PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Panama City Beach City Council on Thursday is scheduled to make a final decision on three ordinances designed to tone down Spring Break.
The council at its regular meeting also is scheduled to revisit an ordinance that would ban the use of e-cigarettes on all city property where smoking is prohibited. The meeting is at 2 p.m. at 110 S. Arnold Road.
The ordinances to tone down Spring Break came after unflattering coverage on Fox News that inspired officials to act.
--- TDC: NO MONEY FOR SPRING BREAK PROMOTION ---
Two of the three Spring Break ordinances being up for a final vote were recommended by Sheriff Frank McKeithen and then endorsed by Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman.
One ordinance would require bars and liquor stores to close at 2 a.m. instead of the current closing time of 4 a.m. during the month of March. Some beach bar owners have expressed opposition to the proposal, saying it would cut into their revenues and punish locals who patronize bars late at night. Moreover, if the council approves of the early closing hours, it could cause a chain reaction of ordinances that could result in most bars in Bay County closing at 2 a.m. during March.
Another ordinance up for final reading would prohibit drinking alcohol on the beach without having a government-issued picture identification.
Another ordinance up for final approval would limit the number and size of special events on a single day.
Panama City Beach City Mayor Gayle Oberst said the the City Council has thoroughly vetted ordinances. “I’m still going to vote yes on all three,” she said.
E-cigs
Councilwoman Josie Strange has requested reconsideration of an e-cigarette ban on city property where smoking is prohibited. On Oct. 9, she made a motion to approve the ordinance but didn’t receive a second, so it died.
Councilman John Reichard said the city doesn’t need to pass an ordinance to address the issue.
“To me, the city manager has the authority to put up a sign that says, ‘No smoking on campus,’ or ‘No vaping,’ so I don’t think we need an ordinance,” he said.
--- TDC: NO MONEY FOR SPRING BREAK PROMOTION ---
Planning Board appeal
At 1 p.m., before the regular council meeting, the council is scheduled to hear an appeal of a case involving one of the first development proposals to come along Gulfside since the city adopted a Land Development Code in July of 2012. Jason Oakes, an agent with Counts Real Estate Group, has appealed a 3-2 decision by the Panama City Beach Planning Board that would force his client to either build a multistory building or put parking behind a proposed new restaurant at 15007 Front Beach Road.
“This case will set a precedent as to whether or not we’re going to alter the Land Development Code,” Oberst said. “I personally think we need to give it a chance and let the Land Development Code work and see how it goes.”