Commission shifts downtown strategy to P3s, rejects breezeway bids and hires financial consultant for marina analysis

Panama City commissioners on Oct. 14 directed staff to pursue a more proactive public–private partnership (P3) approach for downtown parcels, rejected earlier bids for a breezeway development on Harrison Avenue, and approved a task order with financial consultant PFM to expand analysis of marina uplands and potential revenue sharing.

During the meeting staff reported one previously negotiated offer for a downtown parcel rescinded for being above market and that three previously auctioned parcels remain available. Several commissioners said auctions alone had not produced the type of development residents want and asked staff to return with structured P3 opportunities. By motion the commission removed the standing authorization to sell the identified parcels and directed staff to craft P3 solicitations aligned with the Dover Kohl charrette recommendations; the motion passed 5‑0.

On the downtown breezeway (447 Harrison Avenue), staff recommended rejecting all responses to RFP PC25‑018 and issuing a new RFP that explicitly requires an 8‑foot public easement and public restrooms. Commissioners debated restroom maintenance and long‑term responsibility; staff said requiring public restrooms could be used to reduce a sale price because it provides public value but maintenance expectations must be spelled out. The commission voted 5‑0 to reject the bids and reissue the RFP with the recommended requirements.

The commission also approved a task order for PFM, the city's financial consultant on the marina, to expand analysis to include uplands, revenue scenarios and developer economics. The PFM task order is an hourly engagement with an anticipated range of $25,000 to $35,000; the commission approved the task order to help evaluate lease or revenue‑sharing arrangements and feasibility of redevelopment proposals.

Separately, the commission awarded bid PC25‑047 (CDBG Hometown Revitalization Group GB improvements) to Southern Construction Service Inc. for the low responsive bid of $460,698.50; the mayor disclosed a conflict and abstained from a related grant item earlier in the meeting, and the construction award vote passed 4‑0 with one abstention recorded on a related grant matter.

What's next: Staff will draft P3 solicitation materials, post the revised breezeway RFP including the 8‑foot easement and restroom requirement, and work with PFM on financial modeling to inform any future negotiation or disposition recommendations to the commission.

Key documented figures: PFM task order estimate $25,000–$35,000; Southern Construction award $460,698.50; recommended breezeway RFP will include an 8‑foot easement and restroom requirement.