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Panama City approves semi‑permanent closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfurt Avenue to curb cut‑through traffic
Summary
The Panama City Commission voted 5-0 to approve a semi‑permanent vehicle closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfurt Avenue on the west side of the intersection, keeping pedestrian access open and asking staff to monitor the change for at least one year.
The Panama City Commission on May 27 voted 5-0 to approve a semi‑permanent closure of the city portion of West Beach Drive at Frankfurt Avenue’s west side, a move city staff said is intended to reduce dangerous cut‑through traffic and vehicle speeds.
City Manager Jonathan Hayes told commissioners the change would be limited to signage and traffic delineators rather than new curbs or removed pavement, and that any permanent modification would require coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation and a later commission vote. Hayes recommended the closure remain in place for a minimum of one year for evaluation.
The closure drew support from Landmark Condominium residents and nearby homeowners. Colin Hamilton, Landmark Condominium’s community association manager, told the commission the push to close the roadway dates back to 2017 and grew from repeated crashes and near‑misses. “Drivers still cut through that intersection,” Hamilton said, “going eastbound to try to beat the traffic around that intersection of Ninth Street and Frankfurt.”
Hamilton and other speakers said the condominium association canvassed the 10 single‑family homes immediately west of the property; staff told the commission those residents also indicated support. The plan keeps walking access open while preventing east‑west vehicle through traffic at the marked point. Chief David Collier of the Panama City Fire Department confirmed emergency apparatus can access residences from alternate approaches along Frankfurt Avenue if needed.
Commissioners approved the measure without amendment. Staff said the city would deploy clear signage, reflectors and lane delineators at the closure and place advance “dead end/no through traffic” notice signs on Arthur, Calhoun and Foster avenues. Staff also suggested variable message boards and public outreach during the early weeks of implementation to reduce confusion and allow drivers time to adjust.
The city characterized the action as a pilot: permanent changes to the street would require FDOT coordination and a separate commission decision. Mayor Rowan and all commissioners voted yes on the motion.
The semi‑permanent closure will remain in place at least through June 1, 2026, while staff collects data and solicits feedback from nearby residents, emergency services and Landmark Condominium management.
