Panama City Commissioners Consider Expanding Downtown Social District

PANAMA CITY − Residents may soon have more space in the city center to openly consume alcohol.

Panama City commissioners held the first reading Tuesday of an ordinance to expand the Downtown Panama City Social District, or an area of downtown where people can openly carry and consume alcoholic beverages.

The existing social district was approved by commissioners in November. It has a northern boundary near Sixth Street, a southern boundary near the Panama City Marina, an eastern boundary near Luverne Avenue and a western boundary near Grace Avenue and West Fourth Street.

The ordinance proposed Tuesday would expand the district westward to include areas of Jenks Avenue, Mercer Avenue and other parts of Oak Avenue and Beach Drive. It would also allow commissioners to update the district to accommodate future growth, as well as expand its operating days from just Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., to every day at the same hours.

“It’s been an amazing experience downtown,” Commissioner Jenna Haligas said. “People really appreciate it.”

During the meeting, Maria Williams, executive director of the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board, agreed with Haligas that the district has proven to be a success.

“It brought vitality and economic growth to the downtown,” Williams said. “Businesses thrived. Foot traffic increased significantly, and residents and visitors alike enjoyed the improved social atmosphere.”

“The positive impact has been evident.”

Williams said expanding the district is a “logical step forward” for the city, adding that it would extend economic benefits to other downtown businesses and provide additional opportunities for community engagement.

“This expansion is a sign of progress toward a vibrant and thriving city,” Williams said. “The new ordinance streamlines future adjustments, allowing the city to quickly respond to needed changes and opportunities.”

Dave Parmer, owner of Millie’s Cafe, said his business is among those in the neighborhood that have benefited from the social district. Located at 228 Harrison Ave., Millie’s has been a part of the downtown for more than a dozen years.

Parmer said he has noticed not only an increase in revenue since the district was created, but also an increase in the number of people simply walking around downtown.

Other information from the commission: Panama City Awards Break-N-Ground LLC $498,789 Contract to Demolish Marina Civic Center

Like Haligas and Williams, Parmer supports expanding the district’s area, as well as increasing its opening to seven days a week — an addition he says will boost tourism throughout the region.

The second reading of the ordinance will take place on July 9.

“It’s been a big help,” he said of the district. “It increases the visibility of downtown, (and) businesses benefit from that. … It’s made downtown more visible, I think, to a lot of people.”