Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer along the Emerald Coast. It's a time when our community comes together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Panama City and Panama City Beach transform into a vibrant hub of activity, blending solemn remembrance with joyful celebration.

This year's weekend features exciting sports tournaments including the Bayou Beach Volleyball tournament on May 23, the YBOA Memorial Day Classic youth basketball tournament May 23-24, and the Travel Ball USA World Series Session I youth baseball tournament running the same weekend. Athletes from across the region will compete while families cheer them on.

Beyond the tournaments, St. Andrews Bay offers paddleboarding, snorkeling, sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and fishing charters. Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park provide pristine natural settings for beach activities and wildlife viewing. Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25 will honor fallen service members, reminding us of the holiday's true meaning.

With 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, this Memorial Day weekend promises something for everyone. Remember to book accommodations early and arrive at beaches early for parking. Read the full article for complete details on all events and activities!

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Panama City Beach has long been celebrated for its sugar-white sands and emerald waters, but beneath the surface lies another world of adventure. The area's fishing charters offer some of the finest angling opportunities on the Gulf Coast.

Local charter companies like Emerald Empire Charters, Gulf Coast Getaways, and Reel Adventures Charters cater to everyone from first-time fishermen to seasoned pros. Whether you prefer inshore adventures targeting redfish and speckled trout or offshore excursions for grouper and king mackerel, there's a charter perfectly suited to your needs.

Most charters provide all necessary equipment, handle fishing licenses, and even offer fish cleaning services. The spring and summer months are particularly rewarding as water temperatures rise and fish become more active.

Discover why Panama City Beach truly is an angler's paradise and how you can reel in your own Gulf Coast adventure.

💰 Restaurant Owners: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

If you own a restaurant, bar, or hospitality business with tipped employees, you may be owed thousands in FICA Tip Credits. The average recovery is $27,000 per location, and it's money you're entitled to every year.

We specialize in helping businesses like yours recover overpaid payroll taxes. The best part? There's no upfront cost, you only pay if you get money back.

✅ Free FICA Audit (normally $1,500)

✅ Can go back 3 years

✅ Annual recurring credit

✅ Average recovery: $27,000 per location

Speak with an Advisor for Potential Recovery

Panama City Beach has long been celebrated for its stunning Gulf waters and world-class seafood. But behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is taking place as local restaurants increasingly turn to sustainable seafood practices.

These eco-conscious establishments are partnering with fisheries that prioritize responsible harvesting methods, adjusting their menus based on seasonal availability, and working with organizations like Gulf Seafood Trace to verify their suppliers meet strict environmental standards.

The benefits extend far beyond environmental protection. By sourcing from responsible local fisheries, restaurants help maintain the livelihoods of Panama City Beach fishing families while guaranteeing diners receive the freshest possible seafood.

Discover how supporting sustainable seafood practices helps preserve the Gulf's marine ecosystem for future generations, and learn what to look for when dining out to make a positive impact.

Panama City welcomes a new hub of creativity as Knotty Laser, LLC and L&C Artistry unite as the STEAM Team, opening their studio at 1106 Harrison Ave, Suite A.

Their grand opening on May 23 invites families and makers of all ages to explore the possibilities at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Expect hands-on projects, engaging demos of laser technology, and the chance to win a free class.

The event promises four hours filled with creativity and learning, letting guests experience art and tech in action.

This partnership gives the community a vibrant space to experiment, collaborate, and develop new skills.

The STEAM Team aims to inspire and empower Panama City, fostering innovation and creative expression for residents eager to learn and grow.

Why did the tourist go to Panama City Beach, Florida?

To shell-ebrate the beautiful beaches!

Offer valid for new Residential or Roam customers only.

There's something magical about the first chill of autumn creeping across the Florida Panhandle. The humidity finally breaks, the Gulf waters cool, and seafood lovers start counting down to one of the most anticipated seasons of the year: oyster season.

From September through April, the waters of Apalachicola Bay come alive with the harvest of some of the finest oysters in the world. These briny jewels have been a staple of Gulf Coast cuisine for generations, benefiting from a unique combination of fresh river water and salty Gulf tides that creates a distinctly briny, buttery, and clean flavor.

In this guide, we explore the best spots to enjoy fresh Apalachicola oysters in Panama City and Panama City Beach, including Shuckums Oyster Pub, Up the Creek Raw Bar, Hunt's Oyster Bar, and Captain's Table Fish House. Whether you prefer them raw on the half shell, steamed with garlic butter, or prepared as Oysters Rockefeller, there's a local spot ready to serve you the taste of Florida heritage.

The tradition of oyster harvesting in Apalachicola dates back over 150 years, with local oystermen still using tongs and small boats to harvest by hand. When you eat an Apalachicola oyster, you're not just having dinner—you're experiencing a piece of Florida heritage.

The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is back, and Panama City Beach is ready to welcome thousands of country music fans to the World's Most Beautiful Beaches. This annual four-day festival has become one of the most anticipated events on the Gulf Coast.

Set against the stunning backdrop of sugar-white sands and emerald waters at Frank Brown Park, the festival features performances from country music's biggest stars. Past festivals have featured headliners like Florida Georgia Line and Brooks & Dunn.

Multiple ticket options allow fans to customize their visit, from single-day passes to full four-day access with VIP packages. The festival also features food vendors, craft beer, and cocktails.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase early to secure their spot at this year's must-attend country music event.

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William Augustus Bowles