Panama City commission authorizes bids for 50 wet slips, votes 3-2 to use recovery line as interim funding

The Panama City Commission on Dec. 1 voted 3–2 to authorize city staff to issue bid documents for construction of the first 50 wet slips at the downtown marina, using the city's $150 million Hurricane Michael recovery line as the source of interim funding.

The motion, approved by Commissioners Street and Lucas and Mayor Branch, directs staff to prepare procurement documents while continuing to pursue FEMA reimbursement, other grants and potential public-private partners. Commissioners Hughes and Granger voted against the bid authorization, citing concerns about long-term debt and clarity on repayment sources.

Why it matters: The downtown marina has been largely inactive since Hurricane Michael in 2018. Residents and business owners told the commission they want the marina restored as a public amenity, while others warned that upland commercial development could reduce public access and increase costs for residents. The commission's decision clears the path to solicit competitive bids for construction while the city works to firm up financing and completes community charrettes to determine upland uses.

City Marina Partners (CMP) presented Term Sheet 6 during the meeting. CMP's representative,…