Panama City is changing. Fast. If you haven't driven down Harrison Avenue or Harrison's surrounding blocks lately, you might barely recognize the place. Honestly, between the political shakeups and the massive infrastructure projects finally hitting their stride, the news from Panama City Florida right now feels less like a slow recovery and more like a total reinvention.
We’re past the "post-Michael" era. We're in the "what's next" era.
The Political "Pass the Torch" Moment
The biggest shocker hitting the local grapevine right now? Congressman Neal Dunn. On January 13, 2026, he officially announced he’s not seeking re-election.
He’s going home.
Dunn’s been a fixture for a decade, first winning that seat in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District back in 2016. In his own words, he wants to spend more time with his grandkids in Panama City. It’s a huge deal because it leaves a "Safe Republican" seat wide open, and you can bet every ambitious politician in the Panhandle is currently checking their bankroll and donor lists.
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It’s a rare moment of transition for a district that usually sticks with its incumbents until the wheels fall off.
The $110 Million Squeeze on US 98
If you live here, you know the "Back Beach" struggle. It’s basically a local rite of passage to complain about US 98 traffic. But the latest news from Panama City Florida involves a massive $110 million FDOT project that's finally in the thick of it.
They are widening a 4.8-mile stretch from Mandy Lane all the way to Richard Jackson Boulevard. We're talking four lanes jumping to six.
Here is what’s actually happening on the ground:
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- New Signals: Expect them at Mandy Lane and Gulf Boulevard soon.
- The Pier Park Mess: Intersection improvements at Pier Park Drive are designed to stop that specific "I’ve been sitting through three light cycles" frustration.
- Drainage: They’re doing deep stormwater work because, well, Florida.
It’s not going to be pretty for a while. The estimated completion isn't until late 2027, so basically, get comfortable with the orange cones. They aren't going anywhere.
MLK Recreation Center: Not Just for Kids
On January 16, the city is officially cutting the ribbon on the new MLK Jr. Recreation Center. This isn't just a gym; it’s a $4.5 million statement. They hired Javien Elliott—a local legend who played for FSU and in the pros—to manage the campus.
They’re offering free access through February 28, which is a smart move to get people through the doors. It’s got everything from STEM labs to arts programs. It feels like the city is finally putting real money into the Glenwood area, which has been asking for this kind of investment for years.
The Weird Stuff: Reservoir Drawdowns and Snow Legacies
Remember the "Great Snow of 2025"? Last year, Panama City got hit with five inches of snow. Five inches! In a place where people wear flip-flops in December. Public works had to turn front-end loaders into makeshift snowplows because, obviously, we don’t own actual plows.
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That weird weather legacy is still on people's minds as Bay County manages the Deer Point Reservoir drawdown. They started it in late 2025, and it’s running through March 2, 2026.
If you have a dock that needs fixing, now is the time. The water is low to kill off the muck and invasive weeds. Just don't use chemicals—the FWC is watching that like a hawk.
St. Andrews is Gearing Up for the Big One
The Krewe of St. Andrews is already moving. Their 2026 Mardi Gras Festival is scheduled for February 6th and 7th. They’re claiming it’ll be the "biggest yet," which every festival says, but given the growth in the Millville and St. Andrews CRAs, they might actually have the foot traffic to prove it this time.
The city also just finished the Beck Avenue beautification. It's got that "Florida-friendly" landscaping now, which is basically code for "plants that won't die the second it hits 95 degrees."
Real-World Action Steps for Residents
Staying informed is one thing, but actually dealing with the changes is another.
- Check your commute: If your route involves the US 98/Panama City Beach Parkway stretch between Mandy Lane and Richard Jackson, add 15 minutes. Minimum.
- Fix your bulkheads: If you’re on Deer Point, the water won’t stay low forever. March 2 is the hard deadline before they start bringing the levels back up.
- Register the kids: Little League is back for Spring 2026, and for the first time, there’s an official girls’ softball division. Registration is open now through the city portal.
- Voter Registration: With Neal Dunn out, the 2026 primaries for District 2 are going to be crowded and loud. Make sure your registration is current before the summer rush.
The growth is messy, sure. But for a city that was nearly wiped off the map by a Category 5 hurricane just a few years ago, seeing the news from Panama City Florida focus on recreation centers and road expansions is a pretty good problem to have.