Bay County expects more growth along Highway 79 corridor

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Exponential growth is expected in portions of Bay County over the next decade, with county planners anticipating development specifically in the area around Highway 79 in both Panama City Beach and unincorporated Bay County.

The Bay-Walton Sector Plan took effect in 2015 to guide development in the area for over 50 years.

“We kind of do 1000-acre, minimum 1000-acre chunks at a time of that plan. Approving development, that would be commercial development, residential development. Also, preserving wetlands and open space conservation. Stuff like that,” said Ian Crelling, director of community development for Bay County.

The FSU Health campus is under construction off Highway 79 in Panama City Beach.

County officials approved a new 63,000-square-foot Publix in the Latitude Margaritaville area in November.

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