Author: Debbie Roney Smith

Panama City Christmas Parade RESCHEDULED

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Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Panama City Christmas Parade in Historic Downtown Panama City was RESCHEDULED to Saturday, December 16 at 6 p.m. The Parade will take place on Harrison Avenue; it will commence at the Panama City Marina and continue north on Harrison Ave to 13th Street. There will be lighted vehicles, local marching bands, sparkling dance groups, colorful floats, and festive costumes. At the end of the parade, Santa Claus will come to visit. For more information, please contact Parade Coordinator Angela Bates at abates@panamacity.gov. 

Altha Christmas Parade

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The Altha Parade will take place on December 16th. It will start at 6pm on Main Street. Highway 71 will be closed to ensure the safety of all those taking part in the parade or viewing it. After the Christmas Parade, there will be FREE hot dogs, cookies, and hot chocolate available at the Town Hall. 

USPS Holiday Shipping

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The holiday season is well underway! If you have gifts or cards to send via the United States Post Office, be sure to get them sent out by the cutoff dates if you want them to get there by December 25th. For First-Class Mail, the cutoff date is December 16th. For Priority Mail, the cutoff date is December 18th. The latest date you can send gifts by USPS is December 20th; you’ll have to send them by Priority Mail Express. 

The Artists’ Guild

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The Artists’ Guild of Northwest Florida will meet at the Historic 1st National Bank Multi-Use Facility today from 11 am-3 pm. The Artist Guild is a nonprofit visual and performing arts group focused on education, support, events, and community economic growth throughout Northwest Florida. They will be discussing the 2024 Gallery installations, events, and community workshops. All community members are welcome.

Learn more about the Guild and future meetings (held the second Saturday of every month) by visiting their website HERE. 

Jackson County Isn’t Growing

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While Florida is ranked as the eighth fastest-growing state in the United States, Jackson County is ranked as the ninth fastest-shrinking county in Florida. Jackson County is not only not growing, it is actively losing population. While Florida’s population grew by 14.5% from 2010-2020, Jackson County’s population declined by 4.5%.(1)

Florida itself is benefiting from the movement of industries and individuals from other states while Jackson County has failed to experience any significant inrush. The County has an abundance of natural resources, land space to accommodate affordable homesites, an above-average school system, and a highly-rated hospital. Community leaders are looking to create an action plan to draw new families, businesses, and individuals into the area. 

Sneads Christmas Parade 2023

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The Sneads Christmas Parade is this Saturday, December 9th. Starting at 4pm, everyone is welcome to come watch the community parade. There will be free hotdogs, chips, and drinks available. Stay until the countdown to the lighting of the town’s holiday decorations. PARENTS: be sure to have your kids’ letters to Santa ready or visit the kids’ table to let them make letters at the parade. Santa’s mailbox will be set up at City Hall. You can also bring them to Santa himself during the parade. should have their kids get their letters to Santa ready! Visit Santa’s mailbox at City Hall to drop off the letters early or bring them to Santa himself after the parade. 

Lighthouse Illumination Tour

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From now until January 13th, take part in a special Lighthouse Illumination tour. On select dates, visit the St. Augustine lighthouse rotunda AND enjoy a special holiday light display along the grounds. Visitors can explore the Keeper’s house and grounds illuminated by holiday lights and decor before their trip up the 219 steps of the lighthouse. The trip to the top of the lighthouse will reveal a bird’s eye view of the city’s Night of Lights display. Additionally, there will be 20 decorated Christmas trees for visitors to view.

Visit their website to book your tour now! Reservations are required as dates fill up quickly; click HERE to visit the booking page now. 

Christmas on the Square

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Come out to Magnolia Square in Blountstown this Saturday for a day of family fun, food, and holiday shopping. Christmas on the Square will start at 8am on December 2nd. Start your Christmas shopping by visiting your local vendors; then grab lunch at one of the event food trucks. Learn more by visiting the event’s Facebook page.