Panama City Beach votes to move more power lines underground

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Panama City Beach was fortunate earlier this week when Hurricane Debby turned east and spared the area. On Thursday night, the Panama City Beach council agreed to make the city a little less susceptible to power outages for the next time a hurricane strikes.

At Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the council voted to enter an agreement with Florida Power and Light which will move power lines in segment 4.2 of Front Beach Road underground.

Segment 4.2 of Front Beach Road runs from east of Hills Road to west of Lantana Street. The power lines in this segment were previously above ground.

Council members say that the moving of the lines underground will not only mean one less eyesore, but also one more defense against hurricanes and their winds.

“It’s very important to keep your power on during the storm, if it’s possible, and to get power restored as soon as possible after the hurricane. Putting these lines underground protects them more than the ones that are overhead. The ones that are overhead are more vulnerable to hurricanes and to higher winds,” said Paul Casto, Councilman for Ward 1.

Council members say that bids for the project will go out later this year, and they hope to start construction near the beginning of 2025.