PCPD hosts 5th annual bicycle rodeo
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Young riders in Panama City tested their two-wheel skills on Saturday while learning road safety tips along the way.
The Panama City Police Department hosted its 5th annual bicycle rodeo at Oakland Terrace Park.Residents joined local law enforcement for a day full of education and fun.
'I think the most important thing is that we're able to educate the public. We're able to teach them proper bicycle mechanics as far as handling the bike safety on the roadway, you know, knowing that you should not riot against traffic but ride with traffic, you should wear a helmet in the state of Florida under the age of 16. So, it means a lot to me. It tremendously, to me, means that we're able to reach out into our community and to serve them in different capacities as law enforcement officers', PCPD Community Policing Captain Billy Carstarphen said.
Panama City hosting Earth Day celebration at Oaks by the Bay Park
PCPD gave out about 10 free bikes through a raffle drawing. They also had games, live music, snow cones, pizza, and bike obstacle courses.
Leila came to the bike rodeo to ride her bike with friends. But since her almost two-year-old little brother received a new bike, she's looking forward to riding with him at home soon.
'He doesn't really know how to ride a bike, but I'm pretty sure he's going to start running over all of our toes. It was a good day, and I had fun. I'm pretty sure my brother, when he grows up, will be stoked to hear the story, too,' resident Leila said.
Officials say the event is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
'The kids, I was watching some of them as they received the bikes, they just lit up, you know, to see the big smile on their faces. And they were just shocked that, 'Hey, I didn't have to go and do anything. I didn't have to pay for this, you know, but these guys are actually just giving me a bike, and it's the bike that I like, 'Carstarphen said.
The bikes were donated by Target and Walmart, and the pilot club provided helmets. Newk's Eatery and the City of Panama City provided free food.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Crestview High School teacher arrested for alleged sexual relationship with student in early 2000s
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — A longtime teacher in Okaloosa County has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship with a student that began more than two decades ago. Timothy John Sexton, 58, a current teacher at Crestview High School and former teacher at Pryor Middle School, was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his home in Holt. The arrest was carried out by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) and the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. According to the OCSO, Sexton is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student between April 2001 and July 2005. Investigators say the relationship began when the victim was 14 years old and continued until she was 17. Sexton faces charges of sexual battery by a person in custodial authority and sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 18. He is currently being held at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond. The investigation began in late March 2025 after the sheriff's office and the Okaloosa County School District received a tip through the FortifyFL app, a platform designed to report suspicious activity in Florida schools. Interviews with the victim and other witnesses ultimately led investigators to establish probable cause for Sexton's arrest. 'There is no expiration date on seeking justice for victims,' Sheriff Eric Aden said in a statement. 'This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing the truth, no matter how much time has passed. We are proud of the work done by our investigators and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward.' The Okaloosa County School District confirmed Sexton had been placed on administrative leave following the initial report and will now be recommended for suspension without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. 'Our teachers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students,' Superintendent Marcus Chambers said in a statement. 'Despite the significant time that has passed, if the allegations against this employee are substantiated, we will respond swiftly and appropriately. This is a zero-tolerance issue.' The school district said it had immediately notified the Florida Department of Children and Families and the sheriff's office upon receiving the FortifyFL report. No additional details about the victim are being released due to the nature of the charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Wanted fugitive from Georgia arrested in Washington County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Washington County's Sheriff's Office arrested a wanted fugitive from Fulton County, Georgia, on Monday evening. According to a news release, the WCSO received a BOLO shortly after 6 p.m. for a white 2000 Buick Sedan being driven by 62-year-old Melvin Sutton. Authorities said that Sutton was being searched for on the charges of felony murder and three counts of neglect to a disabled adult. The WCSO conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle traveling north on State Road 77. A hit was sent and the warrant was confirmed. Sutton was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail without further incident, authorities said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Yahoo
Mental health takes center stage at Bay Correctional Facility
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay Correctional Facility drew over 155 inmates and 100 staff members for a Mental Health Week Workshop. According to a news release, the Bay County Facility looked to shed light on a perceived dark matter through this four-day event. Each day centered on positive methods of therapy and expression, according to Bay's Clinical Director Dr. I. Guya-Allen. Day one featured art therapy, and day two, Canine Program Director Annie Ryals and her team presented dog therapy. On day three, Dr. Guya-Allen gave a presentation to help staff and the participating population understand psychotherapy. On the final day, Bay Medical performed full sets of vitals before closing with guest speaker Beverly S. Brown, a local licensed Mental Health Provider with over ten years of clinical experience. Dr. Guya-Allen reported that the profound success of the Workshop is due to the dedicated work of the Mental Health team. She reminds those working in Corrections to: Concentrate on what you can control, Vent about important matters, Actively choose positive thoughts, Prioritize sleep, Move your body, Engage in or develop Peer Support Programs Encourage leadership engagement in which supervisors regularly check in with their teams to ensure that staff feel supported, valued and heard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
