Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Panama City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues
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.
Residential setback variances across St. Andrews and Millville
A townhome-style builder won permission to set buildings back 39 feet with zero parking setback, trading the walkable street-edge pattern for more front parking and green space.
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.
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.
Recycling Centers in Light Industrial Zones
A new code amendment would require impact analysis for every light industrial development, reviewed by staff rather than the board — an extra safeguard as recycling-type facilities draw scrutiny.
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.
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.
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.
ADU utility meter exemption (Ordinance 3320)
Building a backyard cottage or in-law suite just got cheaper — accessory dwelling units no longer have to pay for their own separate water meter hookup.
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.
Utility billing placement under the city manager
Commissioner Grainger floated moving utility billing out of the clerk-treasurer's office and under the city manager to fix chronic complaint volume. Others want to wait until after the November 3 charter election — no action taken.
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.
Foreclosure property registry proposal (Hera)
A company that manages foreclosure registries in 200+ cities pitched an ordinance requiring banks to register foreclosing properties and maintain them. Commissioner Hughes led a skeptical cross-examination, arguing the city's nuisance assessment costs have already fallen to about $100,000 a year and the problem doesn't justify the fee. No action was taken.
803 Oak Avenue land use and zoning denial
The commission said no to re-designating a residential property at 803 Oak Avenue as Mixed Use, which would have helped the owner sell a house that's been operating as an informal triplex. Staff flagged that the current rental setup violates building and fire code.
Zero-based budgeting study
Commissioner Grainger wants to bring in a consultant (Heron Group, with a Pensacola presence) to shift the city to zero-based budgeting — every dollar justified from scratch each year. It wouldn't change FY2027 but would reshape how FY2028 is built.
ASAP Advisory Board structure
The mayor wants a citizen board to oversee the city's after-school program; after pushback about pacing and process, the Commission told staff to bring back a board plan and names in October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stormwater Master Plan grant
Several 'parks' are actually stormwater properties. Commissioners want a stormwater utility funding mechanism so shifting parks like Laney Row to Public Works doesn't just drain the general fund — and floated selling stormwater credits.
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.
Residential Accessory Structure Flexibility
A pole barn was converted to an accessory dwelling one foot over the height cap before the variance was sought, raising questions about how the city handles built-first, permit-later situations. Neighbors worry about two-story buildings overlooking small one-story lots. Board members also flagged possible code changes for ADU side and rear setbacks.