Panama City Beach: City Council Meeting 03-12-2026
Summary. The Panama City Beach City Council held its regular meeting on March 13, 2026, addressing several key items including beach closure ordinances, infrastructure projects, and budget amendments. The meeting began with presentations recognizing Grayson Aldridge from the Boys and Girls Club and American Red Cross volunteers. The council approved a seasonal beach closure ordinance for two specific areas during nighttime hours from March 14 through April 30, 2026, aimed at reducing disturbances and allowing better police coverage citywide. A major agenda item was the approval of Change Order #15 for the Front Beach Road Segment 3 project, totaling nearly $2 million, primarily for delay claims caused by utility relocations that were outside the city's control. The engineering firm DRMP successfully negotiated the contractor's claim down from $4.5 million to $1.5 million. The council also approved bringing janitorial services in-house by hiring a full-time custodian, and discussed future plans for the new roundabout, including a potential fountain with LED lighting features.
Agenda Items
1. Presentations - Boys and Girls Club Recognition and American Red Cross Month Proclamation
Council recognized Grayson Aldridge for exceptional service to Boys and Girls Club and proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month
- Certificate presented to Grayson Aldridge for February 2026 Boys and Girls Club honoree
- Proclamation recognizing American Red Cross volunteers Bob and Jane Greathouse and Sue Schleshner
- Emphasis on volunteer recruitment for American Red Cross
2. Public Comment on Consent Agenda and Non-Agenda Business
Multiple residents addressed water redundancy project concerns, noise regulations, pedestrian safety, fountain proposals, and housing occupancy issues
- Scott Hallman raised concerns about water redundancy project costs and rate payer burden
- Alfredo Martin requested clarification on noise regulations and pedestrian safety improvements
- Ray Valverde proposed fountain installation in new roundabout
- Molly Allen questioned fire code compliance for business-owned housing with multiple occupants
3. Ordinance - Beach Closure from 10PM to 4AM
Second reading of ordinance establishing seasonal beach closures in two specific areas
- Closure dates from March 14 through April 30, 2026
- Two areas: Beach Access 36 to 25 (Pier Park area) and Beach Access 58 to Calypso condominiums
- Purpose is to redeploy police resources and reduce disturbances
- Educational approach for visitors who may not be aware of closures
4. Resolution 2026-88 - Budget Amendment for Full-Time Facilities Custodian
Authorization to hire full-time custodian to replace contracted janitorial services
- Terminated contract with existing janitorial service due to performance issues
- Budget impact of $68,000 vs. contracted bids of $55,000-$88,000
- Services for City Hall, admin building, police department, and library
- Council support for bringing services in-house for better control
5. Resolution 2026-89 - Change Order #15 for Front Beach Road Segment 3
Approval of $1.94 million change order for delay claims and contract adjustments
- Total project cost now $32.5 million
- DRMP negotiated contractor claim from $4.5M to $1.5M (67% reduction)
- Delays caused by utility relocations, storm drain redesign, and right-of-way issues
- Design-build approach planned for future segments to prevent similar delays
- 16.24% total change orders considered reasonable for project scope
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve meeting minutes
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve agenda
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve consent agenda
Moved by Councilman Register, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve beach closure ordinance
Moved by Vice Mayor Jerman, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve budget amendment for full-time facilities custodian
Moved by Vice Mayor Jerman, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve Change Order #15 for Front Beach Road Segment 3 project
Moved by Vice Mayor Jerman, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Research and prepare presentation on roundabout fountain proposal with LED lighting and local art integration
Assigned to Ray Valverde with potential collaboration from art students · Due Future council meeting to be determined
Meet with Chief of Police to clarify noise ordinance enforcement procedures and vehicle noise regulations
Assigned to Alfredo Martin (self-assigned)
Address pedestrian safety with upright warning signs between Lantana and Clara on Front Beach Road
Assigned to Public Works Director
Investigate fire code compliance for business-owned residential properties housing multiple occupants
Assigned to Fire Inspectors
Transfer keys for box culvert weir drawdown system from contractor to city
Assigned to City/CW Roberts · Due Within two weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Panama City Beach City Council held its regular meeting on March 13, 2026, addressing several key items including beach closure ordinances, infrastructure projects, and budget amendments. The meeting began with presentations recognizing Grayson Aldridge from the Boys and Girls Club and American Red Cross volunteers. The council approved a seasonal beach closure ordinance for two specific areas during nighttime hours from March 14 through April 30, 2026, aimed at reducing disturbances and allowing better police coverage citywide. A major agenda item was the approval of Change Order #15 for the Front Beach Road Segment 3 project, totaling nearly $2 million, primarily for delay claims caused by utility relocations that were outside the city's control. The engineering firm DRMP successfully negotiated the contractor's claim down from $4.5 million to $1.5 million. The council also approved bringing janitorial services in-house by hiring a full-time custodian, and discussed future plans for the new roundabout, including a potential fountain with LED lighting features.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 5 agenda items: Presentations - Boys and Girls Club Recognition and American Red Cross Month Proclamation; Public Comment on Consent Agenda and Non-Agenda Business; Ordinance - Beach Closure from 10PM to 4AM; Resolution 2026-88 - Budget Amendment for Full-Time Facilities Custodian; Resolution 2026-89 - Change Order #15 for Front Beach Road Segment 3.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
5 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
10 members were recorded as present: Mayor Teddenberg, Vice Mayor Jerman, Councilman Casto, Council member Coburn, Councilman Register, Mr. Whitman (City Manager), Miss Fazzoni (City Clerk), Miss Madalena, Chief, Mr. Crenshaw.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Panama City Beach in?
Panama City Beach is located in Bay County, Florida. Browse other Bay County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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