Panama City CRA reviews FY2027 projects, prioritizes marina work and stormwater fixes

City redevelopment officials on the CRA’s virtual workshop reviewed preliminary FY2027 budgets for the agency’s four districts and identified the downtown marina and MLK Corridor stormwater improvements as leading priorities for next year.

Staff presented district-level estimates and candidate projects. For Millville, projected revenue is “just over $1,000,000” with operating expenses around $750,000; staff said about $330,000 may be available for FY2027 projects, including a new Snow Harbor sign, replacement equipment at Daffin Park and work tied to three active grants (World Changers, the Redevelopment Site Preparation demo grant, and commercial-property improvement grants). “We’re looking at about $330,000 to work with for the district,” staff member Michelle said.

In Saint Andrews, staff showed roughly $900,000 in revenue and about $580,000 in operating expenses, and flagged a possible $2,750,000 bond to fund larger improvements. Michelle said the boardwalk could require $1.3 million–$1.5 million of that bond if estimates hold, and the bond could also support a pavilion and other marina amenities. "We could spend up to $1,500,000 on the boardwalk," she said, noting preliminary estimates vary.

Commissioners pressed on feasibility and trade-offs. Commissioner Street raised safety and congestion concerns at the Stuy Harbor boat ramp, saying weekend parking spills across US 98 and nearby streets and that businesses are affected. "It's causing problems on people getting in and out of their business," he said, urging the CRA to consider buying or leasing nearby lots and improving striping. Staff said ownership and lot sizes for several candidate parcels are unknown and would require follow-up research.

On Lisenby Avenue, staff outlined a plan to provide continuous sidewalks from US 98 to 23rd Street with on-demand flashers and a crosswalk to connect existing sidewalks. Staff also reported that FDOT has “pretty much said no to a mid-block crosswalk” for the Frankfort–Lisenby stretch; staff said they are willing to appeal that decision and Commissioner Lucas asked staff to pursue an appeal.

Downtown North discussion centered on the MLK Corridor, stormwater infrastructure and an acquired lot at 704 East 15th Street. Lena said a Watson Bayou environmental study identified stormwater runoff issues and recommended smaller cleanup and stormwater interventions; the CRA is positioning incentive programs and RSP grant funding to support incremental MLK development. "Stormwater is a key barrier for MLK," the mayor commented, noting parking constraints are another hurdle.

For downtown, commissioners agreed the marina redevelopment is the CRA’s top priority. Staff reported the mall-area investor is negotiating with FDOT and looking to clear quick-claim deeds and perimeter parcels needed for traffic enhancements; the city is coordinating with the investor and DOT on deed and right-of-way matters. Commissioners discussed parking strategies — from shared private parking to a garage — and trade-offs if CRA funds are concentrated on the marina.

Several commissioners also summarized takeaways from a Strong Towns conference, urging that agenda items tie back to adopted plans and suggesting processes to streamline permitting (preapproved plans, appeals boards, ADUs and Urban3 mapping). The mayor and others proposed circulating notes and convening a focused follow-up to translate conference lessons into policy options.

What’s next: staff said it will track ownership of privately operated paid parking that recently appeared in some lots, follow up on the FDOT crosswalk appeal, and return with bond-cost details and answers about specific lots and grants. The city reminded commissioners of an in-person Parks & Rec Advisory Committee workshop on July 6 at City Hall where several park-related questions will be discussed.

No formal motions or votes were recorded during the virtual workshop.