The Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Panama City has earned the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors’ “Apple of Our Eye” Award for New Construction.

This prestigious honor, presented at the Chamber’s First Friday event, shines a light on projects that uplift Bay County with excellence and community impact.

The newly opened MLK Jr. Recreation Center serves as a vibrant gathering place, offering recreational programs, youth opportunities, and welcoming community events for residents of all ages.

Commissioner Janice Lucas, Parks Director Keith Meyerl, and Center Manager Javien Elliott accepted the award on behalf of the city, expressing gratitude to all who made the center possible.

The facility, launched during the MLK holiday, stands as a symbol of unity, service, and Panama City’s continued investment in its neighborhoods.

The award underscores a growing commitment to revitalization and expanded access for Bay County families.

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Panama City, Florida, is witnessing major growth in its aviation industry with fresh investments and job creation efforts.

Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled more than $13 million in funding through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, focusing on vital projects for the region.

A key project includes a $5 million allocation for building a large aircraft engine repair and testing facility at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

This new 160,000-square-foot center will bring up to 400 skilled technician jobs to Bay County.

Triumph Gulf Coast has also approved a $25 million grant to help launch this Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) complex.

Known as “Project Spinner,” the total project investment stands at $107 million, with a forecast of 500 fresh aviation jobs for the area.

These investments are set to turn Panama City into a regional leader in aircraft engine repair, creating robust opportunities for local residents.

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Panama City is transforming its downtown parking experience through a public-private partnership with First Baptist Church, targeting key lots near 6th Street and Harrison Avenue.

Crews are resurfacing, restriping, and redesigning four lots to boost accessibility and maximize space, with funding from a Hometown Revitalization Grant and cost-sharing between the city and church.

Once completed, these lots will provide around-the-clock public access, adding much-needed parking and supporting downtown businesses and events.

City Manager Jonathan Hayes highlighted the shift from gravel and grass to marked, paved spaces, increasing capacity while improving downtown’s look.

New rules are also in place: As of October 2025, drivers face stricter parking enforcement, with 27 more violations and fines up to $250 for infractions like blocking driveways or misusing handicap spaces.

Large metal signs now guide motorists, aiming to keep downtown safe and accessible for all.

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igniteSTEM is set to energize local youth in Panama City with a free, hands-on event at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center on March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Families are invited to join this engaging morning of science, technology, engineering, and math activities, designed for ages 6–17.

Hosted by Leadership Bay Class 43 from the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and supported by HCA Florida Healthcare, the event features interactive demonstrations and learning stations led by local partners.

igniteSTEM promises to make STEM concepts exciting and accessible, offering kids and teens a chance to experiment, problem-solve, and explore career paths rooted in scientific discovery.

Registration is required but admission is free, ensuring every local family can participate in this inspiring and welcoming community event.

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The Panama City Farmers Market could soon begin rotating its downtown location every three months, starting in 2026, as part of a new effort to boost downtown vitality.

The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), led by Jason Kretzer, hopes this plan will balance foot traffic, support a range of local businesses, and gather data on the most successful sites.

The market, normally at McKenzie Park, temporarily moved to Harrison Avenue last year during construction but could soon rotate between these and other downtown spots.

Business owners are split: some, like Pam Armstrong of Tom’s Hot Dogs, see opportunity, while others, such as Ted Holland of Somethin’s Cookin’ Downtown, express concerns about unpredictable crowds.

Managed by Anchored Market Ventures, the Saturday market draws over 100 local vendors and remains a cherished community gathering place.

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