[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,85,97,109],{"_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",6168314,"mediaKeyId","5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73","parentId",5408188,"title","Residents press city on consolidating MLK parcels and spurring redevelopment; city says private investment and studies needed","audioSeconds",472,"startMs",2068000,"endMs",2540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73&start=2068&end=2540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73/thumbnail_2068000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6168314/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Residents-press-city-on-consolidating-MLK-parcels-and-spurring-redevelopment-city-says-private-investment-and-studies-needed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168314-72416fba62dc4093707c7c190f46552a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773649910&Signature=e5Ygg4EsB2YrYCERhJbJn211BzWn2-Enw3hXzrJIabBN3sigMXTygk9-QOlyuYTmTBhjiM7gE1qXvZsBYIhvwWRPPNRhwXFTliwQUspnFMp3cqTaZUmrfJLdPzRtEFEjTbPCPU~JnJNTRZWTGrPVdAt7GcxBJE0YDQWWmFKePldoqcMXS0uXble2FJZOfLP4jKte3iIeQrXSmR-UvKqX~gP8iR0x2N-LjsG5vnADZoOyalZg0~dWE~d2Gh80tAlpGQh2hzHKowtKniEfYZKwYShrDH62q~rCuddUkZiRKkd7qhVvMt7gLXB2slFh65MaeXDXovF8dc7277ZZSoQDbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Panama City, FL","date","2025-07-16T14:11:33Z","article","Several residents raised longstanding frustration with underused lots along Martin Luther King Drive and asked why the city has not combined small plats to create developable commercial parcels.

Resident Brenda Louis Williams described MLK as a corridor that has not seen the same reinvestment as other city roads and urged the city to combine plats and create parcels large enough to attract businesses. City staff and commissioners explained the practical and legal mechanics: the city can replat and vacate right-of-way on city‑owned parcels and the city’s CRA incentives and zoning changes can encourage development, but the city cannot force private owners to sell or combine their lots. Staff identified three pragmatic paths: (1) a private investor or developer brings a proposal and acquires needed parcels; (2) the city or CRA buys contiguous parcels and replats them; or (3) the city funds a study or redevelopment plan that lays out an assembled parcel map and target uses to attract private investors.

Commissioners encouraged residents and the incremental development alliance to help identify property owners who may be willing to consolidate lots or to bring developer proposals. A staff member said the city has already placed more flexible, development-friendly land‑use categories on MLK and has offered aggressive CRA incentives, but further momentum requires private capital and proposals.

No formal action was taken. Staff and commissioners urged residents to bring focused proposals or to request a city‑led study; one commissioner said the city would support a property-owner-led plan and the CRA could consider additional targeted incentives if a specific project emerges.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Panama City Town Hall 07122025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents asked why small parcels on Martin Luther King Drive remain underused; staff said the city can replat city-owned lots but cannot force private owners to sell or combine parcels and encouraged owners or developers to present project proposals or seek CRA/CRA incentives.","taxTitle","Panama City, Bay County, Florida","taxId",4834,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":44,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":50,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6168320,"Joe Moody Harris Park overhaul paused while city finalizes $700,000 grant",762,2830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73&start=2068&end=2830","/articles/6168320/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Joe-Moody-Harris-Park-overhaul-paused-while-city-finalizes-700000-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168320-70b7482de6f8e1d59f4316d5b2238a6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773649910&Signature=nUeKU7JUKqCqWRzO2d02LXnhkG9JgwT271OuFCRH34XUgQrREreYPgJ7Ar-KZzfbd~nXdqx8OG35~wzvwad~i2rMX1lxp~adwxgynq~9H4udxZhsntSygTwGq6wFjFigesMJRnvKfPC6wbqtXUvLoUJxg8mO-5us1~F3jgTIT27IjXtJ0dZxTitRBb~zLGNbK06B8qJRsDki6I~PyNeT5PE5j8kI9Bts7SjrMOZeKaM-BYxigvQreuIlRJzFzu0BmruSFyR3796U96g4OqWtKrICjJ1R7pvloVRv4M~fIpDR6BLAYbDpp7FBa0pnjh8CntE70MkjD~B6srfvH4VYNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Panama City staff told residents at the town hall that a near-term renovation for Joe Moody Harris Park is funded by a roughly $700,000 grant but work is on hold until the city completes required signoffs.

Resident Brenda Louis Williams asked why brush and construction debris remain at Joe Moody Harris Park and why the city has not combined plats along Martin Luther King Drive to spur development. City staff said the park is the next city park slated for overhaul and reiterated that the grant is worth about $700,000 but has not completed final signature because of an audit tied to a change in program administration. Staff said city crews have not removed the materials because hauling and tipping now could jeopardize the grant: if the city spends local funds to clear the site before the grant is finalized, it could imperil reimbursement.

When finalized, staff said the grant will fund trail resurfacing, exercise equipment and related improvements; staff said they would aim to incorporate additional amenities if site layout permits. Staff promised to move quickly once the award signs and said they would report back publicly when the grant paperwork is completed.

On redevelopment of the MLK corridor and combining plats, staff said land ownership is mixed (public and private) and that the city can replat and reconfigure city-owned parcels, but cannot force private owners to combine lots on their own; staff invited developers or property owners to bring proposals and noted the incremental development alliance can help property owners navigate acquisition and redevelopment steps.

No formal action was taken at the town hall, but staff said they will proceed with permitting and grant closeout steps and will notify the public when work dates and removal plans are scheduled.","City officials said a roughly $700,000 grant will fund paths, exercise equipment and other park upgrades at Joe Moody Harris Park but the city is delaying work until the grant paperwork clears audit and signature; staff said removing recent debris now could jeopardize the award.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6168325,"Town hall explores boat‑ramp fees, resident passes and options to fund marina slips",3983,1087000,5070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73&start=1087&end=5070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73/thumbnail_1087000.jpg","/articles/6168325/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Town-hall-explores-boatramp-fees-resident-passes-and-options-to-fund-marina-slips","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168325-613298fdf8ea492bc388565809831e49/orig.mp4?Expires=1773649910&Signature=kry0DVj61FB7LoAymyWJs1qVhwydsm8r~Cso9IN2mJXcLmeKp4MNuKnErIUfegZcNZVK8cdkzscJCNpUUUBmLfO0uGBXqxAywhCgTr0ePP3zP0roGUe4ro9ycMDqxxifYlyjo3aLB2g6QvHIb~0GrDNHMv83BUg-3boQYdGjK1MwjAZSORLyosQ3QCPDL0s3X3ugi~Vhkv-10NUTXXyAFEAOZmkNcFz5~fzMxGXmT7rx5ev~w3E9mWfj4GhE-No4hiu3tfaXXtvnTnmDcZEc8aF-1xyKhkcPAm4e0eWPM86xJVf~5aqIFAjmodP90S-qhGqktU1ucxt576x8xHWITw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Citizens and commissioners spent significant time at the town hall debating whether Panama City should charge for boat-ramps and marinas, how to prioritize marina upgrades, and who should pay for slips and maintenance.

Several speakers urged creation of a resident-launch pass and pay-per-use system for city-owned ramps. Kenny Bostick, who grew up in the city, said local residents effectively subsidize free public launches used by out-of-county visitors and proposed a tiered system: an annual Panama City resident pass plus pay‑as‑you‑launch fees for non‑residents. ‘‘We should charge $20 just like Saint Joe, Mexico Beach. If you’re not a Bay County resident, you would have to pay it,’’ Bostick said, noting that other local governments use user fees to fund maintenance.

Speakers and commissioners cited several funding tools used or discussed in prior marina work: state and federal grants (speakers referenced Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission grants and recent state appropriations), the city’s prior $8 million borrowing for a downtown bulkhead, private partnerships and bond/loan options. Staff and commissioners said prior projects — the downtown promenade and floating docks — used partner funding arrangements in which private entities provided capital and the city retained ownership of some assets.

Multiple participants urged that use fees be restricted to a dedicated fund for ramp and marina maintenance, dredging and grant matches. ‘‘I’m a big fan of user fees — as long as the money is constrained for the thing that we’re actually…fortifying,’’ a resident said. Staff and commissioners agreed this approach would be preferable to putting marina revenues into the general fund.

On implementation, the city manager and staff outlined possible next steps rather than policy choices. At one point the commission directed staff to research a resident-pass program and bring findings back at a virtual meeting by the end of the summer. Commissioners also agreed the city could explore asking private partners — including the current downtown operator and regional developers — whether they would fund an initial tranche of slips; staff noted prior arrangements where partners built docks with repayback or revenue-share arrangements.

Marina financing and management were debated: some commissioners argued Panama City should avoid long-term marina operation and instead own assets while contracting private operators; others said the transition to private management should await sufficient slip inventory and an economically sustainable operation. Participants noted a permit for an initial 50 slips already exists and suggested asking potential partners whether they would fund those first 50 slips or help bond the work to accelerate delivery.

No formal vote was taken; staff were asked to return with a written staff report on a resident-pass option, financing mechanisms and potential partner interest. The discussion included repeated requests that any new fees be placed in restricted funds earmarked for marina maintenance, dredging and grant matching.","A wide-ranging public discussion covered user fees for boat ramps, resident pass concepts, grant matches, marina financing and options to accelerate construction of wet slips; staff and commissioners agreed to study resident passes and to ask potential partners about funding options.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6168330,"West Beach Drive path plan faces FDOT-design, right-of-way and grant-timing questions",1092,3288000,4380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73&start=3288&end=4380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73/thumbnail_3288000.jpg","/articles/6168330/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/West-Beach-Drive-path-plan-faces-FDOT-design-right-of-way-and-grant-timing-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168330-216b99c7bce679238322f03e7850e76c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773649910&Signature=VvX8nrBm~ryVZr1Utf~WINnpDfYqAqBHGzJwcK-3pbPn7LSryCBNDEyiGUChSlMKGALIDgYVwDXYFYucm8kaom~gGaytIUgU2wvC6fxUcSEbzVLfqHxT7TMdPwPx8G7O6Bg695S57s0wm9wzE8n-8RfLPklw-a~Ue3JPMVC9pXy0L5repuKhk4OMuhuCXM7oK77ig1h5NYyqNd-iShlAobQj1KIUpj6onck71sB3q5iOPgP9dJ0kZnCykqcjF6MBIeihgBlFxo2v1~5g07CdF-HbtpaCjg1h3~kYx-iXu4L3tHWyvl2hERsYaZffvjFYOdWt7it5rnltVbQVdjPy5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A widely advertised $8 million grant for a West Beach Drive multiuse path drew sharp public questions at Panama City’s town hall about how much money remains, what work FDOT will approve and whether the project timeline is in jeopardy.

A citizen who identified himself as a project critic asked three practical questions: what FDOT has said the city can or cannot build in the state right-of-way; how much of the $8 million grant has already been spent; and the status of revised plans that staff say are under FDOT review. He told the commission he had filed public-records requests and found no evidence of recent engineering invoices or quarterly reports to FDOT, and he urged the city either to re-purpose the funds now or to press FDOT and the legislature for time extensions.

Commissioners and staff answered that the original $8 million grant included design, surveys, environmental work and a water-line component; staff said about $1 million had been expended for initial work and that roughly $7 million remained in the award. Staff also noted the grant has one existing extension for construction-delivery deadlines and said an additional extension — or re-scoping — may be necessary if FDOT will not accept the revised plan.

The citizen raised a technical point the commission took seriously: on portions of West Beach Drive the FDOT-owned right-of-way measured about 43–45 feet, leaving only a narrow construction footprint; he said the state-owned width makes it infeasible to place the planned 8– to 12‑foot path plus required buffers along some segments. City staff agreed to prepare a written memo answering the outstanding questions and to circulate it to interested parties. The city manager told the meeting he would provide a memo by Wednesday (close of business) summarizing money spent to date, design status, and the FDOT review timeline.

Commissioners asked that the memo also report whether contractors have invoiced for recent work (to clarify the accounting picture) and whether quarterly reports required by the grant have been filed with FDOT. The committee-level exchange made clear that the grant’s scope includes more than just path paving — design, environmental and water-line work were identified as part of the original $8 million — and that the commission expects a concise public accounting before agreeing on next steps.

Staff also reiterated that design and wayfinding signage typically follow major roadway construction; staff told the room it would be premature to place permanent wayfinding while roads are yet under construction.

The commission did not take a formal vote at the town hall, but by consensus asked staff for a short written status report and for follow-up with FDOT and grant administrators so the commission can assess whether the city should continue design revisions or seek republication/repurposing of the grant funding.","Residents and a transportation critic pressed city staff for the factual status of the FDOT-backed West Beach Drive multiuse path — how much of the $8 million grant remains, how much has been spent, whether revised plans comply with FDOT right-of-way limits, and a looming grant extension deadline.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6168335,"Panama City officials move to curb surprise water bills as meter and billing problems persist",2976,2999000,5975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73&start=2999&end=5975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408188-9da6c277019498a1a2b900482c2c4a73/thumbnail_2999000.jpg","/articles/6168335/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Panama-City-officials-move-to-curb-surprise-water-bills-as-meter-and-billing-problems-persist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6168335-426020f3e72ed8472add8c3681a4dcfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773649910&Signature=MRNldQQulXAY1slAXOkLPK7Na-j2A-xE2rBcga-68NEtYBFv7KcU3Dsi301hmbeZ0owLjT8ihU4eTFA3egdRYVDxusNl7j61yHohpGmvkyW~y-HobdSpuFdG3s54ipNLpWvvdsZBlcp8rh5iMjmd3XUlcjMTIIHG9BMklWJ4Brq07SmCDOWz2jmMoIUAd4CDSNQbqHJMpB5ACYQoGalCRfxDnyIPTSJsdC9OP9Yfyi7PFFu90dLSmiEKYhOpbJ11UVd7Lk0UbmVu4TpiICvEcflqcYzuv~U-u88bPflkvbmEiy3Opts9pAEjB0dDNM6uGL~HMzS1pPL4Moxj9vGASw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Panama City residents told elected officials Wednesday that long-running meter and billing problems have produced “surprise” water charges and deep confusion over account estimates, prompting commissioners to direct staff to bring a policy for review and to accelerate system fixes.

Residents at the town hall said many accounts have been billed on estimated usage for months or years; several said high retroactive bills arrived when the city finally read meters. The concern prompted an immediate call from commissioners for a clearer process and a written policy saying the city will not pursue retroactive billing when underreporting results from meter or system errors.

The issue has multiple parts: aging or missing MXU remote-read units, manual reads that lag, and a billing system that has in some cases failed to display that a customer’s bill was \"estimated.\" Resident George Caruthers said he has been billed on estimates since 02/2022 and feared a large unexpected balance. ‘‘I would believe there’s a bunch of people out there that don’t even know they’re getting estimated billing,’’ Caruthers said. Other residents asked for a consistent “true up” read and notice to customers before any retroactive charges are assessed.

City staff and several commissioners described actions already under way and options coming to the commission. City staff confirmed a program of MXU replacements is ongoing; a timeline originally aiming for April 2025 had not been completed. Commissioners asked the city manager to provide a short, public plan showing: which meters remain to be replaced, how long manual reads will continue, and what the customer-notice and true-up procedures will be. Commissioner remarks also asked that customer service and billing be aligned more closely with field operations to reduce breakdowns between meter reads and account records.

On policy, a draft “temporary forgiveness” or non‑retroactive billing policy was discussed on the dais and multiple speakers urged that the city formally adopt it. The proposed approach in town-hall discussion would (1) clearly mark bills as estimated when applicable, (2) allow customers to request manual reads and account credits/adjustments, and (3) avoid retroactive billing for underreported usage caused by city-owned meter or system failures. Commissioners requested the clerk and city manager to place a policy draft on a near-future agenda; one commissioner asked that the matter be ready for formal action at the next regular commission meeting.

Staff also committed to provide regular updates while replacements and system changes continue. The city manager and finance staff were asked to report monthly on replacement progress, invoice/encumbrance status for capital water projects, and outstanding estimated accounts so residents and the commission can track exposure and remediation.

Residents and commissioners framed the issue as both technical and humanitarian — several speakers said that unexpected retroactive bills harm people on fixed incomes. Commissioners emphasized transparency: bills that are estimated should say so, and the city should notify customers when a manual read will reset an account average.

City staff said more diagnostic and notification capabilities exist in parts of the system already in service and that, as meters and MXUs are installed, the city will be better able to notify customers of abnormal usage. Meanwhile, commissioners directed staff to produce a short, public plan and bring a billing policy for commission consideration as soon as practicable.","Residents described months-to-years of estimated water billing that produced large, unexpected charges; commissioners agreed to pursue a policy to limit retroactive billing and to accelerate meter replacements and reporting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press city on consolidating MLK parcels and spurring redevelopment; city says private investment and studies needed

Joe Moody Harris Park overhaul paused while city finalizes $700,000 grant

Town hall explores boat‑ramp fees, resident passes and options to fund marina slips

West Beach Drive path plan faces FDOT-design, right-of-way and grant-timing questions

Panama City officials move to curb surprise water bills as meter and billing problems persist