Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Club La Vela’s massive beachfront site still sits empty
Spotted on the Panama City calendar: Panama City A Cappella Chorus
Hi Panama City! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Club La Vela's massive beachfront site still sits empty
- How Air Force crews rushed a Panama City patient to life-saving surgery
- What a federal antitrust deal means for a Panama City surgery center
Also on today's calendar: Panama City A Cappella Chorus and 6 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Sharon M.!
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms, with a high of 89 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms, temps: high: 86, low: 75.
- Friday: Some sun with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 84 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. What's next for Club La Vela in Panama City Beach? (bluewaterhealthyliving.com) — One of Panama City Beach's most famous former nightclubs, Club La Vela, remains unsold years after Hurricane Michael damage, leaving a massive gulf-front property sitting idle on Thomas Drive. While nearby sites like the old Spinnaker Beach Club have been transformed into new venues, city officials say there's still no sign of a buyer or redevelopment plan for this high-profile location. 
2. Eglin Airmen mobilize for life-saving medical flight (af.mil) — A critically ill patient at Panama City's Ascension Bay Hospital was airlifted by Eglin-based Air Force medics to Pensacola for emergency brain surgery after a rapid-response mission came together in under two hours. The 413th Flight Test Squadron and 96th Medical Group coordinated aircraft, crew, and equipment to manage intensive care in a cramped helicopter cabin. Their effort, praised by base leadership, highlights a vital backup lifeline for local hospitals when every minute counts.
3. FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Ascension Health-AmSurg Deal (ftc.gov) — A federal antitrust ruling will force Ascension to divest an ambulatory surgery center in Panama City to Florida Gastroenterology Center, aiming to preserve competition and keep procedure prices in check. The decision targets concerns that a $3.9 billion hospital deal could raise costs and reduce quality for local patients needing outpatient gastroenterology, eye, or orthopedic surgeries.
4. 5,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled during massive rain Aug. 19 (miramarflnews.com) — A major rainstorm caused more than 5,000 gallons of untreated wastewater to overflow into Goose Bayou, which connects to St. Andrews Bay and affects Panama City's shared waters. Officials link the problem to aging sewer infrastructure in older coastal areas like Panama City and Lynn Haven, and outline costly upgrades aimed at protecting water quality and reducing risks like algal blooms and bacteria.
5. Surveillance footage links Pasco County man to Panama City car burglary (wjhg.com) — Investigators say a car parked near Lowe Street in Panama City was broken into earlier this month, and surveillance video helped deputies identify a suspect. A 22-year-old Pasco County man was arrested on burglary and theft charges and is being held in Pasco County, awaiting extradition to Bay County. Local authorities emphasize the case as part of ongoing efforts to address property crime.
📸 Around Panama City
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Panama City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- PC Senior Living →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 722 East 9th Court, Panama City
9:00 am - Dream Builders at MLK →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 705 E 14th Ct., Panama City
3:00 pm - Sunset Yoga →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 2715 W 10th St., Panama City
6:00 pm - Line Dancing →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 722 E 9th Ct., Panama City
1:00 pm - Card Club →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 722 E 9th Ct., Panama City
2:00 pm - Dream Builders at MLK →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 705 E 14th Ct., Panama City
3:00 pm - Paddleboard Yoga →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 5197 Collegiate Dr., Panama City
9:00 am - Dream Builders at MLK →
Panama City, FL Calendar, 705 E 14th Ct., Panama City
3:00 pm - Panama City A Cappella Chorus →
Parker Global Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 908 S Tyndall Pkwy, PC
6:00 pm
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 8
🗓 Events Nearby
- PLC Group Meetings
A Crawford Mosley H.S. Lynn Haven, FL 32444
7:35 am - PC Senior Arts →
City of Panama City Public Events Glenwood Community Center - 722 E 9th Ct. Panama City FL 32401
12:00 pm - Gardening Club Mtg
A Crawford Mosley H.S. Mosley MMTC
3:05 pm - Charter Review Advisory Committee Meeting →
Lynn Haven, FL Calendar Lynn Haven, FL 32444
5:15 pm
Wednesday August 26
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Watersound Fountains associate shares passion for sea turtles with residents —Kasey Brennan Read on Patch
- Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
King was LOST on August 22, 2026 in Panama City, FL 32409 near Kingswood Rd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Jake) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
King was LOST on August 22, 2026 in Panama City, FL 32409 near Kingswood Rd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Hidden Pines)
- Diversified Maintenance Systems, LLC posted a job opening for Janitor in Panama City. Apply here.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving, LLC posted a job opening for Helper / Packer / Mover 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: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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