09-04-2025
Panama City officials award Hometown Revitalization grant funds to local businesses
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – Hurricane Michael recovery efforts are about to surge ahead. On Tuesday, Panama City commissioners awarded grant money to the first group of local businesses eligible for the Hometown Revitalization Program.
About three years ago, Panama City was awarded nearly $13.5 million from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for the grant.
About 50 eligible businesses from low- or moderate-income areas applied for funding for cosmetic upgrades.
'It's not just for you know, to have a pretty building, although it makes a big difference. But it makes people feel safer. It promotes local business. And one of the, I think pride of the greatest things is civic pride and how people feel,' Panama City Commissioner Jenna Haligas said.
Alice's on Bayview, Hunt's Oyster Bar and Seafood, and Little Village and FINNS Island Style Grub are the first recipients of the grant, totaling nearly $500,000 for this group.
FINNS received the majority of the grant and will be undergoing the most significant makeover.
'It's going to just create so much more aesthetic. You know, just when people come in and something new, something fresh, everyone likes to see that. You know, everyone likes to see small growth,' Little Village and FINNS Island Style Grub owner Justin Buxton said. 'With the state coming in and funding this to kind of revamp to revitalize St. Andrew's, Panama City or all the surrounding areas, it's just I think it's I think it's fabulous.'
They'll be using the funding for a wraparound awning, storm windows and doors, re-painting the building, new decking, and more.
FINNS officials say they'll try to stay open during construction.
The city will continue awarding grants to the eligible businesses in the coming months. Some of the grant funds will also go towards parking in downtown St. Andrews and phase two of the streetscape project downtown.
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