Welcome to the first issue of The Proper Pearl! Thanks for signing up. 🦪
Hey y'all!
It’s been a soggy start to November. On Sunday, Nov. 1, heavy rain flooded roads across Panama City, with 5 to 8 inches reported in Bay County. Flood and cleanup help is below. This Saturday (Nov. 7), IRONMAN Florida takes over Panama City Beach, and downtown is full of songwriters Friday and Saturday (Nov. 6–7), so get out there if you can.
xo,
Jessica
Today's issue is powered by Jessica Lyng Insurance
In Today's Proper Pearl:
Event of the Week: IRONMAN Florida
IRONMAN Florida swim start on Panama City Beach, 2010 race. Photo: TimothyJ, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons).
Pier Park, Panama City Beach
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Swim start 5:40 AM (pros) and 5:55 AM (age groupers) at Russell-Fields Pier
Free to watch
Most of us have a hard time getting through a 5K. On Saturday, thousands of athletes will swim 2.4 miles in the Gulf, bike 112 miles and run a full marathon, all in one day.
IRONMAN Florida has raced here since 1999. The World Championship slot ceremony is Sunday morning, Nov. 8, at 9 AM.
Best spots to watch: the swim at Russell-Fields Pier, and the run, two out-and-back laps on Front Beach Rd between West Park Dr and South Thomas Dr, so you see athletes pass more than once.
Heads-up: Front Beach Rd between West Park Dr and South Thomas Dr is affected from 11 AM to 11:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 7, along with South Thomas Dr and Thomas Dr to Joan Ave. If you’re not going to the race, plan your errands around it.
Restaurant Radar: Bayline Grill
Waterfront view at Bayline Grill. Photo: Bayline Grill.
4200 W. 23rd St., Panama City
You've probably driven past it a hundred times: that old train car on 23rd Street that sat empty for years. A former owner of the property just loved trains, and now it finally has a purpose.
Bayline Grill opened inside it this summer, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the water, with vintage railroad photos on the walls. Big portions, low prices, exactly what you want after a long Saturday.
Owner Steven McGinn spent his career in other people's restaurants, then opened his own at 55.
Get there hungry. 🍳
Business Brief: Panama City Coffee Company
Panama City Coffee Co. merch in the shop. Photo: Panama City Coffee Company.
Harrison Avenue, Downtown Panama City
Panama City Coffee Company started in 2020 with just one guy, Daniel Pratt, pulling every shot himself. It grew a cup at a time, enough to bring on staff and open more locations.
Their newest spot is on Harrison Avenue, perfect before you wander the shops or catch the Songwriters Festival Nov. 6-7. They now have three locations.
Worth a stop if you’re downtown this weekend. ☕
Real Estate Corner: Guess the Price!
A 1940 bayfront estate with its own zip line?! 👀
518 Bunkers Cove Rd, Panama City. Listing courtesy of Shani S. Lee, Century 21 Commander Realty Inc.
This week's showstopper is 518 Bunkers Cove Rd in Panama City, a Mediterranean-style bayfront estate on about 1.22 acres with roughly 4,000 square feet of living space. Built in 1940, it has the kind of old-Florida character you just can't build new.
Picture mornings in the chef's kitchen, afternoons by the stocked koi pond, and evenings under the pergola by the outdoor fireplace, with the bay right outside. You get direct water access, plus a custom playhouse and a zip line for the kids (or the kids at heart). This is the kind of home people dream about when they move to the coast.
So what's it listed for? Take your best guess, then check the answer below.
A) $1.95 million
B) $2.45 million
C) $2.85 million
D) $3.45 million
The answer: C) $2.85 million! How close were you? Take a peek inside →
Want to see it in person?
This listing is courtesy of Shani S. Lee with Century 21 Commander Realty Inc. Give Shani a call to schedule a private showing.
Price at press time.
Local Lowdown
Flooding and cleanup: what to know
Floodwater surrounds homes in this aerial photo. Photo provided to The Proper Pearl.
Sunday's storm dropped 5 to 8 inches of rain on Bay County, flooding roads across Panama City, especially along Highway 231. If you see water over a road, turn around. Report flooding to the Panama City Police non-emergency line at 850-872-3112.
Still have Isaias debris out? Keep piles clear of storm drains. Had Isaias losses? File with your insurer first, then apply for FEMA help at DisasterAssistance.gov. Questions? Call the county at (850) 248-6090.
Sources: WJHG, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Panama City Daily, Bay County
Furry Friends
Mason, an adoptable dog at Bay County Animal Control. Photo: Bay County Animal Control via Petfinder.
Meet Mason, a handsome brindle hound up for adoption at Bay County Animal Control. Call (850) 767-3333 to learn more, then go say hi.
The shelter has been at capacity, and adoption is just $25, including vaccines, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery.
🦪 Out of Your Shell
Your plans for the week, county by county. Some events may shift after Sunday's flooding, so check with hosts before you head out.
⭐ Weekend Pick: Make it a Forgotten Coast weekend. Shop, sip, and browse local art at First Friday on Reid Avenue in Port St. Joe, then head to Apalachicola Saturday for the 63rd Florida Seafood Festival, complete with an oyster shucking and eating contest. A proper pearl kind of weekend. 🦪
📍 Bay County
Panama City area · Central time
FRI–SAT, NOV 6–7
✨ Public Eye SOAR Light Festival
GCSC & Center for the Arts · Evenings from 6 PM · Free · 👨👩👧
FRI, NOV 6
🤠 Boots & Bling
The Barn at The Wicked Wheel, PCB · 5:30–9 PM · Benefits Girls Inc. · 🥂
📍 Gulf County
Port St. Joe · Eastern time
FRI, NOV 6
🛍️ First Friday Sip & Shop
Reid Avenue · 5–7 PM ET · Free · Shopping, art, and music
SAT, NOV 7
🥬 Salt Air Farmers' Market
George Core Park · 9 AM–1 PM ET · Dogs welcome
EVERY MONDAY
🎱 Monday Night Bingo
VFW Post 10069, Port St. Joe · 5:30 PM ET · Free to attend
📍 Okaloosa County
Destin area · Central time
FRI–SUN, NOV 6–8
🪶 Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow
Twin Oaks Park, Niceville · 👨👩👧
SAT, NOV 7
🍺 Pirate Brew Fest
Fudpucker's, Destin · 11 AM–4 PM · Free admission · 🥂
SAT, NOV 7
🇺🇸 Veterans & Patriots Grand Parade
Downtown Crestview · 11 AM · 👨👩👧
SAT, NOV 7
🎣 Pinfish Classic
Behind AJ's, Destin Harbor · Kids 14 and under · Pre-register
📍 Franklin County
Apalachicola · Eastern time
FRI–SAT, NOV 6–7
🦪 Florida Seafood Festival
Battery Park · Free Fri, $10 Sat (kids under 12 free) · 👨👩👧
Florida's oldest maritime festival turns 63: an oyster shucking and eating contest, blue crab races, a parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, and live music.
📅 Later in November
📍 Bay County · Central time
THU–SAT, NOV 12–14
🚗 Emerald Coast Cruizin' Car Show
Aaron Bessant Park, PCB · 8 AM–5 PM daily · $20/day, kids under 12 free · 👨👩👧
Thousands of classics, hot rods, and custom trucks, plus a vendor market, live music, and a charity auction.
THU–SUN, NOV 12–15
🛍️ Holly Fair
Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, PCB · 🥂
The Junior League of Panama City Beach's holiday market: decor, jewelry, and crafts, with proceeds going back into the community.
FRI, NOV 13
💼 Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair
GCSC Student Union East · 9 AM–noon
Local employers hiring veterans and military families, with a military-only hour from 9 to 10.
SAT, NOV 14
🎨 Fall Fling Arts & Crafts Show
Frank Brown Park, PCB · 9 AM–3 PM · 👨👩👧
Local artists and makers in one spot. Knock out holiday gifts and support small businesses at the same time.
WED, NOV 18
🥞 Farm-City Breakfast
Callaway Arts & Conference Center · 7:15–9 AM · Free, register · 👨👩👧
Free pancakes celebrating local farmers, plus a talk on turning a farm or cottage-food hobby into a business.
SAT, NOV 21
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Lynn Haven Sports Complex · 9 AM–3 PM · Free · 👨👩👧
Lynn Haven's annual winter celebration for the whole family.
📍 Gulf County · Eastern time
FRI, NOV 20
🎄 Festival of Trees Opening Reception
The Joe Center for the Arts, 201 Reid Ave. · 6–8 PM ET
Decorated holiday trees and a silent auction supporting local arts education. Trees stay up through Dec. 12.
📍 Okaloosa County · Central time
SAT, NOV 14
🍖 Blues, Brews & Barbecue
Destin HarborWalk Village · 🥂
Live blues, BBQ tastings, and beer and cocktail samples on the harbor.
📍 Franklin County · Eastern time
SAT, NOV 14
⛵ Rising Tides Lift All Boats Gala
Apalachicola Yacht Club · 7–10:30 PM ET · 🥂
A healthcare and wellness fundraiser with a silent auction and live jazz piano.
SAT, NOV 21
✈️ Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show
Apalachicola Regional Airport · 10 AM–5 PM ET · $10 adults, $5 kids 6–12 through Nov. 8 (higher at the gate), 5 and under free · 👨👩👧
Aerial demos, skydivers, car and motorcycle displays, and Huey helicopter rides (extra).
🎶 Live Music Lineup
Who's playing Nov. 4–7. When you go, order a round. The bars and restaurants that book local music are small businesses too.
📍 Bay County
Panama City area · Central time
FRI, NOV 6
🎸 Panama City Songwriters Festival
Historic Downtown Panama City (multiple venues) · Sets start around 5 PM · Free
The 8th annual festival puts local, regional, national, and international songwriters in venues within walking distance of each other. Park once, grab a coffee on Harrison, and wander from set to set.
SAT, NOV 7
🚤 Boats, Brews & Bands
MarineMax Panama City Beach, Lower Grand Lagoon · Starts 11 AM · Free
Browse boats, sip local brews, and catch live music at this fall family day on the lagoon.
SAT, NOV 7
🎸 Songwriters Festival, Night 2
Downtown Panama City (multiple venues) · Until 10 PM · Free
📍 Gulf County
Cape San Blas · Eastern time
WED, NOV 4
🎶 Sticky Tim
Scallop RePUBlic, 411 Cape San Blas Rd · 6–9 PM ET
Sunset on the Cape plus live music, what more do you need?
THU, NOV 5
🎸 John Sutton
Scallop RePUBlic, 411 Cape San Blas Rd · 6–9 PM ET
FRI, NOV 6
🎸 Mitch Edwards Band
Scallop RePUBlic, 411 Cape San Blas Rd · 6–9 PM ET
SAT, NOV 7
🎶 Kevin Presbrey
Scallop RePUBlic, 411 Cape San Blas Rd · 6–9 PM ET
📍 Franklin County
Apalachicola · Eastern time
FRI–SAT, NOV 6–7
🦪 Florida Seafood Festival Live Music
Battery Park, Apalachicola · Free admission
Live music all weekend, with headliners Ashley Morgan Band (Fri) and Kaleb Austin (Sat). Check the festival schedule for set times.
Free Activity Idea: Veterans Day Parade
Wednesday, November 11 | 8:30 AM
Starts at Frankford Ave & 12th St in St. Andrews
Bay County's annual Veterans Day Parade follows its usual route along 11th Street from St. Andrews to the Bay County Government Center, with a 10 AM wreath-laying ceremony at the main entrance.
Bring the kids and a flag and say thank you as the veterans go by. It’s free.
Want to march in the parade? Call Bay County Veterans Services at (850) 248-8280.
✨ Lastly, Pearl of the Week ✨
This week's Pearl: Chris Moates, founder of the Toys for Kids Foundation. Its 24th annual Halloween Bash at Hammerhead Fred's in Panama City Beach raises money so Bay County kids get gifts at Christmas. Beyond toys, the foundation helps older kids with food and clothing. "When you get big numbers, you got big hearts," Chris told WJHG. Thank you, Chris! Source: WJHG
Know a neighbor, small business, or local hero who deserves the spotlight? Hit reply or send us your nomination.
Brought to you by Jessica Lyng Insurance
💡 Jessica's Insurance Tip: Is Flood Damage Covered?
It depends on where the water came from.
Rising water usually isn't covered by homeowners insurance. Flooded streets, ditches, and storm surge typically need a separate flood policy.
Your car may be covered under comprehensive on your auto policy.
Photograph everything before you clean up, and keep receipts for tarps and fans.
Don't wait for the next storm. NFIP policies typically have a 30-day wait. We also offer private flood policies with a shorter wait, or none at all.
Not sure what you have? We'll pull up your policy and walk you through it.
Give Lyng a Ring: 850-872-0715
#GiveLyngARing
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Until next time, stay proper, y'all. 🦪
xo,
Jessica
Jessica Lyng
Founder of The Proper Pearl · Owner, Jessica Lyng Insurance
