News Flash

City News

51 Stories
Posted on: May 24, 2023

New Mayor, Commissioners take Oath of Office during Inauguration Ceremony

Mayor Rohan, Commissioner Lucas and Commissioner Grainger pose together at Inauguration Ceremony

The City of Panama City held its Inauguration Ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at City Hall in historic Downtown Panama City.

Before family, friends, and city staff, Mayor Michael Rohan, Sr., Commissioner (Ward II) Janice Lucas, and Commissioner (Ward I...

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City News
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Panama City Celebrates National Public Works Week

Photo of public works crew repairing sewer line

The City of Panama City is celebrating National Public Works Week from May 21-27, 2023.

National Public Works Week honors the professionals who work around the clock maintaining infrastructure for transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater systems, p...

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City News
Posted on: May 23, 2023

Mark McQueen announces resignation as City Manager, effective September 30

Mark McQueen

The City Commission for the City of Panama City has accepted Mark McQueen's resignation as City Manager, effective September 30, 2023.

McQueen made the announcement to the City Commission at the regularly scheduled meeting on May 23, 2023.

McQueen ...

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City News
Posted on: May 18, 2023

Panama City CRA, World Changers accepting Home Repair and Painting Program applications

Photo of students building a wooden fence.

The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and World Changers are currently accepting applications for the Home Repair and Painting Program from qualifying homeowners in the Downtown North and Millville CRA districts.

World Changers partners with...

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City News
Posted on: May 17, 2023

Panama City Inauguration Ceremony to be held on May 24

Image with City Seal, reads, Inauguration Ceremony, May 24, Noon at City Hall

The City of Panama City invites the public to its Inauguration Ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.

Mayor-Elect Dr. Michael Rohan, Commissioner-Elect (Ward II) Janice Lucas, and Commissioner-Elect (Ward III) Brian Grainger will be sworn into ...

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City News
Posted on: May 16, 2023

Panama City to celebrate Woods Ball Field Grand Reopening

Renovated Woods Ball Field, including concession stand and field fencing

The City of Panama City invites the public to a grand reopening event on Wednesday, May 24 at 9 a.m. to celebrate the completed renovation of the Woods Ball Field.

The event will take place at the Woods Ball Field located at 1236 E. 14th Street.

All communi...

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City News
Posted on: May 19, 2023

Grey Dodge graduates in inaugural class of new regional collaboration program

* Grey Dodge pictured with Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest

The City of Panama City is proud to announce Grey Dodge, Economic Development and Community Redevelopment Director, is a graduate of the new regional collaboration program called Leadership Northwest Florida. Dodge was selected by Florida’s Great Northwes...

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City News
Posted on: May 12, 2023

Text-to-911 now available in Bay County

The below information is provided by the Bay County Board of County Commissioners.

Bay County officials announced on May 12, 2023 that a new text-to-911 service is now live and available locally for use as a critical tool during emergencies when people can...

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City News
Posted on: April 12, 2023

Panama City Fire Dept. to conduct annual Fire Hydrant Maintenance in May

Photo of a fire hydrant with words that read, "Annual Fire Hydrant Maintenance."

The Panama City Fire Department will be conducting Hydrant Maintenance in Panama City beginning May 1, 2023 through June 9, 2023.

Hydrant Maintenance includes lower impact annual duties compared to Fire Hydrant Flow Testing, which is conducted every five y...

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City News
Posted on: March 16, 2023

City to post public notices on Bay County's publicly accessible website

Section 50.0311, Florida Statute, authorizes the City to use a publicly accessible website hosted by Bay County as an alternative means of publishing notices and advertisements otherwise required to be published In newspapers of general circulation.

On Feb...

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City News
Posted on: March 31, 2023

Municipal Run-Off Election set for Tuesday, May 16

Image of Ballot Box and City Logo, Image reads Municipal Run-off Election for Panama City Mayor

A Municipal Run-Off Election will be held on May 16, 2023. The position of Mayor-Commissioner at Large will be on the ballot.

  • Early Voting will take place on Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall, which is located at 501 H...
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City News
Posted on: April 11, 2023

Panama City receives state grant to construct three new kayak launches along St. Andrew Bay

Panama City Water Trail - PP Image

The City of Panama City has received a Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant to fund the construction of three new kayak launches along St Andrew Bay. The new launches will be installed at Lake Huntington, Calhoun Park, and Asbell Park and become part of t...

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City News
Posted on: March 24, 2023

Panama City receives state grant to construct waterfront sidewalk along W. Beach Drive

Beach Drive Concept

The City of Panama City has received a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the amount of up to $8 million dollars to design, bid, and construct a scenic waterfront sidewalk along W. Beach Drive that increases connectivity and pro...

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City News
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Information for voters on the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program

CPC Overview Post - Photo

On April 18, 2023, voters in the City of Panama City will be asked to reconsider a local ballot referendum item associated with the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program.

The program is designed to encourage job growth and additional busine...

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City News
Posted on: April 6, 2023

Notice of Public Comment Period for Rebuild Florida Hurricane Sally Hometown Revitalization Program

CDBG-DR Hurricane Sally Hometown Revitalization Program – Project ACCESS

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's (the “Department”) Rebuild Florida Hurricane Sally Hometown Revitalization Program (HRP) is des...

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City News
Posted on: March 29, 2023

Walking path at Harvey Dee Mathis Park to undergo repairs and renovation

Photo of new concrete pad for exercise equipment

The walking path at Harvey Dee Mathis Park on Florida Avenue will be closed for repairs and renovations on April 3 - 7. These renovations will improve the overall safety and accessibility for everyone visiting the park. The playground will remain open dur...
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City News
Posted on: March 29, 2023

Public Notice for Panama City Voluntary Home Buyout Program

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has allocated approximately $22,000,000 to their Hurricane Sally Voluntary Home Buyout Program (VHB), with a maximum award of not to exceed $5,000,000.

The City of Panama City (“the City”) is proposing a...

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City News
Posted on: March 22, 2023

Notice of public comment period for General Infrastructure Repair Program Proposal

CDBG-DR Hurricane Sally General Infrastructure Repair Program

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's (the “Department”) Rebuild Florida Hurricane Sally General Infrastructure Repair Program was launched for infrastruc...

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City News
Posted on: March 8, 2023

Panama City accepting applications for second round of Hometown Revitalization Program

Business Improvement

The City of Panama City is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for a potential round two of the Hometown Revitalization Program. This program provides funding to eligible businesses that were damaged by Hurricane Michael to improv...

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City News
Posted on: February 14, 2023

Panama City accepting interest forms for Hurricane Sally Voluntary Home Buyout Program

Copy of CDBG DR

A second public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at City Hall (501 Harrison Avenue), Room 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. to discuss program details, address questions, allow for the collection of additional information, and to provide eligible homeow...

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City News
Posted on: March 23, 2023

Special Event Zones established for weekend of March 24-17

SEZ-Layout_City of PanamaCity Area_11x17

To ensure the continued safety and security of residents and visitors, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and the cities of Panama City and Panama City Beach have established a Special Event Zone, pursuant to Florida State Statute 316.1891, as of Friday, March...

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City News
Posted on: January 11, 2023

Workshop scheduled to discuss Zoning Framework for Community Residences and Recovery Communities

Tentative Budget (3)

The City Commission for the City of Panama City will hold a public workshop on January 26, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. to discuss the zoning framework for community residences and recovery communities. 

Zoning and Fair Housing Attorney Daniel Lauber wil...

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City News
Posted on: December 20, 2022

Kickoff Meeting scheduled for Area U (Phase 1) Infrastructure Project

13106 EXHIBIT_2022-09-16_Page_1

The City of Panama City will hold a construction kickoff meeting for Phase 1 of the Area U Infrastructure Improvement Project on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 6 p.m.
The project includes reconstruction of the southeast point of the Cove neighborhood. The ma...
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City News
Posted on: November 29, 2022

City Commission approves new commission wards

Exhibit 2 Redistrciting Map for 2022

The City Commission of the City of Panama City adopted Ordinance 3134, which redistricts the city's four commission wards. The map of new wards can be viewed in this link, /DocumentCenter/View/7405.

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The City Commission of the City of Panama City held th...

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City News
Posted on: September 23, 2022

Cherry Street Infrastructure Improvement Project to begin in early October

design proposal (1)

The City of Panama City will hold a Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the Cherry Street Infrastructure Improvement Project on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 9 a.m.

The project includes reconstruction of Cherry Street from E. Beach Drive to Bonita Avenue. The ma...

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City News
Posted on: September 23, 2022

Lake Caroline residents partner with City to create Birding Trail

Article written by Tracy Smith, Panama City Resident.

Lake Caroline has gone to the birds! A new birding trail consisting of 10 signs now encourages locals and visitors alike to take a short walk around Lake Caroline and learn more about our feathered frie...

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City News
Posted on: July 20, 2022

Arbitration Panel sides with FEMA on replacement funding for Civic Center

Michael Impact 4pm_Moment

In a disappointing two-to-one ruling by the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals arbitration panel, the City’s request for federal funding to replace the Marina Civic Center was denied. Despite the Panel’s ruling, the City is still eligi...

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City News
Posted on: June 8, 2022

Notice of Public Hearing for Fire Assessment

public hearing (1)

This notice concerns the process the City Commission of the City of Panama City, Florida (the “City”), uses to better and more fairly address the constant challenge of funding the City’s fire department, and is doing so in the context of the City’s prepar...

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City News
Posted on: June 2, 2022

Panama City to launch new procurement portal to submit bids

download

The City of Panama City is partnering with Bonfire Interactive to create a new procurement portal that will allow you to receive notifications of business opportunities and submit bids and proposals to the City digitally.

The procurement portal is anticipa...

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City News
Posted on: April 8, 2022

Publix is coming to Panama City North

IMG_7613

Publix is coming to Panama City North!

Blackwater Resources, LLC has started the groundwork for the Panama City Centre, which will be located west of Beard Equipment Company between Highway 231 and Highway 390. The new shopping center will include Publix, ...

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City News
Posted on: February 7, 2022

Engineering Firm presents design for rebuild of St. Andrews Marina

Untitled design (17)

The City's engineering firm for the rebuild of the St. Andrews Marina, Moffatt & Nichol, presented the design and construction phasing plan for the Bulkheads and Utilities Project on Thursday, February 3, 2022. 

The highlights from the meeting...

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City News
Posted on: January 14, 2022

City awarded $20.4 million to repair infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Michael

DEO Logo

Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday, January 13, 2022 that more than $20 million has been awarded to the City of Panama City through the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Repair ...

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City News
Posted on: December 30, 2021

Final Public Notice for FEMA's Public Assistance Program

fema-logo-blue

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for the Panama City’s Sudduth Park repairs and new construction due to damages by Hurricane Michael (DR-4399-FL PW 01441). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and...

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City News
Posted on: December 14, 2021

Share your feedback on the concept plans for Joe Moody Harris Park

JMHP

The City of Panama City hosted an Open House on Monday, December 13, 2021 to discuss the rebuild of Joe Moody Harris Park.

During the Open House, the City’s architecture and engineering firm for the project displayed concept ideas for the public to view an...

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City News
Posted on: November 16, 2021

Share your feedback on the concept plans for three parks

2021-11-05_CoveHentzHarry_Park Concept Boards Revised_Page_1

The City of Panama City is currently seeking feedback from the public on the Concept Plans for the renovation of Hentz Park, Harry Edwards Park, and Cove Lane Park. 

Panhandle Engineering, Inc. presented the designs during an Open House on Novembe...

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City News
Posted on: October 11, 2021

Share your feedback on the design firm presentations for Performing Arts and Events Center

Untitled design (15)

The City Commission for the City of Panama City heard presentations on October 15, 2021 from four architecture and engineering firms interested in partnering with the City for the design of the City’s new Performing Arts and Events Center. 

Each f...

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City News
Posted on: October 12, 2021

Planning Board to discuss Proposed Neighborhood Zoning Maps for Glenwood, Millville and St. Andrews

Neighborhoods Map

The Planning Board for the City of Panama City will hold a Public Workshop on November 8, 2021 at 3 p.m. to discuss the Proposed Neighborhood Zoning Maps for the neighborhoods of Glenwood, Millville, and St. Andrews.

The proposed changes are recommendation...

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City News
Posted on: May 5, 2021

City awards bid for 23rd Street Plaza Reconstruction Project

Photo of closed road with sign

UPDATE, August 24, 2021

The City Commission awarded a contract to BCL Contractors in the amount of $865,415 for the 23rd Street Plaza Improvements Project. The project includes installing a box culvert, replacing utility lines and repaving the roadway. The...

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City News
Posted on: June 22, 2021

Multiple construction projects to begin this summer

Traffic Cones

Multiple construction projects in the City of Panama City will be underway soon. The City Commission awarded contracts for six projects at the Commission Meeting held on June 22, 2021. The projects are outlined below. Updates on construction timelines wil...

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City News
Posted on: May 4, 2021

City awards bid for Lindenwood Drive Roadway Improvement Project

Photo of Lindenwood Drive

UPDATE (June 22, 2021):

The City Commission has awarded a bid for the Lindenwood Drive Roadway Improvement to American Sand and Asphalt in the amount of $4,400,000.

The project includes enhanced correction to the long standing infrastructure issues...

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City News
Posted on: June 24, 2021

Police Chief announces retirement after 22-year career

Police Chief Scott Ervin at podium

Panama City Police Chief Scott Ervin has announced he will retire on July 16, 2021 after a 22-year career with the department.

Chief Ervin joined the department as a police officer in July of 1999 after serving six years with other law enforcement agencies...

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City News
Posted on: May 25, 2021

Panama City Police Department implements Body Worn Camera Program

Body Cam

The Panama City Police Department has fully implemented a new Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program.

As part of the City’s initiative to provide the highest level of safety and security for the community, the Mayor and Commissioners approved funding in the 2021 F...

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City News
Posted on: December 7, 2020

Temporary Structures permitted until October 9, 2021, No-cost permit required

Photo of Recreational Trailer

UPDATE (April 13, 2021):

The use of recreational vehicles, travel trailers, or trailers as temporary emergency residential dwellings on private property or designated areas within the City of Panama City is permitted until October 9, 2021 with a no-cost “T...

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City News
Posted on: May 10, 2021

City receives grant for Millville Infrastructure Improvement Project

DEO Logo

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) have awarded the City of Panama City $18,986,552 in Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to replace key and vital infrastructure in the his...

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City News
Posted on: May 3, 2021

City Commission hires new City Clerk-Treasurer

Photo of Janette Smith

The City Commission of the City of Panama City has hired Janette Smith to serve as the new City Clerk-Treasurer for the City. Smith’s employment contract was unanimously approved by the Mayor and Commissioners at their meeting on April 27, 2021.

“As we lev...

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City News
Posted on: March 16, 2021

Quality of Life Dept. planning improvements to McKenzie Park and park's tree canopy

Photo of public meeting at McKenzie Park

The report from Legacy Arborist Services regarding the Mckenzie Park Tree Assessment Follow-up may be viewed in this link: https://www.pcgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/5726/McKenzie-Park-Updated-Arborist-Report.

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The City of Panama City’s Quality o...

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City News
Posted on: February 26, 2021

City Commission adopts changes to the City’s Nuisance Ordinance

Photo of boarded up window with words, Nuisance Ordinance Update

The City Commission of the City of Panama City adopted changes to the City’s Nuisance Ordinance on February 9, 2021 to provide clarity regarding existing nuisance codes. The changes include defining temporary safeguards and establishing a temporary time l...

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City News
Posted on: February 24, 2021

Quality of Life Dept. transforming traffic signal boxes into public artwork

Artwork being installed on traffic signal box

Intersections in the City of Panama City are becoming a little more creative. The City’s Quality of Life Department is transforming select traffic signal and utility boxes into public artwork.

Beginning this week, vinyl wraps featuring artwork from local a...

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City News
Posted on: November 24, 2020

Panama City Police Dept. receives highest level of achievement in Florida accreditation

Photo of members of PCPD

The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA) has awarded the Panama City Police Department with Excelsior Recognition, the highest level of achievement in Florida accreditation that a criminal justice agency can receive.

The Commiss...

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City News
Posted on: July 21, 2020

ReHouse Bay Initiative Assists Hurricane Michael Survivors

Home with ReHouse Bay logo in the center

ReHouse Bay, a housing initiative launched in June to assist Hurricane Michael survivors, has received more than 500 unique inquiries on its new website, www.rehousebay.org. The program, administered by the City of Panama City and Bay County, connects res...

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City News
Posted on: November 4, 2020

City Manager selects new Fire Chief for Panama City Fire Department

Photo of David Collier

The City of Panama City is pleased to announce the promotion of David Collier as the new Fire Chief for the Panama City Fire Department.

City Manager Mark McQueen and senior staff received 25 applications for the position and interviewed seven candidates, ...

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City News