Panama City Beach Youth Fishing Rodeo

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – On a beautiful Saturday morning, families gathered at a local park to cast a line in a pond.

The Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation Department held a youth fishing rodeo on Saturday morning. The event took place at the freshwater pond in Frank Brown Park.

This event was free to the community. The organizers distributed free fishing rods and tackle to every participating child.

Club Optimus served free hot dogs and chips, while Pepsi offered free cold sodas and water, and Panama City Beach Rescue presented a rip current simulator to demonstrate to children and families how rip currents work and what to do if you get caught into it. .

Children who fished were eligible to win first, second and third place prizes in three different categories.

Parks and Recreation officials said they want every child to feel special when they fish.

“Sometimes it’s the kids’ first time fishing,” said Kylie Savage Coffey, facilities and special events coordinator for Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation. “And they’re so excited that they just want everyone to see them.” Savage-Coffey continued: “We’re really excited for all of our staff, so it’s like a little prize talk when they go to the prize tent.”

The Panama City Beach Youth Fishing Rodeo has been running for more than 20 years, and officials have no plans to stop it.