"Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than your words."

Bay County’s job market is thriving as 2026 approaches, offering diverse opportunities in Panama City, Panama City Beach, and surrounding communities.

Major employers include healthcare systems like Ascension Sacred Heart, public schools, local government, and military sites such as Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Public sector roles, including county and state positions, provide stability, while booming tourism fuels hospitality and retail hiring, ideal for entry-level seekers.

Veterans and transitioning service members find special support through locally available job placement assistance.

Bay County’s workforce development programs, training opportunities at Gulf Coast State College, and free resources from CareerSource Gulf Coast help residents gain in-demand skills.

With new employer expansions and regular job fairs, Bay County’s robust employment scene continues to deliver fresh possibilities for locals ready for a career change or new start.

Pharmaceutical companies plan to raise prices on over 350 branded medications in the U.S. in 2026, affecting vital treatments like vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, shingles, and cancer drugs such as Ibrance.

The median hike is about 4%, continuing last year’s trend, even as federal officials push for lower costs.

Major manufacturers, including Pfizer, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and GSK, will implement these changes beginning January 1.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s diabetes medication Jardiance will see a notable 40% price cut, with further reductions expected through Medicare negotiations.

U.S. patients still pay nearly triple what those in other developed countries do for prescriptions.

Meanwhile, new federal initiatives aim to save billions by aligning Medicare drug costs with international benchmarks, though critics say more aggressive reforms are needed to relieve high out-of-pocket expenses.

The coming changes will be closely watched by patients, as access and affordability remain urgent local concerns.

At Slugger Pest Control, we’re proud to be a local, family-owned business serving our community with care and dedication. We treat every home like it’s our own, offering reliable, personalized pest control solutions you can trust. 

https://www.sluggerpest.com/

Panama City Beach ushered in 2026 with a lively New Year's Eve celebration that brought thousands together at Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park.

Families flocked to the Kids FUN Zone at Aaron Bessant Park, enjoying free interactive activities and live music from DJ DT, Cover to Cover, and The Life Atlantic.

Excitement soared at 8:00 PM as the Kids' Beach Ball Drop showered 15,000 colorful beach balls over cheering crowds, paired with a stunning fireworks show.

Pier Park kept the tempo high with performances by The Blinding Lights and The Will Thompson Band as revelers danced toward midnight.

The night climaxed at the Celebration Tower, where a massive LED-lit beach ball dropped to mark the start of 2026, punctuated by dazzling fireworks above the Gulf.

This expanded, all-ages event highlighted Panama City Beach's festive spirit, setting an uplifting tone for the year ahead.

Presented by MyPanhandle

Experience the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras as Panama City Beach welcomes its annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival, happening January 30-31, 2026.

Hosted by the Krewe of Dominique Youx, the celebration brings lively parades, exciting live performances, and family-friendly fun under the sunny Gulf Coast skies.

Festivities launch Friday at Pier Park, where you can tour parade floats, meet royalty, and enjoy a warm community welcome.

The Kids Fun Zone and Festival Village open at the Grand Theater Plaza, making sure younger guests have plenty of entertainment.

Evenings sparkle with music from Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and a children’s parade, while Saturday brings non-stop tunes in Aaron Bessant Park, including sets from Redferrin and Tobacco Road Band.

The grand Mardi Gras Parade and dazzling fireworks cap a weekend of unforgettable coastal celebration.

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Have you missed any previous PanamaCitySpotlight.com articles?

You can find them all HERE! 

Like and Follow us on Facebook

https://facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight

Check out the numerous water activities available in Panama City, Florida, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, or taking a boat tour to make the most of your day by the water.