Panama City Spotlight
Latest News
|Panama City Spotlight
Latest News

Subscribe

"Controversial News: Seabreeze Jazz Fest, School Buys Plane, Senior Dogs, Gulf-to-Table, Mayday Mega Show!"

|
Panama City Spotlight

Panama City Spotlight

Archives

"Controversial News: Seabreeze Jazz Fest, School Buys Plane, Senior Dogs, Gulf-to-Table, Mayday Mega Show!"

"Controversial News: Seabreeze Jazz Fest, School Buys Plane, Senior Dogs, Gulf-to-Table, Mayday Mega Show!"
Get ready for music, education, Gulf-to-Table dining, and high-flying thrills in Panama City Beach!

Frank Gotaas

Apr 21, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What is the nickname for Panama City Beach, Florida due to its reputation as a popular Spring Break destination?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is returning to Panama City Beach from April 23-26, bringing another packed weekend of live music to the Gulf Coast.

 

According to Visit Panama City Beach, the event has been named one of the top jazz festivals in the country and now attracts more than 20,000 fans from across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

 

This year’s schedule includes nationally known performers spread across four days, giving music fans plenty of chances to enjoy smooth jazz, coastal atmosphere, and a major spring event on the beach.

 

For Panama City Beach, events like this do more than entertain. They help drive tourism, support local businesses, and reinforce the area’s reputation as a destination for large-scale live entertainment.

 

Festival organizers note that artist lineups are subject to change, and tickets are available through the official Seabreeze Jazz Festival website.


Read More...

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

 
Quote Of The Day

"Life is short, and it's up to you to make it sweet." - Sarah Louise Delany

Panama City, FL — Bay District Schools has made a significant investment in career and technical education with the recent approval of a $150,000 airplane purchase for Haney Technical College's aviation maintenance program.

 

The district acquired a 1978 Piper Turbo Arrow aircraft using federal grant funds, marking a major milestone for the East Campus program located at Franklin County Regional Airport.

 

The vintage Piper Turbo Arrow will serve as a living laboratory for students enrolled in Haney Technical College's aviation maintenance program. Rather than learning solely from textbooks and simulators, students will now work directly on an actual aircraft.

 

"This is a game-changer for our students," said district officials. "Having access to a real aircraft means our graduates will enter the workforce with the kind of hands-on experience that sets them apart."


Read More...

Spotlight Sponsor

Wyndham Resort

Dates: May 27th - June 1st 2026, 6 Days & 5 Nights

 

Perfect for the Gulf Coast Jam 2026

 

$1,500 includes taxes and fees.

1 Bedroom Deluxe, Upper Level, Beach view and access.

1 King, 1 Bunk Bed, 1 Queen Sofa Sleeper, sleeps 6.

Full Kitchen, Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer and more.

Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Beach Access.

Exercise room, Free Parking Garage

Location: 14700 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL

 

Email: [email protected] with Subject Line SPOTLIGHT10 for more information.

For 10% discount code: SPOTLIGHT10

When people think about adopting a dog, they often picture a playful puppy. But local animal advocates in Panama City and across Bay County want you to know that senior dogs have just as much love to give — sometimes even more.

 

Senior dogs, typically classified as seven years or older, are frequently overlooked at shelters. Yet these mature companions offer unique benefits that make them ideal pets for many families. They come with established personalities, are often already house-trained, and are content with moderate exercise.

 

Perhaps the greatest gift a senior dog offers is gratitude. These dogs seem to understand they have been given a second chance and form deep bonds with their adopters. The Humane Society of Bay County and Emerald Coast Animal Rescue currently have several wonderful senior dogs available for adoption.

 

If you have room in your heart and home, consider visiting a local shelter to meet the senior dogs waiting for their forever families. You might just find your perfect companion has a little gray around the muzzle.


Read More...

The Weather Presented by MyPanhandle

🚀 Get a Free Month of Starlink
Ready for better internet? If you are a new customer signing up for a Residential or Roam plan, you can get a full month of service credit (up to $120 value) by purchasing your kit through my link. No more buffering—just reliable, high-speed connectivity.
Credit applied 30 days after activation.

Offer valid for new Residential or Roam customers only.

For over a century, Captain Anderson's Restaurant has stood as a beacon of Gulf-to-table excellence in Panama City Beach. Since 1967, this family-owned institution has been serving fresh seafood caught daily from the waters just outside their door.

 

Few restaurants define Panama City Beach quite like Capt. Anderson's. A family-run landmark where fresh Gulf seafood, marina views, and warm hospitality have shaped local dining traditions for nearly 60 years.

 

Freshness is not just a promise here, it is the foundation. Capt. Anderson's has long been known for showcasing the Gulf's natural bounty with recipes that honor classic coastal cooking.


Read More...

American Flag 8x12 FT, Large US Flag USA High Wind with Embroidered Stars, Sewn Stripes, Brass Grommets, DurableOutdoor Outside

 

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

Panama City is set to roar with excitement as the 2nd Annual Mayday Mega Car, Bike & Truck Show returns on May 16 at the Bay County Fairgrounds.

 

Attendees will experience both indoor and outdoor showcases, featuring everything from exotic sports cars and classic muscle to lifted trucks and custom builds.

 

This year’s highlights include the Air Jordan “Z51” Corvette, “850i” BMW, and Iron Man “Z06” Corvette, headlining the VIP indoor display.

 

Local legends like Legends Classic Car Restoration and Gary Customs will show off beautifully restored vintage rides, celebrating Gulf Coast pride and craftsmanship.

 

With live music, Southern-style food, fun family activities, and vendors, the event promises an all-ages festival feel.

 

With entries from 8 states and over 30 cities, the Mayday Mega Show is fast becoming a regional automotive tradition.

 

Don’t miss out—bring your family and experience the engines, energy, and community spirit!


Read More...

📺 Panama City Spotlight YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight

 

🎬 YouTube Playlists

https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight/playlists

 

👍 Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight

 

👥 Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanamaCitySpotlight

 

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleFork

 

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanhandleFork

 

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
"The Spring Break Capital of the World"
/>
Panama City Spotlight

© 2026 Panama City Spotlight.

Panama City Spotlight is your friendly, go-to guide shining a light on life in Panama City, Florida. It’s a curated collection of local news, can't-miss events, hidden gems, and neighborly shoutouts that celebrate the heart of our coastal community. Find everything you need to know, from the latest happenings to the quiet spots only locals know, right here.

© 2026 Panama City Spotlight.

THIS PUBLICATION SPONSORED BY