Panama City seeks bids for phased downtown marina rebuild; initial phase to add about 50 wet slips

Jonathan Hayes said the city is moving forward with a phased rebuild of the downtown marina after commission approval and that the invitation to bid for boat slips went live in mid‑April and will remain open until 11 a.m. on June 17. "The plan to rebuild boat slips is being carried out in phases, starting with the construction of approximately 50 new wet slips to quickly restore the marina activity," Hayes said, adding that over time the marina is planned to expand to around 200 total slips in both basins.

Hayes said the city is still finalizing upland design concepts. The announcement provided schedule and scope estimates but did not include contract values, exact design plans or funding breakdowns.

City officials directed interested bidders to the posted invitation and timelines; Hayes emphasized phased construction to restore activity quickly while allowing later expansion.