Revitalization of downtown Panama City continues

Wednesday was the beginning of demolition for the former Panama City City Hall, but it's just one example of the revitalization that's taking place up and down Harrison Avenue.

Next door to the old city hall is the former civic center, which we’re told is still awaiting a final determination from FEMA before any kind of construction can move forward.

Down the road is the Martin Theater which is currently undergoing exterior repairs. Those are expected to last the next three to four months, but city leaders are working on an interior design.

However, at the old city hall the demolition will take two weeks before work begins with the Saint Joe Company on construction of a possible hotel, restaurant and green space by the marina.

“So what we’re looking for is to improve the quality of life and the function of the marina. To have it a much more dynamic location for people to come to, to be not only for tourism, but really for a place for our citizens to go to and really enjoy,” said Panama City City Manager Mark McQueen.

Jennifer Vigil, president and CEO of Destination Panama City, said, “I think we have a lot of big projects underway so those are going to take quite a while but if you were looking at the five to ten year mark I think it’s going to be a whole new city. I think it’s going to be something that we can all be really proud of.”

Thursday the city will host its tele-town hall for all citizens to participate in, all you have to do is dial in. The focus of that will be on Millville, Glenwood and Saint Andrews.