Latest news with #KeithMefford
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Panama City fuel dock to close this weekend
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Panama City officials have decided to close the fuel dock at the downtown marina. The fueling station was originally part of the ship's store that had been open for decades. It was all destroyed during Hurricane Michael. The city rebuilt the fuel dock and reopened it on July 4th last year. It was closed during the winter and reopened this March. However, city officials say it hasn't made enough money to just pay the operational costs. They say they'd like to reopen if they can find a partnership to fit the situation. 'We're under negotiations. We're trying to come to an agreement for a P3 partnership at the marina for the slips. I think the slips will obviously help. They'll help drive some, you know, some of the people that houses their boats there will be more likely to fill up. Right now, we're just kind of winging it on a hope, and people drive by and want fuel,' PC Parks, Culture & Recreation Director Keith Mefford said. The fuel dock will close on June 15th. Medford says the closure will not affect the boat ramp or parking. He says the city fuel dock at St Andrews will remain open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction progresses for Panama City Garden Club project
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – For decades, members of the Panama City Garden Club have worked hard to beautify the community. Recently, city officials have focused on beautifying the garden club's home. Crews are close to completing the rebuild at the garden club facility and city officials are proud of the community partners that have helped make the project a success. Walton County to break ground on Driftwood Road 'Any time that you have local businesses that are willing to give back to the community, I think the community deserves to know that,' said Parks, Culture and Recreation Director Keith Mefford. The Panama City Garden Club is a prime example of partnership turned into progress. 'This is one of my favorite projects, me, and one of the other team members of the city have kind of taken charge of. It's great that you call it my baby because I, do, have really a lot of value and buy-in in this building,' Mefford continued. Mefford said community use of the space has already been booming, with several recent additions, like a disc golf course, newly planted trees, walking paths and more. But the completion of this clubhouse will cement the revival for the Panama City Garden Club and for the public as a whole. 'A whole new energy, I think. So they're really excited. We talk weekly, but as far as this location, I think it'll be a great gathering place for receptions, birthday parties and weddings in the park. And we got our trails back in place, we have exercise equipment,' Mefford added. NWF Health Network announces first annual Fatherhood Conference The space will hold around 175 people, and renting out the space will eventually create revenue for the city. Mefford estimated the city has saved somewhere between $750,000 and $1 million on the project, thanks to businesses donating design plans, special rates or volunteering their time. Mefford said construction on the space should be wrapped up sometime in July. The garden club is looking for new members. They'll also need help moving into their completed clubhouse. To learn more about one of the oldest organizations in Panama City, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Panama City hosting second 2025 tree giveaway Saturday
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A lot of people will be taking advantage of this weekend's great weather, working in their yards. Panama City officials want to help. They're continuing their reforestation initiative with another tree giveaway. They'll be giving away 500 three-gallon Florida Elm and Live Oak trees on Saturday at Daffin Park in Millville. This is the second of six tree giveaways this year. Eastern Shipbuilding to build new dredge, delivery by 2028 They are part of a five-year reforestation initiative to restore the tree canopy destroyed by Hurricane Michael. 'Obviously the value of trees in general is fantastic. But just going things down gives us in the shade. Give us the beauty of the canopy and it's so much more energy-efficient for all of our homes and businesses and everything else,' Panama City Parks, Culture & Recreation Director Keith Mefford said. The giveaway starts at 8:00 am on Saturday, first come first serve, limit of 2 trees per household. You can speed up the process by pre-registering online, but that does not guarantee you a tree. To get the registration form, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
