🌱 Pier Park Traffic Improvements + Man Arrested On Drug Charges

Hello all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Panama City Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 81 Low: 68.
• Sunday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 77 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories in Panama City today:

1. Nearby Panama City Beach is relocating traffic signals in Pier Park to prioritize pedestrian safety, with plans to convert the Pier Park Drive intersection into a pedestrian-only traffic signal and move the full traffic signal to West Park Drive. This move is part of Segment 4.1 of the CRA Front Beach Road Construction Road Program, with construction bids set to go out later this year and expected to begin in the last half of 2023. The goal of the modifications is to manage traffic and prioritize pedestrian safety, according to Panama City Beach CRA Assistant Project Manager Scott Passmore. (WJHG)
2. Tommy Mack Martin, 33, of Panama City was reportedly arrested on multiple drug charges by the Panama City Police Department's Street Crimes Unit. Investigators found over 50 grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of marijuana, hydrocodone, clonazepam, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia in Martin's possession after stopping his vehicle on E. 23rd Street. He faces charges that include the sale and trafficking of methamphetamine, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, resisting an officer without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)
3. Nearby Panama City Beach city council members approved a $5.3 million contract with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors to begin construction on the Alf Coleman Road Project. The half-mile project will elevate the roadway by 14 inches between Hutchison Boulevard and Panama City Beach Parkway to alleviate chronic flooding issues and enhance drainage in the area. Construction is expected to commence in the coming month and last for at least 289 calendar days. (WJHG)

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Today in Panama City:

• Spring Fling At Panama City Beach Aquatic Center (11:00 AM)
• The Big Event - An Evening In The Big Easy At The Barn (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach (PCB), which has been recognized as a top jazz festival in the country and nominated for "Best Jazz Festival" at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, is returning to PCB on Apr. 19 at Aaron Bessant Park. The festival features national smooth jazz artists and draws over 20,000 international fans for a weekend of jazz, beaches, and fun. (Visit Panama City Beach)
• Residents of Panama City Beach were under a boil water notice on Thursday, Apr. 13, due to a water main break that caused a temporary loss in water pressure. Water service resumed by 12 p.m. on Thursday, but discolored water may be experienced for up to 24 hours. The notice will remain in effect until the water line is repaired and safe to drink. (WJHG)
• Panama City police are searching for a man who robbed a Dollar General store at gunpoint in the Cove neighborhood of Panama City on Easter Sunday. Surveillance video has been released, and police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect, who is described as a Black male in his 50s wearing a flannel shirt and hooded jacket. (WMBB - mypanhandle.com)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.