"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." - Nelson Mandela

BAY COUNTY, Fla., April 23, 2026 — Clearwave Fiber celebrated a major milestone in its Bay County network expansion with a ceremonial ribbon cutting marking the launch of its 100% Fiber Internet service last week. The first residential customers' high-speed Internet is being turned on in the coming weeks in Lynn Haven.

The event included a donation to Rutherford High School's robotics team, the Catastrophic RAMifications, during a Bay County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at the Panama Country Club.

The community-focused celebration highlighted Clearwave Fiber's commitment to supporting local innovation and strengthening STEM education opportunities in Bay County.

Clearwave Fiber continues to invest in expanding fast, reliable 100% Fiber Internet across Bay County, including Panama City, Upper Grand Lagoon, Callaway, Parker, Lynn Haven and Pretty Bayou.

The Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach is reaching out to the community for support after unexpected delays have stalled their much-anticipated public library project.

The museum, recognized as the world's oldest dive museum, received a grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation to create a public library that would house decades of diving history, rare books, and educational materials. However, contractor issues have brought the project to a standstill.

Museum staff have since moved to a new contractor but are now facing a funding gap to complete the work. The library promises to be a valuable resource for researchers, diving enthusiasts, and visitors interested in the rich maritime history of the Gulf Coast.

The collection will feature historical diving equipment documentation, underwater exploration archives, and rare publications dating back to the early days of scuba diving. Once completed, the library will serve as an educational hub for both locals and tourists.

Every visitor to Panama City Beach wants to know where to find the best breakfast. But here's a secret: the locals know spots that most tourists never discover. These are the places where PCB residents gather on weekend mornings, where the coffee is always hot, and the portions are generous.

If you want to eat like a local, skip the hotel breakfast buffets and chain restaurants. Instead, head to these beloved neighborhood spots that have earned the loyalty of Panama City Beach residents year after year.

Shuckums Oyster Pub & Raw Bar serves legendary shrimp and grits that keep locals coming back. Cupcake Beach Cafe offers charming beach vibes with fluffy pancakes and creative omelets. Harbor Docks provides scenic waterfront breakfast with views of the marina.

For upscale brunch, The Grand Marlin delivers elegant coastal-inspired dishes with beautiful water views. Other local favorites include Mi Casa Grill, Sunny Side Up, and The Breakfast Club.

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Bay County's warm climate and year-round mosquito activity make heartworm disease a serious threat to local dogs. This preventable condition affects hundreds of dogs in our area each year, yet many pet owners don't realize the importance of consistent prevention.

Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it deposits tiny heartworm larvae into the bloodstream. Over six to seven months, these larvae mature into foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing severe damage to vital organs.

Florida ranks among the highest states for heartworm prevalence due to our subtropical climate. Bay County veterinarians report seeing cases throughout the year, with peak transmission occurring during warmer months when mosquito populations surge.

Many dog owners mistakenly believe they can stop prevention during cooler months. However, Panama City's mild winters mean mosquitoes remain active year-round. A single missed dose can leave your dog vulnerable during a critical window.

Contact your local veterinarian to discuss heartworm prevention options and schedule a test for your dog. The small investment in prevention today can save thousands in treatment costs and protect your dog from a potentially fatal disease.

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Spring has arrived in Bay County, and with it comes one of the community's favorite traditions. The 2026 Concerts in the Park series begins April 18th, bringing live music, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment to parks across the area.

Bay County Parks and Recreation has curated an impressive lineup of local musicians ready to fill the evening air with everything from classic rock to country hits. Each concert offers something for every musical taste, making these events perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for affordable entertainment.

These aren't just music events—they're community gatherings that showcase the best of Bay County. Local food trucks will be on hand serving up everything from barbecue and tacos to ice cream and specialty coffee.

Events like Concerts in the Park do more than entertain—they strengthen our community fabric. They give local musicians a platform to share their talents, support small food businesses, and create shared experiences that bring neighbors together.

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Capt's Table Fish House has been a familiar name in Panama City's dining scene for nearly six decades. Established in 1967 by the Holman family, the restaurant has earned a loyal following for its fresh Gulf seafood, Southern cooking, and long-standing commitment to hospitality.

What began as a family seafood business has become a local institution, with the Panama City original remaining closely tied to the restaurant's identity. From the beginning, the Holman family has focused on serving quality seafood and delivering a consistent dining experience.

The menu reflects classic Gulf Coast dining. Guests can expect seafood favorites such as grouper, shrimp, oysters, and other regional specialties prepared in traditional styles that highlight the flavors of the Gulf.

A big part of the restaurant's appeal is its connection to local seafood traditions. Capt's Table has built its reputation on fresh ingredients, dependable preparation, and a menu that feels rooted in the coast rather than chasing trends.

Why did the tourist bring a ladder to Panama City Beach?

To help them reach new heights of relaxation!