21-03-2025
Panama City releases designs of Beach Drive multipurpose pathway project
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Department of Transportation approved $8 million in funding for the Beach Drive multipurpose pathway project years ago. But Hurricane Michael and covid delayed the project.
When Panama City officials revived it in 2023, there was a backlash from some, especially those living along Beach Drive.
The east end of Beach Drive will have the pathway directly adjacent to the road. On the west end, where there is more land, the pathway will be closer to the bay, with greenspace between it and the road.
City officials highlighted some of what they consider to be the key design features of the project.
They include:
Narrower 11-foot-wide driving lanes
8′-12′ pathway
Additional 107 trees
Turn down curbing
17 Bay Saver stormwater filtration systems
The multi-purpose pathway will vary from 8 to 12 feet in width. The project will require the removal of 120 trees, 54 pine trees, including 24 that are dead, dying, or are a safety concern,64 palm trees, three of which are dead, and two oak trees.
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But they point out they're adding 227 trees, including 82 oak trees. That would result in 107 more trees than are currently on Beach Drive.
The city is also installing 17 Bay Saver stormwater filtration systems to reduce trash and debris from entering the bay. Beach Drive resident George Carothers has been opposed to the plan from the start. Nothing he's seen in these final plans has changed his mind.
'That's kind of complicated in that they also have to dig up the road at 17 locations and replace the underground culvert to get to the bay. The bay saver filters out sediment…but it doesn't do such a good job of filling out pollutants,' Carothers said.
Carothers says he and most of his neighbors moved to Beach Drive for a reason.
'The purpose for which most people build on Beach Drive is for the view and the access to the beach. And one of the major reasons that we do not like the idea of the path is because it's going to be a major interruption to that long-term advantage and all the foliage and trees and everything that comes down along with it,' Carothers added.
But Carothers says some change is needed.
'We'd like to kind of see some beautification go on along the shoreline…without there being a massive sidewalk and everything that goes along with it, narrowing of the roads and safety issues and the litter and lighting, etc,' Carothers said.
Panama City officials released the plan a few minutes before 4:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon. We immediately called to request an interview but were told no one would comment until tomorrow. None of the city commissioners answered or returned our calls.
All Panama City voters will get a chance to voice their opinion during the April 22nd municipal elections. There's a non-binding straw poll on the ballot.
City officials made a point of saying this final design plan has to be reviewed and approved by state DOT officials and Panama City commissioners.
You can find the designs and more information on the project here.
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