Commission approves semi‑permanent closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfort to curb cut‑through traffic

The Panama City Commission voted 5-0 on May 27 to approve a semi‑permanent closure of the city‑owned portion of West Beach Drive at Frankfort Avenue (west side) that will bar through vehicle traffic while preserving pedestrian access. The commission set the closure to remain in place at least until June 1, 2026, and said any permanent change would be coordinated with the Florida Department of Transportation and brought back for formal approval.

The closure was proposed by Landmark Condominium managers and backed by nearby homeowners after months of complaints about drivers cutting through the intersection at speed. Colin Hamilton, community association manager for Landmark Condominium, told the commission the effort dates to 2017 and that condominium leadership and nearby property owners had supported a temporary or permanent closure. “Here today speaking in favor of item 11 c, for the temporary closure of the intersection of Frankfurt Avenue and Beach Drive,” Hamilton said during public comment.

City staff described the measure as “semi‑permanent”: the city will not remove asphalt or construct curbs but will install large red diamond reflectors, signage indicating the road closure, and lane delineators on the turn lane. Staff also said signs would be installed on Ninth Street at Calhoun, Arthur and Foster to warn drivers that the roads dead‑end if they turn toward West Beach Drive. Commission and staff members said the closure targets vehicles that cut south off Ninth Street and then speed eastbound on Beach Drive to avoid traffic.

During audience participation, residents urged additional safety work at nearby intersections. Darby Paley, service coordinator for Saint Andrews Towers, brought photos and said the stop sign at a nearby intersection was obscured by palms and that flashing signs should be considered. Bill Gensall, a resident of West Beach Drive, described multiple collisions and said neighbors west of Landmark overwhelmingly supported closing the intersection.

Emergency access was a central concern. Chief David Collier and staff confirmed the fire department and other emergency providers can access the area using alternate entrances; the commission heard that Chief Collier’s crew had verified apparatus access from the north side of the Landmark property. City Manager Jonathan Hayes said staff would coordinate with police, public works and the fire department on implementation and education, including possible variable message boards during an initial adjustment period.

Commissioners emphasized the change is a trial measure. The ordinance passed without recorded amendments; the roll call recorded Commissioners Granger, Street, Halligas, Lucas and Mayor Rowan voting yes. Staff and Landmark representatives said the condominium association may later seek internal traffic‑calming inside the private parking lots if drivers attempt to use Landmark property to bypass the closure.

The commission directed staff to monitor the closure, to add supplemental signage and public messaging during the initial weeks, and to report back before any permanent infrastructure is installed.