Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How investigators cracked the $1 million Port Panama City jean heist

Also, don't miss Panama City A Cappella Chorus on the Panama City Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
Friday September 18th Patch AM (Kathy B.)

Good morning Panama City! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How investigators cracked the $1 million Port Panama City jean heist
  • Why a Panama City probation violation just led to 20 years
  • Who's picking Bay County's Week 5 winners: reporter or AI?

Also on today's calendar: Panama City A Cappella Chorus and 9 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Kathy B.!

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A thunderstorm, with a high of 94 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 94, low: 73.
  • Sunday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man arrested for $1M jean heist at Port Panama City (wkrg.com) — A major cargo theft at Port Panama City has led to the arrest of a truck driver accused of stealing nearly 20,000 Wrangler jeans worth about $1 million. Investigators say the suspect used a spoofed company identity and hacked email to divert the shipment, with GPS data and port security records helping Panama City police unravel the scheme.
   

2. Panama City man sentenced to 20 years for fleeing police while on probation (mypanhandle.com) — A Panama City man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after violating probation from a deadly 2021 crash and later fleeing police while allegedly street racing. Local prosecutors argued he squandered a second chance, leading the judge to impose consecutive terms that underscore ongoing concerns about reckless driving in Bay County communities.
   

3. Panama City-area Week 5 football predictions for News Herald and AI (newsherald.com) — Bay County high school football hits a key midseason stretch, and a Panama City News Herald reporter is pitting his Week 5 predictions against an AI's picks. Local fans can see projected scores for Mosley, Bay High, Rutherford, Arnold, Bozeman, and North Bay Haven, and follow along all season to see whether human or machine calls the games better.
   

4. Gulf Coast Jam 2027 ticket guide: What's included in each ticket type? (miramarflnews.com) — If you're planning to hit Gulf Coast Jam in nearby Panama City Beach next June, tickets are already outlined from basic general admission to high-end VIP options. Prices range from just over $300 to more than $2,500, with perks like premium viewing areas, air-conditioned restrooms, drink coupons, and club access. Headliners include Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman, and more across four nights.
   

5. Bay County College Fair connects local students with more than 40 institutions (wjhg.com) — Panama City students and families just had a chance to meet more than 40 colleges and universities at Gulf Coast State College's Bay County College Fair, saving long trips across the state. Local teens, parents, and adults exploring new careers got face-to-face advice on applications, financial aid, and transfer options, with guidance counselors and Gulf Coast staff ready to help anyone who missed it.
   

📸 Around Panama City

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📸 Crossing the Hathaway Bridge at sunrise. —Kathy B. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 🚨 ATTENTION NEIGHBORS — POSSIBLE PET-SITTING SCAM 🚨
    I wanted to warn everyone about a pet-sitting job I came across on Nextdoor because I believe it is be a scam, and I don't want anyone else to get… (Nextdoor Avondale Estates)
  • Mila has found a home.
    Im 100 per cent sure she will be taken care of to the max. She will have a playmate and a loving home. She is such a sweet dog. Thank you new mom. (Nextdoor Northshore)
  • City of Panama City Florida posted a job opening for Equipment Operator I in Panama City. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Panama City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Panama City here.

Ok Panama City! 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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