Bay County Commission recommends land use and zoning changes for commercial development

In a pivotal meeting on May 20, 2025, the Bay County Planning Commission convened to discuss several significant zoning and land use changes that could reshape parts of Panama City Beach. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as local officials and community members gathered to hear proposals that promise to influence the area’s development landscape.

The commission began by reviewing a small-scale amendment to the Bay County future land use map, which sought to change the zoning of a parcel from public institutional to general commercial. Dennis Nelson, the applicant, explained that the land, which is partially wetlands, would be combined with adjacent properties to facilitate a new project. The commission unanimously supported the staff's recommendation to approve the amendment, signaling a step forward for the proposed development.

Next on the agenda was a request from ZooWorld Zoological LLC to rezone a 0.685-acre property located at 8910 Front Beach Road from public institutional to general commercial. Joseph B., representing the owner, noted that the property had been vacant for some time and expressed hopes of leasing it to future businesses. The commission found this request consistent with the surrounding commercial landscape and approved it without opposition.

The final item discussed involved a request from Carolyn Fox to change the future land use designation of approximately 2.9 acres from residential to neighborhood commercial, along with a zoning change from R2 single-family duplex to C1 neighborhood commercial. Fox, who owns adjacent C1 properties, emphasized the need for consistency in zoning to enhance the area. The commission agreed that the proposal aligned well with existing land uses and approved the changes, paving the way for potential new businesses in the vicinity.

As the meeting concluded, the commission's decisions reflected a commitment to fostering commercial growth while ensuring compatibility with the community's needs. These zoning changes are expected to attract new businesses and enhance the economic vitality of Panama City Beach, marking a significant moment in the area's ongoing development journey.