Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Panama City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with high priority
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map update
The board continues working through the state-mandated comp plan update, deleting unenforceable state-stricken policies while preserving interconnectivity language and tying affordable-housing review to the state's evaluation cycle.
300 Laverne Avenue Waterfront Redevelopment
A seven-story apartment project in downtown Panama City got final approval from the board. It includes public parking near Bay Joe's under a previously approved MOU.
Gateway Overlay prohibited uses and special exceptions
Should the overlay restricting certain businesses shrink from 400 to 200 feet along major roads? Commissioner Hughes argued the 400-foot rule strangles business a block off the corridors; the board ultimately recommended keeping Harrison Avenue at 400 feet, 3-2.
Infrastructure Surtax Spending Review (July–September 2026)
This committee double-checks how the city spends your half-cent infrastructure surtax each quarter. The April–June 2026 report got a clean review and sign-off.
Marina Long-Term Financing and FEMA Grant Use
After a closed session over bid-protest litigation, the Commission declared Art Marine nonresponsive for inflated credentials, failed on a rebid attempt, and awarded the marina to H.G. Harders and Sons 3-2 — with a permit clock ticking.
Ditch maintenance and the Kaiser S8 excavator
Years of overgrown vegetation and clogged ditches along the rail line have caused flooding in neighborhoods from Lisenby to the college. The new ordinance lets the city give certified notice, wait 30 days, then abate and lien the cost. Takes effect April 1.
West Beach Drive road improvements and Chevron contamination
Residents again urged the city to repurpose the Beach Drive path grant to 11th Street, where they say a trail would serve more people safely; the city notes the state appropriation requires a waterfront path.
Ten-year paving program
A local contractor told the commission the city's paving-in-house numbers omit skilled labor, equipment maintenance, testing and materials shelf life. The commission asked for his questions to be answered and for a transparent cost comparison.
City Council Election Candidates
Panama City Beach voters are choosing City Council candidates who will set local budgets, development decisions, and rules. These races can shape taxes, growth, and everyday quality of life, so it’s worth knowing who’s on your ballot.
Admin cost center accounting
Commissioners debated why environmental services now has a separate 'admin' cost center, which inflates apparent overhead. Staff explained it consolidates costs (copiers, salaries, supplies) previously spread across cost centers, and agreed to provide line-item detail and actuals.
Road vacations: Fairy Avenue and Grace Avenue
Changing a small parcel from mixed use to General Commercial means no homes can ever be built there, and residents fear gas stations, car washes, and truck traffic next to duplexes and family yards. Staff noted commercial zoning actually imposes larger setbacks and buffers than the current mixed-use district. The City Commission makes the final call in June.
Pension article editor's note error
Staff discovered the charter's pension article carries an outdated editor's note wrongly claiming the city merged its pension plan with the Florida Retirement System — it hasn't. Legal will research the history and the board left the article's fate to the commission.
Affordable Housing and Homeownership Challenges
Next week's housing roundtable brings roughly ten nonprofits and the Florida Housing Coalition together with commissioners to map out the city's housing needs and resources. Funding is far below pre-Hurricane Michael levels — about 80% less — so partnerships will be key.