It’s National Pizza Week! From now until January 20th, celebrate all things pizza; indulge in your favorite pizza, try a new recipe, support a local shop, or read up on the history of pizza.
Did you know that approximately 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second?! Pizza became popular in the United States in the 1950s. A boom in pizza consumption occurred when Italian immigrants brought the beloved staple to their new homes in the cities. Fast forward to the here-and-now: the U.S.A. consumes more than three BILLION pizzas a year.
This National Pizza Week, be sure to support locally-owned pizzerias. One excellent option is Fat John’s Pizza. They opened in 2018 in Marianna and have been a community favorite since. Visit to enjoy specialty pizzas, wings, and more!
Panama City Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop is coming up quickly. Join thousands of locals and visitors as they celebrate the end of the year and make wishes for the new year. Come out to Pier Park for an evening of fun on December 31st.
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. 
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. 
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.