Latest news with #DowntownBlockParty
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Panama City church celebrates mortgage debt payoff milestone
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – At United First Methodist Church Panama City the mood was nothing short of joyful. The congregation and community came together to highlight the final mortgage payment on the church's $3.3 million Community Life Center. A debt that they've had for over a decade. From youth sports and town meetings to Saturday morning breakfast for the homeless, the center has long served as a hub for outreach and support since the early 2000's. It proved to be more than just a place to gather for worship; during Hurricane Michael, it served as a center for crisis. Downtown Block Party brings community together 'This building was standing, and all of our operations moved here, and we were able to distribute supplies to those in need in our community, and also hosted meetings for those who are city leaders to come and gather to discuss recovery plans. And during that same time, all of our operations for our offices were here. So, this has really been a vital part of our mission and ministry. And we are grateful to be debt-free today,' senior minister Jeremy Pridgeon said. On Sunday, the congregation celebrated with a note burning ceremony to mark more than just the end of a mortgage, but the beginning of a new chapter free from debt and full of many churchgoers, the community life center has made a tremendous impact on their lives. 'It's welcoming. I've made a lot of friends here, and I like the worship here too. It's been life-changing for me. I've gotten closer to God, and I've been able to play sports here. That's where I first started playing volleyball, so it's just really special to me,' Maren Freeman said. Church officials say there are additional phases of the Community Life Center they may undertake. However, for now, they are celebrating the 15-year journey that has come to an end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Immersive Star Wars nights in Panama City: Cantina and more
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – It's day three of Star Wars Week in downtown Panama City. Dozens of local businesses and organizations are taking part in the 'May the fourth be with you' celebration. 'Today is our first night of our immersive Star Wars cantina here at the Panama City Center for the Arts. We've decorated the main gallery to look like an actual Star Wars cantina. We're giving away free sodas from the portal, thanks to CBC Construction. And it's just a great night. So we've got Star Wars cosplayers here, droids walking around, it's perfect for any Star Wars fan,' Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer said. 'This is the first time we've done an immersive event for Star Wars. We've always done it outside. It's super hot. This time we're inside with air conditioning, surrounded by sweet props and beautiful projections. So it just feels like you're immersed in the world of Star Wars, and you can't get that anywhere else,' Kretzer said. Downtown Block Party brings community together 'The Point Break Arcade has their pinball tournaments and things happening,' Kretzer added. 'All the businesses have been jumping in and getting in line with the theme, and it's just been really great,' Kretzer said. 'There's a couple of charities that do get something. So, Bay Arts Alliance, we are an arts organization downtown and runs the Center for the Arts, so a lot of the money raised tonight will go towards our programming. And then we also have the 501st Legion here,' Kretzer said. 'The 501st Legion is a cosplay organization that is dedicated to just spreading Star Wars love. And they don't get paid. They do it out of the love and passion for it. And so we'll collect money to push to a charity of their choice,' Kretzer added. If you missed tonight's exhibit, it will also be open Saturday. To find out about the other Star Wars activities this week, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
