Sit Down with the City Manager

February 2, 2026

Featuring City Manager Jonathan Hayes

There’s a lot happening across Panama City right now—from parks and infrastructure to downtown projects, events, and neighborhood improvements—so let’s jump right in. 

Parks & Recreation Investments 

Right now, we have nearly $4 million worth of ongoing and recently completed park improvements across the city. These projects are funded through a mix of grants, CRA funds, HUD dollars, and City investment. 

Work is ongoing at Daffin Park with more improvements on the way, including field lighting installation, and at Bay Memorial Park, where tree plantings and the walking trail are already complete. This summer, we’ll be installing new exercise equipment and benches to make that space even more usable and welcoming. 

We’re also continuing to improve our athletic fields, and through the Eastside Grant, 635 new trees have been planted across the east side of Panama City—an investment in both beauty and long-term resilience. 

The Garden Club building was completed last year, and it’ll soon be back online for rentals. 

Hentz Park is scheduled to be completed by early February 

Another exciting project is Joe Moody Harris Park, a nearly one and a half million-dollar investment jointly funded by the City and a grant. Construction on that park begins later this spring. 

Revitalization & Support for Local Businesses 

Revitalizing our neighborhoods and commercial corridors continues to be a major priority. We currently have four Hometown Revitalization Grants, representing an estimated $10 million in total investment. 

On Beck Avenue, revitalization efforts include improvements supporting local businesses like Finns, Hunts, Alice’s, the Truesdell parking lot and clubhouse, and Captain’s Table. 

In the Millville area, work is benefiting businesses such as Florida Rock & Tank, Bay Animal Clinic, Gene's Oyster Bar, and Noles Automotive. 

The Glenwood area includes projects near Glencove, Bay Clinic, All Pro Solar, Hallmark, AD Harris, and more. 

And along Harrison Avenue, revitalization touches a wide range of businesses and destinations—from Gulf Coast Aquarium and History Class, to Tom’s Hotdogs, Mosey’s, Leitz Music, Trigo’s, BayWitch, C&G Sporting Goods, Tarpon Dock Seafood, and many others. This corridor remains a key focus for economic activity and downtown connectivity. 

Voluntary Home Buyout Program 

Another important effort is the CDBG-DR Hurricane Sally Voluntary Home Buyout Program. To date, the City has purchased eight repetitive-loss properties, representing about $5 million in investment. Most of these are in the St. Andrews area, with one on Stephens Drive. This program is about reducing long-term flood risk and helping residents move forward. 

Major Infrastructure Investments 

Infrastructure remains one of our largest areas of investment. 

Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program or HMGP, we currently have eight active projects totaling an estimated $50 million. These include a major drainage project for Robinson Bayou, upgrades to 11 critical lift stations, two safe rooms, generator installations at all fire stations, a new upgraded generator for the Millville Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Sherman Avenue flooding project. 

In addition, our Community Block Development Grant for Disaster Recovery or CDBG-DR infrastructure projects represent approximately $80 million in investment. Millville infrastructure is nearly complete, and work continues in St. Andrews, the Glenwood area, and throughout downtown, including Harrison Streetscape Phase 2, which is now complete. We also continue work in Areas O-11, O-12, O-2, and A-2 citywide. 

Baker Court Project Update 

This long-awaited project includes stormwater, sewer, water and roadway improvements and is being completed by Emerald Coast Site Construction. Work is happening Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may see asphalt milling, stormwater structure installation, sewer tie-ins, driveway work, erosion control placement, and clearing within the City right-of-way. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this important work continues. 

 Downtown Infrastructure & Road Closures 

Downtown, several infrastructure projects are moving forward. 

At Area O-11, the intersection of Beach Drive and 4th Street remains fully closed, with detours clearly posted. Work continues on sewer installation, manholes, and storm structures. 

In Area O-12, McKenzie Park’s perimeter is fully open to traffic, though the roadway surface is temporary. Additional water and sewer work will continue with posted detours. 

In Area D-21, asphalt paving on Drake, Arthur, and Calhoun Avenues begins January 26, with detailed instructions being delivered directly to residents. 

In-House Asphalt Crew 

One exciting update—at the January 13th Commission meeting, the Commission approved the creation of an in-house asphalt crew. This allows us to handle small to medium-sized neighborhood road repairs more efficiently, stretch taxpayer dollars further, and respond faster to residential needs, while major roadways continue to be handled by traditional outside contractors. 

Marinas & Martin Theatre 

Looking ahead, we recently hosted a series of Downtown Marina charrettes, with over 200 residents helping shape the future of our waterfront. Dover, Kohl & Partners are now developing a new uplands design, which will be presented this spring. 

Construction is also progressing on the Martin Theatre, Tennessee House, and Ritz development. Steel work is about 40% complete, and the project remains on schedule for fall 2027. This will be a MAJOR cultural and economic anchor for downtown. 

At St. Andrews Marina, work continues toward completing the first 50 slips, with ongoing dock, utility, and infrastructure improvements moving us closer to opening. 

Improving How We Communicate With You

We’re also working to improve how residents access City information. The City is developing a website Chatbot to help residents quickly find answers, navigate services, and get information more efficiently. 

In addition, we’re building a dedicated “City Projects” webpage, which will serve as a central landing site for ongoing project updates, timelines, and progress. These tools reflect our commitment to transparency and better service. 

Events & Community Highlights

Finally, don’t miss the 2026 Mardi Gras celebration in Historic St. Andrews, happening Friday and Saturday, February 6th and 7th, along Beck Avenue and Bayview Avenue. 

And the MLK Jr. Recreation Center is officially open. All programs are free this February, and we invite everyone to stop by, create an account, and enjoy this incredible new facility. 

Thank you for staying engaged, for your patience during construction, and for being part of the continued progress of Panama City. We’re excited about what’s ahead and will keep you updated every step of the way.