Latest news with #WalkinMyShoes'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Callaway commissioner seeks censure for offensive public comments
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Commissioner Kenneth Ayers added an item to Callaway's April 22 meeting agenda that raised eyebrows and sparked a debate. Ayers proposed that Mayor Pam Henderson exercise more control if citizens make personal attacks on commissioners during public comment. 'I would like if we can get away from personal attacks, and if you hear them, just stop them. And if one of us hear it, you do a point of order and you stop it. The order of the meeting before the citizens are allowed to make their final comments. You know those are optional, and until we can get that discussed and we can decide what we can and can't say in those, maybe we should suspend those for now,' Ayers said. 'Walk in My Shoes' stops in Panama City to raise awareness on child sexual abuse The mayor had a sharp response. 'In my defense, I think it's difficult to censor what the citizens want to say, and I will tell you, commissioner, I have heard you sit in that very seat and make derogatory remarks about me, and I just let it go,' Henderson said. The only time the public can make comments in front of the entire commission is during the public comment section of the commission meeting. Commissioner Bob Pelletier said if Ayers is too sensitive to the comments, maybe he should find another job. During the public comment portion that followed his request, Ayers felt as though he was being attacked once again. 'You're interrupting my 3 minutes,' A resident said. 'I don't care about your 30 minutes,' Ayers replied. Baseball Fields returning to Chapman Park City officials referred back to the Sunshine Law while maintaining that they have no intention of suspending comments. Mayor Henderson says she will not censor constructive criticism. Following the public comments, the commission carried on the meeting as usual. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Families reunite to celebrate NICU milestones and healing
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sunday was a day full of joy and healing as families who once found themselves in the midst of a difficult and uncertain time are now celebrating milestones with their little ones. The 4th annual NICU reunion brought a mixture of families together who had babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. They shared stories, reconnected with the health care team, and celebrated the progress their children have made. Free fun for kids at the 28th annual 'Kidfest' 'Judson was born in March of 2024 at 27 weeks, five days gestation. He weighed two ounces, and he spent 70 days in the NICU at the HCA Florida Gulf Coast hospital. It's very overwhelming. But the nurses and the staff are incredible people. They meet you in a place where you know, you're just… you're lost. You're afraid of what the next day's going to bring. And they have confident eyes,' former NICU resident Jennifer Daniels said. Since Daniel's journey her and her family still remain in strong connections with the staff who cared for them. She says those relationships have turned into lasting friendships. 'I still talk to several of the nurses and several of the therapists today, and I've made some great friendships over those three months that we were in the NICU and there are several that I still talk to, and I feel like I will talk to them for the rest of my life,' Daniels said. 'Walk in My Shoes' stops in Panama City to raise awareness on child sexual abuse Many of these babies are born prematurely or with medical conditions that require specialized treatment and care. Officials say their favorite part of the reunion is reuniting with the babies they helped save. 'One of the families here actually did a fundraising event for us that was a beauty contest. And one of the kids in the beauty contest had been in our NICU like 15 years ago. It was it was amazing. So it's really, really fun. They have continued to support us even after all these years,' Women and Children's Services Vice President Elizabeth Boyle said. HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital is the only Level III NICU provider in Bay County, which means they can take care of a baby that weighs as little as 28 ounces. Also known as a micro preemie. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Malaysian Reserve
23-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
The Virga Law Firm Joins "Walk in My Shoes" to Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse in Panama City Beach
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Virga Law Firm, P.A., is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming 'Walk in My Shoes' walk-a-thon, an annual statewide awareness walk organized by Lauren's Kids to support survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence and child sexual abuse. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the walk, which will span over 1,500 miles across the state of Florida—from Key West to Tallahassee. The Virga Law Firm, P.A., team will be walking in the Panama City leg of the journey on Saturday, April 26, 2025, alongside community members and local partner, the Gulf Coast Children's Advocacy Center. The initial two-mile loop will begin and end at the Gulf Coast CAC, located at 210 E 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401, with a meeting time of 8:30 AM. This cause holds deep significance for long-time family law attorney Gerard Virga, who emphasizes the importance of community involvement and awareness in the fight against abuse. 'At The Virga Law Firm, we believe in standing up for the most vulnerable members of our community. Events like this remind us all of the power of support, education, and solidarity,' said Virga. With over 20 years of experience advocating for Florida families, The Virga Law Firm, P.A., is committed to promoting a safer, more informed community. The firm encourages clients, friends, and community members to join them in supporting this vital cause. To sign up for the Panama City walk, please visit: For more information about the walk and Lauren's Kids, visit: Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time. For press inquiries, reach out to Marketing Director Mary Virga at The Virga Law Firm, P.A., is a Florida-based family law practice dedicated to compassionate advocacy and legal excellence. The firm provides trusted counsel in divorce, custody, and all areas of family law.