Panama City leaders hold hands-on design meeting for downtown recovery plans

Many locals are getting a say on how city leaders are planning to rebuild Downtown Panama City.

Monday, the city held a hands-on design meeting at First Baptist Church. The city plans to hold several meetings this week. City officials said they want the community's input on how to make the downtown area bigger and better after Hurricane Michael tore through it.

People worked together in groups to draw out roadways, bike paths and other improvements they want to see in the area. They then presented their groups' ideas with everyone else at the meeting.

"Were talking about the housing, the restaurants, the grocery stores and making it a walkable space. With this type of opportunity, I think it's critical that they are listening to us," said Panama City resident Mary Middlemas.

Panama City Commissioner Jenna Haligas said they'll record the groups' designs and include them in the rebuilding plans for downtown.

"Take what everybody wants and see what's feasible. For the most part, 99 percent of what the people want in some way shape or form, may not be exactly what you want but you will see pieces of what you wanted into this plan," said Haligas.

Haligas said their next meetings will focus on education, churches, tourism and other areas of the city.

To learn more about these meetings and how you can get involved with the plans to rebuild Panama City please click on the link attached to this article.