Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Panama City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in parks rec
Joe Moody Harris Park playground
The city approved an agreement with Struthers Recreation to purchase and install a playground at Joe Moody Harris Park — a project a resident praised as long overdue.
Robert and Mary Kane Park Rebuild
About $750,000 in state HRP money will cover the parking lot, playground, and clubhouse exterior; the city plans to seek donated labor and materials from the community for the interior build-out, with a bid recommendation coming March 10.
Martin Theater renovation and operations
The city plans to hire a private company to run the restored Martin Theater, plus eventually the Ritz and Tennessee House. Commissioners want an operator who pays the city a revenue share, keeps the venue busy year-round with community programming, and involves local nonprofits — not one that sits dark between big acts.
Matching funds and contract standardization for Waterfront Partnership
The CRA matched $8,150 raised by the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership — the group that runs the museum, farmers market, school trips, and Christmas lights — though one resident objected to continued nonprofit funding. The board then told staff to standardize the partnership's contract with the Center for the Arts.
Tennis and pickleball courts: Oakland Terrace is shot, Marigas property floated
Mayor Branch asked about converting the Martin Theatre rec center's basketball court or finding new tennis/pickleball locations after Oakland Terrace's courts were declared beyond repair. The board discussed building new courts at the old Americas (Marigas) property behind the wastewater treatment plant — which can't support vertical construction but works fine for courts — and possibly adding parking and food-truck electrical there.
Park divestment and realignment recommendations
The Parks Advisory Committee recommended designating premier parks, adopting or sponsoring pocket parks, and realigning or divesting six parks — including Craft Field, Carl Grey Park and the Main Street kayak launch — with proceeds directed to other parks like C.M. Kidd Harris. Residents pushed back hard, warning about lost property values, drainage and losing parkland permanently.
MLK Recreation Center operations and revenue
After community input from the NAACP and residents, the commission adopted a fee schedule with new discounts for seniors, students and military, plus a sliding scale to be worked out — rejecting staff income verification in favor of a board or designated process.
Parks maintenance staffing and mowing service levels
Parks cut $660,000 largely by holding vacant maintenance jobs open, and mowing complaints are the city's most common. Commissioner Street opposed cutting maintenance positions; CRA right-of-way maintenance may shift to a CRA contractor.
Destination Panama City snorkeling reef
The city authorized its manager to help Destination Panama City secure permits and waiver letters for a snorkeling reef project off the city marina.
Cemetery Care and Proposed Cemetery Trust Fund
Commissioners want a dedicated trust fund and possibly a Cemetery Board to fix chronic maintenance problems at city cemeteries, with staff researching funding and how some cemeteries came under city control.
Truesdale Park rebuilding donations
Hurricane Michael wiped out the old playground when the lot became a parking area — now $288,154 in CRA money buys new equipment for ages 2-12 with AstroTurf surfacing. One resident objected that the neighborhood skews elderly.
Matching grant for St. Andrews Publishing Museum
The CRA matched $1,850 raised by the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership for the museum under their three-year operating agreement.
Truesdale Clubhouse renovation pace
A resident urged the board to finish the Truesdale Building renovation within 13 months. Exterior plans are about 90% complete and bid documents should go out within weeks; HRP grant rules may prevent simultaneous interior and exterior work.
Henry A. Davis Park expansion via 1310 Lincoln Ave purchase
The CRA bought the lot next to Henry Davis Park for $46,300.36, resolving an encroachment and making room for the new Kiwanis playground and restroom facility. The park renovation is about 90% complete.