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CRA workshop reviews project priorities: Millville Boys & Girls Club, Truesdale parking and boardwalk among top items
Summary
Commissioners reviewed community feedback on projects across four CRAs and suggested prioritizing foundational community facilities — including reopening the Millville Boys & Girls Club and funding Truesdale parking and clubhouse improvements — over lower-impact amenities.
At a Panama City CRA DRE workshop, staff reviewed proposed projects across four CRA districts — Millville, St. Andrews, Downtown and Downtown North — and solicited commissioner feedback on priorities for the coming year.
Commissioners repeatedly urged prioritizing projects with immediate community impact. Mayor Hughes and Commissioner Alan recommended redirecting proposed Millville funds from a bicycle safety village and decorative wayfinding signs toward reopening the Millville Boys & Girls Club and other foundational amenities that would provide direct benefits to children and families. “I think helping a facility get open that's been existing in that area for decades will impact more children in a positive way than a bike safety village will,” Mayor Hughes said.
In St. Andrews, commissioners flagged Truesdale clubhouse and parking as high priorities. Commissioners want clearer cost estimates for Truesdale improvements and said CRA funding could help if federal or state grant money does not fully cover needs. Commissioners and staff discussed a possible boardwalk near the marina to expand space for farmers markets and festivals while preserving vehicular access; staff said the grant that funded earlier planning may be flexible enough to cover related parking and boardwalk elements but that additional environmental clearances and coordination with the Department of Commerce are ongoing.
Downtown North commenters asked staff to examine bio-dredging and other waterfront maintenance issues; staff said they will return with information about feasibility and cost. Staff also presented smaller “Spark” program ideas, wayfinding signage, logo updates and sidewalk repairs that had emerged from CRA social meetings.
Ending: Staff will refine project cost estimates and return recommended priorities for board approval on Sept. 2. Commissioners asked staff to emphasize projects with measurable, near-term community benefit, provide clearer cost breakdowns and identify funding dependencies (grants, matching funds, or CRA allocations).
