Residents press Panama City commissioners on West Beach Drive path, pump bids and public-records fees

Residents pressed the Panama City Commission on Dec. 30 for clarity about the West Beach Drive path project, the status of a DOT road transfer, permitting and plan reviews, and for explanations of procurement and public-records costs.

“Why was there not a meeting at the 90% completion level of the plans?” asked Hank Pickin, a Panama City resident, referring to public review of the West Beach Drive project. He added that an opinion letter on title is ambiguous about transfer and ownership and said citizens should have a dedicated, substantive meeting about the project.

Jennifer Bennett, who identified herself from West Beach Drive, told commissioners she was surprised by the special meeting and said she did not see an emergency. She pressed staff for a “yes or no” status update on the FDOT road-transfer, DEP and Army Corps permits, and asked how much money has been spent to date on the project. She also reiterated opposition to construction on the south side of Beach Drive.

Derek Thomas, a Panama…