Bay County

Florida’s experiencing a resurgence of coronavirus cases following the holidays. The state is continuing to rely on its vaccination, testing and public education strategies to curb the spread of the virus, even as health experts predict another spike in deaths in the coming weeks.

On November 23, a new COVID-19 test site will open at the Panama City Beach Sports Park.

Bay County’s restaurant, shop and hotel owners are wasting no time trying to recoup pandemic-related costs.

President-elect Joe Biden’s calls for civility and unity were echoed at a victory party in Panama City four days after vote counting began on election night.

Some voters went with their immediate family members to the polls, and community block parties encouraged hundreds of Panama City residents to cast their ballots early.

GOP presidential candidates typically do well in the Panhandle, but local party leaders aren’t taking this edge for granted. In Bay County, both Republican and Democratic campaign organizers have been campaigning hard to get out the vote ahead of this year’s high-stakes election.

It’s been two years since the Florida Panhandle town of Mexico Beach was leveled by Category 5 Hurricane Michael. “There’s nothing we could’ve done for Michael. No matter how many windows we boarded up, you can’t prepare for that,” says Al Cathey, the town’s mayor of 14 years.

FEMA's latest round of public assistance grants for Florida communities recovering from Hurricane Michael will reimburse local governments and the state for cleanup and repair work in Bay, Washington and Leon Counties.

Several teachers at an elementary school in Bay County have taken it upon themselves to make sure a colleague, who's been diagnosed with cancer, can isolate in her classroom and still provide instruction.

Voter turnout in city elections was higher this cycle than it’s been in recent years. While most voters mailed in their ballots to curb the coronavirus spread, many others headed to the polls on Election Day.