Could Panama City Beach officials be getting closer to providing lifeguards?

Wednesday, we unveiled Panama City Beach Councilman Ken Nelson's plan for providing a lifeguard service for the beaches.

Nelson presented the plan to the rest of the council Thursday afternoon.

However, his idea to use CRA money for the program might not work.

City Attorney Doug Sale said there doesn't appear to be a legal way to use CRA funds for lifeguards.

If the city moved forward with the plan anyway, it could jeopardize the entire $8.5 million dollars in CRA money the beach plans to receive this year.

Mike Hudson, from the United States Lifeguard Association, helped develop the 30 man, $500,000 dollar a year proposal.

He was adamant about instituting a lifeguard program.

Board members discussed various funding options, and although they couldn't come up with anything concrete, all agree it's an idea whose time has come.

Councilman Nelson said, "We're moving forward; we're at least looking at putting lifeguards at the City Pier. We will be coming back the second meeting of July to discuss lifeguards at other beach accesses. I think it's a positive thing. I think we're moving forward."

Lifeguard Hudson said, "We made a step in the right direction I believe; we, as a group, Councilman Nelson, and the city council and the other services all together. I think we made a positive step in the right direction, which is protecting the citizens of Panama City Beach."

Council members will search the city budget for possible funding for the City Pier lifeguards.

They also plan to suggest Bay County commissioners add lifeguards at the County Pier.