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Panama City CRA reviews FY2026 project proposals across four districts; board narrows priorities and seeks details
Summary
CRA staff outlined proposed projects for fiscal year 2026 across Millville, St. Andrews, Downtown North and Downtown CRA districts and received board feedback to refine costs, timelines and priorities.
CRA staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 project lists for the Millville, St. Andrews, Downtown North and Downtown CRA districts during the July 29 meeting, seeking board feedback ahead of budget adoption. The presentation grouped projects by district and estimated project allowances based on revenue, operating expenses and carry-forward balances.
Key Millville proposals included a pedestrian connection between Daffin and Waterfront parks, utility burial, road resurfacing or a bond-funded road project, a Bicycle Safety Village for children (citing an Orlando model), wayfinding and district signage, commercial exterior grants, Daffin Park improvements and support for reopening Boys and Girls Club facilities. Board members emphasized resurfacing and infrastructure repairs and expressed concern about removing on-street parking for wider sidewalks; several said reopening the Boys and Girls Club should be a priority.
St. Andrews proposals focused on advancing the boardwalk at Bayview/Waterside (the CRA already has roughly $800,000 saved for the boardwalk), Truesdale Park improvements and streetscape work. Staff noted potential partnership talks with Synergia Marina Partners for the boardwalk and the option to reallocate funds between years if appropriate.
Downtown North proposals included wayfinding signage, a SPARK incentive program to encourage development of city-owned parcels (including land assemblage funds), Glenwood Community Center repairs (interior painting, floor refinishing, shelving), sidewalk repairs not covered by FEMA sidewalk work, and continued World Changers projects. Commissioners asked for more detail on land-assemblage and relocation estimates tied to Glenwood and the Sankofa project.
In the Downtown district, staff proposed digital directories (estimated $105,000 with projected marketing revenue), continued breezeway planning and McKinney Park amenities. Board members debated digital-sign aesthetic concerns, potential revenue and alternative uses such as an artist pottery studio proposed by Bay Arts Alliance. One commissioner flagged that some funds might be needed for other priorities (for example, a project elsewhere) and urged caution in committing large sums.
Across districts, commissioners requested more granular cost estimates (for sidewalks, signage and solar lighting), clearer timelines and coordination with partners (PCR, DIB, potential marina partners). Staff will bring draft CRA budgets to the Sept. 2 meeting for CRA board consideration ahead of the city commission schedule.
Why it matters: The FY2026 allocations will shape near-term physical investments across multiple neighborhoods — from sidewalk and road repairs to amenities intended to drive visitation, safety and redevelopment.
Next steps: Staff will refine project scopes and cost estimates, provide district-specific breakdowns and return with proposed CRA budgets for consideration at the Sept. 2 meeting. The board asked staff to include potential funding shifts and partner commitments in the September materials.
