Panama City officials present plans for Marina Civic Center replacement

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City is moving forward with its plans to bring a new Performing Arts and Events Center to the downtown area to replace the Marina Civic Center. The Marina Civic Center was destroyed in Hurricane Michael.

On Tuesday, Panama City Commissioners voted 3-2 to build the new Performing Arts and Events Center at the Marina Civic Center site. On Thursday, city leaders held a public forum to present plans to residents. Consultants gave a presentation for how they’re moving forward with the project.

“Obviously when you have shows and when you have the activity that was going on at the civic center, it brings people downtown. These last two sites were selected in downtown to bring those people towards downtown. So, I can understand that concept and philosophy and I’m really hoping we can build something that’s going to be great,” said Commissioner Josh Street.

Commissioner Street said last week, FEMA rejected a complete rebuild and replacement for the project. The rejection changes the city’s budget for the center.

The top two selected sites were both located adjacent to Harrison Avenue, one by the marina and the other behind Panama City hall.

Engineers and contractors will now take the public feedback from the workshop Thursday and bring back designs for August’s workshop. The final plan is hoped to be completed in September.

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