Higgins Contracting LLC

05/13/2026

Automated School Zone Speed Enforcement Program - May 2026

This morning, the Panama City Commission voted unanimously to pause the full enforcement of the automated school zone speed enforcement program until the 2026-2027 school year begins. Therefore, the warning period will continue for the remainder of the current school year, until the end of the month.

Drivers should continue to drive cautiously and obey the posted speed limit while traveling through school zones throughout the school day. Motorists going 11+ mph over the limit during this time will receive a warning as awareness continues, allowing unsafe driving behaviors to be changed.

For more information, please visit: https://www.panamacity.gov/878/School-Speed-Zone-Enforcement

05/07/2026

04/21/2026

**UPDATE: This information is not longer up to date. Please visit www.panamacity.gov/878/School-Speed-Zone for the latest information.**

Automated School Zone Speed Enforcement Update - April 2026

The City of Panama City is implementing the RedSpeed automated photo enforcement program in 11 designated school zones to protect students and reduce speeding during critical school hours. This initiative, authorized by recent Florida legislation, is designed to enhance safety for students, parents, and school staff by encouraging drivers to slow down in active school zones.

The program initially launched with a warning-only period on February 17, 2026, allowing drivers time to adjust. During the early rollout, the City identified that four school zones were not fully operational. Implementation was briefly delayed, allowing for the installation of enhanced safety features, such as additional signage and flashing lights, to improve visibility and strengthen the overall warning system. These upgrades are now complete, and all school zones are fully equipped, properly signed, and operating as intended.

A new 30-day warning period for all school zones will begin on April 22, 2026. During this time, motorists who exceed the speed limit in designated school zones will receive warnings, providing notice of the violation and an opportunity to correct their behavior. This phase is intended to educate drivers and support a smooth transition to full enforcement. Official full enforcement, which includes issuance of a $100 Notice of Violation, will begin on May 22, 2026.

For more information about the program, including a list of impacted schools, their school zone hours, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.panamacity.gov/878/School-Speed-Zone

04/08/2026

Update: Despite the rain we have received over the last 24 hours, Bay County remains under a burn ban until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.

Due to dry conditions and anticipated high winds, any outdoor activity that could cause fires in Bay County is prohibited, effective immediately, in accordance with County Ordinance 25-16, adopted by the County Commission May 6, 2025.

The ban prohibits activities such as open burning; the sale or use of fireworks; lawn, debris or trash burning; improper disposal of matches or ci******es; and any outdoor activity that could cause sparks or flames. The use of charcoal or gas grills for cooking is permitted under the order.

Illegal activities may result in penalties of a fine not to exceed $500 or a jail term of no more than 60 days or both. Each day the violation exists is a separate offense or violation. Further, violators of the burn ban may be subject to civil action for abatement and damages.

This order applies to unincorporated Bay County until rescinded.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from our Family to yours—He is Risen!