🌱 19th Annual Grand Slam World Series + Local Nutcracker Auditions

Hey, friends! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Panama City Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Aura Health

Aura: Top mindfulness app

Millions are using this app to sleep better, calm anxiety, and transform their lives. Aura is the new all-in-one mental wellness & sleep app that won “Best of Apple” award. Discover the world’s largest, personalized library of expert-created tracks for your well-being & sleep. Don’t wait another day to find peace daily and transform your life. Get your FREE Trial here.

Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cloudy with a t-storm or two. High: 85 Low: 76.
• Friday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 85 Low: 74.

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.

Here are the top three stories today in Panama City:

1. This past Sunday, Christopher Pierce of Helena, AL drowned at Panama City Beach while rescuing his daughter from a rip current. The incident occurred near the Tidewater Beach Condominiums a bit before 4:00 p.m. when Pierce's daughter was swept out by the aggressive currents and he went to save her; he was able to save his daughter but sadly was overcome by the waves. Despite the Panama City Beach rescue working actively to save his life with emergency measures and swift actions, he was pronounced dead in a local hospital. During the time of the incident, there was a single red flag hazard warning of extreme water conditions; it is important for the public to take these warnings seriously as they can prove to be deadly situations. (The News Herald)
2. Earlier this week, the Annual Grand Slam World Series kicked off celebrating 19 years with its return to Panama City Beach. This year's tournament is split into different sessions at both Publix Sports Park and Frank Brown Park. Due to weather issues, the first week has undergone some schedule adjusting, still to be confirmed as of Wednesday evening; the last week of the tournament will end on Sunday, Jul. 30. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. The Nutcracker is making its way back to Panama City, thanks to the production of local nonprofit Panama City Ballet Inc. Auditions will take place at Tonies Dance Workshop in Panama City on Aug. 13, and are open to all ages five and up for a fee of $35. For more information on the Nutcracker, you can watch the video at WJHG or click here. (WJHG)

Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Thursday, June 22

• Code Enforcement Hearing At City Hall (9:00 AM)
• Dale Carnegie Workshop: Calm In The Chaos At Bay County Chamber of Commerce (9:30 AM)
• Bay County Council On Aging At Callaway Conference Center (9:30 AM)

Friday, June 23

• Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours & Adventures LLC At 500 Henley Dr. (9:00 AM)
• Live Music At Papa Joe's Bayside (5:00 PM)
• John Cannon At Uncle Ernies (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Panama City Beach Fire Rescue understands the frustration of beachgoers over the past few days due to the double red flags, but emphasizes that this is a safety necessity. Multiple rescues have been made since the weekend due to these dangerous rip currents, and the first priority of the lifeguards on duty is to keep those in the community and visitors safe while at the beach. (Panama City Beach Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• The Panama City Police Department is currently looking for 51-year-old Mark Anthony Smith, who was last seen westbound on the 1200 block of 19th Street. The police department is requesting assistance from the public as he is currently missing; Smith stands at around five-foot-five inches and weighs about 12o pounds. (Panama City Police Department via Facebook)
• If you're looking for fresh seafood, you don't have to look too far beyond your doorstep. Destination Panama City has compiled a roundup of some of the best seafood the city has to offer. (Destination Panama City via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. 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.