Good morning, Panama City! In today’s edition: License plate penalties, the Salty Goat Polar Plunge, the Ultimate Neil Young Tribute Band, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Small changes, big consequences: Florida drivers now face misdemeanor penalties for covering license plate parts, and a state memo explains how frames are treated. Not all frames are banned, but plates must remain clear — see how to stay compliant.

10th Annual Salty Goat Polar Plunge @ The Salty Goat Saloon | Saturday (1/10) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to run into the Gulf in January, this is it, the 10th annual Polar Plunge at Salty Goat supporting leukemia research in honor of Gary Gault. Dip or cheer, then thaw with a beverage, raffle prizes, and goodwill — see the event listing.

A hub for creativity: Panama City will open the MLK Jr. Recreation Center on Friday, January 16. Free entry runs January 16 through February 28, and fees start March 1. Youth memberships are free — learn about amenities and access.

Heightened flu season risks: Flu cases have risen across Florida since Christmas, the CDC reported, as officials urge prevention and note an enhanced vaccine for older adults amid concerns about more severe illness — get all the details.

Dinks by the bay: Four outdoor courts, bay breezes, and food-truck fuel make Papa Joe’s Bayside an ideal after-work reset. With open play, clinics, and a friendly local crowd, it’s easy to jump in whether your third shot is dialed or you’re still learning the kitchen.

Craving a real burrito? In St. Andrews, FINNS Island Style Grub keeps it small, fresh, and simple, with no fryers or microwaves, so breakfast burritos and build-your-own bowls taste like actual food. Expect laid-back local vibes, reliably tasty fillings, and an easy go-to whenever the craving hits.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🐻 Let’s Talk About Bears! @ Parker Public Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 11:00 AM – Think you know your backyard visitors? Cheryl Spencer from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation is breaking down what our bears are up to, and how not to become the star of their snack run. Bring curiosity, your questions, and your sanity-saving trash can tips.

🕵 Tuesdays at 2: David Goodwin & the Sandy Creek Murders @ Bay County Public Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 2:00 PM – Trade your Tuesday errands for Bay County true crime at Tuesdays @ 2, as the Historical Society’s Kenny Redd revisits the 1977 Sandy Creek Murders. It’s free, it’s local, and limited to 100 seats, so channel your inner detective, arrive early, and claim a spot.

☀ Art & Craft Workshop: Suncatcher @ Main Deck | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:00 PM – Give your windows a little sparkle with a hands-on suncatcher workshop at the Main Deck. Fifteen bucks covers materials and step-by-step guidance, all skill levels welcome, bring extra beads if you’re picky. Seats are limited, and you’ll need base access, so plan ahead.

📸 Opening Reception: Captures of Light & Time @ Gallery of Art 850 | Thursday (1/15) at 5:00 PM – Whether you champion our 850-area shutterbugs or need an excuse to sip and browse, Gallery of Art is feting Best of Show winner Jean Hutchison Smith. Meet her, explore Captures of Light & Time, and take home a wall-worthy piece, vetted by out-of-state judges.

🧸 Florida Panhandle Toy Expo 2026 @ Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to turn your Hot Wheels habit into “quality time,” this three-day Panhandle toy expo is it. Diecast, collectibles, crafts, music, superheroes, Star Wars photo ops, and even real cars, all with free admission, and zero judgment.

🎶 Lines, Loops & Legacy: A Musical Life Reimagined @ Panama City Parks, Culture and Recreation | Friday (1/16) at 3:30 PM – From tape to Ableton, David “Rook” Goldflies, yes, that Allman Brothers alum, is serving a free, one-hour tour of bass lines, loops, and lifetime stories. Expect genre-hopping tunes, live demos, and tech wizardry. Bring your curiosity, leave your wallet.

🎸 The Ultimate Neil Young Tribute Band @ Bay Arts Alliance | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Think you know every Neil Young deep cut? Bay Arts Alliance hosts a top-shelf tribute with spot-on vocals, rich harmonies, and jams that swing from Harvest Moon hush to Like a Hurricane roar. Expect Heart of Gold, Cinnamon Girl, and Rockin’ in the Free World.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Panama City report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 71°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 38%

A chance of rain showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 55 in the afternoon. North wind 15 to 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. North northeast wind around 15 mph.

Most popular house this week

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The primary suite adds a walk in closet, dual quartz vanities, and a subway tiled shower with a semi frameless glass door. Extras include efficient HVAC, a high performance water heater, white siding, black windows, board and batten detail, a 1-2-10 builder warranty, and no HOA.

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