12-04-2025
Compassion and Community: Remembering Donna Santiago
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Long-time Panama City resident Donna Santiago will be remembered by many.
Those who didn't know her are getting the chance to learn about her legacy now from the message her sons are spreading.
Community members, her four sons, and 15 grandchildren have poured their love and memories into a vigil for all to see in a heavily trafficked Panama City area.
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Santiago's son Angelo says they'll grieve in private later, but connecting with the community in what's been an overflow of compassion has helped.
'It's a monumental type of compassion and community. And I just on behalf of my mother, you know, I send her regards and I just thank them all. I think all the community members they've helped me with this vigil, tooth and nail since I've been here and my brothers have been here,' Donna's oldest son, Angelo Maldonado, said.
Local Saint Andrews business 'Drews Dawgs' served up food and support near the shrine. Donating a portion of proceeds to the Santiago family.
'I didn't know this many good people existed, and it's just a breath of fresh air to see that they do and the impact that they can make on each other's lives,' Angelo said.
Drivers passing by offered their condolences, donations, and friendly waves.
Angelo says that while they understand a lot in this world is out of their power and their control, the goal is to spread awareness and accountability.
'Two big A's, right? So accountability and awareness is essential. She always used sidewalks and crosswalks. She's not like the jaywalking type, you know, she'll take the long route just to use the crosswalk type of woman and it just breaks my heart that people have to face these types of dangers whenever they're just traveling in their communities,' Angelo said.
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Her son says Santiago was walking to her beauty salon to get dolled up for her birthday when the incident occurred. Donna Santigao would have been 54 this Sunday.
To donate to the families' GoFundMe to help put their mother to rest,
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