PANAMA CITY — More than a half-million dollars earmarked by the federal government for the Panama City Housing Authority will be used for improvements at a low-income apartment complex.
The money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is part of the $47,978,986 awarded to Florida housing authorities for renovations and improvements, according to a HUD press release.
In the eastern Panhandle, Panama City received the most with $574,905. Executive Director Joe Woods said the organization will use the money to eliminate the outdoor walkways between apartment buildings at Henry Kirkland Garden Apartments at 261 Everitt Ave.
“There’s a lot of mischief out there,” Woods said.
The plan is to make surrounding apartments larger. The housing authority already has taken this step at another complex.
“We intend to renovate properties to bring them up to standard to be a part of the community,” Woods said.
Other HUD funding went to the Housing Authority of Springfield, which received $42,633.
Surrounding Bay County, Chipley received $99,673, Marianna was awarded $96,829, Apalachicola got $70,562 and DeFuniak Springs $48,473.