Destination Panama City continues to work towards accomplishing the goals set forth in the Tourism & Economic Impact Study Report that was adopted by the Panama City Commission in December 2015. The plan can be found here.
Current Projects include:
LovePC Living Shoreline
Initiated in 2023, the LovePC Living Shoreline Project is a transformational environmental initiative designed to restore and protect the health of St. Andrews Bay. By introducing seagrass, reef modules, and natural shoreline elements, the project enhances marine habitats, improves water quality, and creates a more resilient waterfront. Led by Destination Panama City in partnership with UF/IFAS, this effort not only supports long-term ecological sustainability but also reinforces Panama City’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty that defines our destination.
Destination Panama City engaged Dewberry Engineering through the Bay County Professional Services Agreement. On October 1, 2024 Dewberry provided the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Survey.
In late 2025, the Bay County Commission transferred staffing for the reef program to the Bay County Tourist Development Council. Erin Graham was hired as the new Artificial Reef Coordinator. Efforts to resume the project are ongoing.
Drews Hall – Cultural Tourism Venue (project suspended due to funding)
In 2020, Bay County acquired the St. Andrews School from Bay District Schools. Bay County Tourism Development tax dollars funded the acquisition of the facility, which was damaged during Hurricane Michael in 2018. At the request of the City of Panama City, Bay County agreed to lease the school to the City of Panama City; the 10-year lease was executed in mid 2020. Because the acquisition was funded by tourism development tax dollars, the lease required the facility be used pursuant to Florida Statute 125.0104 (authorized uses of tourism development tax). As the official destination marketing organization for Panama City, Destination Panama City has a vested interest to make certain the school is utilized in the highest and best manner that attracts tourists and benefits locals. Likewise, it is vitally important in sustainable tourism for the venue to be self-sustaining and well managed. In 2021, Destination Panama City CEO, Jennifer Vigil, engaged Robin Malpass & Associates to aid in the development of a report that would evaluate the current school, the regional opportunities, and define the best recommended use for the facility. This report was provided to the City of Panama City and received with overwhelming support. The FINAL report can be found here. Due to funding shortfalls, on February 28, 2023, the City of Panama City agreed to release their lease on the St. Andrews School Property with the recommendation that Destination Panama City be assigned to pick up the project. In July 2023, Destination Panama City entered into a lease with Bay County for the resurrection of the historic St. Andrews School.
On July 1, 2023, a historic preservation grant was received for the school project. This grant is a $500,000 matching grant that can only be used for specific elements of repair and rehabilitation of the facility (such as roof repair / replacement, electrical, and plumbing). Destination Panama City will fund the $500,000 match for the grant.
The goals were to have the greenspace operational for public gatherings, the auditorium available for educational (ex. Ted Talks, small conference / meeting venue) and cultural arts (ex. Panama City Symphony, Panama City Comedy, Panama City Music Association, Gulf Jazz Society, etc.), and the interior as a multi-purpose venue for immersive digital experiences, creative makerspaces, weddings, gallery exhibits, and artist in residency programming.
On March 26, 2025, after advertising an RFP for Roof Replacement, Destination Panama City issued a notice to proceed to BMR Building Solutions, LLC. The roof was completed and final payment made on July 30, 2025.
On July 15, 2025, Destination Panama City sent a mutual funding proposal plan to the Bay County Tourist Development Council. No response was received.
With no funding mechanism to complete the project, Destination Panama City sent a notice of lease termination to Bay County Board of County Commissioners effective December 31, 2025.
Currently the facility is under the ownership and custodianship of Bay County Board of County Commissioners.