Panama City Beach buzzed with excitement as thousands gathered for the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show, turning the shoreline and Russell-Fields City Pier into a festival-like scene.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds awed packed crowds with their F-16 Fighting Falcons, performing jaw-dropping formations and high-speed maneuvers that drew cheers from spectators.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team stunned with a silent, synchronized performance, landing precisely at Aaron Bessant Park and showcasing elite skill.

On the ground, the STEM Zone offered hands-on discovery for kids, featuring science and engineering activities led by local partners like Bay County Public Library and Bay District Schools.

Families, boaters, and food vendors filled the beachfront, while social media buzzed with photos of the weekend’s unforgettable aerial displays.

This year’s show proved Panama City Beach remains a hub for thrilling, community-driven events that blend entertainment with education.

FICA Tip Credit Recovery for Employers

RECLAIM YOUR OVERPAID TAXES.

The FICA Tip Credit allows restaurant and hospitality owners to recover a portion of the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid on employee tips.

Perfect For:

Full-Service Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Nightclubs, Hotels & Resorts, Catering Companies, Breweries & Wineries

Who Qualifies? Food & Beverage Services:

You have employees who customarily receive tips from customers.

You paid the employer portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes on those tips.

No upfront cost — We work on contingency, you only pay if you get money

Full audit protection — We handle all IRS correspondence and defense

Limited Time: Free FICA Audit (Normally $1,500) Go back 3 years

Annual recurring credit — Claim this benefit every year, ongoing

Average Annual Recovery: $27,000 per location

Speak with an Advisor for Potential Recovery

While the skies were filled with high-flying action during the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show weekend, the ground level had its own excitement — incredible food. Visitors enjoyed a variety of food trucks, quick bites, and local restaurants that kept everyone fueled throughout the day.

At Aaron Bessant Park, the STEM Zone was a hotspot for food truck favorites. Families could grab freshly grilled burgers, tacos, street-style eats, and sweet treats while exploring hands-on exhibits.

Near Russell-Fields City Pier, beachfront vendors offered convenient grab-and-go options so visitors never missed a second of the show. You could stay right on the sand and watch the Thunderbirds overhead.

For those seeking a full meal, Pier Park Drive delivered with local favorites like Pompano Joe's Seafood House, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Margaritaville, and Dave & Buster's.

Food played a huge role in keeping the energy going all day long. Read on for our pro tips and the complete guide to dining during the air show weekend!

With the April 15 tax filing deadline fast approaching, local tax advisors in Panama City and across Bay County are working overtime to help residents complete their returns accurately and on time. For many families and small business owners in our community, this final stretch can be stressful.

Tax professionals throughout Panama City emphasize that waiting until the last minute is a recipe for errors. Gathering documents first, considering an extension if needed, and double-checking all information can save headaches and money.

While many can handle simple returns on their own, certain situations like starting a business, buying property, or major life changes warrant professional assistance. Free resources are also available for qualifying residents.

Read on for expert tips to make your tax filing smoother and avoid costly mistakes!

New Clients Only. A new client is someone who did not use H&R Block or Block Advisors to file their 2024 tax return.

The Weather Presented by MyPanhandle

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Kingdom Splash Fest has officially opened in downtown Panama City, bringing a floating water park and ninja obstacle course to Beach Drive with thrills for the whole family.

Offer valid for new Residential or Roam customers only.

The Panama City Farmers Market could soon begin rotating its downtown location every three months, starting in 2026, as part of a new effort to boost downtown vitality.

The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), led by Jason Kretzer, hopes this plan will balance foot traffic, support a range of local businesses, and gather data on the most successful sites.

The market, normally at McKenzie Park, temporarily moved to Harrison Avenue last year during construction but could soon rotate between these and other downtown spots.

Business owners are split: some, like Pam Armstrong of Tom’s Hot Dogs, see opportunity, while others, such as Ted Holland of Somethin’s Cookin’ Downtown, express concerns about unpredictable crowds.

Managed by Anchored Market Ventures, the Saturday market draws over 100 local vendors and remains a cherished community gathering place.

Visit St. Andrews State Park for some of the best snorkeling and paddleboarding spots in the area.