Community News
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Callaway
Update: Four Emergency Units Now Dispatched to Pinellas County Medical Emergency Overnight
Four emergency units are now officially dispatched to a medical emergency in Pinellas County, according to a recent update.
Largo Medical Emergency: Reduced Response & What It Implies
A medical emergency in Largo has seen its emergency response reduced to three units, suggesting the immediate critical phase may have passed, though details remain scarce.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Dania Beach Brush Fire: Rapid Response Underway
A brush fire on N Federal Highway in Dania Beach is under active response with Quint 1 and Battalion Chief 17 on scene, though no injuries or structural damage have been reported yet.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Crews Confirm Gas Leak, More Units Dispatched to 5705 17 Way S #B in Gulfport
Gulfport Fire Rescue confirmed a gas leak at 5705 17 Way S #B, dispatching two additional units to the scene.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Georgia woman gets 20 years for trafficking meth into Bay County
A Georgia woman received a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking more than 200 grams of methamphetamine into Bay County. A jury rejected her claim that she acted under cartel duress.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Panama City man convicted of shooting at car after parking lot dispute
A Panama City man was convicted Wednesday of attempted murder after chasing and shooting at a vehicle carrying young adults during a dispute that began at a parking lot.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Tyndall Academy Holds School Spelling Bee
Tyndall Academy's spelling bee begins with classroom rounds October 28, culminating in a school-wide final November 8.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bay County to Honor Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Ceremony
Bay County Veterans Services will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery to honor U.S. service members who died in military service.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bay County Fire Rescue Earns American Heart Association Award for Second Year
Bay County Fire Rescue earned the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for the second year running, recognizing the department's excellence in treating stroke and cardiac patients.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
BCSO Celebrates Dedication and Teamwork in 2026 Awards Video
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office released a video celebrating the dedication and teamwork of its personnel during the 2026 annual awards ceremony.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bay County Urges Residents to Eliminate Standing Water to Prevent Mosquitoes
Bay County Mosquito Control urges residents to remove standing water from yards and homes to prevent mosquito breeding as summer season begins.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Burnout in Bay County: How to Recognize It and Fight Back
Burnout leaves Bay County residents exhausted and overwhelmed. Setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support can help prevent it.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Thursday, August 20, 2026