity for Florida parents and grandparents to be in-school Resiliency Coaches to help students overc ..read more

FSU GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION, NURSING AND LAW RISE NATIONALLY  TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida State University’s graduate programs rank among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools” released April 9.    Graduate programs in education, law and nursing continue to shine in the rankings, led by Education’s rise to No. 14 among all public and private universities.    “Florida State University’s outstanding graduate programs contribute to our prominence as one of the best universities in the count ..read more

Panama City, FL— The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a fox killed in the Richard Bayou area off Highway 2297 in unincorporated Bay County on March 15, 2024. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population. People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially bats, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment ..read more

Panama City Beach, FL– Who hasn’t had an old dishwasher or recliner they need to dispose of? A new pilot project will make it much easier for Panama City Beach residents to dispose of unwanted furniture, fencing, or appliances and is important in helping to keep our beautiful beach community clean. The City has officially launched a bulk garbage pilot program, which provides curbside pickup for large, bulky items that can be difficult for residents to dispose of. The City will utilize its three debris trucks for the free program which is the brainchild of Mayor Mark Sheldon. Here’s a breakd ..read more

Lane Closures Planned for State Road (S.R.) 71 in Jackson County CHIPLEY, FL– S.R. 71 drivers will encounter daytime intermittent lane closures, from Odom Road to Dogwood Drive, Monday, March 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews prepare a temporary detour. In addition, motorists will encounter alternating lane closures beginning 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 19 through 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 20 as crews perform drainage construction activities. Flaggers and traffic control devices will assist in directing motorists through the work area.  Construction activities are weather dependent and may be ..read more

Larry Yazzie Takes the Stage at FSU Panama City Larry Yazzie of Native Pride Productions will share his culture and traditions during a free dance performance at FSU Panama City on March 18. PANAMA CITY, FL — Larry Yazzie, a two-time world champion dancer, will share his cultural heritage during a Native Pride event at FSU Panama City from 6-8 p.m. on March 18. Yazzie’s performance will reveal the history, traditions and beliefs of North America’s indigenous people. The event will be in the Holley Academic Center’s St. Joe Community Foundation Lecture Hall, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama Ci ..read more

Panama City, FL– Delivery of utility bills for the area north of 23rd Street will be delayed by at least 14 days. Bills for the St. Andrews area will be delayed by at least seven days. The City of Panama City was delayed in uploading data to MailStream, the company which prints and mails utility bills, due to a cyber security issue with MailStream’s partner company. MailStream has assured the City that no utility bill information, including names and addresses, was exposed.  Due dates will be adjusted accordingly to allow adequate time to review and settle your bill. If you have an ..read more

Alf Coleman Road Reopens: A Safer, Elevated Journey Begins! Panama City Beach, FL– After a five-month closure, Alf Coleman Road will reopen to all traffic February 29 at 10 a.m. The road was closed to accommodate rehabilitation and reconstruction work addressing long-standing concerns about flood-risk while improving pedestrian safety with upgraded sidewalks and lighting. Improvements include: – Raising the road up to 18 inches at its highest point – Cross-drain culvert reconstruction – Adding a continuous sidewalk on the west side of the road – Upgrading signage, roadway lighting, and pav ..read more

Ed Hickey Jr. is shown standing at center with Miss Long Beach 1967 Marie Savage, and the lifeguards of Ed’s Beach Service on Panama City Beach. (Photo credited to Bob Hargis) PANAMA CITY, FL — Ed Hickey, a pioneer in the Panama City Beach business community since the mid-20th century, believed in second chances. That’s why the $250,000 endowment that bears his name will provide opportunities to students in need from the beaches area. An official check presentation will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 8, in the Holley Academic Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City. News media ..read more

Council Approves First Reading of Beach Closure Panama City Beach, FL– The Panama City Beach City Council approved a first reading Thursday of Ordinance 1641, which is a temporary overnight closure of a portion of the sandy beach on the east end, in preparation for Spring Break crowds. The closure is from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. from March 15 to April 30, and covers the area from Churchwell Drive (Public Beach Access 36) to Shark Lane (Beach Access 25). The closure, which is supported by businesses in that area, includes Shores of Panama and Pineapple Willy’s, and stops short of Boardwalk Beach Res ..read more