The Impact of ALPRs on Public Safety and Privacy in Bay County Panama City

The Bay County Panama City Flock cameras are a system of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) used for surveillance and monitoring in the area.

These cameras utilize advanced technology to automatically scan and record license plate information, allowing law enforcement to track vehicles and identify potential suspects in criminal investigations.

The ALPRs are strategically placed throughout the county to provide comprehensive coverage and enhance public safety efforts.

The data collected by these cameras can be accessed and analyzed by authorities to identify patterns, track down stolen vehicles, and assist in solving crimes.

Despite concerns about privacy and surveillance, supporters argue that the technology is a valuable tool for law enforcement to combat crime and improve overall security in the community.

The use of ALPRs in Bay County Panama City has sparked discussions about the balance between public safety and individual privacy rights, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of utilizing this technology in law enforcement operations.

What are your thoughts? Are you concerned about privacy issues or do you think it's good for the public safety?

Restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day 2025 in the Panama City area

Denny's 2438 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Panama City, 850-481-8804, www.dennys.com.

IHOP Open 24 hours, 1101 E. 23rd St., Panama City, 850-872-7033, www.restaurants.ihop.com.

Waffle house

Open 24 hours, multiple locations, https://www.wafflehouse.com/

Golden Corral 

10:30AM - 6:00PM, 105 E 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 https://www.goldencorral.com

Red Lobster: 910 E. 23rd St., Panama City, (850) 785-566, https://www.redlobster.com.

Solstice Oceanfront Bar & Grill: Inside the SpringHill Suites By Marriott Panama City Beach Beachfront Hotel, 12513 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, (850) 230-6004,

https://www.solsticepanamacitybeach.com/

Harpoon Harry's: 12627 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach. Traditional buffet dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., all you can eat including carved turkey, Alaskan snow crab legs, ham, sides and dessert bar. Adults are $69.95, children 4-11 are $24.95. Limited seating; call 
850-234-6060 to make a reservation. https://harpoonharry.com/

Patches Pub & Grill: 4723 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. Open 11 a.m.. Christmas Day Dinner $18.99 https://patchespub.com/

Saltwater Grill: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Christmas buffet, 11040 Hutchison Blvd., Panama City Beach, 850-230-2739, https://saltwatergrillpcb.com.

The Weather Presented by Mypanhandle

Carpet One Floor & Home in Panama City, FL, shines as the heart of the local Toys for Tots drive.

Under the leadership of owner John Shepard since 2004, the store transforms into a vital collection center, ensuring holiday gifts reach underprivileged children throughout Bay County.

The bustling showroom at 2804 W 23rd St welcomes both donations and volunteers, who work together to sort and distribute thousands of new toys.

Recently, families and volunteers gathered for a spirited night at the Green Hills Community Center in Fountain, enjoying festive decorations, costume fun, and sweet treats—all supporting the cause.

Locals can get involved by dropping off toys or lending a hand at sorting events, helping spread holiday joy and unity across the community.

Every donation counts, making a lasting difference for Bay County’s kids.

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Grace Presbyterian Church welcomes locals back for its beloved Christmas Light Display in Panama City, now dazzling visitors for the fourth year in a row.

Throughout the season, more than 800,000 shimmering lights turn the church campus at 1415 Airport Road into a stunning holiday wonderland.

Families are invited to stroll the grounds for free from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on December 24 and 25.

Guests can revel in a forest of illuminated Christmas trees, enjoy festive music, and snap photos with Santa himself.

Hot chocolate and s’mores add extra cheer, available for purchase every night the lights are on.

Experience the magic and join neighbors in celebrating one of Panama City’s most treasured holiday traditions.

Things to do in Panama City, FL

Musically Up Close - Panama City Symphony
Friday, December 26, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location:
City Hall Rotunda
501 Harrison Ave
Panama City, FL 32401

Celebrate the season with a special post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s evening of music featuring acclaimed tenor Ganson Salmon. Praised for his “powerful and nuanced” voice (Opera News), Ganson brings warmth, elegance, and charisma to this intimate concert experience—just the right spark to close out the year.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/musically-up-close-with-ganson-salmon-tickets-1533734584429?aff=oddtdtcreator

Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres and Mocktails
Limited Seating.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
“Dashing lyric tenor" (The New York Times), Ganson Salmon has gained recognition for his “powerful and nuanced” performances (Opera News). Most recently, he performed as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera in Williamsburg and as Ernesto in Don Pasquale with Opera Tampa. He also made his last-minute Kennedy Center debut jumping in as Anatol in Vanessa with the National Symphony Orchestra. Last season, he appeared as Roméo in Roméo et Juliette with Arizona Opera and Alfredo in La traviata with Muddy River Opera. Ganson is an alumnus of Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute’s Program for Singers and the Gerdine Young Artist Program at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. He received his Master’s in Voice/Opera from Mannes School of Music.

Cruise Historic Downtown Panama City the fun way with TIKI TAXI 🚲🌴 🌺 is a fun pedal taxi service. Hop aboard the TIKI TAXI and enjoy a fun, laid-back ride through the heart of Historic Downtown Panama City!
You can wave Lauren Hargrove down or to schedule a ride in advance, call 850-604-0074 or visit https://tikitaxicabs.com

Few moments capture the magic of the holidays like a child's joy with a new puppy, but experts urge families to carefully consider the lifelong commitment before bringing a pet home for Christmas.

Pets require daily care, attention, and resources, long after holiday excitement fades.

Without preparation, surprise pets may overwhelm busy families and sadly end up back in shelters.

Families thrive when everyone agrees on the responsibility, and pets chosen together often foster lasting joy, activity, and important lessons for children.

Some animal advocates suggest gifting pet supplies or shelter gift cards first, allowing families to welcome a pet thoughtfully after celebrations calm down.

Local holiday adoption events, like 'Home for the Pawlidays' in Devore and Big Bear, Charlotte’s 'Season of Second Chances', and Hayward’s 'Home for the Holidays', offer festive ways to meet potential companions—sometimes with waived fees and Santa photos.

Adoption means welcoming a lifelong family member, not just a holiday gift.

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