General News

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Tech, Talk & Tacos 2: Humans Meet AI and More June 22

  By Marta Rose-Thorpe TechFarms, a technology incubator, coworking space and makerspace located at 7543 Holley Circle in the Grand Lagoon, is the location for “Tech, Talk & Tacos 2” taking place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. This three-hour evening, sponsored by A Superior Air Conditioning Co., is the sequel event to the original “TTT” held at TechFarms in 2019. “In January 2019 we hosted the first Tech, Talk & Tacos for a nice-sized Grand Lagoon group,” states Marta Rose-Thorpe, founder and publisher of Stroll Grand Lagoon, a lifestyle brand, who is hosting the event. “TechFarms has been one of Bay County’s hidden gems, but I believe it’s time to share it, so everyone is aware of this fascinating asset. Our friends at Finns Island-Style Grub served up a gourmet taco bar, guests networked and mingled, and then were seated and entertained for the next hour by some of our area’s most talented entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators. They were shown what the tech incubation process looks like and we asked guests, ‘Are you fascinated by all things Tech… drones, virtual reality, off-the-wall inventions? Is there a budding entrepreneur in your family?’ On Thursday, June 22 Finn’s Island-Style Grub will again provide the gourmet taco bar. Guests can meet and mingle at a wine & beer reception hosted by DiBacco Imports both before the event and during intermission. Speakers will present on a variety of subjects where marketing meets mindset, innovation meets entrepreneurialism, and humans meet... Read More

Come Jam on the Coast June 3!

  By Gabby Champagne Welcome to beautiful Panama City Beach, where summertime is upon us and the beaches are eagerly awaiting the arrival of its many guests. With a number of fun in the sun events to participate in over the next several months, the Panama City Beach Chamber, in partnership with Gulf Coast Jam, is excited to announce the annual Jam on the Coast 5K presented by Visit Panama City Beach, which will take place on Saturday, June 3. This family-friendly event is the perfect addition to the lineup of Gulf Coast Jam weekend. Come and enjoy the beach, jam out to some phenomenal country music artists, and claim a medal all within the same day. With its start and finish line located at the entrance gates to Gulf Coast Jam, runners will take to the 3.1-mile course along the fairgrounds of Frank Brown Park and Gayle’s Trails. All runners will receive a moisture-wicking shirt, a finisher medal, and an exclusive $10 off coupon for Gulf Coast Jam merchandise. Thanks to our local food sponsor, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q, breakfast tacos will be served after the race, making it the perfect event for the avid runner or the family just looking for a good time. You may register online at pcb5k.com or at Packet Pickup on Friday, June 2, at Dave & Buster’s by 6 p.m., if slots are available. We hope to see you there! The post Come Jam on the Coast June 3! appeared first on PCB Life |... Read More

Children’s Book Drive May 1 – 19

  The Bay County Public Library Foundation is organizing a Book Drive May 1 –19 to restock the Foundation’s Free Library on Wheels (FLOW) and FLOW Book Boxes. The Book Drive is open to community members to donate new or gently used children’s book titles that would be appropriate for preschool age to 8th grade students at any of the drop-off locations. These titles will be collected and then distributed free of charge to Bay County children throughout the upcoming year. The Foundation’s primary goal is to help encourage the love of reading and promote literacy, one book at a time. Popularly requested titles from the school-age students include Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey, New Baby Sitters Club graphic novels and chapter books, and anything by Raina Telgemeier. Picture books are always a great addition for early readers and family read alouds! Book Drive Drop-Off Locations: • Bay County Public Library, 898 W. 11th Street, Panama City • The Law Offices of Sam K. Zawahry, 227 Harrison Avenue, Panama City • Little Mustard Seed, 437 Harrison Avenue, Panama City • Panama City Beach Public Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach • Parker Public Library, 4710 2nd Street, Parker • St. Andrews Publishing Museum, 1134 Beck Avenue, Panama City The Bay County Public Library Foundation’s mission is to promote literacy and provide cultural enrichment that enhances the Bay County libraries and strengthen the... Read More

Should this Panama City Beach Estate be the Setting for the Next James Bond Film?

  Prominently Perched on the Shores of St. Andrews Bay, Villa Chimera Inspires the Imagination. From Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of FloridaImagine an opening sequence through the gun barrel. 007 stands watchfully on the regal balcony of Villa Chimera overlooking the Venetian estate and the waters of St. Andrews Bay. The 1964 Aston Martin is parked in the driveway in front of the marble fountain, the mythological Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster foreshadowing the larger-than-life villain to come. Moneypenny and Q enter the scene through the opulent foyer underneath a crystal chandelier to arrange a top-secret meeting in the study. Throw in an epic sailboat scene on the bay, an extravagant party with lavish guests and double agents, and some high-speed chases and you have the makings of a riveting James Bond film set on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. With its authentic European design and architecture, the Villa Chimera evokes an imperial aura. Inspired by the classic Palladian villas of the Veneto in Italy, this residence was years in the making from planning to construction and boasts an architectural integrity and authenticity rarely found in modern construction. There’s simply no other home like it in Bay County. With just one step through the columned front porch into the soaring foyer, it is immediately evident the meticulous amount of detail and care poured into every element of this masterpiece home. Says listing agent Amin Delawalla of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, “In my many years representing... Read More

Semaglutide – Weight Loss Magic

  By Dr. Richard Chern, M.D. If you haven’t heard already there is a new weight loss medication available at a reasonable cost. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which means it activates the GLP-1 receptor. Still confused? It doesn’t matter. It has several important actions in the body. Semaglutide ultimately helps your body lose weight by improving the regulation of sugar levels and insulin levels in the body. If this sounds like a medication for diabetes instead of weight loss then you would be correct. This class of medications was developed to improve diabetes. Astonishingly, in studies, many of my patients lost significant weight. In fact, up to 30% of their body weight. And, much of the weight stayed off after stopping the medication. This medication also slows the stomach. Food stays in the stomach longer so you feel full longer. And your stomach gets full faster so you eat less. These medications help people lose significant weight and you lose weight without feeling hungry! Sounds like magic, right? I have been seeing patients for over 30 years. I have seen so many weight loss drugs come on and go. This is the first time I have ever been excited to tell people about a weight loss medication. So how is it possible this medication is available? Well, this medication was initially Ozempic. The FDA allows a new medication to have a patent, or monopoly, on the medication for many years. They say this gives the company enough time... Read More

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Summer Camp Registration is Open

  Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) will be offering many summer camp options for children this summer. Dance, sing, act, or be behind the scenes in one (or more) of these fantastic summer camps. Many of the camps are being held at ECTC in Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, but there are a few options in Seaside, Panama City and Defuniak Springs. Payment plans are always available. More information on the camps and registration is available at emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summer-camps. The Mini Player Camps (Ages 5 – 7, rising Kindergarteners) are designed specifically for the youngest players. These camps focus on activities that allow students to explore acting, singing, and movement in an energetic, nurturing environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. These one week camps are held Monday-Friday (with the exception of the Disney Dreams Camp which is Tuesday-Friday) from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition is $225. Mini Player Camps are held at ECTC in Grand Boulevard. • May 30 – June 2 – Disney Dreams • June 5-9 – Adventures in Wonderland • June 12-16 – Willy Wonka • June 19-23 – Dr. Seuss • July 10-14 – Frozen Dreams There are four Summer Camps for 2nd – 5th graders. Tuition varies depending on camp. Payment plans are always available. • Alice in Wonderland – Tuition $285 – June 5-9 (ECTC at Grand Boulevard), June 12-16 (Gulf Coast State College – Panama City), June 26-30 (Florida Chautauqua Theatre, Defuniak Springs). • Camp... Read More

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Bay Arts Alliance Hosts 60th Bay Annual Art Competition & Exhibition

  Bay Arts Alliance proudly announces its 60th Bay Annual Competition and Exhibition, which opens on Friday, May 5. A tradition started by the Panama City Artist Association, the Bay Annual Competition & Exhibition has brought together sixteen counties in Northwest Florida to showcase the region’s finest artists. “The Bay Annual has survived hurricanes, COVID-19 shutdowns, and multiple organizational changes to get to sixty years,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “It’s such an honor to help host it at the Center for the Arts in this historic year.” Over 100 pieces are submitted each year and then juried down to the finalists in the exhibition. Of those pieces, seven will be chosen to receive awards by this year’s judge, Anne Stagg, Assistant Professor at Florida State University. “Artistic expression is a vital part of society,” said Stagg. “Among other things, art helps us process the world around us, expand our perspectives, reflect on our experiences, and add wonder and excitement to our daily lives. This is perhaps why we saw so many people turn towards creative expression in recent years. The 60th Bay Annual Arts Competition will undoubtedly showcase the inspiration, dedication, talent and resilience of the community. I look forward to spending time with the works and considering the individual perspectives of the artists.” The Center for the Arts is open Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The post Bay Arts Alliance Hosts 60th Bay Annual Art Competition... Read More

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Annual Events Coming Up May 2023

  Visit PCB 70.3 Gulf Coast IRONMAN May 13 One of the most storied North American races, IRONMAN Florida began in November 1999. Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida is a magnet for triathletes and their families. The swim takes place in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a bicycle course, then a run throughout the local neighborhoods. Visit www.ironman.com/im703-gulf-coast for more info. Florida Jeep Jam May 15-20 Get ready for thousands of Jeep lovers in Panama City Beach. Florida Jeep Jam is already known as the “Fastest Growing Jeep Event in the Southeast” and this year’s celebration will be the largest ever. Shop over 100 of the best vendors! Try unlimited attempts on the Jeep obstacle course! Enjoy live music, exclusive parties, Jeep activities and (of course) tons of family-friendly fun on our beautiful beaches! Register your Jeep and join over 2,000 Jeeps for Florida Jeep Jam on May 15 – 20, 2023. Visit www.floridajeepjam.com. The post Annual Events Coming Up May 2023 appeared first on PCB Life | Panama City Beach News, Events and Community Information.   Read More

Should this Panama City Beach Estate be the Setting for the Next James Bond Film?

  Prominently Perched on the Shores of St. Andrews Bay, Villa Chimera Inspires the Imagination.From Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices BeachProperties of Florida Imagine an opening sequence through the gun barrel. 007 stands watchfully on the regal balcony of Villa Chimera overlooking the Venetian estate and the waters of St. Andrews Bay. The 1964 Aston Martin is parked in the driveway in front of the marble fountain, the mythological Chimera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster foreshadowing the larger-than-life villain to come. Moneypenny and Q enter the scene through the opulent foyer underneath a crystal chandelier to arrange a top-secret meeting in the study. Throw in an epic sailboat scene on the bay, an extravagant party with lavish guests and double agents, and some high-speed chases and you have the makings of a riveting James Bond film set on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. With its authentic European design and architecture, the Villa Chimera evokes an imperial aura. Inspired by the classic Palladian villas of the Veneto in Italy, this residence was years in the making from planning to construction and boasts an architectural integrity and authenticity rarely found in modern construction. There’s simply no other home like it in Bay County. With just one step through the columned front porch into the soaring foyer, it is immediately evident the meticulous amount of detail and care poured into every element of this masterpiece home. Says listing agent Amin Delawalla of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, “In my many years representing luxury... Read More

Prepare Now for Hurricane Season

  From the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety As the calendar flips to May, it marks the beginning of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Not quite five years removed from the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael, Panama City Beach does not need to be reminded about the importance of being prepared, but with information available from various sources, it can be hard to discern the best steps to take. Based on decades of field and lab research, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released its 2023 Hurricane Ready guides featuring preparedness tips to help home and business owners strengthen their properties against storms. IBHS research shows resilient construction and re-roofing can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage. The nonprofit research organization has also identified some low-cost DIY projects that can help any building better withstand high winds and heavy rain. “One of the things we note when investigating storms is that homeowners can do things to reduce the likelihood and severity of storm damage,” said Dr. Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist at IBHS. “Even with Hurricane Ian, which caused extreme damage due to storm surge, we saw limited wind damage in homes built after 2002, when the Florida Building Code was first adopted. Amid the overall destruction, this positive result helps show that we are not powerless against Mother Nature.” While some of the projects included in the Hurricane Ready guides can be done prior to an impending storm, IBHS encourages people to begin... Read More