City of Panama City Invited Public to Say Farewell to Marina Civic Center as Demolition Began

PANAMA CITY, FL – The City of Panama City announced the demolition of the iconic Marina Civic Center, a beloved venue that had served the community for over six decades. The Marina Civic Center, located at 8 Harrison Avenue, saw its first act of demolition on the south-facing half of the building on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m. CT.

The City invited the public to witness this first phase of the demolition. A designated Public Viewing Area was established in a grassy lot, located off Harrison Avenue on the south-facing side of the Center and across from Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar. The Panama City Police Department closed the south entrance to the Marina Civic Center parking lot, located off Harrison Avenue near the Public Viewing Area, at 10 a.m. CT, allowing only emergency personnel access.

The City extended this opportunity for residents to gather, reflect on the memories made at the center, and watch as steps were taken toward a new future for Panama City. As they embarked on this transition, they were committed to ensuring that the new developments would serve the community’s needs and enhance the vibrancy of the bayside community.

They looked forward to sharing this moment with the public as they said goodbye to an old friend and welcomed the possibilities ahead.

Hurricane Michael in 2018 had badly damaged the Center, and it had not been in operation since. The City Commission voted on May 28, 2024, to move forward with the demolition of the building, with plans for a semi-permanent structure to replace it while raising funds for a permanent performing arts site.