Why did the dolphin go to Panama City, Florida?

To see the flip side of the beach!

Stephen Bailey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Tourist Development Council (TDC), has been arrested by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Grand Theft and 22 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Authorities discovered Bailey made unauthorized charges on a TDC-issued American Express card from August 2024 to February 2025, spanning dinners in Atlanta, Fairhope, Alabama, Las Vegas, and New York City, as well as purchases at Publix.

Several expenses falsely claimed as business-related raised concerns after some listed clients were proven to be out of the country.

This incident follows the arrest of Aaron Lee from the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), accused of over 1,000 unauthorized transactions totaling nearly $1 million.

Bay County officials reaffirm their commitment to public resource integrity as investigations continue and enhanced financial oversight measures are implemented.

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

The Bay County Clerk of Court has taken charge of Visit Panama City Beach’s finances after the arrest of Aaron Lee, the group’s Vice President of Administration, who faces charges of grand theft and credit card fraud.

Lee is alleged to have misused a company credit card, making nearly $1 million in unauthorized purchases, with only about $58,000 documented in Visit PCB’s financial system.

Clerk of Court Bill Kinsaul will now oversee all Visit PCB financial activities to ensure greater oversight and prevent further abuse.

President and CEO Dan Rowe has taken a leave of absence as the investigation moves forward in an effort to restore trust.

A third-party forensic audit of the organization’s records is underway to spot any other irregularities and boost financial safeguards.

Bay County leaders are aiming to reinforce accountability in local tourism management.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) has broken ground on an 80,000-square-foot North Terminal expansion, signaling a bold step to support rapidly rising passenger numbers and improve facilities.

Travelers will soon benefit from three new gates, expanded baggage claim, and improved amenities like new concessions, restrooms, and larger seating areas.

The project includes a relocated and enlarged TSA checkpoint for swifter security processes.

Annual passenger traffic at ECP has soared by 501% since 2010, reaching nearly 2 million travelers — spurring this strategic expansion to ensure continued efficiency and growth.

Construction unfolds in three phases, beginning with structural work, followed by interior development and new passenger services.

Supported through partnerships with state, federal, and local agencies, the expansion underscores ECP’s vital economic role, promising new business, tourism, and long-term regional growth.

Panama City began a crucial public engagement process in January 2026 for the future of the Downtown Marina.

After city commissioners called for both immediate improvements and a comprehensive long-term plan, leaders enlisted Dover, Kohl & Partners to guide discussions.

Interactive design charrettes at City Hall on January 21 and 22 drew residents and stakeholders, who voiced priorities through a creative “green sticker/red sticker” voting system.

Key topics included essential infrastructure like boat ramps, trailer parking, and new public spaces, with added interest in amenities such as restaurants, lodging, an amphitheater, and an aquarium.

Participants favored waterfront walking paths and neighborhood squares, while strongly opposing large parking garages and new housing on the uplands.

Planners will soon share refined concepts, keeping the community’s vision at the heart of the Downtown Marina’s transformation.

You’ll receive three offers: $25 off filing with a tax pro, 20% off H&R Block Online Filing for federal returns, or $150 off bookkeeping services. 

New Clients Only. A new client is someone who did not use H&R Block or Block Advisors to file their 2024 tax return.

Weather presented by MyPanhadle

Will Thompson Band
https://www.willthompsonmusic.com/
1/30 Panama City Center of the Arts 
7pm Will Thompson Band Original Showcase
Buy Tickets

House of Henry
https://www.facebook.com/hohpub
1/27 Open Mic Night 7-9pm
1/28 Service Industry Night, 8pm 20% off drinks
1/29 Karaoke w/DJ Glenn B, 7-10pm
1/30 Corey Hall, Live Music 6-9pm
1/31 Downtown Winter Warm-up 10am-5pm
1/31 Scott Wetter, Live Music 8-11pm

Thistle & Thorne 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063885137065#
1/28 Open Mic Every Wednesday 6-9pm
1/29 Live Music 7-9pm
1/30 Live Music 7-9pm
1/31 Live Music 7-9pm

The Dive
https://www.facebook.com/thedivepc
Happy Hour 10am-6pm
Rock and Roll vibe music
1/26 Beer Pong Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm
1/27 Scratch 2020, 6:30pm

Todd Herendeen

https://www.toddherendeentheatre.com/

1/31Todd Herendeen's award-winning Rock and Country

2/1 Todd Herendeen Gospel Hours in February will be at The Church at the Beach

2/5 Todd Herendeen's award-winning Rock and Country 

See website for schedule and tickets 

6:30-9pm

Saltwater Saloon 
https://www.facebook.com/saloonpizzapc
Saloon Sessions Open Mic
1/28 Every Wednesday 6-9pm
1/29 Two Brothers, DJ Pristean Karaoke 8-11:30pm
1/31 Skint Up Band, 8:30pm-12:30am

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.

Have you missed any previous PanamaCitySpotlight.com articles?

You can find them all HERE! 

👉 Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight

👉 Join our Facebook Group:

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