Presidents Day, observed every third Monday in February, honors George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the broader legacy of U.S. presidents.

Originally established in the 1880s as Washington’s Birthday, the holiday was shifted to create more three-day weekends and gradually embraced Lincoln’s contributions, evolving into a celebration of presidential leadership and civic values.

George Washington, born in 1732, set lasting precedents as the nation’s first president, while Abraham Lincoln preserved the Union and abolished slavery during the Civil War.

Today, most Americans use Presidents Day to reflect on all presidents’ roles in shaping democracy, with schools and communities hosting educational events.

In Bay County, residents can celebrate through library visits, local museum tours, trivia nights, creative activities for kids, and civic engagement — blending history, learning, and community pride.

During a crisis, most people instinctively dial 9-1-1 for immediate medical help.

But for non-medical needs in Northwest Florida, residents can turn to 211 services for timely support.

By calling 2-1-1, anyone can quickly connect with local resources ranging from emergency food and shelter to mental health counseling, rental assistance, and utility support.

Trained specialists answer around the clock, ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.

In 2024 alone, 211 Northwest Florida facilitated more than 130,000 vital connections across Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington counties.

This confidential and free service is available 24/7, offering both new arrivals and longtime locals an essential safety net.

For support beyond medical crises, 2-1-1 remains an essential first call.

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Panama City Beach is revitalizing its shoreline with new, eye-catching beach access signs topped by colorful beach balls.

Designed to be immediately visible, these signs display large access numbers, making locations easier to find for both visitors and emergency crews.

Each sign includes important safety information, such as the beach flag warning system and rip current advisories, highlighting the city’s dedication to public safety.

The first phase covers accesses 51 through 60—prime areas like Pier Park and Dog Beach—serving as a test run before expanding citywide.

Funded entirely by tourism bed taxes, the project places no extra burden on local taxpayers.

Feedback has been strongly positive, with users praising the new signage’s clarity and friendly appearance.

Accessibility improvements are also underway, including ADA upgrades at Beach Access 22 and revamped walkways at Sunny’s Beach Access, creating a safer, more welcoming coastline for all.

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Panama City is set to host a Small Developer Boot Camp starting February 26, 2026, thanks to a partnership between the Incremental Development Alliance and the local Community Redevelopment Agency.

Designed as a five-week, hands-on program, this initiative targets local entrepreneurs, teaching them practical skills to revitalize vacant properties and strengthen neighborhoods—an urgent need seven years after Hurricane Michael.

Participants will work with real projects, from rehabbing historic storefronts to imagining new uses for empty lots, while receiving guidance from faculty such as Marques King and Joel Dixon, recognized for empowering community-led developments.

The boot camp runs Thursdays, 4–7 p.m., through March 26, ending with a "Dolphin Tank" pitch session.

Resources like SBA checklists and pro forma templates are included, with scholarships available.

Early registration is $499 until February 11; regular is $549 through February 23.

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House of Henry
https://www.facebook.com/hohpub
2/17 Open Mic Night 7-9pm
2/18 Paint Night 850 6pm
2/19 Karaoke Country, 7-10pm
2/20 Tracy Mick, Live Music 6-9pm
2/21 Cody John Live Music 8pm

Thistle & Thorne 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063885137065#
2/18 Open Mic Every Wednesday 6-9pm

The Dive
https://www.facebook.com/thedivepc
2/16 Beer Pong Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm

Todd Herendeen

https://www.toddherendeentheatre.com/

See website for schedule and tickets 

6:30-9pm

Saltwater Saloon 
https://www.facebook.com/saloonpizzapc
Saloon Sessions Open Mic
2/18 Every Wednesday 6-9pm

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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