City staff told residents at a Panama City town-hall that right-of-way mowing and ditch maintenance are constrained by staffing, weather and the heavy labor intensity of some tasks, and asked for resident help and better preventive practices.

Jonathan (City Manager) said the city’s mowing crew is “15 to 20” people currently but a prior right-sizing report estimated the city would need about 90 people to maintain all rights-of-way on a three-week cycle during the growing season. He described how rain disrupts schedules and why some ditches require specialized equipment or manual work with weed eaters.

On storm preparation, Jonathan listed routine operational steps the city takes when tropical weather is forecast: lowering big tanks at both wastewater treatment plants, drawing down storm ponds to accept runoff, deploying sandbags at city distribution points and placing road signage where flooding is likely. He noted that no stormwater system is designed for flash floods and that high tides combined with heavy rain (Beach Drive area) create the greatest local risk.

Staff described pilot and longer-term measures to reduce maintenance needs: testing concrete-canvas lining in selected ditches, planting native grasses or low-maintenance landscaping in medians and some parks, and investing in automated mowing equipment. Parks projects with the St. Andrew Bay and University of Florida groups were mentioned to replace heavily maintained turf with native plantings in targeted parks.

Officials also stressed resident practices to reduce drainage clogging: avoid dumping grass clippings, pine straw or mulch near curbs and storm drains, and remove debris from neighborhood storm drains before a storm. Jonathan said the city has vacuum trucks for stormwater and sewer manholes and will continue scheduled cleaning.

Ending: City staff asked residents to report clogged drains and to consider neighborhood volunteer efforts; they said some long-term fixes will require funding and partnerships with non‑profits and grant programs.