What happens when local artists stop seeing discarded materials as trash and begin viewing them as fabric, texture and inspiration?

The answer will be on display during Eco-Couture, a new exhibition opening Friday, August 7, inside the Immersive Higby Gallery at the Panama City Center for the Arts.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, located at 19 E. 4th Street in Historic Downtown Panama City. Admission to the Center and its exhibitions is free.

Where Fashion Meets Sustainability

Eco-Couture grew from the creative community surrounding Trash Market, a grassroots initiative established on Earth Day in 2023. The organization promotes sustainability by encouraging artists, makers and residents to reconsider objects that might otherwise be discarded.

Fishing, fresh seafood and waterfront dining come together this week as the 2nd Annual Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic takes over Panama City Beach from August 5–9, 2026.

Presented by the Gulf Coast Sportfishing Club, the tournament centers around Lighthouse Marina, where offshore fishing teams will register, depart for the Gulf and return for Saturday evening’s public weigh-in. The weekend concludes Sunday morning with an awards breakfast at The Deckhand Social, giving competitors another opportunity to celebrate along the Grand Lagoon waterfront.

Although the marina and restaurant are separate locations, they share the boating culture, coastal scenery and laid-back atmosphere that make the Grand Lagoon one of Panama City Beach’s most distinctive dining and recreation areas.

A Grand Lagoon Marina with Deep Local Roots

What began as an effort to improve access to fresh food and create opportunities for small businesses has grown into an important gathering place for Panama City’s Glenwood community.

The Glenwood Marketplace recently celebrated its second anniversary, marking two years of bringing local farmers, entrepreneurs, families and community organizations together at the A.D. Harris Learning Village.

Organized by the LEAD Coalition of Bay County in partnership with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, the marketplace was created to support small businesses, encourage healthy living and help restore Glenwood’s historic identity as a neighborhood business corridor.

During the anniversary celebration on August 1, vendors filled the indoor areas of the A.D. Harris Learning Village with locally grown food, handcrafted products and services from area entrepreneurs. Organizers said the market is designed to promote economic opportunity, neighborhood pride and stronger connections among residents.

The waters off Panama City Beach will welcome some serious offshore fishing action as the 2nd Annual Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic returns August 5–9, 2026.

Presented by the Gulf Coast Sportfishing Club, the tournament brings competitive anglers, captains and crews to Lighthouse Marina for several days of Gulf fishing, tournament competition and family-friendly waterfront excitement.

The Grand Lagoon Billfish Classic begins Wednesday, August 5, with registration, food and drinks at Lighthouse Marina. On-site registration opens at 5:00 p.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m., followed by the mandatory captains meeting. Teams will also have until 8:00 p.m. to enter the tournament’s optional cash-award categories.

Boats Head Offshore Thursday Morning

The official tournament start is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6.