Panama City preparing Marina for Fourth of July celebrations

Panama City locals will have a spot to celebrate Independence Day despite the damage from Hurricane Michael.

The open green behind the old Panama City City Hall is where the "Salute to Freedom" celebration will be held.

The area is undergoing final preparations for the Fourth but officials with Destination Panama City say everything should be done in time for a day full of family-friendly activities.

Jennifer Vigil, the President and CEO of Destination Panama City said,

“There’s a dunk tank, there’s a three-point basketball shootout, there’s a hotdog eating contest. If you want to sign up you have to go to Tom’s Hotdogs first. There’s a kids' flossing dance competition and a water balloon toss.”

The celebration will start with a parade down Harrison Avenue at 3 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m.