or many of us in Panama City and throughout Bay County, Labor Day weekend means an extra day with family, perhaps a trip to the beach, a backyard cookout, shopping at a local market or simply enjoying a little time away from work.

But behind the long weekend is a much deeper story.

Labor Day is ultimately about people, the men and women who get up every day, go to work, provide for their families and help keep their communities moving forward.

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, and it gives us an opportunity to recognize those contributions both nationally and right here at home.

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Located at 13919 Highway 77 in Southport, Florida, La Pera’s Country Market sits along one of the area’s primary north-south routes, making it a convenient stop for residents of Southport, Lynn Haven, northern Bay County and travelers heading toward Highway 20 and points farther north.

A Local Name with Bay County Roots

The La Pera name may already be familiar to Bay County residents.

The family behind La Pera’s Sweet Shop in Lynn Haven has built its business around an old-fashioned philosophy of food, family and community. La Pera’s Sweet Shop describes its mission as bringing families together through timeless treats while combining New York traditions with Florida Panhandle hospitality.

That same appreciation for a welcoming, neighborhood-oriented experience makes the Country Market concept a natural fit for Southport.

Rather than the feel of a large supermarket or national chain, a country market offers something different, the opportunity to slow down, browse, discover something interesting and support a locally connected business.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks changed the nation forever, the City of Panama City will bring the community together for a solemn morning of remembrance.

The 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Panama City Marina. The public is invited to attend and join local leaders, military personnel, first responders and community members in honoring the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The ceremony is being presented by the City of Panama City in partnership with Bay County, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Tyndall Air Force Base. Organizers say the observance will also recognize the countless families, first responders, service members and communities whose lives were forever affected by the attacks and their aftermath.

A Quarter-Century of Remembrance

September 11, 2026 marks exactly 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

Historic Downtown Panama City will be filled with music on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as local businesses and musicians come together for Play Music on the Porch Day from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The evening invites residents and visitors to slow down, stroll through downtown, discover local shops and businesses, and enjoy live music popping up throughout the historic district. Rather than gathering around one large concert stage, the idea is to make downtown itself the venue, with musicians performing at participating businesses and gathering spots.

The Panama City Downtown Improvement Board lists several participating merchants, including Gallery of Art 850, Sugar Sands Beauty Bar, Halo Glow Aesthetics, Pyramid School, and Wild Root Coffee & Tea, with music and activities spread throughout downtown.

It is an easygoing event designed for exploring. Start your evening with a walk along Harrison Avenue and the surrounding streets, stop when you hear a musician who catches your attention, browse a shop you may not have visited before, grab a drink, and then continue on to the next stop.

Families looking to stretch their budgets, clear out closets or find some great secondhand deals will want to mark their calendars for Growing Through the Years – PCB Pop-Up Consignment, coming to the Bay County Fairgrounds September 3–5, 2026.

The three-day pop-up consignment event will take place at the Central Panhandle Fairgrounds, located at 2230 E. 15th Street in Panama City. The Bay County Fairgrounds event calendar lists shopping hours as Thursday, September 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, September 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

More Than a Traditional Consignment Sale

Growing Through the Years was created by Kelsey Napier, who moved to Panama City Beach from Kentucky with her husband, Alex, in 2021. As a mother of two, Napier saw firsthand how quickly children outgrow clothing and other belongings, often while those items still have plenty of useful life remaining.

Historic St. Andrews is getting ready to turn its porches, patios and gathering spaces into stages for one of the neighborhood’s most unique annual music celebrations.

St. Andrews Play Music on the Porch Day returns Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout Historic St. Andrews in Panama City.

Since joining the worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day movement in 2019, St. Andrews has made the final Saturday in August a celebration of local music, community and the neighborhood’s creative spirit.

Instead of one main stage, musicians perform at locations throughout St. Andrews, allowing visitors to stroll from place to place and hear a variety of local performers along the way.

If you’re looking for a relaxed way to spend a Saturday morning in Panama City, The Market at St. Andrews is one of those local traditions worth adding to your weekend routine.

Held year-round at beautiful Oaks by the Bay Park, the community market brings together local growers, food producers, artists, makers and shoppers every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Located in the heart of Historic St. Andrews, the market combines shopping local with one of Panama City’s most scenic waterfront settings.

What You’ll Find at The Market

The Market at St. Andrews emphasizes products that are locally grown, made or created. According to Historic St. Andrews, the market focuses primarily on agricultural products, food items, arts and crafts, rather than resale merchandise. 

If you’re looking for something a little different to do on a Friday night in Panama City, Third Friday Jazz in the Gallery Listening Room offers an evening centered around one simple idea: sit back and really listen to the music.

Held at Gallery of Art 850, 36 W. Beach Drive in Historic Downtown Panama City, the recurring concert series brings jazz musicians together on the third Friday of each month, generally from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The performers change from month to month, giving local jazz fans a reason to come back and experience something new each time.

Next Third Friday Jazz

Friday, August 21, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Featuring:

Liana Legat
Luke Pinegar
Steve Gilmore

Veterans and individuals living with disabilities will have an opportunity to discover mobility resources, meet local service providers and connect with community organizations when Team Adaptive Medical hosts its First Annual Veterans Mobility Health Expo in Panama City.

The Veterans Mobility Health Expo will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Glenwood Community Center, 722 E. Ninth Ct., Panama City, FL 32401.

The theme of the event is “Helping Gain Independence,” with an emphasis on helping veterans and people with disabilities find services and solutions that may allow them to live more independently.

Discover Mobility and Veteran Resources

If you’ve been looking for something different to do after dinner or a new option for date night, Coastal Comedy Krew is helping grow the live stand-up comedy scene in Panama City.

Coastal Comedy Krew is a veteran-owned comedy production company based in Bay County, Florida, bringing high-quality live comedy to venues across the Florida Panhandle. From pop-up shows in unique local spaces to private parties and corporate events, Coastal Comedy Krew creates memorable experiences by pairing talented comedians with the right audience and setting.

Founded by comedian and Air Force veteran TJ Wiseman, the company is committed to growing the local comedy scene, creating opportunities for performers, and delivering professional, well-produced entertainment that brings people together through laughter.

Thursday Open Mic at Blaze & Barrel

Gulf Coast Jam 2027 has officially filled its fourth and final headliner spot, and country music fans who have been asking for Zach Top got their wish.

Zach Top has been announced as the Sunday night headliner for Gulf Coast Jam 2027, completing a four-night lineup that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach.

The festival is scheduled for June 3–6, 2027, marking the 15th annual Gulf Coast Jam. The official festival website lists the event as a four-day celebration of country music on the Gulf Coast, with tickets and hotel packages currently available. 

Gulf Coast Jam 2027 Headliners

If you could use a few laughs this week, Panama City Comedy has you covered.

The local comedy organization is filling Bay County with live comedy, beginning with its weekly Comedy Open Mic at St. Andy's Sports Pub and continuing with back-to-back shows Friday and Saturday night at Dick's Last Resort in Panama City Beach and Mosey's Downtown in Historic Downtown Panama City.

Panama City Comedy, owned by local comedian and producer Jason Hedden, produces more than 50 comedy shows each year and has helped bring touring comedians and live stand-up to venues throughout the area. 

Here's what's coming up.

Comedy Open Mic at St. Andy's Sports Pub

Premier Athletics of Northwest Florida is getting ready for another competitive cheer season, and the Panama City community has three chances to win some impressive local prizes while helping support area athletes.

The Premier Athletics Season Kickoff Raffle is underway now, with tickets priced at just $10 each. The drawing will be held September 3, 2026, and winners do not have to be present to win.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Premier Athletics athletes, programs and future gym improvements, according to the event flyer.

More Than Two Decades of Cheerleading in Panama City

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.

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.

Gulf Coast Jam 2027 just added another major name to its lineup.

Bailey Zimmerman has officially been announced as the Thursday-night headliner for the four-day country music festival, scheduled for June 3–6, 2027, at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach.

Zimmerman will take the stage on Thursday, June 3, kicking off a weekend that already includes Luke Bryan as the Friday-night headliner and Jason Aldean closing out Saturday night. The festival’s Sunday headliner has not yet been announced.

Bailey Zimmerman Brings a Country-Rock Edge to Opening Night

Zimmerman has quickly become one of country music’s most recognizable young performers, building an audience with his raspy vocals, emotional lyrics and energetic combination of modern country and rock.

His breakout songs include “Fall in Love,” “Rock and a Hard Place,” “Religiously” and “Where It Ends.” His debut project, “Religiously. The Album.,” helped establish him as one of country music’s fastest-rising new artists, while songs such as “Holy Smokes,” “New to Country” and “Backup Plan” continued his momentum.

For shoppers who love discovering vintage treasures, handmade creations and unexpected finds, PCB Market offers a little bit of everything under one roof.

Located inside Beachwalk Plaza at 7157 W. Highway 98, PCB Market has grown into a lively weekend gathering place featuring more than 100 exhibitors. Local artisans, collectors, growers, food vendors and small businesses fill the indoor market with an ever-changing assortment of merchandise.

Visitors may find antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, home décor, cottage goods, jewelry, artwork, fresh produce, handmade crafts and plenty of one-of-a-kind items. Because the vendors and inventory can change from one weekend to the next, shoppers never know exactly what they might discover.

Line dancing is alive and well across Bay County. Whether you already know the Electric Slide, are ready to tackle the latest country routine or have never stepped onto a dance floor, three recurring local gatherings make it easy to get involved.

No partner is required, and each location welcomes beginners. All you need is comfortable footwear, a willingness to learn and perhaps a little courage for that first trip onto the dance floor.

Tuesday Nights with Boots on the Bay

Boots on the Bay Panama City Line Dancers brings classic favorites and newer line dances to the Panama City Center for the Arts every Tuesday evening. The group was formerly known as Slick Kickers Panama City and is led by Tammy Smith and Teresa Hinckley.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m., followed by beginner instruction at 6 p.m. The introductory lesson gives newcomers time to learn basic steps before the evening transitions into nonstop line dancing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Recent event listings continue to confirm the Tuesday schedule, $5 admission and instruction from Smith and Hinckley. 

B

ay County residents will have a new reason to visit Panama City Beach during the final months of summer.

Throughout August and September 2026, residents from anywhere in Bay County will be able to walk onto the Russell-Fields City Pier without paying the usual spectator admission fee. The temporary free-access program was approved by the Panama City Beach City Council during its July 23 meeting.

The promotion is being offered in recognition of America’s 250th birthday and is intended to give local families greater access to one of Panama City Beach’s most recognizable public landmarks.

Free Access Is for Spectators

The waived admission applies only to people visiting the pier as spectators. Residents who plan to fish from the pier will still be required to purchase the appropriate fishing admission.

Historic Downtown Panama City will step into a world of kings, witches, fairies, wandering performers, and moonlit theater during A Midsummer Night’s Revel, a three-day immersive Shakespeare festival taking place Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Presented by the St. Joe Community Foundation, the festival is a collaboration between PC Downtown Renaissance and INV Performing Arts. The theatrical productions are directed by Summer and Matt Bonnin.

Rather than offering only a traditional stage performance, A Midsummer Night’s Revel will spread Shakespeare-inspired entertainment throughout downtown. The weekend will combine live theater, music, visual arts, food, interactive experiences, and community activities at the Center for the Arts lawn, McKenzie Park, and surrounding downtown locations.

As Tropical Storm Bertha moves across the northern Gulf of America, Bay County Emergency Management is urging residents to use the storm as a reminder to review evacuation plans and finish assembling their hurricane supply kits.

The message from local officials is simple: do not wait until a hurricane is headed directly toward Bay County before beginning preparations.

Tropical Storm Bertha developed in the Gulf south of the Florida Panhandle and strengthened to maximum sustained winds near 60 mph by Tuesday, July 21. Although the storm’s projected path was shifting west toward Louisiana, Bertha was still expected to produce heavy rain, gusty winds, rough surf, dangerous rip currents and possible coastal flooding across portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

For Bay County residents, the storm serves as an early-season warning that tropical systems can develop quickly and that their effects may extend far beyond the forecast center line.

Tropical Depression Two is edging closer to Panama City, drawing concern from both residents and officials.

Drifting northwest across the Gulf of Mexico, the system is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm as early as tonight.

Storm surge alerts and a tropical storm watch are now posted for parts of the Gulf Coast, with special worry for areas around the Alabama-Florida border.

Forecasters warn of possible life-threatening flooding in low-lying and coastal neighborhoods near Panama City.

Officials urge residents to review storm safety plans, as tropical storm-force winds and soaking rains may arrive within the next two days.

Emergency crews are preparing sandbags and resources, anticipating surges and hazardous surf even from this developing system.

Businesses are prepping for closures, while the community remains on edge, remembering past tropical threats.

Christmas cheer is arriving early in Panama City as The Sunday Social Market hosts its Christmas in July celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Bay County Fairgrounds.

The market will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2230 East 15th Street in Panama City. Admission is free, giving families, residents and visitors an affordable way to spend a summer Sunday while supporting local businesses.

The Christmas in July market will feature local vendors, handmade merchandise, food trucks and a variety of unique finds. Shoppers can browse vendor booths filled with gifts, crafts, clothing, accessories, home décor, specialty products and other locally offered items.

Although the calendar may say July, guests can expect a cheerful holiday atmosphere mixed with the relaxed feel of a community summer market. It is an opportunity to get an early start on Christmas shopping, find a one-of-a-kind gift or simply enjoy an afternoon exploring what Bay County’s small businesses and local makers have to offer.

Panama City Beach has long been celebrated for its sugar-white sands and emerald waters, but beneath the surface lies another world of adventure. The area's fishing charters offer some of the finest angling opportunities on the Gulf Coast.

Local charter companies like Emerald Empire Charters, Gulf Coast Getaways, and Reel Adventures Charters cater to everyone from first-time fishermen to seasoned pros. Whether you prefer inshore adventures targeting redfish and speckled trout or offshore excursions for grouper and king mackerel, there's a charter perfectly suited to your needs.

Most charters provide all necessary equipment, handle fishing licenses, and even offer fish cleaning services. The spring and summer months are particularly rewarding as water temperatures rise and fish become more active.

Discover why Panama City Beach truly is an angler's paradise and how you can reel in your own Gulf Coast adventure.

Christmas is arriving early in Historic Downtown Panama City as the Panama City Farmers’ Market hosts its 5th Annual Christmas in July Market on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The special market will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. along Harrison Avenue, stretching from Fourth Street toward Beach Drive. Organizers expect more than 130 vendors, making this year’s celebration the largest Christmas in July Market held downtown so far.

Visitors can spend the morning browsing a large selection of farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, specialty foods, artwork, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, home décor and other products offered by local farmers, makers and small-business owners.

The regular Panama City Farmers’ Market is known for combining local shopping with food trucks, live music and a friendly community atmosphere. The Christmas in July edition will add holiday-themed activities and festive entertainment throughout downtown.

Christmas is arriving early in Historic Downtown Panama City as local shops, restaurants and bars come together for the Christmas in July Sip & Stroll on Friday, July 17.

The event will run from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., giving residents and visitors an opportunity to explore downtown while enjoying seasonal drinks, sweet treats, shopping specials and plenty of holiday atmosphere. Activities will take place throughout the historic district, centered around Harrison Avenue and the surrounding downtown streets. 

Event Details

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Downtown Panama City
Main area: Harrison Avenue and participating downtown businesses

Instead of waiting until December, downtown merchants are bringing out the decorations, Christmas music and holiday-inspired offerings in the middle of summer. Participating businesses are expected to feature a mixture of themed drinks, desserts, retail promotions and seasonal specials throughout the evening.

Visitors can make their way from business to business at their own pace, stopping for something cold to drink, browsing locally owned boutiques or finding an early Christmas gift. The event provides a relaxed way to spend a Friday evening while supporting the independent businesses that help give downtown Panama City its character.

Country music fans already have another major summer weekend to look forward to as Gulf Coast Jam prepares to return to Panama City Beach from Thursday, June 3, through Sunday, June 6, 2027.

The four-day outdoor music festival will once again transform Frank Brown Park into one of the biggest country music destinations on the Gulf Coast. The newest announcement adds Luke Bryan as the Friday-night headliner on June 4, joining previously announced Saturday headliner Jason Aldean.

With two of modern country music’s most recognizable performers now confirmed, excitement surrounding Gulf Coast Jam 2027 is already building nearly a year before the gates open.

Luke Bryan Returns to the Coast

Luke Bryan will headline Gulf Coast Jam on Friday, June 4. Known for high-energy concerts and a long list of country hits, Bryan has remained one of the genre’s most popular touring performers for more than a decade.

Bay County commissioners have approved a six-month moratorium on certain large-scale data centers, temporarily preventing qualifying projects from moving forward in unincorporated areas of the county.

The moratorium was approved during the Bay County Commission’s regular meeting on July 7, 2026, following a public hearing and months of discussion about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the massive computer facilities needed to support it.

The county’s meeting agenda described the action as a temporary moratorium on “large scale data centers.” County Attorney Brian Leebrick said the pause applies to data centers requiring more than five megawatts of electricity.

The moratorium is not a permanent ban. Instead, it gives county planners and commissioners time to determine whether Bay County’s existing land-development rules adequately address facilities that can require enormous amounts of electricity, water, land and utility infrastructure.

During the six-month period, county staff is expected to study how data centers should be defined, where they might be allowed and what development standards should apply to them. Officials also plan to consult with electric providers, water and sewer utilities, and other stakeholders before recommending permanent regulations.

Treasure hunters, bargain shoppers and collectors will have another reason to explore Panama City Beach this weekend when the PCB Market Summer Swap Meet opens Saturday, July 11, and continues Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The PCB Market Summer Swap Meet is held every weekend at 7157 W. Highway 98, inside Beachwalk Plaza in Panama City Beach. Saturday’s shopping hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by Sunday hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Promoted as a weekend to “Buy, Sell, Trade and Treasure Hunt,” the Summer Swap Meet invites shoppers to browse an assortment of merchandise from local vendors, collectors, artisans and independent sellers. Visitors may discover antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, clothing, handmade crafts, home décor, secondhand merchandise and other unexpected finds.

Part of the fun of a swap meet is never knowing exactly what will be waiting at the next table or booth. One shopper may be looking for a vintage decoration, while another might discover sports memorabilia, coastal décor, boutique clothing or a useful household item at a bargain price.