In a recent city commission meeting, officials in Panama City, Florida, declared a local state of emergency in response to the impending threat of Hurricane Helene. The emergency declaration, formalized through Executive Order 2024-0925, allows the city to access federal funding for potential damages and grants the mayor and city manager the authority to respond swiftly to the evolving situation.

City Manager Hayes explained that the emergency declaration is valid for 72 hours but can be extended weekly with the commission's ratification. This process is crucial for ensuring the city remains prepared as the storm approaches, with forecasts indicating tropical storm force winds expected to impact the area later this week.

The commission also discussed the scheduling of upcoming meetings in light of the weather conditions. It was decided to move both the regular commission meeting and the budget hearing, originally set for tomorrow, to Monday. This decision was made to prioritize public safety and avoid requiring citizens to attend meetings during a state of emergency.

Additionally, the commission addressed the potential rescheduling of the Oktoberfest event, allowing the city manager to coordinate with event planners to adjust the date if necessary, depending on weather conditions.

As the city prepares for the storm, officials emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.