Commission backs boating-infrastructure grant application and authorizes negotiations for downtown Breezeway redevelopment

Panama City commissioners approved a resolution May 13 authorizing submission of a Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) application to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to construct a new 270-foot side-tied day dock at the downtown marina. The city plans a local match of $200,000 and requested $300,000 from the BIG program for a total project estimate of $500,000. Staff said the dock would support short-term mooring for visiting boaters and improve downtown access to restaurants, shops and event spaces.

Separately the commission voted to authorize entering contract negotiations with Virtuous Cycle LLC for the Breezeway property at 447 Harrison Avenue after a 30-day RFP period produced two proposals and an evaluation committee recommended Virtuous Cycle unanimously. Gray Dodge, representing Virtuous Cycle, told the commission the team intends to refine designs in partnership with the city, preserve breezeway access and incorporate ADA access and public-restroom considerations; the authorization is to begin negotiations only and final agreements would return to the commission.

Public comment included appeals to preserve the downtown marina for recreational and educational use, requests for transparency about financial terms and questions about revenue-sharing on marina properties. One public commenter asked about the proximity of transient facilities and noted the marina's community value for fishing classes and youth programs. Staff said separate contracts and leases, revenue terms and slip counts are part of ongoing negotiations and reporting, and that the BIG grant and RFP outcomes are steps in broader downtown marina and waterfront improvements.