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🌱 How a Panama City Beach felon ended up in federal prison

Panama City Beach, Florida Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning Panama City Beach! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Panama City Beach felon ended up in federal prison
  • Panama City Beach remembers the life of Sarah Jo Lewis
  • What Panama City Beach drivers must know during Thunder Beach weekend

Also on today's calendar: Book Babies and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: If there are 2 flys in the kitchen, how can you tell which one is the cowboy? 🤔 (Answer below!)

☑️ Important voting information: The Nov. 3 general election is coming up. Official Florida election resources: Find your polling place | Register to vote | Check your registration | Absentee, mail and early voting.

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunny, breezy and pleasant, temps: high: 78, low: 59.
  • Monday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 79 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Panama City Beach felon sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for fentanyl, gun charges (wjhg.com) — A Panama City Beach man has been sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fentanyl trafficking, marijuana distribution, and illegal firearm possession. Local and federal agencies, including Panama City Beach Police, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF, investigated the case, which officials say reflects a broader push against repeat offenders in the community.
   

2. Sarah Jo Lewis (lawrencecountyrecord.com) — Panama City Beach is mourning the loss of 63-year-old Sarah Jo Lewis, remembered for her strength, generosity, love of baking, and adventurous spirit. Survived by three daughters, two grandchildren, and many local friends, she cherished both excitement and quiet moments by the beach. Her family suggests memorial contributions to Operation Spay Bay instead of flowers.
   

3. Thunder Beach prompts road safety reminders from Panama City Beach Police (wjhg.com) — Panama City Beach police are stepping up patrols and urging extra caution as Thunder Beach brings thousands of motorcycles to local roads this weekend. Drivers are asked to double-check mirrors and blind spots, while bikers are warned that officers will strictly enforce speeding, reckless riding, burnouts, and DUI to keep everyone safe through Sunday’s events.
   

4. Gambling addiction helpline director sentenced to prison for $1.4M theft tied to own habit (local12.com) — A former chief financial officer for Panama City Beach-based Royal American has been sentenced in Bay County to nearly 10 years in prison for stealing about $1.4 million from the company. The funds fueled his escalating gambling addiction, even as he later led Florida’s gambling addiction helpline. He must also repay nearly $1.5 million in restitution.
   

5. Dallas Crocker basketball career article (medium.com) — A Panama City Beach teen point guard, Dallas Crocker, is building his basketball future through play at Surfside Middle, Arnold High, and now North Bay Haven Academy. He trains locally and in St. Louis, competes in AAU with several Gulf Coast programs, and even coaches an eighth-grade rec team as he works to sharpen his skills and leadership.
   

📸 Around Panama City Beach

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City Beach

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📣 Panama City Beach Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Free Puppies!
    Mom is Golden Retriever and Dad is Australian Shepherd. Please contact my daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn, at (850) 774-0681 if interested. (Nextdoor Summer Breeze Phase I)
  • Sadie needs a forever home.
    She has all her shots, is spayed, and is 3 months young! Contact Annette at 850 7740924. She is white with black, orange and yellowish blobs! (Nextdoor Gulf Highlands)
  • Bowlero Corporation posted a job opening for Lifeguard in Panama City Beach. Apply here.
  • St. Joe Hospitality posted a job opening for Sous Chef at Shark's Tooth Clubhouse in Panama City Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Panama City Beach here.

Ok Panama City Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "If there are 2 flys in the kitchen, how can you tell which one is the cowboy?" — It's the one on the range. (Thank you Helen H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Panama City Beach

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Panama City Beach

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.