Panama City Downtown Improvement Board and Community Redevelopment Agency P.O. Box 1124, Panama City, FL 32402 850.785.2554 • 850.784.4439 Fax www.panamacitydowntown.com
Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 850.785.5206 www.panamacity.org
Published by:
Jim Phillips, Publisher jphillips@frej.net
Table of ContentS
150 Third Street, SW Winter Haven, FL 33880 800.274.2812
THE BUZZ IS OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LIGHTS, REDEVELOPMENT, ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Custom Design by:
IT’S AN ARTS TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SOMETHING’S HAPPENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 George Byfield, Art Director
LIVE, WORK AND PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
gbyfield@j2creativegroup.com
A PORTRAIT OF A DOWNTOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Michelle Jerla, Designer mjerla@reni.net
Panama City, Florida
T HE
BUZZ IS OUT ABOUT
istory meets progress. Government meets
soon-to-be-expanded Bay County Public Library, which
enterprise. Nature meets commerce.
also serves as the base of operations for the Northwest
Imagination meets tradition.
Florida Regional Library System, is located on the
The best of all worlds converge in Downtown Panama City. With St. Andrew Bay at its doorstep, with essential government offices in its midst, with museums and theaters, and with an ever-growing variety of shopping,
City Marina, where its reading rooms overlook the bay. Both the Panama City and Bay County governments are headquartered downtown, and are expanding their presence. Bay County chose Downtown as the location for a
dining and recreational opportunities, Downtown
new State Attorney/ Public Defender office building
Panama City is where people need to be by day, and
near the historic county courthouse. The four-story,
where they want to be both day and night.
42,000-square-foot building brought dozens of new
The district features more than 60 retail, antique and specialty shops, and more than 20 restaurants,
employees to the district. Panama City has undertaken extensive renovations
cafes and nightspots, all within strolling distance of
to its City Hall, making the building on the marina a
each other.
proud centerpiece of city government.
Downtown also serves as the cultural heart of Panama City, with fine art on display at the Visual Arts Center, and performances large and small —
And where government is, businesses naturally follow. Professional offices — many of them occupying
from big-name acts to local dance recitals — at The
buildings that have been painstakingly and gracefully
Martin Theatre and the Marina Civic Center. The
restored to their glory-days splendor contribute to
4 Downtown Panama City
N MILLVILLE M As one of Panama City’s oldest communities, Millville is steeped in history and is ripe for renewal. For years, an energetic group of residents and business owners has been working to revitalize Millville. Those strenuous-but-informal efforts helped lay the groundwork for changes that will occur as a result of the area’s recent designation as a Community Redevelopment Area. Through its days as a lumber mill town and its transition to a center of ship building center and manufacturing, Millville has never lost its small-town character. With old-timey neighborhood stores and turn-of-the-century houses, Millville is reminiscent of a bygone era and inspires a sense of nostalgia. The area’s revitalization will necessarily include harvesting its history and traditions, while diversifying its economy. That process has already begun with plans for upscale new residential projects at the former sites of marinas and manufacturing facilities. The impending implementation of the Community Redevelopment Plan will bring infrastructure and other improvements that will help increase Millville’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit.
N ST. ANDREWS M
DOWNTOWN Downtown’s vibrancy. In all, close to 2,000 employees work in the Downtown district. But they do more than work there. They also eat there, shop there and entertain their clients there. While Downtown is constantly buzzing, it also offers respite for those weary with strip malls and four-lane commercial thoroughfares. Tree-lined sidewalks and pedestrianfriendly intersections and crossings make getting around not only an ease, but a pleasure. Those looking to enjoy nature can sit beneath a canopy of majestic oak trees at
The St. Andrews community is and always has been defined by the waterfront. The area’s history as a fishing and shipbuilding center still influences its personality today. After falling into decline, St. Andrews has blossomed again during the past decade. People are drawn to its quaint neighborhoods and bayfront streets. Construction of a boardwalk, event facility and market helped restore the marina to its heydey grandeur. After departing for busier areas in the 1970s and 1980s, charter fishing boats have returned to St. Andrews, and occupy slips next to commercial fishing boats to create a true “working waterfront.” The boardwalk has become the setting for an end-of-day tradition a la Key West — the blowing of the conch horn at sunset. Bicyclists, joggers, and sunset admirers flock to the area in the late afternoons. With the revival of the waterfront, St. Andrews has experienced a residential and commercial rebirth as well. Several new residential projects are capitalizing on all the area has to offer, and new businesses are moving in to join longtime establishments. Trendy boutiques, coffeehouses and some of the area’s best and most popular restaurants line Beck Avenue and its side streets. Completing the picture is a network of active and passive parks, including the centerpiece Oaks by the Bay Park. Even as a revitalized St. Andrews continues to emerge and flourish, it retains its inherent charm and its “village by the bay” feel.
McKenzie Park or take in a wide-open view of the bay at the city marina. With all that the area has to offer, it’s no surprise that Downtown is the place so many people choose to live, work and play.
N GLENWOOD M Glenwood has existed since the twenties; and it has a noble history with an incredible record of perseverance and bounty. Its residents have committed themselves to a spirit of revitalization after completion of a Glenwood Vision in 2004. The eleven goals and strategies set forth in the Vision encompass strengthening existing markets, stimulating private market forces; and promoting equity by ensuring that residents have the capacity to act as full partners in guiding investment in their neighborhoods. www.panamacitydowntown.com 5
MISSION STATEMENT To provide leadership dedicated to the improvements of the Panama City Downtown and the Community Redevelopment Area districts. The DIB creates and facilitates
Lights, REDEVELOPMENT, Action …
developmental, promotional, and preservation activities designed to
The stage is set,
improve the economic well being of these areas. The DIB strives to embrace the appearance, desirability and vitality of these districts and increase the property values.
Panama City Downtown Improvement Board and Community Redevelopment Agency
6 Downtown Panama City
P
anama City’s community redevelopment areas have benefited from millions of dollars of improvements and continue to be the target of revitalization efforts and projects that will increase their appeal and accessibility. As a result, property values in the CRAs increased up to 75 percent over a five-year period. Guided by a 2002 Strategic Master Plan for Panama City’s urban areas, the Downtown Improvement Board, which oversees the four CRAs, is proceeding apace with its goals of encouraging urban in-fill development, creating additional urban residential development, recruiting new businesses and nurturing existing ones. The oldest of the CRAs, Downtown, has partnered with the city to facilitate more than $8.5 million in public improvements in its 20-year history, including a renovation of McKenzie Park and construction of an accompanying gateway, the conversion of the original city hall and jail into the Visual Arts Center, purchase and renovation of the historic Martin Theatre, extensive streetscaping and signage projects and countless smaller but beneficial enhancements. Efforts in the neighboring Downtown North CRA have included a visioning project for the historic Glenwood community, beautification projects along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Beach Drive, and a lighting and gateway signage project on Beach Drive. The DIB also purchased an 11-acre parcel that once housed the Bay Line Rail Road. With the subsequent sale of the property to a private developer, the area was earmarked for a mixed-use, in-fill development incorporating both residential and commercial uses. Improvements within the St. Andrews CRA have included construction of a boardwalk along Bayview Avenue, development of a marina event facility and open-air market, a pavilion and dune walkover at Oaks by the Bay Park, and installation
and things are in motion of directional and welcoming signs at the area’s “gateways.” Building upon these past projects, the DIB continues to develop strategies for the community redevelopment areas: • A market analysis and economic development strategy to aid in the targeted recruitment of new businesses to the urban core • A cultural heritage assessment • Extending streetscaping to create a seamless transition from the immediate Downtown area to neighboring areas • A corridor plan to hasten redevelopment along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard • Beginning implementation of the redevelopment plan for Millville, the city’s newest CRA. While each of Panama City’s CRAs has its own character and its own needs, they all have something in common: U.S. Business 98. The road travels through each CRA, from Beck Avenue in St. Andrews, along scenic Beach Drive and through Downtown into Millville. The DIB commissioned a corridor study to guide the transformation of Business 98 into a dynamic, walkable urban corridor with tree-lined sidewalks, quality transit, improved traffic flow, human-scale buildings and social diversity. The resulting product will be a vital link among Panama City’s urban areas. Ensuring the long-term vitality and viability of Panama City’s urban areas requires a sizeable monetary investment. But the DIB recognizes that money alone cannot achieve the revitalization goals. The investment of ideas is equally important, and that’s why the DIB aggressively encourages the participation and input of stakeholders. As a result, efforts in each community are inspired from within. In each of the CRAs, nonprofit groups of merchants, residents, property owners and other stakeholders are actively engaged in bringing positive changes to their
communities. Revitalization in each district occurs under the guiding principle that the most important word in “Community Redevelopment Area” is “community.” In Downtown, Panama City Main Street works to sustain the district’s history and traditions while recruiting new business to the area. The broad goal of the organization is to make Downtown a fun and comfortable place to work and visit and to preserve its “sense of place.” The program plans events, reviews architectural plans for Downtown construction and renovations and coordinates visitor information services. The Main Street program has won numerous awards from its national parent organization, including being named as a Top Ten finalist for the 2004 Great American Main Street Award. Efforts in St. Andrews are guided by the St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership. The partnership works to meet the goals of the St. Andrews Community Redevelopment Area Plan as well as two visioning plans. The partnership promotes economic development, provides design guidance for new construction and renovations and plans events in the St. Andrews community. The mission of the Millville Community Alliance is to revitalize the community while retaining its historical identity and character. The alliance also works to make the area more accessible and to increase employment opportunities in historic Millville. The Glenwood Working Partnership has made it its task to implement a host of projects recommended in a revitalization plan for the neighborhood, which makes up a large portion of the Downtown North Community Redevelopment Area. Those efforts are designed to showcase the area’s identity and history. For more information on any of the above community groups, please call (850) 785-2554.
www.panamacitydowntown.com 7
It’s anPanamaArts Town City named one of the best in the U.S. A
s evidenced by its recognition as the sixth best small arts town in the United States, Panama City is a nurturing environment for visual as well as performing arts. The city of Panama City has invested of hundreds of thousands of dollars into public venues and museums, which serve as the backbone for a thriving Downtown cultural center. Those facilities are complemented by dozens of private galleries and live-music venues throughout in Downtown, St. Andrews and Millville. The Visual Arts Center: Occupying the building that once housed Panama City’s original jail and city hall, the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida offers the only museum-quality exhibition space within a 100-mile radius. The VAC’s galleries alternately showcase local talent and world-known artists. In addition, the VAC lists education as one of its core missions. Adults and children can take advantage of numerous classes and other educational programs. The Martin Theatre: Once an old-fashioned movie theater in the heart of old Panama City, the Martin fell into disrepair and misuse until the Downtown Improvement Board bought it and restored it in the late 1980s. Now, the theater is a prized community asset. It serves as a venue for local productions, through the Martin Ensemble Theatre, as well as national acts through the Martin Presents program. The theater is also available for productions and performances by various community organizations.
A dancer performs during Panama City’s Festival of Nations.
8 Downtown Panama City
The Marina Civic Center: Extensively renovated in 1994, the civic center is a 2,508-seat, state-of-theart auditorium with industry standard sound and lighting systems. Located on the city marina against the beautiful backdrop of St. Andrew Bay, the civic center is managed by the Bay Arts Alliance, which helps recruit national touring acts and popular entertainers. It also is the setting for dozens of community productions and events each year.
Mardi Gras, Friday Fest, Festival of Nations and more …
Something’s happening in downtown
N
o matter the season, there’s always something happening in Panama City’s community redevelopment areas. Various street fairs and festivals attract tens of thousands of people. Because local merchants participate, the events help showcase all that the areas have to offer — not just on festival days, but everyday. Some of the recurring events include: Mardi Gras: Back-to-back parades and festivals on consecutive weekends in St. Andrews and Downtown are among the area’s most popular and well-attended events. Dozens of krewes display their elaborate floats and people line the streets to catch beads and other trinkets. Friday Fest: An old-fashioned street party held the first Friday of each month from March through September brings locals and visitors alike to Downtown Panama City. Stores stay open late and restaurants offer up their best fare.
Concerts in the Park: McKenzie Park is the setting for weekly showcases of the best local musical talent. Sunset concerts are held each Thursday in the summer months. The perfect excuse for a picnic. Movies in the Park: Reminiscent of the days of drive-in theaters, the event provides family entertainment under the stars in Millville. Visitors gather on lawn chairs and blankets to watch films appropriate for all ages.
St. Andrews Waterfront Market: The St. Andrew Marina is transformed into an outdoor market each Saturday morning, with vendors selling crafts and delectable foods. Salute to Freedom: This two-day event at the Downtown marina includes entertainment, food and vendors and culminates with a spectacular fireworks show on the Fourth of July. Festival of Nations: Held Downtown in the fall of each year, the largest multicultural celebration in Northwest Florida and features the traditional food, dance and culture of dozens of countries around the world. Oktoberfest: This long-standing Panama City tradition is the ideal way to welcome cooler weather and all the rites of autumn. The two-day event comes complete with polka bands, chicken dances and authentic German food and drink. Home for the Holidays: Taking place each Friday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this nostalgic event helps get everyone in the holiday spirit. Carolers stroll through Downtown streets and visitors are treated to horsedrawn carriage rides and other holiday-themed activities.
www.panamacitydowntown.com 9
MISSION STATEMENTS To develop, enhance and maintain a viable business climate and provide leadership in the development of economic growth and quality of life.
Bay County Chamber of Commerce
To establish Bay County as a globally competitive environment to conduct business, encourage economic growth that enhances our standard of living and quality of life, and facilitate the creation of an environment that encourages the expansion of existing business and the location of new business. Bay County Economic Development Alliance
10 Downtown Panama City
Live, work and play in … Downtown Panama City orget the suburbs and subdivisions. In-town living is the in thing in Panama City. And there’s something for every taste — from historic, singlefamily neighborhoods, like the Cove, Millville, Glenwood and St. Andrews, to luxury loft apartments Downtown to waterfront condominiums and townhomes. And they’re all within walking distance of shopping, dining and cultural centers. Downtown also offers a plethora of opportunities and a wonderful backdrop for those who enjoy walking, jogging and cycling. Increasing the residential presence in urban areas was listed as one of the goals in Panama City’s Strategic Master Plan. Projects undergo extensive review to ensure that they are of high quality and that they are compatible with the character of the city’s historic districts. As Downtown has grown and diversified, the demand to live in or near the area has come naturally. And developers, responding to that demand, have introduced exciting new products to the real estate market. Several projects are in various stages of planning, design and construction. As residential projects come on line, they will serve as a magnet for additional businesses to serve the increased Downtown population. To help that process along, the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board commissioned a market analysis to determine what kind of businesses are needed to support the influx of new residents and to develop a strategy for recruiting such businesses. In turn, as the number and type of service and support businesses grow, the demand for Downtown housing also will grow.
F
www.panamacitydowntown.com 11
downtown Panama City
Portrait of a Downtown T he Panama Downtown Improvement Board
Downtown District, St. Andrews District and
(DIB) is a dependent taxing district crated by a
Downtown North District. The DIB serves as a business
special legislative act in 1974. Established with
advocate between the public and private sectors. This
an initial mission of eliminating slum and blight, the
partnership between government and business has
DIB was designated in 1984 by the City Commission as
been the catalyst for successful, well-planned growth
the Community Redevelopment Agency for the
and economic development.
Panama City’s Community Redevelopment Areas Downtown CRA (established 1984) St. Andrews CRA (established 1989) Downtown North CRA (established 1993) Millville CRA (established 2004) Total
12 Downtown Panama City
216 acres 228 acres 776 acres 782 acres 2,002 acres