Harbor Village Resident Calls for Extended Access to Mackenzie Park Bathrooms

The City of Panama City held a meeting on August 2, 2025, where community members raised important concerns regarding local amenities, particularly public restrooms in Mackenzie Park.

During the meeting, resident Candace Harvison expressed her appreciation for the newly installed bathrooms at Mackenzie Park, noting their potential popularity during events like the Farmers' Market. However, she highlighted a significant issue: the bathrooms are currently locked after 5 PM, which limits access for visitors and residents in the evening. Harvison shared a personal experience where she and her family were unable to use the facilities while exploring downtown in the evening.

City officials acknowledged the concern, explaining that the bathrooms are locked to prevent misuse and infrastructure issues. However, they agreed that the current hours are not accommodating for evening visitors. The discussion led to a consensus that extending the hours to 9 PM would be more reasonable, allowing better access for those enjoying the downtown area after hours.

The meeting also touched on ongoing infrastructure repairs in nearby areas, indicating that the city is actively working to improve public facilities. City officials committed to reviewing the bathroom access hours and considering adjustments to enhance community convenience.

This dialogue reflects the city's responsiveness to resident feedback and its commitment to improving public amenities for both locals and tourists. Further updates on the proposed changes to bathroom access are expected in future meetings.