Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Panama City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in development with medium priority
Tax increment rebate for KBP Properties office conversion
KBP Properties will get up to $149,472 in rebated taxes over 15 years for converting five single-family homes at 4101 W. 19th St into commercial office space in the St. Andrews District. Board members noted the project does not include affordable housing.
Port neighborhood compatibility at Hannah Avenue
Mayor Branch asked for an ordinance preventing port expansion and truck parking near neighborhoods, and commissioners discussed protecting existing waterfront access points in the Cove. The port's updated 2024 master plan must be folded into the comp plan, and the port director will answer questions at the next meeting.
Highway 390 conceptual plan
A 31-acre Sweet Bay site is proposed for a nursing home, apartments and mixed use — finally activating the healthcare vision planners had for that side of Sweet Bay.
American Legion purchase of 1342 MLK Blvd under SPARC program
A resident asked for a clear step-by-step process for handling property requests to the CRA, noting repeated direction changes. Staff pointed to a March 2 city commission virtual workshop on unsolicited proposals.
805 East Avenue sale goes to RFP
A resident's $300,000 unsolicited offer (later raised to the $320,875.79 the city owes Florida Housing) became an RFP, with old grinder stations and piping required to be removed. The revelation of the hidden housing-fund debt annoyed commissioners.
Millville FY 2027 projects: property studies, grants and Snug Harbor signage
Getchewabox gets $15,000 for exterior upgrades under the facade-grant program adopted in December. Business owners in the CRA districts can tap this money for visible improvements along the Fifth Street corridor.
Oak Avenue tax increment rebate for Golden Developments
Golden Developments gets back 80% of the new property tax generated by redeveloping 534 and 541 Oak Avenue and a neighboring parcel — up to $337,101.78 over 15 years. Board members clarified the rebate only applies to the tax increase the project itself creates, not the roughly $1.2 million land acquisition cost a board member questioned.
Sale of 1218 College Avenue and 2151 E 11th Street
Two large vacant city parcels totaling about 37 acres were up for sale through CBRE, but commissioners tabled the sale to a workshop, frustrated that the item keeps reappearing without an overall plan — and with questions about stormwater, warehousing potential and who initiated the listing.
724 & 728 Magnolia Avenue TIF Rebate Deadline Extension
The developer behind the Magnolia Avenue project got seven extra months to finish, pushing the deadline from May 30 to December 31, 2026, because of permitting and impact-fee delays.
Watson Bayou Marina expansion at 407 Maple Avenue
The commission unanimously backed the city's reapplication for a state boating grant to expand the downtown marina boat ramp — a roughly $1.8-2 million project aimed at the big-boat fishing traffic that drives tourism dollars.
Downtown North CRA purchase of 704 East 15th Street
The CRA is buying a vacant, gas-station-tainted corner at 15th and MLK for $175,000 — well under its $250,000 appraisal. Residents hope it won't just become a parking lot; staff say a workshop will sort out future use, plus it lets the MLK rec center's crosswalk move to a safer corner.
Affordability of the Infill Program
Commissioner Street pressed for a pause on new infill projects at this price point, arguing lot splits and partnerships (like Habitat) could produce cheaper starter homes. Staff reported only two more infill projects are in the hopper.
Purchase of 704 East 15th Street
The CRA is buying the old gas station site across from Glenwood Town Center for $170,500 — well under its $250,000 appraisal. A 1984 state cleanup program covers any contamination costs, and the purchase goes to the city commission March 24 and the CRA April 7.
SweetBay Town Center Phase 3 growth
Concept approval for the roads, utilities and stormwater that will serve SweetBay's next commercial phase keeps the large mixed-use development moving forward on the city's east side.