[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6241331,"mediaKeyId","3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876","parentId",3307076,"title","Panama City CRA negotiates with Sankofa Group for Glenwood Town Center; community input, timeline set for June","audioSeconds",513,"startMs",1859000,"endMs",2372000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876&start=1859&end=2372","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876/thumbnail_1859000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241331/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Panama-City-CRA-negotiates-with-Sankofa-Group-for-Glenwood-Town-Center-community-input-timeline-set-for-June","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241331-0e5079185d4107fdd81944c263fd5879/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=lFF3Yw8JIqkbq~4BaJC94RGMs3XGLhRtLKKNU4zS8TtqrbVMeG7u52zisgaO-dhpzb4yecxGPtikpSdV26os5xrkYZ~tB~xIvtnV89x~Nq~r7PAEyHGBFTX8XUe2s2b5cKyTo3Pqiki-F1dbh~UQDjhObZqHh-NI5wSYYP1gyK69nYCR~kYnm17GZuQaxfQav9-2G8HT1bBV5BW~AUjjP1AI-EF76n2Y3phV5PQqCWIuEFE7LZ8VC334aYX1yJieVzzUv~yO0tyt-5IllZBlzkBsqrfcelgBI-3v7JbdqYBZKn5dGgPR835lE1qRxd0MZvRNc64gctCKgAPsXZs57A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Panama City, FL","date","2025-05-15T00:02:03.39Z","article","The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday said it is negotiating with the Sankofa Group on a proposed Glenwood Town Center at 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, a mixed-use plan that would include a grocery store, apartments and town homes.

The project is budgeted at $400,000, with $376,489.59 in CRA expenditures to date, largely for acquisition of parcels that are now CRA-owned, staff said. The CRA expects a complete proposal from the Sankofa Group at the board’s June 3 meeting, and staff said it does not expect board approval at that meeting but will seek direction and further community feedback.

Why it matters: Glenwood is identified in meeting comments as an underserved neighborhood; residents pushed the CRA to prioritize affordable housing and to protect the area’s historical character as negotiations continue.

What happened at the meeting: During the public-comment period, Michelle Bryant and Brenda Lewis Williams, both Glenwood residents, asked the CRA to ensure redevelopment produces new homes rather than primarily rentals and to reflect the neighborhood’s demographics and small-business character. “As you look at this project of Fifteenth And MLK, you only really got one shot to get this right,” Bryant told the board.

Board and staff responses focused on process and timing. Staff said the Sankofa Group has made an initial presentation and that the development remains “an initial presentation” with “a lot” still to be negotiated. Board member and Ward 2 Commissioner Janice Lucas defended the record after a TV report, saying, “Channel 13 did get it wrong. I did not tell them that it was a done deal. It is not.” Lucas said the group’s presentation and the CRA’s prior meetings were only the first steps and that the board would incorporate community input.

Financial and schedule details provided to the board: the CRA budgeted $400,000 for the Glenwood Town Center item and has spent roughly $376,490 on land acquisition so far. Staff said the Sankofa Group’s draft proposal arrived recently and staff will review it with the city attorney before returning a revised draft to the board. Staff also said the project will likely proceed in multiple phases over months or years, and that options could include sale, lease or transfer arrangements to attract a grocer.

Community process: Staff told the board that, before any final direction, the CRA intends to solicit more detailed proposals, allow board review, and gather further community input — including planned outreach with neighborhood groups. The board set a target of June 3 for the developer’s more-complete proposal and additional public discussion.

What was not decided: There was no board vote to approve any Sankofa proposal, no contract award and no commitment of ongoing CRA subsidies beyond the recorded land acquisitions. Staff and board repeatedly said the development remains in an early stage and that community preferences will be considered as negotiations proceed.

Next steps: Staff will review the developer’s draft proposal with legal counsel, prepare materials for the June 3 CRA meeting, and pursue additional community outreach and cost details to evaluate how the project could meet Glenwood affordability and historic-preservation concerns.

Ending note: Residents and several board members emphasized that any final plan should prioritize affordable homeownership, neighborhood-serving retail and protections for Glenwood’s historical character rather than rapid change without local input.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Panama City CRA Meeting 05062025","oneSentenceSummary","The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday said it is negotiating with the Sankofa Group on a proposed Glenwood Town Center at 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, a mixed-use plan that would include a grocery store, apartments and town homes.","taxTitle","Panama City, Bay County, Florida","taxId",4834,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241329,"Panama City CRA outlines $3.5 million Millville bond plan to be backed by TIF revenues; dredging and infrastructure among potential uses",687,3008000,3695000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876&start=3008&end=3695","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876/thumbnail_3008000.jpg","/articles/6241329/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Panama-City-CRA-outlines-35-million-Millville-bond-plan-to-be-backed-by-TIF-revenues-dredging-and-infrastructure-among-potential-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241329-a754ac99621a61e508fb4893bba0e019/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=nYVOOAJoAlkDIidjDcPmBL~W9YyXPdHCCUCvmC-lPK5bcmcokfP2tbVbf1oysiZbw9gfjowpsZk0Fd5RPmLyRnJp7Soc9vAyxxa5lph6iqYruUco6fVR6C3IR9uf6LSAulxc72qanwrKdkKQVhEvyw8fJz70rjIXFTrviY8VM14EJSMhA37TwiZ0Vq8z7OeP4Beh~RoKXL7UPS9HoY-GOWpKOE54KoBUK6kJX4zwzpxrxA1IN5PJvZ5MOlvsxWyzzhB2~zyII13amGv8vimvFpAmdIIbrKptYXH7rWIEKI-uR4dkNr1PWeBNTku7KvN1N8oHARpiFlLbourUjCiMIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday reviewed planning work for a proposed $3.5 million bond to fund Millville infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian paths, parking and a bike-safety village.

Staff presented a draft scope and financing options and said the bond would be backed by tax increment financing (TIF) revenues rather than general-tax pledges; the city clerk/treasurer provided a pro forma showing 10- and 20-year financing scenarios. City staff told the board the bond would not require a public referendum and that the pledge would be against TIF increment.

Why it matters: The bond would direct CRA resources toward Millville-area infrastructure and public amenities. Residents and board members raised the possibility of adding dredging of Watson Bayou to the project list; dredging would require federal permits and coordination with other local governments.

Key facts and timeline: CRA staff said the project budgeting is ongoing. The pro forma for a $3.5 million bond has been prepared; current CRA expenditures on the project line total $26,425. Southern Earth is conducting a geotechnical study and Dewberry Engineering completed a site survey, with results expected by May 8. Staff aims to finalize cost estimates by the June–July board meetings.

Dredging discussion: Board members raised Watson Bayou, describing sections north of U.S. 98 that have become non-navigable. Staff noted prior use of the county dredge and that Mexico Beach owns a smaller dredge; the county is pursuing larger beach-renourishment equipment. Board members suggested cooperative approaches with Bay County and neighboring municipalities. Staff cautioned that dredging would involve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and additional permitting.

Questions about voter approval: A resident asked whether the bond would go to a public vote. City staff said the board has authority to issue TIF-backed bonds and that a referendum is not required; the bond would be a financing mechanism secured by increment revenues rather than a general-tax bond.

Decisions and next steps: The board did not vote to issue bonds at this meeting. Staff will continue to develop scope, collect geotechnical and cost estimates, finalize the bond pro forma, and return updates at upcoming CRA meetings. If dredging is to be included, staff said it will pursue intergovernmental options and federal permitting as needed.

Ending note: The bond-planning process remains at the scoping and cost-estimate stage; the CRA emphasized further study and community input before any financing decision is made.","The Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday reviewed planning work for a proposed $3.5 million bond for Millville infrastructure, to be repaid from tax increment financing (TIF) revenues.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241325,"Residents warn CRA that Glenwood community garden could be harmed by MLK/15th redevelopment; board hears concerns",1877,634000,2511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876&start=634&end=2511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876/thumbnail_634000.jpg","/articles/6241325/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/Residents-warn-CRA-that-Glenwood-community-garden-could-be-harmed-by-MLK15th-redevelopment-board-hears-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241325-acc78d677d70e1899ff8b90a0da4338b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=NiJsQcYwJTEmkwVdQ5st0O7khXXq-bymTXaO2Ry4RdOygW0jFafuk5KGlN~n7XrySlYb-ZHbYOyd54XYloplcLLU~IH~KYc0o5dPKBq2ZdK18rKOAY5wW~UukHhvnwqZebsYsDrAbUzCFII9vWWMTwN361TPDTDi2gZIuOOnk1LiSlaO9R2qeBO19V7Ji2sH~Pj3CBEr3O1ydNNMnXmHmV2JO9rZO4cMSfG1VgaidAmZlHba9cppSriIbcu85F77QP-McZfhA6Ev-X~Do1LQIH5IfLJfCxzd19kATSt9mdQOSEQ4PzWbdBthUABa4Ah7A12fctSoXlXCAc-4hDVSEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents told the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday that a community garden at Henry Davis Park, created after three years of local advocacy, could be harmed by broader redevelopment plans around the MLK and 15th Street project.

Brenda Lewis Williams, who identified herself as a resident at 1007 North Center Avenue, said the garden was the product of three years of community effort and expressed concern that CRA project communications and media coverage about the Fifteenth and MLK project had been “diametrically opposed” to what neighborhood stakeholders had been told. “It is rather obvious that the input from the invested citizens in Dover coal has fallen on deaf ears of our elected officials,” Williams told the board.

Board members and staff response: Staff and board members did not commit to removing or relocating the garden. The CRA said the Henry Davis Park improvements project (budgeted at $125,000) will include improvements completed in-house and that a coordination meeting with departments was scheduled for May 9 to plan garden-specific improvements such as shade sails, a pavilion and an interactive learning path. Staff also said a Kiwanis-sponsored playground is planned and that a new park sign may be included if the budget allows.

Why it matters: Residents framed the garden as a neighborhood-led success and asked that redevelopment planning respect prior community processes (including Dover Coal dialogues) and the historical nature of Ward 2. Speakers urged that Glenwood receive equitable attention for infrastructure and small-business support relative to other wards.

What was not decided: No board action to relocate, remove or change the garden was taken. Staff said improvements at Henry Davis Park remain in the planning stage and will be coordinated across departments; budgeted funds for the park are $125,000 with $0 expended to date.

Next steps: Staff will hold the May 9 coordination meeting and return with details on planned park improvements and budget allocation as part of the Henry Davis Park item.","Residents at the Panama City CRA meeting said plans for the Fifteenth and MLK redevelopment risk undermining a community garden at Henry Davis Park. Speakers asked the CRA to respect community-led planning, preserve historical character and prioritize neighborhood needs when negotiating redevelopment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241327,"CRA to present downtown breezeway recommendation to City Commission; ADA access and partnership options debated",289,1118000,1407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876&start=1118&end=1407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307076-d6c22f589e4802d9dfe6c744b5239876/thumbnail_1118000.jpg","/articles/6241327/Panama-City/Bay-County/Florida/CRA-to-present-downtown-breezeway-recommendation-to-City-Commission-ADA-access-and-partnership-options-debated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241327-1f3685e2b39b8cec293af30799ccd3bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=K-6MZyKEFyPCp3OTnLJc-r3NaAaWaNwEKpbvWUYs0uR~8r1jZTr5iwkho--LSESzxxUaRbqCZPa4V9S~5iGssPok3oDPKLf-yNle1MxU7rzye6eAcVMwoTgwGbvE0dm6A6DkrKP8SP9L0rWDrlxF1j-Qy0KVLJiWvEmuFJRWorslqDDxdP17NXKva50zCPf-6-NPUhXbDLHrP0gxUUcBeq4wHorkV~4Y1SQkkSa7N-FHFyq2hgyZ9rb9DJUCLlpzkw2czuvOx-cInHtCpzyY9DO4xc9pOQqTxuZFpOIedSTDZkZkVxmvHtbA7rPFqocep8NlZhFPEmxldGAi~Q9RYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency on Tuesday that an RFP process has produced options for the downtown breezeway property at 447 Harrison Street and that staff will present a recommendation to the City Commission at its May 13 meeting.

The CRA budgeted $550,000 for the Downtown Breezeway line and has expended $80,101.76 to date, staff said. CRA funds paid to create the current breezeway, a mural and design work; the City Commission owns the underlying property at 447 Harrison Street, and the CRA-funded improvements are complete.

Board members discussed whether to sell, enter a long-term lease or pursue a public–private partnership. Board member Granger noted a request from the Downtown Improvement Board asking the CRA to seek a partner or to consider selling and returning the property to the tax rolls. Staff confirmed the RFP evaluated multiple approaches and that a staff recommendation will go to the City Commission on May 13.

Accessibility concerns: Several board members raised the lack of handicap access from the Grana(Grammy?) side and discussed possible remedies. Board member Halligas said a permanent lift had previously been estimated at about $80,000 and that spending that amount temporarily was a concern. \"I think the long term desire would be if we did do handicap access, that it would be through some type of lift...I think I remember the lift cost being somewhere around, you know, 80,000,\" Halligas told the board.

Staff noted alternative short-term and long-term approaches: install an elevator as part of a multi-story partnership, add handicap parking on Harrison and Fourth streets to improve access, or incorporate an ADA solution into any development agreement. No commitment was made at the CRA meeting; staff will present the RFP recommendation to the City Commission on May 13 for next-step direction.

What was not decided: The CRA made no sale, lease or contract award at the CRA meeting. The City Commission will receive the staff recommendation next week and will consider the appropriate long-term arrangement and whether ADA access is required as part of a future agreement.

Ending note: The property is open as a breezeway; staff and board members signaled they will consider ADA solutions as part of commission-level negotiations or as conditions of any future agreement.","Panama City CRA spent about $80,100 to create a downtown breezeway; staff will present RFP-based recommendation to the City Commission May 13. Board members raised ADA access concerns and estimated lift cost at roughly $60,000–$80,000; options include sale, long-term lease or public–private partnership.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Panama City CRA negotiates with Sankofa Group for Glenwood Town Center; community input, timeline set for June

Panama City CRA outlines $3.5 million Millville bond plan to be backed by TIF revenues; dredging and infrastructure among potential uses

Residents warn CRA that Glenwood community garden could be harmed by MLK/15th redevelopment; board hears concerns

CRA to present downtown breezeway recommendation to City Commission; ADA access and partnership options debated