Panama City officials said their priorities for the downtown marina are to rebuild wet slips (roughly 200–220 total between basins), construct a continuous promenade around the T-dock and enlarge the public boat ramp, and that those elements are being negotiated with private marina partners who responded to a city request for proposals.

Jonathan (City Manager) told residents the city’s aims are “the wet slips, and the docks built back, the installation of the promenade all the way around the exterior of the T dock.” He said the promenade extension, railing and permanent lighting were estimated at about $2.5 million in preliminary figures; the larger boat-ramp enlargement and floating dock work is a roughly $2–$2.2 million project and the city has submitted a U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant application after a state appropriation did not come through.

Residents pressed for details on the partnership structure, lease lengths and revenue. Derek Thomas asked why marina deals under negotiation include long leases and low initial rents; he recommended shorter leases and higher revenue-sharing so the city can recoup prior infrastructure investments (he cited $20.9 million spent on bulkhead work). Jonathan acknowledged ongoing talks and said the commission will make the final decision in coordination with city marina partners and St. Joe Company land interests.

Officials said separate negotiations are underway for St. Andrews Marina and downtown slips and emphasized the city’s intent that public access, waterfront promenade and a functional boat ramp remain priorities. Jonathan said the city sold a parcel near Snug Harbor to fund engineering for the boat-ramp enlargement and that the state previously declined a grant but encouraged U.S. Fish and Wildlife consideration.

Ending: City staff said they will hold additional, more detailed discussions and public meetings about the marina P3 terms and design as negotiations continue; residents asked for clearer, earlier public outreach about lease terms and financial projections.