[{"_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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6224759,"mediaKeyId","3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31","parentId",3549251,"title","Commission approves semi‑permanent closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfort to curb cut‑through traffic","audioSeconds",422,"startMs",7176000,"endMs",7598000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31&start=7176&end=7598","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31/thumbnail_7176000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224759/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-semipermanent-closure-of-West-Beach-Drive-at-Frankfort-to-curb-cutthrough-traffic","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224759-8be7cd6aefb3b483ca8d7aaf921ea574/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176429&Signature=NqjUL3eV-N4plLMJq5ysR5wFZve08vdy~B6Grnga2cOSk3TXTCjoRz8m13GhuUCeTOkqRGzSFUo2JTzyHcyNEGmIHwBO9uJuFsmJlGj7YRjudh-~cBf-2OZQ0xjkNMWqs7Jk~lGmvO88uALLJUT~u3Uuku71EeBsTXoeYcqG-UFdUWS2uoJ3BH5mRv0psc5fuG2BCrRDOZKySAJZiIWStFXIY5OQ9B3M5abPp7vGecTcAZmFyyLauUVJXpdsOftufZj-pWQZR6l2hzqZKudw-Kv1XUGEatBEMGXjB8XV1cdivzWQe~snnPGVZjYEKG7ywDh2zI5tTnivnxbCmdxkNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Panama City, FL","date","2025-05-28T15:48:58.337Z","article","The Panama City Commission voted 5-0 on May 27 to approve a semi‑permanent closure of the city‑owned portion of West Beach Drive at Frankfort Avenue (west side) that will bar through vehicle traffic while preserving pedestrian access. The commission set the closure to remain in place at least until June 1, 2026, and said any permanent change would be coordinated with the Florida Department of Transportation and brought back for formal approval.

The closure was proposed by Landmark Condominium managers and backed by nearby homeowners after months of complaints about drivers cutting through the intersection at speed. Colin Hamilton, community association manager for Landmark Condominium, told the commission the effort dates to 2017 and that condominium leadership and nearby property owners had supported a temporary or permanent closure. “Here today speaking in favor of item 11 c, for the temporary closure of the intersection of Frankfurt Avenue and Beach Drive,” Hamilton said during public comment.

City staff described the measure as “semi‑permanent”: the city will not remove asphalt or construct curbs but will install large red diamond reflectors, signage indicating the road closure, and lane delineators on the turn lane. Staff also said signs would be installed on Ninth Street at Calhoun, Arthur and Foster to warn drivers that the roads dead‑end if they turn toward West Beach Drive. Commission and staff members said the closure targets vehicles that cut south off Ninth Street and then speed eastbound on Beach Drive to avoid traffic.

During audience participation, residents urged additional safety work at nearby intersections. Darby Paley, service coordinator for Saint Andrews Towers, brought photos and said the stop sign at a nearby intersection was obscured by palms and that flashing signs should be considered. Bill Gensall, a resident of West Beach Drive, described multiple collisions and said neighbors west of Landmark overwhelmingly supported closing the intersection.

Emergency access was a central concern. Chief David Collier and staff confirmed the fire department and other emergency providers can access the area using alternate entrances; the commission heard that Chief Collier’s crew had verified apparatus access from the north side of the Landmark property. City Manager Jonathan Hayes said staff would coordinate with police, public works and the fire department on implementation and education, including possible variable message boards during an initial adjustment period.

Commissioners emphasized the change is a trial measure. The ordinance passed without recorded amendments; the roll call recorded Commissioners Granger, Street, Halligas, Lucas and Mayor Rowan voting yes. Staff and Landmark representatives said the condominium association may later seek internal traffic‑calming inside the private parking lots if drivers attempt to use Landmark property to bypass the closure.

The commission directed staff to monitor the closure, to add supplemental signage and public messaging during the initial weeks, and to report back before any permanent infrastructure is installed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Panama City Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The Panama City Commission voted 5-0 on May 27 to approve a semi‑permanent closure of the city‑owned portion of West Beach Drive at Frankfort Avenue (west side), barring through vehicle traffic while preserving pedestrian access.","taxTitle","Panama City, Bay County, Florida","taxId",4834,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224739,"Commission approves $11,435 transfer from Treasury forfeiture funds to match bulletproof vest grant",97,5568000,5665000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31&start=5568&end=5665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31/thumbnail_5568000.jpg","/articles/6224739/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-11435-transfer-from-Treasury-forfeiture-funds-to-match-bulletproof-vest-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224739-a2db32e470ed86cded7085d1781f054b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176429&Signature=FyIiMjISPfboKVQdC11JXq4MnJuQ4sAoUVIK6Qq~31QJs1ZWmOcPmJ77pmntAso4SCMPQCijz4AS3G-BYSd3J9qr8b-S4Bdo8D8DLhfKKKnBy~Q7R2XVjNQCcygA15OlUulJUU82o1nfR9nmgsNwLMi4cZv22z9-bmHKKCCZMBTQ-skL6shCTycFoWnE7oKnDKKM51kCZ7ishK5pGIaxB~YR08Mj9sv8FVQFBFwe7H1ITnPNvRQ--qfbf~UPXUDR7bod2-oEnNuXAx6OWbf9xFV3M-PiWYXplyKdv43BZo8HlwynH9rKdqodFIaTX7XMmEL45D7GHX7Hob6TyY8w~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Commission unanimously approved a budget amendment on May 27 to transfer $11,435 in Treasury forfeiture funds to the General Grants Fund to complete the city's 50% match for ballistic vests purchased through the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership.

City staff said the transfer covers remaining fiscal year costs for the vest program and allows the Police Department to continue participation in the federal partnership, which provides matching funds for eligible vests. The required match for the program is 50 percent; staff recommended using forfeiture funds to cover the local share. The motion passed 5‑0 with no amendments.","The commission approved a budget amendment to transfer $11,435 in Treasury forfeiture funds to the General Grants Fund as the 50% match for Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership purchases; vote was 5‑0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224744,"Commission accepts unsolicited $280,000 offer for 1309 Chestnut Avenue; parcel also listed for auction",248,7627000,7875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31&start=7627&end=7875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31/thumbnail_7627000.jpg","/articles/6224744/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-accepts-unsolicited-280000-offer-for-1309-Chestnut-Avenue-parcel-also-listed-for-auction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224744-380e44e6aabe2add31b1886c42040cdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176429&Signature=biFnRQwn1HhJq7peaID3pwqP8GTXSYUiK6kB3kBN9GL4fHLGVgorhpkBv2XNi4L-tU8BB44DM~OtWi2mSswhwqS7jap68F44pufM3HE-AF20BBnBPN1p2cqwqDGvVACx5l85bN5xcIFeal579pPVaNZcXSIFESC2gmAWFwWdBPPSH~HaJp6GAkQneQJCsiOzbg5Nr8tAXVxkUyXSSiORQlbBfAPmoJrwlPx4YZPEO3yZXbFZunDtT0qNJ5rjKbMmf3oUBoqAKTkgv5hYHI0EfC-ZpwHm0dCtI~T6XQoVXCiYKY1NDQpZI4J~KUkw5GPFnEs~tiQRJhSC2FQTRtj8Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Commission voted 5‑0 on May 27 to accept an unsolicited purchase offer of $280,000 from TABA Properties LLC for the city‑owned property at 1309 Chestnut Avenue in St. Andrews.

Staff told commissioners the parcel (parcel ID 29980‑000‑000) is one of three adjacent city‑owned lots currently listed for public auction with a June 4 bid deadline; the contracted auctioneer estimated the standalone value at $250,000–$275,000. The buyer requested during the meeting that the city accept the unsolicited cash offer and the auctioneer agreed to reduce the buyer's premium from 10% to 7% if the commission accepted the direct sale.

City staff said the parcel is suited to rear‑lot parking expansion for an adjacent business (Los Indijitos), and staff recommended the commission accept the offer rather than risk a lower auction result. Commissioners asked procedural questions, confirmed there was no conflict with the auction contract, and then approved acceptance of the unsolicited offer.

The roll call recorded Commissioners Granger, Street, Halligas, Lucas and Mayor Rowan voting yes. Staff will complete sale paperwork according to city procedures and the terms agreed with the buyer and the auctioneer.","The commission approved a staff‑recommended acceptance of an unsolicited $280,000 offer from TABA Properties LLC for a city‑owned parcel at 1309 Chestnut Avenue; staff said the parcel is also part of a public auction with bids due June 4 and the auctioneer estimated its standalone value at $250,000–$275,000.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224751,"Commission accepts K‑9 transfer as new handler joins Panama City Police Department",46,4350000,4396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31&start=4350&end=4396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31/thumbnail_4350000.jpg","/articles/6224751/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-accepts-K9-transfer-as-new-handler-joins-Panama-City-Police-Department","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224751-444bd6412006f2ebe4105027e7270947/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176429&Signature=J94Miw5HxBTZiXe0HqbDhxTnk2E9wl6cA1K~lzWCV5mPprrE80CSlOZDBmiOB9qRNEMengPEEpiBlXmM~fa7EYLt050utojKGd-ARNTOrzl7-CZdo2-C9As8w12GAMo2IfK9NovjCKQIc1bfpEz7okIk7DPfCyaTms-s3pyz5eamR0RjMBvMjqGkHAC9oJpMPT~PvhOGPnZwZqPAIOMHXLp3j8zrF8bAiogDpeGHlG53k6vX5C38t-BfIrdqv-isx5GZ4Zx1xeVNBUUFA6AuZ328uGVnPG8S4cKAPC~Hncu6UJm8xfIdiXvKA2rkDM9OKmdBKxjx7Af2c8nBuNEtlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Commission approved, by a 5‑0 vote on May 27, the transfer of a trained law‑enforcement K‑9 from the Defuniak Springs Police Department to the Panama City Police Department in conjunction with the officer's new employment with PCPD.

Chief Mark Smith explained that the Defuniak Springs chief offered the dog to Panama City when the handler accepted a position with PCPD and Defuniak Springs indicated it could not secure a new handler to retain the animal. The item was taken from the consent agenda for brief discussion; staff described the animal as an asset with an estimated value of $16,000–$17,000. The commission approved the transfer and the associated transfer agreement.

The roll call vote recorded Commissioners Granger, Street, Halligas, Lucas and Mayor Rowan voting yes. No amendments or conditions to the transfer were made during the meeting.","The commission unanimously approved acceptance of a trained law‑enforcement K‑9 and its handler from Defuniak Springs Police Department after the officer accepted employment with the Panama City Police Department; the city accepted the animal as an asset valued at about $16,000–$17,000.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":44,"_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},6224754,"Commission tables 15‑year lease for 107‑foot ladder truck; asks staff to return with non‑fire‑assessment funding options",1524,5652000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31&start=5652&end=7176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549251-0bdc325fcb8b379b396b44a6c5ee3e31/thumbnail_5652000.jpg","/articles/6224754/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-tables-15year-lease-for-107foot-ladder-truck-asks-staff-to-return-with-nonfireassessment-funding-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224754-b12eae9a92cfe1566d58478e61e2c1eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176429&Signature=fH-VQeCInlxuJNwKm3ILRK4a8D36iFPQXyOGEIu845F7KQfr8eLvEydeKRFw-cGQQT4hZ09J2YlOoju9Z0sNYnVnwKIda75wt~0fL~1-GuTWaHUSHof4MD8leOamAOuLVdbuqfmFdRyr6VMC0qEWMgXT-jxYRBtYAroS57VG2r-t8OHg2snpDgBn8k4PCnly4zyTFZfoJyz8O~5FC3ql0ZFxWLF0lI21kRGfRrYWBbgKGeVUwqiX-uX~qV5DlwxlUox4eFcIpgHmBlbTu-Wa-pt0jfv4ikGLASrGMzlC9C8tcAQ4ombJBHsXsavyffBJ1mc~AyOHx9sqtRvRXqjhCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Commission voted unanimously on May 27 to table a proposed 15‑year lease agreement to acquire a 107‑foot Pierce ladder truck for the Fire Department and directed staff to return to the June 10 meeting with alternative funding options that would not rely on the city's fire assessment.

Fire Chief David Collier and City Manager Jonathan Hayes presented the request, which would have committed the city to a 15‑year lease with annual payments of $179,322.39 and a total contract price of $1,907,008.00. Chief Collier told the commission the department's existing ladder truck was placed in service in 2012 and has reached the end of its recommended 15‑year service life; staff said higher maintenance costs and reduced reliability had driven the replacement request. Chief Collier cited coverage needs for multi‑story buildings, the port and college, and said the truck was designed to meet the city's anticipated operational needs for the next 15 years.

Commission discussion centered on timing and funding. Several commissioners and staff acknowledged the equipment need but raised concerns about adding a long‑term payment during a tight budget season while the commission continues work to reduce the fire assessment. Commissioners requested staff identify parcels that could be sold and other financing approaches, including whether the purchase could be prepaid or funded from sales proceeds rather than the fire assessment. Jonathan Hayes said staff would bring back a parcel list and funding scenarios at the June 10 meeting and noted the current quote was good for 60 days.

Chief Collier said the city maintains a reserve fleet to preserve service when apparatus are out of service but emphasized reserve pumpers cannot replicate aerial capability; the ladder truck provides both pumping and aerial reach for multi‑story responses. Collier also noted the department's budget contains other planned reductions and that the replacement is not expected again until 2030. The memo provided to commissioners included details about out‑of‑service days, replacement schedule, and the absence of prepayment penalties in the sample term sheet.

After extended discussion of budgetary tradeoffs and the public policy objective of eliminating the fire assessment over time, the commission voted to table the item to the June 10 meeting with unanimous support. Staff was directed specifically to return with options that avoid relying on the fire assessment (for example, proceeds from property sales) and with a clear implementation and debt‑service plan.","After extended debate on a proposed 15‑year lease to acquire a 107‑foot ladder truck, the Panama City Commission voted 5‑0 to table the measure to the June 10 meeting and asked staff to present property‑sale or other funding options that would avoid relying on the city's reduced fire assessment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves semi‑permanent closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfort to curb cut‑through traffic

Commission approves $11,435 transfer from Treasury forfeiture funds to match bulletproof vest grant

Commission accepts unsolicited $280,000 offer for 1309 Chestnut Avenue; parcel also listed for auction

Commission accepts K‑9 transfer as new handler joins Panama City Police Department

Commission tables 15‑year lease for 107‑foot ladder truck; asks staff to return with non‑fire‑assessment funding options