Panama City officials discuss enforcing 2‑hour downtown parking, sharing map and considering time‑limits

City staff and elected officials in Panama City discussed enforcement and possible adjustments to downtown parking limits during a city commission meeting.

City Manager Alan said the enforcement approach is focused on “egregious” long‑term parking rather than short, occasional overages and that he has the authority to change posted time limits without a formal ordinance. He told commissioners the signs are new 12‑by‑18‑inch panels, that enforcement began October 1 and that police issued warnings for several weeks before ticketing. “For almost two months, our police department gave out nothing but warnings. It was well over 300 warnings,” Alan said.

The discussion matters because downtown merchants have complained that all‑day parkering reduces turnover for shoppers and visitors, while residents and long‑term boaters say they need places to leave vehicles during multi‑day trips.

Alan said the current posted restriction is two hours in most marked parallel spots on Harrison Avenue and one or two blocks off Harrison, and on portions of Government Street near St. Andrews Towers. He said the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) has asked staff to consider moving limits to three hours; changing the posted limit in city‑maintained spaces does not require an ordinance and could be done administratively. Alan asked commissioners to solicit community feedback over the next two weeks.

Commissioner Street described public reaction in St. Andrews as “overwhelmingly positive. Two hours doesn't seem to be an issue,” and said two‑hour limits have pushed long‑stay parkers to lots. Commissioner Hughes suggested restricting two‑hour parking to a defined daily window (for example, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.) to avoid affecting overnight residents. Commissioner Granger urged clearer change management — fewer concurrent changes and more notice — so businesses and residents can adapt.

Staff agreed to produce a digital and physical map showing restricted blocks, city parking lots and DIB lots and to post it on the city website. Alan said there is one municipal lot (beside CNG Sporting Goods) that currently has posted limits; other city lots are generally open outside business hours and a particular public lot near McKenzie House currently has no time limits. He said the City plans to stripe and repair that lot within the Area 012 project footprint and noted that reconstruction in that corridor is not expected to begin until January or February 2026.

Mayor Branch asked staff to confirm curb‑to‑curb dimensions in narrow parallel blocks near the post office; Alan said staff will adjust signage and roadway sections where needed. Staff also said some older, narrow signs from 20 years ago are being removed and replaced.

Commissioners did not take formal action at the meeting. Alan said he will update the calendar to reflect an in‑person housing workshop and circulate the DIB email requesting longer limits to ensure all commissioners have seen it before any administrative change is implemented.

Looking ahead, staff asked elected officials to gather community input on whether posted limits should remain two hours, be extended to three hours, or be limited to business hours; any administrative changes would be implemented with additional signage and targeted enforcement aimed at long‑term violators.