[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6250069,"mediaKeyId","3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe","parentId",3204343,"title","CRA announces volunteer repairs, TIF rebate grants and upcoming stewardship agreement","audioSeconds",156,"startMs",3213000,"endMs",3369000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe&start=3213&end=3369","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe/thumbnail_3213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6250069/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-announces-volunteer-repairs-TIF-rebate-grants-and-upcoming-stewardship-agreement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250069-7c2553a02e53ad1794f242d2122f1f88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203165&Signature=VRspLLIsU9DtoVUD8EWAEtM7D4qSNn1yCM3x5g38QwFBFzi5cw1NYs7WLN6RPPyaeAVe-Rhjb0o5LGY5jA0ZLsTfL0Ndob~2nWs4IdmscQA-LTFbvYeI940V1GdFXsDl2FVt9NtLnlsUmoqAnlOzd6K3nXRLft5iygnDx~0~-ivofFn91PZ9fPdnGeqd~JkvgjTGl1As3c4vBgxWj6mv4Zgw~B1zfYNgbPdSy0OguinvS071WjLTRH5ai0H-OKbcF28J4SK7d~h-xkajUQ9qGA9oBHVLcxSXjORJKajib91ixxHxPPA75J7sOtsNMlq-cIrP2Hm~R0g2lyNYrjX9wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Panama City, FL","date","2025-05-06T20:59:08Z","article","The CRA reported a set of community programs and incentives May 6 that affect multiple districts.

World Changers: the CRA allocated $30,000 for Downtown North and $30,000 for Millville for World Changers volunteer home repairs scheduled July 7–11. Applications will be available on the CRA website; neighborhood canvassing will begin May 9 and the application deadline is June 1.

TIF rebate incentive: staff said the program, launched in December 2024, has awarded grants to three recipients and that several additional applicants are in discussion with staff.

Beautification stewardship agreement: staff said they are coordinating with the Panama City Parks, Culture and Recreation Department on a stewardship agreement to maintain CRA improvements across all four CRA districts; a draft agreement is expected for CRA review on June 3, 2025. The CRA listed a $250,000 budget for the stewardship initiative and reported $0 expended so far.

Other program notes: staff said the incremental development alliance training program (budget $38,500) is being scheduled toward August 2025 and CRC staff will coordinate outreach for these programs with neighborhood leaders.

No board votes were taken; staff will return with program materials, application forms and a stewardship agreement draft for the June 3 CRA meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Panama City Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The CRA reported multiple community programs: World Changers volunteer home repairs in July with $30,000 each for Downtown North and Millville, an active TIF rebate incentive program with three awards to date, and a proposed $250,000 beautification stewardship agreement for CRA-maintained improvements.","taxTitle","Panama City, Bay County, Florida","taxId",4834,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250074,"CRA plans upgrades at Henry Davis Park; garden supporters say proposals risk community priorities",0,2478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe&start=2478&end=2478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe/thumbnail_2478000.jpg","/articles/6250074/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-plans-upgrades-at-Henry-Davis-Park-garden-supporters-say-proposals-risk-community-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250074-27b547e9b96bcd81b1b22d7e71b9887c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203165&Signature=UUkZoxcLiVx7fCZPUKV1P0yR0~k88MDC~wAQ~CejUZKmzW06MzdveV~GZZJbj6BJAghimAivYnvgmRDg0zUEZf0eIPuTZWv7g57Jue2ZE-l7rw77rmXy3n2SIbyBtrApExxhCj~adKV~exdQFzof2wTaiW9h4V2FFoCCkIG-wqo~CWKGFOZGK4Gosyh62Sk1HGGvazSCKs96SN8e-B6Led5tzBiuMorzRBJEtf5MtvyW-CbZH7pNSF70aPx9SjGkzEga1ayPY5w4~ZBawNKmZkY76t5hixZNy7tLDchafjd5DYW-tOx3BUJ2GSqJGCs-XWXOxEcmgz33zQqvm~274Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The CRA reported a $125,000 project for Henry Davis Park improvements on May 6 and said the work will be completed in-house with a department coordination meeting scheduled for May 9. Planned improvements include a small pavilion with attached shed, shade cells over the community garden, a larger pavilion with tables and grills, a basketball court, a Kiwanis-sponsored playground, an interactive learning path, a mural on the restroom building and a new park sign if budgets allow.

Why it matters: residents and garden stewards said they spent years advocating to create the community garden and worry other development in the area could jeopardize its success. Brenda Lewis Williams and other commenters told the board they feel community input has been ignored and asked the CRA to honor prior consensus.

Public comments and staff response: Williams told the CRA that the garden required three years of advocacy and that recent reporting and project proposals appear “diametrically opposed” to community input. The CRA acknowledged receipt of letters and said staff would circulate memos answering some public questions; staff also explained the May 9 coordination meeting among departments will finalize implementation plans.

Project status: staff said no funds have been expended yet on Henry Davis Park improvements and the project will proceed with in-house work coordinated across departments. No formal changes to the community garden’s operation were proposed at the May 6 meeting.","CRA listed $125,000 for Henry Davis Park improvements including pavilions, shade cells for the community garden, playground upgrades and a mural. Community garden advocates told the CRA they fear redevelopment at MLK/15th could undermine the garden's success and said earlier public input has not been honored.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250078,"CRA to recommend breezeway disposition to City Commission; ADA access remains unresolved",190,1121000,1311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe&start=1121&end=1311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe/thumbnail_1121000.jpg","/articles/6250078/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-to-recommend-breezeway-disposition-to-City-Commission-ADA-access-remains-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250078-44dde68aafb8cf822066a22134b1d4b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203165&Signature=bU3kmMIp6lvy-g8PIajD2n2QG9D72vOcxJ8FHv~R9GdeBwm87Ff65Q2j7A4jDLFBgU0rDMuIHQLRSloiVhCh~euCyXIWp8Dq0AOUym6UnAOjJ0fVJzlPt7q3-LvioRgeEaMM86FmUrICitSHTS-vNHKhxXIy91tAiehwitv8tXwIIKKcQA~lm7EAYsdftRuVPHOYYg6USl8erzXbFu6tua5BwQ-S5HI5qNr~ofZ6tlcuv5qkpizvxsx~BCubsDWLCl2LSMjtiNjHj72gm3AbrByzub0jQYs1miIHDUyrPdB66pOdp~PMeRG1Ho32Xa6pfnrhrdFXpQ8HYF5eAmzgRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CRA staff told the board the downtown breezeway project has a $550,000 budget and that the CRA has expended $80,101.76 to date on design and improvements, including a mural. The City Commission owns the property at 447 Harrison; staff will present a recommendation from the recent RFP process to the City Commission at its May 13 meeting.

Why it matters: the property was purchased and improved by the CRA but board members said the purchase happened before a final plan that addressed handicap/ADA access was approved; several board members expressed concern about the timing and cost implications.

Board discussion: Board member Street and others asked why the CRA bought the property before confirming ADA access on the Grace side. Staff and Board member Halligus said prior reviews estimated lift costs in the $60,000–$80,000 range and that, without a final long-term use, spending that amount on a potentially temporary lift was not prudent. Halligus said a long-term solution could be an elevator built as part of a future multi-story redevelopment, or a keyed-access elevator provided by a building partner.

Next steps and public recommendations: staff said the City Commission will consider whether to pursue a sale, long-term lease or public–private partnership for the site and any associated ADA improvements. Board members noted in-house improvements such as additional handicapped parking along Harrison and Fourth streets to improve access while long-term plans are developed.

No vote was taken on the disposition or on funding ADA improvements at the May 6 CRA meeting; staff will bring recommendations to the City Commission on May 13.","The CRA spent about $80,100 to create a downtown breezeway; staff will present an RFP recommendation to the City Commission May 13. Board members raised concerns that the property was purchased without a finalized plan for ADA access, which could cost an estimated $60,000–$80,000 for a lift or elevator.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250084,"CRA outlines $3.5M Millville bond scope; waterfront park and potential bayou dredging discussed",562,3008000,3570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe&start=3008&end=3570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe/thumbnail_3008000.jpg","/articles/6250084/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-outlines-35M-Millville-bond-scope-waterfront-park-and-potential-bayou-dredging-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250084-6c476d74ba549652037f36ca0f9b6fc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203165&Signature=cJ1sJtkhz2p1gsDc8FLP46YnaSTQ2brswceFfYcu71mirFs1fqsB9vEjKxvakAnc~gS~O~Vcbw8trNflcrQE6VxqRuWJ0wiVfqfQJnR64CAUiz8E-Lfbs0LF363GOrdY6mt8RqRIZtfyIh9wH3rp2FKpS4iEu9bZ2Y0b7bLhp1MQgLz0Bwe-DKB0uJYIncZef~IHBWBOcKZBsGBmItrNOxCEZid5Fj1oli1o7DKzWsiylD~OhjzjDeIG9zHvmVQKZSuhJ7yD0mYZadgcCs-BO6dI08BVKvWDfvShs0skDeZbSfiJrxVW1dpmAoIhUcnedcQo5HgM73VWBRukFX~wvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CRA staff told the board May 6 they are developing scope, cost estimates and financing options for a proposed $3.5 million Millville bond planned for fiscal year 2026. The staff packet lists $26,425 in current expenditures and a proposed scope that includes an 8-foot pedestrian path on Third Street, a bike safety village and parking, with geotechnical and survey work underway.

Why it matters: the bond would be financed with CRA tax increment (TIF) revenue rather than general-obligation taxpayer debt, and would fund infrastructure projects planned for Millville and the adjacent waterfront park.

Project details: staff said Southern Earth is conducting a geotechnical study and Dewberry completed the site survey, with results expected by May 8. The Millville Waterfront Park project — a related, larger effort with a $1.5 million budget — is underway: the amphitheater is under construction, restrooms are permitted and planned after the amphitheater completes, an interactive learning path is to be sponsored by United Way, and parking and a bike safety village are being designed by the city engineer.

Financing and authority: Jan Smith, city clerk treasurer, provided a pro forma outlining financing options for a $3.5 million bond over 10- and 20-year terms. City Attorney Nevan Zimmerman told the board the bond would be a pledge of TIF revenues and “it is not required to go to a referendum,” meaning the board has authority to approve TIF-backed debt rather than placing it on a public ballot.

Dredging discussion: Board member Lucas requested staff examine whether dredging Watson Bayou could be included in the bond’s scope. Staff and commissioners noted dredging is complex, typically requires Army Corps of Engineers permitting, and that local agencies have in the past used county dredge assets or interlocal agreements; staff said they would reach out to county and neighboring municipalities to explore options.

Next steps: staff aims to finalize cost estimates and a project charter by June or July, and return to the CRA with a recommended scope, budget and financing plan. No bond resolution or formal financing decision was made at the May 6 meeting.","The Panama City CRA is developing scope and financing options for a $3.5 million bond to fund Millville infrastructure and park projects, including a pedestrian path, bike safety village and parking; board members also asked staff to explore dredging Watson Bayou as part of broader efforts.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250089,"CRA negotiating with Sankofa group for Glenwood Town Center; community members urge protections for historic neighborhood",467,1867000,2334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe&start=1867&end=2334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204343-d03a2f65d727abe8773d15660a43acfe/thumbnail_1867000.jpg","/articles/6250089/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-negotiating-with-Sankofa-group-for-Glenwood-Town-Center-community-members-urge-protections-for-historic-neighborhood","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250089-ce64c9750bff34e5101af70444cea701/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203165&Signature=aDzyZOaXwt8RucdB-tttBkLNafTr6NMbevy1KCaYiaHcQz49DxrWt6cF7~bWp5NNwk7lE8TbJkwW5a~Myl2A44DxrV0ae7GpCGv4BCpGdheHSOO5R7wbwVV8PYDZVqcRsbPUdFHW6-gO9QJJyTyTQ8uOflNsPf-dIxwvKi6Ndfg7I-Z6ojMowBMUR0CPDfZoJmdTFuvs6HOa0XkC1FuEoijkoqKpIojrQpQ3y1MVvn9um44nmcEF~2kasLUtFpfXpP9fUVx2jXZyCiA~ZkW0kBioF1kgQhg89U1aOMftzfsQ5hhJLPw8F41jp8iuoNxlkBdsbfpc3sSfF~p2I3oA9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency is negotiating with the Sankofa Group on a proposed Glenwood Town Center development at 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, staff said May 6. The CRA listed a $400,000 budget for the project and reported $376,489.59 spent to acquire parcels so far.

Why it matters: the parcels are in a historically underserved neighborhood and residents told the CRA they want housing that allows longtime community members to return — specifically new homes rather than apartments — and safeguards for the neighborhood’s historical character.

At the meeting, Michelle Bryant of East Ninth Street told the board she had submitted a letter and urged the CRA to prioritize “new homes in Glenwood. Not apartments, not town homes,” and to preserve local small businesses. Brenda Lewis Williams, speaking later, said community garden supporters worry the MLK/15th project could negatively affect the Henry Davis Park garden and said Dover-Caol (Dover-Cool/Dover Coal in packet) community input has not been reflected in proposals.

Commissioner Lucas pushed back on recent news coverage, saying the station “got it wrong” and that no deal is finalized. “I did not tell them that it was a done deal. It is not,” Lucas said, adding the Sankofa presentation so far is an initial concept and staff expect a more detailed proposal in advance of the June 3 CRA meeting.

Staff described the current status as negotiation and study: Sankofa presented initial ideas for a grocery, apartments and town homes; staff said the developer may seek options that include purchase, lease or other agreements with CRA-owned parcels. Staff said no cash payments to the developer have been made to date and that any final arrangement would return to the CRA for review and direction.

Timeline and next steps: staff said a draft proposal was recently received and staff and the city attorney will review it this week; the CRA will discuss a complete proposal at its June 3 meeting. Staff did not present a construction or financing timeline, but noted the presentation packet indicated the development would likely proceed in multiple phases over months or years.

Community engagement and constraints: board members and staff repeatedly said the process will include further community meetings during negotiations and that the board will weigh community input before approving any transaction. Speakers and several board members pressed for explicit protections for historical character and for prioritizing homeownership options for displaced or longtime residents.

The discussion did not include a vote or approval of a contract. Staff signaled a return to the CRA on June 3 with a more developed proposal for board review and possible direction.","Panama City CRA is negotiating a proposal from the Sankofa Group to develop a grocery, apartments and town homes at 15th Street and MLK; community speakers urged affordable homeownership and protection of Glenwood's history. Staff expects a formal proposal at the CRA meeting on June 3.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CRA announces volunteer repairs, TIF rebate grants and upcoming stewardship agreement

CRA plans upgrades at Henry Davis Park; garden supporters say proposals risk community priorities

CRA to recommend breezeway disposition to City Commission; ADA access remains unresolved

CRA outlines $3.5M Millville bond scope; waterfront park and potential bayou dredging discussed

CRA negotiating with Sankofa group for Glenwood Town Center; community members urge protections for historic neighborhood