City of Panama City Commission Meeting 08112026

The City of Panama City Commission held a meeting on August 11, 2026, covering a broad range of topics including economic development updates, zoning and land use public hearings, budget policy discussions, and procurement decisions. Significant procurement-related actions included approval of a task order with DeWberry Engineers and Half Associates for engineering design services on FEMA road segments (Group B) with a budget amendment of $408,000 fully reimbursed by FEMA. The commission also reviewed proposals for the disposition of 13 city-owned parcels for workforce and market rate housing, ultimately accepting an offer of $350,000 from MRS Enterprises LLC with direction for staff to finalize the contract. Additionally, the commission approved reissuing a revised RFP for management and operations of the Martin Theater to attract a broader pool of proposals, with plans to engage industry experts for evaluation. A one-year extension with a one-year renewal option was approved for the city’s banking services contract with First Federal Bank. The meeting also included discussions on special event permit fee waivers, police department accreditation recognitions, and a new fiscal discipline policy framework aimed at improving budget savings and capital expenditures. Several zoning ordinances were adopted, including rezoning properties to general commercial and heavy industrial, with attention to community concerns about traffic and land use impacts. The commission emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and workforce development in economic growth initiatives.