Bay County, FL

It’s a beautiful day to celebrate the grand opening of the new Southport Recreational Complex!

Bay County Animal Control is feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day. Now through March 21, adoption fees waived for all adoptable animals at the shelter. Each adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and vaccinations. Visit the shelter at 6401 Bay Line Drive in Panama City and meet your new best friend. Learn more: baycountyfl.gov

We’re ready to play ball at the new Southport Recreational Complex! Join us at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 for a ceremonial first pitch as we officially open the complex and kick off spring league baseball. The park is located at 8598 State Road 77, just north of County Road 2300. Spanning approximately 37 acres, the complex features six fields, four batting cages, and a walking trail around the park’s perimeter. We look forward to seeing you on opening day.

The Bay County Board of County Commissioners will host a public meeting for the County 2321 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from State 77 to State 75 (U.S. 231) on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. The study evaluates the potential widening of County 2321 from two lanes to four lanes along approximately 6.15 miles to address future capacity needs. The meeting will provide updated information about the project and give residents an opportunity to review proposed alternatives, ask questions and share feedback. Maps, drawings and other project materials will be available for public review, and Bay County staff and members of the project team will be present to discuss the proposed improvements and receive comments. The meeting will be at the Southport Community Building, 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport. All comments submitted or postmarked by Thursday, March 12 will be included in the public record.

Bay County Roads and Bridges is improving the 1.1 miles of Dogwood Way in East Callaway Heights by placing asphalt millings. This upgrade will make the roadway less moisture-sensitive and reduce routine maintenance needs. The project is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

Bay County Roads and Bridges crews recently completed a project to place milled asphalt on South Burnt Mill Creek Road, replacing the dirt roadway that had posed challenges for residents during rainy weather. The $135,000 project was completed Jan. 12 and done in-house to keep costs down while delivering efficient, cost-effective improvements for the community. Commissioner Doug Moore spoke with @WMBBTV and @WJHG_TV today about the project.

Bay County citizens looking for an easy way to dispose of this year’s real Christmas tree are invited to drop them off at four locations in the county. From Dec. 29 through Jan. 11, Bay County residents and businesses may drop their trees off at no charge at the following locations. These locations don't accept artificial Christmas trees. - Steelfield Road Landfill (11411 Landfill Rd.) - H.G. Harder’s Park (8110 John Pitts Rd.) - Hiland Park (2117 Sherman Ave.) - Bay County Solid Waste (6510 Bayline Dr.)

Bay County CERT volunteers stay active year-round, recently assisting the Salvation Army, BCSO Project 25 at the Lynn Haven Walmart, and Bay County’s Christmas event at H.G. Harder’s Park. Registration is now open for the next free CERT Basic Training, Jan. 20–24, 2026. Register: forms.gle/Lng1vE2BbMqXFL…

Congratulations to our newest firefighter graduates. On Dec. 10, eight of our employees graduated from Class 66 of the Gulf Coast State College Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Program, a rigorous 15-week course. They have completed their practical exams and will take their written exams next week to finalize state certification. Special congratulations to David Beck, recipient of the Jerry W. Prater Academic Achievement Award for the highest GPA in the class.

Merry Christmas from the Panama City Beach Parade!

12/12 4am ET: After a few mild days, a cold blast will follow a cold front passage Sunday. Lows Monday morning in the 20s inland and low 30s at the coast. Wind chills upper teens and 20s. Bundle the kids up for the bus stop and wear layers to keep warm! #flwx #alwx #gawx

The boil water notice issued for the area below has been rescinded.

A malfunction during an annual routine test of a wholesale water meter caused a water service interruption on Pipeline Road between Country Lake Drive and U.S. 231. As a result, Bay County Utilities customers in the neighborhoods of Bylsma Manor, College Station and Cedar Park are under a precautionary boil water notice until bacteriological surveys indicate the water was unimpacted by the service interruption. An AlertBay was issued to approximately 1,000 households in the affected area.

The longest stretch on record was associated with 2012 Tropical Storm Debby, so the stretch from this weekend amounted to the most consecutive hours of rain on record outside of a tropical system!

The burn ban enacted on Nov. 24 in unincorporated Bay County has been rescinded.

12/1, 6 AM ET Beneficial rain is still expected for tonight into Tuesday. However, a marginal risk of severe weather also exists near the coast tonight into early Tuesday morning. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out near the panhandle coast along with gusty t-storm winds.

Effective immediately due to dry conditions, any outdoor activity that could cause fires in Bay County is prohibited, in accordance with County Ordinance 25-16. The ban prohibits activities such as open burning; the sale or use of fireworks; lawn, debris or trash burning; improper disposal of matches or cigarettes; and any outdoor activity that could cause sparks or flames. The use of charcoal or gas grills for cooking is permitted under the order. Illegal activities may result in penalties of a fine not to exceed $500 or a jail term of no more than 60 days or both. Each day the violation exists is a separate offense or violation. Further, violators of the burn ban may be subject to civil action for abatement and damages. This order applies to unincorporated Bay County until rescinded.