🌱 New Public Safety Program In Bay Co. + Annual Bay-Pride Festival

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Panama City Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 77.
• Wednesday: Showers around; breezy, humid. High: 89 Low: 77.

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. Residents in Bay County are being requested by the Bay County Sheriff's Office to take place in the new safety program that will help in emergency preparedness and quicker assessment of criminal activity in the community. Connect Bay County requests that members of the community register their personal security cameras to a secure online portal so that if an incident should occur in your nearby area investigators can easily contact you for assistance. This program does not give access to the live stream of cameras, but rather it informs investigators that there is a camera accessible that may help solve incidents. (WJHG)
2. Over the past weekend, Bay County showed its unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community at the annual Bay-Pride Fest held at McKenzie Park. The festival began in 2019 and has continued to grow as an event each year with more attendees vendors, food trucks, musical acts, and more. Many officials in Bay County are overly joyed at how well the festival is received as it shows how far the community has come and the overwhelming support. (WJHG)
3. The Gulf Coast LGBTQ+ Center voiced their discontent with the treatment they have faced ahead of Pride month, specifically pointing to bills enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis. They organized a protest at Hathaway Bridge to draw attention to their objections regarding the limitations on teaching sexuality in schools, as well as their advocacy for union protection and women's rights. The center conducted a 'freedom funeral' as a symbolic gesture representing the erosion of individual rights, and they intend to persist with their activism by planning future protests. (My Panhandle)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Today and tomorrow in Panama City:

Tuesday, June 13

• City Commission Meeting At Bay County Government Center (8:00 AM)
• Grand Opening At Gary’s Oyster Shack (10:30 AM)
• Glenwood Crafters Class At Glenwood Community Center (2:00 PM)

Wednesday, June 14

• Bay Business Connection 1 Lunch Meeting At Sonny’s BBQ (11:30 AM)
• Little Village Local Art Fest #4 At Little Village (5:00 PM)
• Civil Service Board Meeting At City Hall (6:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Panama City dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Did you notice Panama City's newest addition in the Cove last week? The Street Sweeper is out and functioning and needs a new name, click here and give your suggestion for a great name, submissions are due by 4:00 p.m. on Jun. 21. (City of Panama City - Government via Facebook)
• Destination Panama City is hosting a VIP Ticket Giveaway for the well-known Salute to Freedom Fourth of July experience this year. One lucky winner will be receiving two tickets to the all-day event on Jul. 4. The lucky winner will be announced on Jun. 19. (Destination Panama City via Facebook)
• Water has been restored to the businesses that were impacted by the broken water main behind the 23rd Street Station. A Precautionary Boil Water Notice will be in effect for homes on Windy and Breezy Lanes. (City of Panama City - Government via Facebook)

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.