Panama City Beach Fire: Jaws Souvenirs 'Shark Store' a Total Loss, State Fire Marshal Investigating

What Happened

The fire broke out at Jaws Souvenirs on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach just before 6 a.m. Friday, August 21. The Bay County Sheriff's Office issued a traffic advisory shortly after, describing the scene as "very active," and closed Thomas Drive from Upas Street to Walnut Street while crews worked to contain the blaze. Eastbound and westbound lanes were both shut down, and drivers were asked to take alternate routes and avoid the area entirely. Bay County Fire Rescue said in a Facebook update that no injuries had been reported as of 8 a.m., and no people or animals were inside the building when the fire started.

Who Responded

Multiple agencies converged on the scene, including Bay County Fire Rescue, Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, and Panama City Fire Rescue, with the Bay County Sheriff's Office assisting with traffic control along the closed stretch of Thomas Drive. Panama City Beach Fire Chief Ray Morgan told local reporters at the scene that the structure is a total loss, and that the State Fire Marshal was en route to lead the cause investigation. As of the latest reports, investigators have not released any information on how the fire started.

A Panama City Beach Landmark

Jaws Souvenirs, known locally as the "shark store" for its shark-mouth storefront, has been a fixture on Thomas Drive for close to two decades, drawing families vacationing along the Gulf with low-priced memorabilia and beach gear. Its distinctive shark-jaw entrance made it one of the most recognizable stops for tourists visiting Panama City Beach, and news of the fire spread quickly on social media Friday morning as former customers and residents reacted to the loss of a longtime local landmark.

This is a developing story. We'll update this article as Bay County officials and the State Fire Marshal's office release further information on the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, and any plans to rebuild.