Following a large public comment turnout, the Panama City Commission on Dec. 16 directed staff to postpone implementation of the MLK Junior Recreation Center’s proposed fee structure until March 1, 2026, and to return to the commission with revisions and community feedback in January.

Staff had proposed a model that retains free general entry to the center and introduces fitness center memberships, program fees, and rental rates; youth 17 and under were proposed to receive free membership. JB Elliott, the MLK Junior Rec Center manager, said the design was benchmarked against peer communities and modeled to recover program‑level costs while keeping general access free.

Residents objected to membership and usage charges that they said were announced too late and would discourage low‑income families from using the facility. Speakers asked for neighborhood discounts, discounted or free access for seniors, people with disabilities and local nonprofits, volunteer‑based membership credits, scholarships, and more transparent information about how fee revenue would be used.

In response the commission unanimously approved a motion to make fees effective March 1, 2026, and asked staff to return a revised proposal at a January meeting (revisions due to the commission on Jan. 27), include a public outreach/education plan, and propose a hardship or scholarship fund for residents who cannot afford membership. Commissioners also recommended a promotional period and clear signage at opening to explain the policy and registration process.

What’s next: Staff will hold community meetings in early January, publish explanatory materials, and present revised fee proposals and an outreach plan before the commission considers a final vote.