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Completed Projects
DOWNTOWN
Project Overview
This project aims to create a cohesive streetscape that enhances the area’s identity and appeal. Collaborating with the Downtown Improvement Board and Destination Panama City, the CRA conducted a design and location analysis. Inspired by the historic Martin Theater, the in-house design utilizes the theater's renovation as a focal point and incorporates black signage and poles to complement existing black benches, trash cans, and fountains for a unified look. Additionally, four directory boards matching the Martin Theater design will be installed to improve wayfinding and the visitor experience.
Project Features
- New street name signage
- New wayfinding signage
- New directory boards
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Cost: $125,000
- CRA Contribution: $115,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY2025 Downtown District Budgets
Project Dates
- Adjustments to sign heights: September 2025
- Installation of additional requested signage: June 2025
- Installation of signage: January - March 2025
- Fabrication: September - November 2024
- Material Procurement: September 2024
- Design Creation: June - August 2024
- Site Assessment & Planning: May 2024
Before and After Photos:
CRA Project Manager: Michelle Zirkle
Redevelopment plan
CRA Project Manager: Michelle Zirkle
Project Overview
In a collaborative effort, the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) are partnering to bring public restrooms to McKenzie Park. This initiative aims to address a community need by providing convenient and accessible restroom facilities for park visitors, enhancing the overall park experience and contributing to the revitalization of the downtown district.
Project Features
- Four total gender-neutral restroom stalls
- Two ADA compliant stalls
- Ramp Access
- Handrails for support
- Baby changing stations
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Budget: $265,000
- CRA Contribution: $165,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY2024 Downtown District Budget
- DIB Contribution: $100,000
Project Dates
- Construction commenced June 24, 2024.
- Project is anticipated to be complete by early January 2025.
Past Events
- January 2025 - Project Complete
- June 24, 2024 – Construction begins
- June 2024 – Revisions to engineering plans finalized.
- May 21, 2024 – CRA Board approved the award of the lowest bid to Inland Construction & Engineering Inc.
- May 15, 2024 – Project bidding was opened. Two bids were received.
- March 12, 2024 – MOU executed between the City of Panama City, CRA and the DIB
- March 11, 2024 – Development Order issued.
- February 14, 2024 – Final Engineering plans received.
CRA Project Manager: Michelle Zirkle
Redevelopment Plan
Project Overview
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Panama City, McKenzie Park has long been cherished as a serene gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The City of Panama City is excited to announce a series of thoughtful updates and planned enhancements aimed at revitalizing this beloved park and creating an even more inviting space for the community to enjoy.
Project Features
- New benches
- New trash cans
- Chess tables
- Drinking fountain
- Pet waste station
- Pergola swings
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Cost: $40,000 (excludes restroom)
- CRA Funding Source: FY2024 & FY2025 Downtown District Budgets
Project Dates
- Updates commenced June 2024
- Project completion is June 2025
- Restroom completion is scheduled for December 2024
CRA Project Manager: Michelle Zirkle
Redevelopment plan
Project Overview
The CRA is undertaking a project to consolidate three dumpsters that are currently located along Luverne Avenue, between 4th and 5th Streets in the Downtown district. This initiative aims to enhance the overall cleanliness and traffic flow of the area. Additionally, it will free up valuable parking spaces behind businesses that have rear entrances. With the consent and approval of the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), two larger dumpsters will be centrally located on a parcel owned by the DIB. To improve the visual appeal of the area, an enclosure will be constructed around the dumpsters.
Project Features
- Two 24-ft dumpsters
- Durable enclosure with gate
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Cost: $4,000
- CRA Contribution: $4,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY2025 Downtown District Budget
Project Dates
- Project concept approved December 12, 2024
- Project is anticipated to be complete by February 1, 2025
CRA Project Manager: Lena Webb
Redevelopment Plan
Project Overview
The project involved the creation of a crosswalk across Park Avenue, connecting Gateway Park to McKenzie Park. The primary objective of this initiative was to enhance pedestrian flow, increase visibility, and create a more inviting and grand entrance to McKenzie Park. By expanding the crosswalk, the project aimed to improve safety for pedestrians, while also providing better access to McKenzie Park’s recreational and natural spaces.
Project Features
- Elimination of 5 parking spaces
- Restriping for crosswalk
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Cost: $3,175.00
- CRA Contribution: $3,175.00
- CRA Funding Source: FY2024 Downtown District Budget
Project Dates
- Construction completed May 17, 2024.
CRA Project Manager: Lena Webb
Before & After Photos
Redevelopment plan
Project Overview
The primary objective of this project is to establish a pedestrian walk-through access point midway down the 400 Block of Harrison Avenue, creating a direct and convenient connection between public parking on Grace Avenue and the shops and restaurants along Harrison Avenue. This walk-through aims to improve accessibility and support increased foot traffic to downtown businesses. The initial phase of the project has focused on creating this access point, with the remaining portion of the property positioned for future commercial development. The City is actively seeking a developer to transform the remaining space into a vibrant commercial use that complements the surrounding district and supports continued economic growth.
Project Features
- Phase 1
- Land swap to acquire property
- Temporary pedestrian path connecting Harrison Avenue and the Grace Avenue parking lot
- Exterior improvements, including façade enhancements and murals to complement the downtown aesthetic
- Improved rear entrance to enhance safety, including new handrails on stairs
- Phase 2 - Secure a Developer to Provide:
- Public restrooms
- Repositioning of pedestrian path to maximize interior space
- Structural and electrical upgrades
- Interior design overhaul to create flexible commercial space
- Structural repairs and upgrades
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown District
- Project Cost: $500.000
- CRA Contribution: $100,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY23, FY24 and FY25 Downtown District Budgets
Project Design Plans and Concepts:
- Coming Soon
Project Dates
- Construction of walk-thru completed June 2023
Past Events
- October 10, 2023 – Temporary pedestrian path open to the public
- January 2024 – Interior mural completed by Beau Bradbury
- January 2024 - Front mural completed by Morgan Summers
- January 24, 2024 – Task Order signed with FL Architects for plans and cost estimates for Phase 2
- February 21, 2024 – Rear murals completed by Fast Signs
- January 2025 - Plans and cost estimates provided by FL Architects
- March 2025 - Issued RFP for development opportunities
Project Manager: Lena Webb
DOWNTOWN NORTH
Project Overview
The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency, Downtown North District started an initiative to revitalize a three-square block area in the Glenwood community. In a collaborative effort with several community organizations, this initiative aims to address housing repairs and community resource outreach.
Project Features
- World Changers provided labor for repairs to 15 homes.
- Public Works provided two 22-yard dumpsters for solid waste disposal.
- Parks, Culture and Recreation helped by mowing and clearing city-owned lots.
- Code Enforcement handed out flyers.
- Panama City Police Department provided the CORE trailer for neighborhood kids, snow cones, and provided information to the community about starting a neighborhood watch program.
- Bay County Health Department provided free medical screenings and resources information.
- Rebuild Bay provided resource information and took applications for those that did not apply for the World Changers program to provide help through their community clean up committee. They also provided air conditioning units through their Keep It Cool program and coordinated with World Changers to provide additional tools needed through the Tool Bank.
- Legal Services of North Florida was available to discuss probate issues.
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown North District
- Project Cost: $50,000
- CRA Contribution: $50,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY2024 Downtown North District Budget
Project Dates
- Commenced July 8, 2024.
- Project completed: November 2024.
Past Events
- May 16, 2024 – Community Meeting
- May 16 – June 21, 2024 – Applications for World Changers accepted
- July 16, 2024 – RFP PC24-041 – 9th Ct Commercial Property was published
- August 16, 2024 – RFP PC24-041 bid open – none received
- August 13, 2024 – City of Panama City Commission approved motion to sell the former police substation located at 920 MLK Blvd for new commercial development.
CRA Program Manager: Lena Webb
Redevelopment Plan
Project Overview
The Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (SR77) Median Beautification project was a landscaping and beautification initiative aimed at enhancing the medians along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. This project included the installation of Florida-friendly plants and landscaping, improving the visual appeal and environmental sustainability of this key corridor.
Funded through a $300,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), this project was a collaborative effort to enhance the streetscape and create a more welcoming roadway for residents and visitors.
Project Features
- Florida-friendly landscaping along the medians of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (SR77)
- Improved aesthetics and environmental sustainability
- Enhanced streetscape for a more attractive and inviting corridor
Project Details
- CRA District: Downtown North CRA District
- Project Cost: $310,000
- FDOT Grant Contribution: $300,000
- CRA Contribution: $10,000
- Project Completion: December 2024
CRA Project Manager: Michelle Zirkle
Redevelopment Plan
Downtown-North-Plan-PDF (panamacity.gov)
MILLVILLE
Project Overview
The goal of this project is to renovate the existing gateway sign on US Hwy 98 at the entrance to the Millville district. Over time, the sign has weathered and required numerous repairs to its lettering. In 2022, a new design was created with input from the Millville Advisory Board. However, the project was delayed due to cost and permitting challenges, as well as the prioritization of other projects in the district. The project, along with its original design, is currently under evaluation, with plans to complete it in FY2025.
Project Features
- Modern, double-sided monument sign
- Raised and painted stucco lettering
Project Details
- CRA District: Millville District
- CRA Contribution: $20,000
- CRA Funding Source: FY2025 Millville District Budget
Project Design Plans and Concepts:
Project Dates
- Project to be completed by October 1, 2025.
CRA Project Manager: Lena Webb
Before & After Photos
Redevelopment Plan
ST. ANDREWS
Project Overview
This project aims to enhance the existing gateway sign at the East and West entrances to St. Andrews by adding an additional panel. The new panel will be designed to complement the existing sign and feature the message, "Thank You for Visiting St. Andrews," reinforcing the community’s welcoming atmosphere for visitors. This expansion will not only improve the visibility and aesthetic appeal of the gateway but also leave a lasting, positive impression as visitors depart, promoting St. Andrews as a charming and vibrant destination. The project reflects the city's commitment to enhancing its entrances and creating a more inviting environment for both residents and tourists.
Project Features
- Additional side to complete the triangle shaped signage
- Same award-winning design applied to the additional side
Project Details
- CRA District: St Andrews District
- Project Cost: $8,375.00
- CRA Contribution: $8,375.00
- CRA Funding Source: FY2024 St Andrews District Budget
Project Design Plans and Concepts:
Project Dates
- Project completed September 2024
CRA Project Manager: Lena Webb
Redevelopment Plan