Panama City names Jevian Elliott manager of MLK Rec Campus; city outlines staffing, hours and funding trade-offs

Panama City officials on Monday introduced Jevian Elliott as the new manager of the MLK Recreation Campus and presented the facility’s program, staffing and budget plan as the city prepares to take physical control of the site in early November.

City Manager Jonathan said the virtual workshop would focus on the “MLK rec complex” and announced the hire; Keith Mefford, speaking for city Parks, Culture & Recreation (PCR) staff, presented facility features, proposed hours and a staffing plan that the city says is budget neutral within the PCR budget for the coming year.

The presentation described the campus as a roughly 30,000-square-foot indoor facility with a gymnasium, walking track, a 200‑plus‑person multipurpose room, STEM and tech labs, arts and recording spaces, a teaching kitchen and outdoor courts and playgrounds. Mefford said the gym will include 14 adjustable goals and room for multiple simultaneous courts, and an artist-designed 12–15-foot sculptural entry and mosaic tile archway will mark the MLK Boulevard entrance.

“I'm truly grateful for the opportunity. My name is Jevian Elliott. Born and raised here in Panama City, Florida. I'm looking forward to serving our community as well,” Elliott said after being introduced.

Mefford said staff posted community surveys in June and July to shape hours and programming. The most popular program requests were community events, cooking classes and indoor…