Panama City awards contracts for CDBG downtown revitalization work and Pretty Bayou sewer/water improvements

The Panama City Commission on April 8 approved two construction contract awards that city staff said will fund downtown revitalization and septic‑to‑sewer conversions.

CDBG‑DR hometown revitalization: Staff recommended awarding Invitation to Bid PC25‑001 for the CDBG Disaster Recovery "Hometown Revitalization Group A" to Bayou Builders of Bay County in the amount of $499,998. The project covers improvements for three businesses in the St. Andrews area (Hunt's Oyster Bar, Alice's on Bayview, and Little Village), and staff said the project will be funded through a CDBG‑DR grant. The commission approved the contract award by roll call (4‑0).

Pretty Bayou water and wastewater (Phase 2A): The commission also awarded PC25‑027 for Pretty Bayou water and wastewater improvements (Phase 2A) — a septic‑to‑sewer and well‑to‑potable water conversion aimed at reducing pollution to the bay — to 850 Construction Services LLC in the amount of $1,025,896.85. Staff said SRF/state‑appropriated funds administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will fund the work; the project area includes Kingswood Drive, Basswood Street and part of Foxworth Drive in the Keys Point area. Staff noted the apparent low bid was negotiated and value‑engineered to reduce scope and cost before award.

City staff said the Pretty Bayou work came in at lower cost than earlier estimates, allowing the city to move some areas from a later phase into Phase 2A. Public comment on the Pretty Bayou item acknowledged both neighborhood disruption during construction and residents' interest in getting off septic systems for environmental reasons. The commission approved the Pretty Bayou contract by roll call (4‑0).

Both contracts were approved on motions from the dais and passed unanimously. Staff said they will work to minimize construction disruptions and coordinate with residents on sequencing and restoration.