City Commission considers semi-permanent closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfort Avenue

The City of Panama City is moving forward with a semi-permanent road closure of West Beach Drive at Frankfort Avenue, following a recent city commission meeting. This decision aims to address safety concerns raised by residents of the nearby Landmark condominiums, who reported issues with speeding traffic cutting through their neighborhood.

Commissioner Street, along with city staff, engaged with the condominium management and local residents to gauge support for the closure. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with ten homes directly affected expressing their approval. The proposed closure will restrict vehicle traffic while allowing pedestrians to continue using the area without disruption.

The semi-permanent closure will be implemented using signage and traffic delineators, rather than permanent structures like concrete curbs. This approach allows for flexibility, as any long-term modifications will require further coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and additional approval from the commission. The city plans to maintain this closure for at least one year, until June 1, 2026, to assess its effectiveness and gather more community feedback.

City officials emphasized that emergency services would still have access to the area, ensuring that fire and rescue operations remain unaffected. The commission's recommendation includes clear signage to inform drivers of the closure and redirect them to alternative routes.

As the city prepares to implement this change, officials are optimistic that it will enhance safety for residents and reduce traffic-related issues in the neighborhood. The commission will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary based on community input and traffic patterns.