Hurricane Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf and threatening Panama City and Bay County with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes and dangerous storm surge.

Bay County is under hurricane and storm surge warnings, with a voluntary evacuation in effect for Zones A and B and anyone in a mobile or manufactured home.

The Deane Bozeman School shelter is opening in Panama City, while local officials are urging residents to finish preparations immediately.

Households should know their evacuation and flood zones, sign up for AlertBay, secure outdoor items and maintain at least seven days of water, food, medications and other emergency supplies.

Residents should continue following official updates because the track, intensity and local impacts can change quickly.

The PCB Seafood Festival returns to Capt. Anderson’s Marina October 16–18 for a free waterfront weekend filled with seafood, live music, local vendors and family activities.

The event runs Friday from 5–9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–9 p.m., alongside the closing weekend of the Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo.

Highlights include Tuna Dip Contests, more than 80 vendors, a Kids’ Zone with bounce houses, fishing-rodeo weigh-ins and performances by Black Rayne, Purple Rayne, Chris Wade, Mick & May, Gr8ful Dads and the Will Thompson Band.

Sunday brings the big finale with the fishing-rodeo closing ceremony followed by fireworks over Grand Lagoon at 8:30 p.m.

Admission is free at Capt. Anderson’s Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive in Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest returns October 16–18 to Aaron Bessant Park with German beer, food, live music, contests and family activities.

Friday runs from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with performances, stein-hoisting contests, tug-of-war and a Saturday best-dressed competition.

Guests can expect German favorites including brats, schnitzel and giant pretzels, plus Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Samuel Adams Octoberfest and other beer choices.

Bay County residents can get free admission Sunday by using promo code LOCAL online and showing local identification at the gate.

Families will also find bounce houses, face painting, games and a photo booth, while pets are not allowed at the 2026 festival.

Paws in the Park returns to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The free event will feature Police K9 demonstrations, an adoption booth, K9 vendors, contests, and a pet costume contest.

For anyone considering adoption, the event offers a chance to meet dogs in person and learn more about local adoption opportunities.

Families and current pet owners can also enjoy a relaxed morning outdoors while connecting with pet-related resources and other dog lovers in the community.

The event takes place at the Frank Brown Park Dog Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway.

Admission is free.

Schooners Lobster Festival returns to Panama City Beach with a week of lobster specials and a four-day stretch of live music October 15–18.

Restaurant specials run October 12–18, while the Lobster Beach Feast takes over the sand Saturday and Sunday with dishes including lobster mac and cheese, ceviche, pot pie, grilled tails and the Lobster Five Way Tray.

Live music features Alex Napier & Daybreak, Glory Days and The Modern Eldorados, with a giant sand sculpture adding to the beachfront festival atmosphere.

The event has no cover, Schooners opens daily at 11 a.m., and the restaurant does not accept reservations.