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Panama City to spend about $5.7M to rebuild West Beach Drive, add 12-foot multi‑use path
Summary
Ward 1 Commissioner Robbie Hughes said the city will reconstruct West Beach Drive and portions of Mulberry Avenue, replacing utilities, adding a 12-foot multi‑use path and 6‑foot sidewalks; the $5.7 million project will go to bid this spring with construction expected mid‑2026 and completion by summer 2027.
Robbie Hughes, Ward 1 Commissioner, said on his January 2026 Ward Wednesday update that Panama City plans to reconstruct its portion of West Beach Drive and portions of Mulberry Avenue in a project estimated at about $5.7 million.
The project will cover West Beach Drive from 6th Street to 4th Street and Mulberry Avenue from 6th Street to Beach Drive. ‘‘It’s in serious need of a paving job,’’ Hughes said, and the work will replace utilities and the road base before installing new pavement.
Hughes said the city will also add a 12‑foot multi‑use path along West Beach Drive and 6‑foot sidewalks on Mulberry Avenue to improve connectivity between downtown Panama City and Saint Andrews and to enhance pedestrian safety. ‘‘The total cost of this project is estimated to be about $5,700,000, funded through the Community Development Block Grant, disaster recovery, and our infrastructure surtax,’’ he said.
According to Hughes, the design is complete; the city expects to put the project out to bid this spring, begin construction in the middle of the year and finish by summer 2027. He said the project is awaiting environmental approvals before the bid and construction phases can proceed.
The reconstruction is presented as more than a resurfacing: Hughes emphasized utility and base replacement as necessary preparatory work for the new pavement and sidewalks. He closed by asking residents to ‘‘stay tuned for updates’’ and thanking the community for patience on this and other Panama City projects.
Next steps: the city will seek environmental approvals, then issue a public bid; timing for contractor selection and a formal construction start will follow those approvals.
