City of Panama City Beach

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call, followed by an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Community announcements detailed upcoming local events such as CIRC Italia, CIRC Under the Stars, the PCB Scottish Festival, the Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show, and the Emerald Coast Cruisin Car Show, along with scheduling the State of the City address and the subsequent council meeting. Key agenda items included the approval of meeting minutes, a discussion item added regarding the CARES program, and presentations. The Superintendent of Bay District Schools provided an update focusing on accountability, attendance, academic achievement (noting two A's and two B's among local schools), arts, and athletics, highlighting numerous successes including back-to-back soccer championships and expansion of female sports like flag football. The Director of Building and Planning presented an update, reviewing building division statistics for fiscal year 2025, noting 37 single-family dwellings and significant commercial renovation activity, totaling nearly $300 million in building valuation. The presentation also covered building inspections, milestone property reviews mandated by state requirements following past structural collapses, and the city's favorable Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule ratings.

The meeting agenda covered several key items, including community announcements and presentations recognizing youth honorees from the Boys & Girls Club for January and February, and a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month. Under the Consent Agenda, the Council considered authorizing negotiations for a towing services agreement with White's Wrecker Service, LLC, approving a task order with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for construction inspection services related to utility relocations for the PCB Parkway widening project, and approving a budget amendment for a Facilities Custodian position. The Regular Agenda included a second reading and public hearing for an ordinance temporarily closing a portion of Sandy Gulf Beach during late-night/early morning hours, and consideration of a change order for the Front Beach Road Segment 3 Project. Discussions also addressed public comments regarding condominium wall damage, the upcoming IRONMAN race, water infrastructure needs in the western franchise area, the CARES Business Certification Program scope, a water outage communication issue, a proposed art donation, e-bike regulations on sidewalks, and the upcoming America 250 celebration.

The meeting included public comments regarding the cleaning out of Little Water Lake and requests for cost estimates, as well as concerns about the fiduciary responsibilities of representatives to the TDC/CBVB regarding financial reporting. The Council proceeded with the consent agenda, approving resolutions concerning an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery agreement for offshore outfall project design services, authorizing negotiations for minor roadway/sidewalk/trail engineering services, environmental impact assessment services, architectural services, the purchase of a Jenny Scissor Lift, and an agreement for the State Route 79 valve replacement project. A pre-litigation business damage claim counter offer was also approved. The regular agenda included discussion and approval of a utility work order change order for the Panama City Beach Parkway widening project due to unforeseen utility conflicts, and ratification of a grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for police department traffic enforcement funds. Finally, the council discussed the Car's Business Certification item, with a public speaker suggesting a pilot program implementation without immediate fee incentives.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an invocation, followed by community announcements regarding the next city council meeting and the PCB Marty Gro and music festival. Key discussion points during public comment included significant concerns raised about the proposed $250 million Waterworks project, specifically questioning the projected rate increases and the lack of comparative scrutiny against peer cities. Another resident spoke against Flock surveillance technology, arguing it was implemented without public consent and represented an improper use of government power, requesting the contract be canceled. A local business owner requested consideration for pickup and drop-off access within the beach district for her expanding party bus service, emphasizing safety protocols and economic contributions. Another citizen praised a police officer for exemplary service in resolving a neighbor dispute. Finally, there was a mention of a forthcoming luncheon to build a coalition assisting local families and children.

The meeting included community announcements regarding several upcoming local events such as the Optimist Christmas Parade, a last-minute market, and the New Year's Eve ball drop, along with notification of office closures for the holidays. The council addressed procedural items, including approving the agenda as amended, which moved a presentation by Chief Talmentes to a later meeting. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing employee service milestones, specifically awarding 10 years of service to Joe Salceto (IT department) and Mark Schaefer (Utilities Director), 10 years to Derek School (Utilities department), and 20 years to Carla Crumb (Utilities department). During public comment, an individual was issued a notice prohibiting their speaking at future meetings for one month due to their conduct during the session. Additionally, a representative from the Panama City Rescue Mission requested the council's support via a letter to the Florida State Legislature for state funding to construct a new homeless shelter, which would serve as an immediate needs location before individuals transition into existing six-month transitional living programs.