Panama City Beach Cleans Up

By: Dane Liu Email

Posted: Thu 6:54 PM, Oct 11, 2007

Our city has what is called the world's most beautiful beaches.

Turquoise water and sugar white sand, accentuated by an occasional crumbling, abandon building; beach city council members are trying to change that.

They say they plan to force the owners of eight dilapidated properties to tear-down their buildings for violating the municipal code.

Some are landmarks of an era gone by: Salty's, the old Fiesta Motel and Surfside Villa.

However, they've obviously seen better days.

"It's just really an eyesore," says Mark Grimski, who works next door to Surfside VIlla.

"We've had a few concerts here at the harbor and some kids have gone done some vandalism, breaking glass. It's just really dangerous for them to be going there."

"I think the city needs to be as clean as it can," says Vance Glass, who's vacationing here.

"The better the city looks, I believe, the more tourists it's gonna’ attract. I think it's better for Panama City.”

The old Fiesta Motel was to become one of the many sparkling high-rise condos that now populate the beaches.

Tampa-based development group Solimar bought the property two years ago.

Company officials agree the old motel needs to come down, but they say the process takes time.

Solimar officials say: "Given The Current Market Condition, The Process [Of Demolition] Has Been Delayed. In The Meantime, We Have Complied With The City Requirements And Requests."

Those requirements include fencing and screening the 16-acre property.

But now, it appears the city wants some of the owners to take it further and take down the buildings.

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Community Headlines

Bay County Veterans Day Parade in Panama City

Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.

Local Summer Drama Camps Gaining Popularity

Updated: 07/13/2012 - Panama City - Sports camps are a favorite summer activity for thousands of kids across Northwest Florida, now drama camps are gaining popularity locally. Two dozen elementary and middle school students are busy putting the finishing touches on their presentation of "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Niceville Teen Carries Olympic Torch

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - It's certainly the opportunity of a lifetime! Sixteen-year-old Bailey Reese, of Niceville, carried the Olympic torch through Bisham Abbey in England Tuesday morning.

"Klothes for Kids" Begins On-Site Registration

Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - School doesn't start for another several weeks, but a Panama City Rescue Mission program that helps students in need get ready for the new year is already busy getting families signed up. New this year, "Klothes for Kids" is doing on-site registration at places like Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club. That makes it even easier for families to get the help they need.

Free Online Training Module Helps Families Dealing with Alzheimer's

Updated: 07/05/2012 - Panama City - Alzheimers. By age 85, 30% to 50% of adults show signs of the disease. For family caregivers, dealing with Alzheimer's effects on their loved one can be heartbreaking and stressful. That's why a local in-home senior care provider is spreading the word about a new, and free resource for families. The online training module is called "CARE: Changing Aging Through Research and Education." It helps families better understand the disease and how to cope with it, as well as offer tips on how to care for the 60% to 70% of Alzheimer's patients still living at home.

More Community Headlines