When I first moved to Panama City, Florida in 1984, the downtown area still looked a lot like the 1960s. And that was after the downtown stores that had been updated. Some of the area was even more dated back prior to the '50s. Of course that was when some major rennovation had been done the first time around. Now... over the past few years things have really changed.
Panama City was actually incoporated in 1909 and became the county seat of newly established Bay County, FL in 1913. Most of the original buildings remain today that were buit in the 1920-1930s. Things pretty much stayed the same until a revitalization effort was begun in 1957.
In 1974, the Downtown Improvement Board was created to manage ongoing redevelopement in the area. In 1985, Panama City was one of the first 5 cities to earn the MAIN STREET designation from the State of Florida. This program was initiated to help cities improve revitalization efforts. In 1999, the DIB began extensive updating and they are greatly responsible for the beautiful downtown Panama City area that we enjoy today.
One of the best things lately that I've seen coming from the Downtown Improvement Board is a newsletter called The Downtowner. The emphasis is on current events planned for the area along with a monthly feature about one of the downtown businesses. There are always lots of great photos from recent activities.
JANUARY upcoming events... starting today ... dates and times taken from The Downtowner:
January 11, Friday
5:30 pm: Main Street After Hours, Cassandra's Place, 120 Harrison Avenue, Special Prize Drawing at 6pm.
January 12, Saturday
10:00am: Put on your walking shoes and "stride" through Historic Downtown Panama City. This monthly event is perfect for families including children and pets. There are marked 1, 2, and 3 mile courses. Walkers should meet at the Visual Arts Center parking lot on the corner of 4th St and Harrison Avenue. The $10 entry fee includes a t-shirt, map, and beverage. Proceeds support the Panama City Main Street programs.
January 13, Sunday
2:00-3:30 pm: "Second Sunday" at the McKenzie House (17 E 3rd Ct) with Pat Nease, a local Storyteller.
January 25-26, Friday-Saturday
Krewe of St Andrews Mardi Gras festival and parade. This event has drawn 50,000 people to the St Andrews area of downtown Panama City for the past several years.
Jan 25, 2:00-10:00 pm with the main events at 4:00pm: Kids and Pets Parade; 7:00 pm Maskers Parade
Jan 26, 10:00 am-10:00 pm with main event 3:00 pm The 8th Annual Krewe of St Andrews Mardi Gras Parade
For more information about these events call the DIB at 785-2554, Molly Martin, Main Street coordinator.
UPDATE! Molly Martin sent a follow up email... there's another Mardi Gras Parade scheduled for Panama City, and although it is not an event sponsored by the DIB, she wanted to share their plans with us:
January 18-19, Friday-Saturday:
Krewe of Massalina Mardi Gras, Downtown Panama City.
Jan. 18, Friday: Block Party 6:00 pm-11:00 pm
Jan. 19, Saturday: Festival Sat. 10:00 am-11:00 pm with Parade at 3:00 pm
For more information visit their website: www.kreweofmassalina.com
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