Panama City advances road repairs and approves Saint Andrews Marina bulkhead contract

Jonathan Hayes provided a midyear update detailing several infrastructure projects, saying the city has launched a roadway repair and repaving program and that the Panama City Commission approved a cost-plus contract to begin bulkhead repair and upland reconstruction at Saint Andrews Marina.

Hayes said the roadway initiative aims to enhance safety, smooth driving conditions and extend pavement life, but warned residents that construction may cause temporary lane closures, noise and minor traffic delays. He noted schedules are posted on the city projects page and may change because of weather, materials or staffing.

On marina work, Hayes said the commission approved a cost-plus contract with built-in cost-controls such as contractor price comparisons, benchmarking against industry standards and city purchase of some materials to reduce expenses and speed rebuilding. He added that crews continue work on the main electrical service that supplies wet slips, the marina store, fuel pumps and parking-lot lighting, and that Florida Power and Light is scheduled to install the main transformer in early July so wet slips can be used.

Hayes also reported that the bid period for the first 50 slips at the downtown marina was extended and closed June 24; 14 bids were received and an internal evaluation team of senior city staff will begin reviews, with an anticipated award likely to be presented to the commission on July 28.

The update included other downtown construction work and next steps for procurement. Hayes closed by saying the city aims to rebuild the marina quickly while using taxpayer dollars responsibly.