Panama City commission approves array of permits, contracts and grant application; boat ramp grant vote splits 3-1

Panama City commissioners voted on several administrative and capital items during their March meeting, approving temporary traffic controls for Cherry Street Elementary, a construction-inspection task order for stormwater/SRF work, a utility easement at the MLK Recreation Center, a special-event food-truck schedule at the St. Andrews Marina and authorization to seek state grant funding for a downtown boat-ramp improvement project. The commission approved most items unanimously; the resolution supporting the Florida Boating Improvement Grant drew a 3-1 vote.

The commission approved a temporary closure that will let Cherry Street Elementary deploy temporary traffic-control devices for drop-off and pickup during school hours through May 30, 2025. City staff said the devices will be brought out each morning and removed after dismissal; Cherry Street principal Carrie Weatherly told commissioners the change improved safety and traffic flow since construction on the streetscape began and asked the commission to continue the arrangement through the end of the school year. The motion passed 4-0.

Commissioners also approved a task order with Barge Design Solutions for construction engineering and inspection services on SRF Area D-14…