The Gulf Coast Salute Air Show returns to Panama City Beach April 10–12, 2026, lighting up the skies above the Russell-Fields City Pier with thrilling aerial displays and patriotic excitement.

Headlined by the famed U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, this free, family-friendly event promises high-energy performances, festival vibes, and a full lineup including Adam Baker, Mike Goulian, Warbird Thunder, and more.

Gates open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, with the Thunderbirds soaring each afternoon at 3 PM.

Prime viewing stretches a mile east or west of the City Pier—bring chairs or blankets to claim your spot early, as crowds are expected.

Ample parking is available at Aaron Bessant Park, with shuttles to ease traffic.

Enjoy tasty bites from local vendors as jets roar overhead, creating a truly unforgettable beach festival atmosphere.

Get set for a spectacular weekend on the Emerald Coast.

Locals and visitors in Panama City Beach have spoken, sharing their must-try eating spots for an even better dining adventure.

Favorites like Dat Cajun Place stand out for their bold Cajun flavors, while waterfront legends such as Uncle Ernie’s and Pineapple Willy’s offer unforgettable seafood with a view.

McGuire’s Irish Pub is praised for its lively atmosphere and hearty classics.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar remains a go-to for no-frills local seafood, and C-Level is turning heads with its impressive menu and setting.

Other beloved picks include Firefly for upscale meals, The Grand Marlin for fresh seafood, and Boondocks, Runaway Island, and Schooners for laid-back coastal flair.

With so many cherished spots, it’s clear Panama City Beach’s food scene is as vibrant as its sunsets.

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Panama City leaders are beginning to shape a new vision for the downtown marina, and the early concepts point to a more public-friendly waterfront with bigger ambitions for the city’s future.

During a recent workshop, commissioners reviewed design ideas that would improve walkability, create more gathering space, and better connect downtown to the marina area. One of the biggest concepts includes extending Harrison Avenue deeper toward the waterfront.

Officials also discussed features such as an amphitheater, additional public space, and upgrades that could make the area more attractive to both residents and visitors. Supporters say the plan represents a shift from prioritizing vehicles to creating a more people-centered destination.

At the same time, leaders raised practical concerns about costs, utilities, and preserving access to boat slips. Those issues are expected to shape the next phase as the city continues refining the concept.

With more planning ahead and a final vote still to come, the future of the downtown marina is becoming one of the most closely watched development conversations in Panama City.

Breakfast Point Academy teacher Grace Owens is helping her students better understand autism during Autism Awareness Month through a creative mix of nonfiction study, poetry, and classroom discussion.

Owens told WJHG that her students had been asking questions about autism, which inspired her to build lessons around those questions in a way children could understand. The project blends ELA skills, health science, and character education into one meaningful experience.

Students are not just reading and discussing the topic. They are also creating their own poems about autism, giving them a chance to process what they are learning in a personal and thoughtful way.

The project also reflects the kind of flexible, student-centered teaching that can make a strong impact in the classroom. Owens said school leadership has supported her ability to follow her students’ curiosity and shape lessons around real questions.

The class is also preparing for a special event on April 16 that will include historical figures with autism, a play, and a student performance, giving the lesson an even bigger community connection.

Families across the Florida Panhandle are heading into Easter weekend with no shortage of excitement, as a holiday roundup from MyPanhandle points to plenty of egg hunt fun across the region.

For many local families, Easter events are about more than candy-filled eggs. They are a chance to get outside, spend time together, and enjoy one of spring’s most familiar community traditions.

From church lawns to neighborhood parks and community gathering spaces, egg hunts continue to give parents a simple, affordable way to create holiday memories with their children.

That matters in places like Panama City and the surrounding area, where family-friendly seasonal events help bring neighborhoods together and keep local traditions alive year after year.

As always, families should check with event organizers directly for final times, locations, and any weather-related changes before heading out.

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There is something special about seafood in Panama City and Bay County. It is not just about the recipes or the restaurants—it is about a tradition that starts on the water and ends on your plate within hours, not days.

Before most of us have had our first cup of coffee, local fishermen are already heading back to dock with their catch. The waters off Floridas Gulf Coast have been feeding families for generations, and that connection between the boat and the table remains strong in Panama City.

When fish goes from boat to kitchen in the same day, something magical happens. The texture stays firm. The flavor stays clean. That briny sweetness that makes Gulf seafood famous does not have time to fade.

Bay Countys seafood tradition is not just about taste—it is about supporting a way of life. When you order local catch at a Panama City restaurant, you are helping keep family fishing operations running.

Eating local seafood in Panama City is participating in a story that stretches back generations. Because here, great seafood is not just food—it is heritage served fresh daily.

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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.