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.
The first celebration starts at 5:35pm; the band, Saved by the 90’s, will be playing a free concert. There will be a Kids’ Beach Ball Drop; 10,000 colorful beach balls will be dropped into the crowd at 8pm. Following the first ball drop, there will be a fireworks display, a New Year’s Eve 5K Run/Walk, food, and love music. There will be a second ball drop at midnight. There will be a second ball drop and fireworks display at midnight. Visit Panama City Beach’s website to learn more.
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.
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 
Today’s local business spotlight is Milk & Honey!
The Florida Health Department of Jackson County is hosting a Community Health Fair tomorrow. From 3-7pm, come out to Madison Street Park in Marianna. The goal is to raise and celebrate diabetes awareness. There will be food, fun, health education, live music, vendors, community resources, and a live DJ. The highlight of the event is the FREE health screenings and HIV testing. Come out for an evening of fun and health safety. 
Did you know that the Panhandle is home to a butterfly house? No, not the world-famous Gainesville