PANAMA CITY — Hammer Down Multisport Inc. is moving forward with plans to bring a bicycle race to downtown Panama City on April 14.
JoJo Fritz said his company still needs to get approval from the City Commission and a permit from the city to close streets, including a section of Harrison Avenue, and secure police officers for major intersections, but they actively are pursuing the event.
Fritz and Josie Strange, a USA Cycling official and a Panama City Beach councilwoman, attended the Downtown Iimprovement Board (DIB) meeting Wednesday to garner attention for sponsors and receive support from the board. They also are planning to attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
The route for the event would be south on Harrison Avenue, left on Fourth Street, right on Luverne Avenue, right on Oak Avenue, right on Jenks Avenue, right on Fifth Street and right onto Harrison. The course is about ¾ of a mile long. Races would begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 4:45 p.m.
Fritz said the event should attract between 250 and 350 cyclists. Hammer Down has received interest from several bicycle shops to hold booths along the event, but the DIB would responsible for organizing any accompanying festival.
“Consider it supported by our board,” Chairman Jim Hayden said.
Fritz said event organizers would be responsible for insurance, so the city is not liable. Fritz wants the event to be part of the Southeast Regional Showcase along with similar races in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina and receive an endorsement from USA Cycling.
“I’ve raced in it. I’ve seen what it’s done for Ashville, Greenville and Knoxville,” Fritz said.
In other business Wednesday:
- The DIB praised the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for power washing Gateway Park and trimming trees. Downtown CRA program manager Stephen Cox said power washing cost $800 and the tree trimming is part of a contract with Southeastern Outdoor Management for $1,650 a month.
- Friday Fest has 51 vendors and will feature three new beers: Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and Castaway IPA and new offering from Port St. Joe Brewing Co. DIB Director Jared Jones said the new beers are an effort to develop more of a partnership with the Lewis Bear Company.
- The DIB needs director and officer insurance because it is not included in Panama City’s plan. One quote from Peoples First was for $800 per year.