Commission moves forward on downtown marina: agrees to cost‑verification, CRA funding for amenities and to bid 44 slips

The Panama City Commission on Feb. 10 directed staff to proceed with permitting for the full downtown marina and to go to bid on a 44-slip package in the West Basin while pursuing verification of probable costs and funding approaches for additional amenities.

Public works staff and design consultant Todd Terrell of Terrell Hall & Associates presented a phased approach that would allow the city to build the first group of slips while permitting the entire marina, saying the full-permit strategy makes later modifications easier. Terrell said permitting is arduous and recommended applying for the full permit package as soon as possible to avoid repeated new permit processes.

Commission debate focused on the previously adopted cost-plus contract structure for the Saint Andrews Marina bulkhead and the updated cost estimates, which are higher than earlier projections. Staff noted the AIA cost-plus form would require the contractor to provide books and invoices for city review; the commission directed staff to use those verification tools and to seek CRA and other funding sources for amenities beyond the core bulkhead and slips.

The commission also approved a motion directing city staff to prepare the engineering necessary to support upland infrastructure (water, sewer, electrical coordination) so bids could be based on complete scope; electrical work was identified as an external coordination item. The motion to go out to bid on the 44-slip package, to submit permit applications for the full marina, and to perform necessary city-led engineering passed unanimously.

Design and permitting steps will continue; staff will return with firm cost estimates, funding strategies and a construction timeline.