Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How oysters are quietly reshaping Panama City’s future on St. Andrews Bay

And check out Panama City A Cappella Chorus on the Panama City Patch calendar

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Saturday August 22nd Patch AM
Saturday August 22nd Patch AM (Colleen C.)

Morning Panama City! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How oysters are quietly reshaping Panama City's future on St. Andrews Bay
  • Panama City crews battle massive Jaws Souvenir Shop fire on the Beach
  • Panama City hospital hits 500 life-saving heart procedures—what it means

Also on today's calendar: Panama City A Cappella Chorus and 6 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Colleen C.!

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid, with a high of 89 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 95, low: 79.
  • Monday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 92 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The humble oyster sits at the heart of St. Andrews Bay (newsherald.com) — Panama City's identity, economy, and water quality are all closely tied to oysters in St. Andrews Bay, and local scientists, shuckers, artists, and tourism leaders are working to protect that legacy. From historic shell mounds to modern oyster gardens and reef projects, the story shows how residents are trying to restore oyster populations while keeping local seafood culture and traditions thriving.
   

2. Jaws Souvenir Shop destroyed in fire, cause unknown (mypanhandle.com) — Firefighters from Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Naval Support Activity Panama City battled a massive early-morning blaze that destroyed the Jaws Souvenir Shop on Thomas Drive. Crews quickly escalated to a third alarm, faced a partial building collapse, and spent nearly two hours getting the stubborn fire 90% contained, but fortunately reported no injuries while the state investigates the cause.
   

3. Ascension Sacred Heart Bay celebrates 500th Watchman procedures for atrial fibrillation patients (wjhg.com) — Panama City's Ascension Sacred Heart Bay has now performed 500 Watchman procedures, giving many local atrial fibrillation patients a way to reduce stroke risk without long-term blood thinners. Doctors say the minimally invasive device blocks clot formation in a key heart chamber, often lets patients go home the same day, and is offering seniors renewed energy and peace of mind.
   

4. All three 2026 fatal balcony falls in Panama City Beach ruled suicides (newsherald.com) — Authorities have confirmed that three people who fell from Panama City Beach condominium balconies on June 12, June 17, and August 8 all died by suicide, following investigations by local officials and the District 14 Medical Examiner. Investigators say each ruling relied on scene work, records, video, and autopsy findings, and they also corrected the date of the first incident to June 12.
   

5. Tyndall Airman goes beyond the uniform to earn 'Big of the Year' for bridging base and community (af.mil) — A Tyndall Air Force Base Airman is making a quiet but powerful impact in Panama City through Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentoring a local teen named JT and coaching youth football. Senior Airman Vicen'te Thompkins has logged over 3,000 volunteer hours, earning Big of the Year honors while helping bridge the base and surrounding community.
   

📸 Around Panama City

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📸 Dublin ready to cool off —Colleen C. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FOUND!!!
    Lost dog Southport ! Red Cocker Spaniel she's super skittish and will likely not come to you. She ran off as she was scared of the thunder this… (Nextdoor Deer run Southport)
  • I am wondering.
    Where is love and compassion for your fellow human? We need to learn to spread love not hate. Please spread love on this site some of these people… (Nextdoor Springfield)
  • Thompson CAT posted a job opening for Shipping Clerk in Panama City. Apply here.
  • Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Team Member 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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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