27-02-2025
Panama City reevaluating its contributions to next years Saint Andrews Mardi Gras
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Wednesday Destination Panama City received data to track the number of people who attended St. Andrew's Mardi Gras celebration and where they came from.
'The approximate number of people attendance this year, like I said, was very similar. Similar to last year is about 30,000 people with the peak amount obviously being during the Saturday parade there were about 22,000- 25,000 people in St Andrew's during that time,' says Destination Panama City President and CEO, Jennifer Vigil.
Vigil says the numbers are important for several reasons. Destination Panama City will reimburse the Krewe of Saint Andrews up to $30,000 dollars in support of the event.
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'The crew gets together all of their receipts, they turn in a final package with their final report. And as long as those receipts are valid, then Destination Panama City goes ahead and reimburses the crew for the expenses that they had that were pre-approved during the application process,' added Vigil.
The city of Panama City also makes significant contributions to the event.
'Destination Panama City does about $30,000 towards it, the city of Panama City somewhere between $60,000-$80,000 just from police, porta-potties, you name it that are coming into that. So it's a big endeavor but you also can see the results of it and how many people come and visit our community,' says Ward Four Commissioner Josh Street.
This support often goes unnoticed by the public, unless plans change. Some are concerned the city can not continue to make the same level of contributions.
'There's been a lot of evaluation going on about what what does that look like moving forward? How many events are able to be funded in next year's budget?,' questions Street.
Street says finding the funds to support Mardi Gras and other signature events will be a priority at next month's budget priorities workshop.
'It is such a large event. It takes a substantial amount of investment our police officers. But really the reality of is there's a big investment here from the Krewe of St. Andrew's. I mean, they're a nonprofit organization,' added Street.
The city may reduce the level of support next year, but there will be some support.
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'It takes above and beyond normal operations. So you've got overtime that comes with these. You've got additional, you know, porta-potties to rent, you've got additional trash pickups, you've got a lot of expenses that come from that. But really, I mean, at the end of the day, look, we're here to serve our citizens. You set the priorities, we respond,' says Street.
Street assures the public that safety will be the city's priority.
'The one thing that we really can't compromise on is, is public safety. And so I think even people that were here during the event, they saw additional barricades, they saw additional safety features, they saw a higher police presence. And that's because, look, we live in a world where one crazy person can do something really stupid,' added Street.
Street says he'll get creative to find funding, but he's only one commissioner. He's hoping a balanced budget by this summer will include Mardi Gras, the Christmas parade, and the 4th of July festivities.
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