City commission approves in-house asphalt crew; Baker Court and area paving move forward

Jonathan Hayes said the Panama City commission on Jan. 13 approved creating an in-house asphalt crew intended to handle small-to-medium neighborhood road repairs, stretch taxpayer dollars and enable faster response while major roadway projects continue to be handled by outside contractors. The transcript does not include a motion text, mover/second or vote tally; Hayes said the commission "approved the creation of an in house asphalt crew."

Hayes provided details on Baker Court, describing it as a long-awaited project that includes stormwater, sewer, water and roadway improvements. He said Emerald Coast Site Construction is completing the work with active construction weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and residents may see asphalt milling, stormwater structure installation, sewer tie-ins, driveway work, erosion-control placement and clearing within the city right of way.

He identified specific area impacts: the intersection of Beach Drive and Fourth Street in Area 011 remains fully closed with detours posted while sewer and storm structure work continues; Mackenzie Park perimeter (Area 012) is open to traffic but the roadway surface is temporary while additional water and sewer work continues; and asphalt paving on Drake, Arthur and Calhoun Avenues in Area D21 began Jan. 26 with detailed instructions to residents being delivered.

The creation of an in-house asphalt crew and the Baker Court and Area D21 schedules are immediate operational developments the city named as ways to speed local repairs and manage ongoing utility work.