Bay County, Florida Emergency Services

06/13/2026

06/10/2026

Bay County Fire Rescue has earned the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for the second year in a row, recognizing the department's commitment to delivering high-quality, lifesaving care for stroke and cardiac patients.

This national recognition reflects the dedication of our EMS professionals and the hard work of Capt. Amber Leach, who led the data collection and reporting efforts that helped secure the award.

The honor comes as the department continues to expand service to the community, recently adding two additional 24-hour ambulances and bringing the total number of frontline ambulances to 10 for the first time since 2004.

Congratulations to the entire Bay County Fire Rescue team on this achievement.

06/06/2026

We’re excited to join the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s Hurricane + Disaster Preparedness Expo this morning at Florida State University - Panama City.

The free, family-friendly event continues until noon and is designed to provide residents with important information, resources, and guidance on how to prepare before, during, and after severe weather and other disasters.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with preparedness experts, recovery organizations, and community partners who can help families better understand how to stay safe and informed during storm season. The event will also include interactive experiences for children.

06/05/2026

Volunteer Florida has awarded the Bay County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) a $10,000 grant to expand disaster preparedness training, community outreach and public education efforts.

Under the leadership of Emergency Management Specialist Jennifer Wilburn, Bay County CERT earned recognition as Florida's Community Volunteer Group of the Year in 2025. The team continues to strengthen community preparedness through training, volunteer service and public engagement.

Congratulations to the entire CERT team on this well-deserved award.

Bay County CERT is a volunteer program that trains community members to assist during emergencies and disasters. For more information about Bay County CERT or to get involved, please contact Bay County Emergency Management at (850) 248-6040.

06/03/2026

Purple flags are flying alongside single red flags on Panama City Beach as a precautionary measure. Beachgoers are encouraged to use caution while swimming in the gulf and watch for potential marine life in the area.

BEACH SAFETY ALERT! 6/3/26

At approximately 11 a.m on Wednesday, June 3, beach patrons reported to the South Walton Fire District's Tower 24 lifeguard in WaterColor that a pediatric patient had a superficial wound on the back of their leg.

The patient was reportedly in the water around knee-deep level when they experienced the injury. They were medically evaluated by both lifeguards and SWFD Advanced Life Support crews. The patient and family members determined they would take their own transport to the hospital to seek further care.

SWFD has not identified the specific cause of injury whether it be marine life, a shark, or another hazard. However, out of an abundance of caution and following United States Lifesaving Association protocol, SWFD is flying localized double red flags for five miles of beach following the incident.

The water closure is stretching from One Seagrove Place on the east side to Gulf Trace, west of Grayton Beach. This short-term water closure is in place as lifeguards monitor the water, and changes will be made if necessary. We're monitoring the area with additional lifeguard coverage and aerial observation with drones.

Lifeguards will also be adding the purple flag to the day's single red flag conditions to reflect the potential for marine life present.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management

06/02/2026

Welcome to Bay County, Chief Austin Pugh!

Chief Pugh officially joined Bay County on June 1 as chief of emergency services after serving as fire chief for Walton County Fire Rescue. A Northwest Florida native, he brings more than 24 years of experience in fire rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management.

We are excited to have his leadership, experience, and commitment to service as he helps lead Bay County Emergency Services into the future.

05/26/2026

Atlantic hurricane season begins in less than a week, and NOAA’s 2026 outlook is a reminder that preparation matters. This year’s forecast calls for 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. It only takes one storm to make an impact, which is why now is the time to get ready.

A little preparation goes a long way. Taking a few simple steps now can bring peace of mind all season long, no matter what comes our way.

Here are some ways to get started:
• Put together a kit with the essentials
• Talk through a family emergency plan
• Look up your evacuation zone
• Review your insurance policy
• Sign up for emergency alerts at Alertbay.org

Helpful resources:
• Hurricane preparedness tips: BayCountyFL.gov/Disaster-Preparedness
• Check your evacuation zones: FloridaDisaster.org/KnowYourZone
• Check your flood zone: MSC.FEMA.gov
• Have medical or functional needs? Register with Bay County's Special Needs Registry: SNR.FLHealthResponse.com

Let's prepare, !

05/22/2026

Due to inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony has been canceled. While we are disappointed not to gather in person, we remain united in remembering the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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The business offices of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. They will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 with normal business hours.

Bay County Veterans Services will hold its Annual Memorial Day Observance at 10 a.m. on Monday at Kent Forest Lawn Cemetery (2403 Harrison Avenue). We invite you to join as we pay tribute to those who served our nation and gave their lives to protect our freedoms.

05/22/2026

Thank you to Gulf Coast State College for inviting Fire Rescue Training Captain Isaac Smith to speak with EMS and Fire Science students during EMS Week. As a GCSC alumnus, Captain Smith was proud to return to the classroom where his own journey began to encourage the next generation of first responders. He shared insights on leadership, the realities of the job, and this year’s national EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together.”

05/20/2026

Due to inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony has been canceled. While we are disappointed not to gather in person, we remain united in remembering the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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Bay County Veterans Services will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony and wreath laying at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2403 Harrison Avenue.

The event, held in partnership with the Bay County Board of County Commissioners and the Bay County Veterans Council, honors U.S. service members who died while serving in the military. Speakers from local military bases and veterans’ organizations are scheduled to participate. The ceremony will conclude by 11 a.m.

Additional information: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/313

Due to inclement weather, the Memorial Day Ceremony has been canceled. While we are disappointed not to gather in person, we remain united in remembering the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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Bay County Veterans Services will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony and wreath laying at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2403 Harrison Avenue.

The event, held in partnership with the Bay County Board of County Commissioners and the Bay County Veterans Council, honors U.S. service members who died while serving in the military. Speakers from local military bases and veterans’ organizations are scheduled to participate. The ceremony will conclude by 11 a.m.

“This ceremony gives our community the opportunity to come together and recognize the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country,” said Bay County Veterans Services Division Manager Anthony Workman. “We encourage everyone to pause and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.”

Additional information: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/313