City Launches Tree Giveaway to Restore Urban Canopy with $1M Grant Support

BAY COUNTY, FL - The City of Panama City, with the support of a $1 million grant, will host six tree giveaways throughout the year to restore the urban canopy lost in the wake of Hurricane Michael. One giveaway event will occur in each Ward, and they will all occur on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until supplies last. Each household can receive up to two trees per giveaway. 

2025 Tree Giveaway Dates and Locations

 • January 18, 2025 - McKenzie Park (Rescheduled to January 25th due to weather)

 • March 22, 2025 - Daffin Park 

 • April 26, 2025 - Oaks By The Bay Park 

 • May 24, 2025 - Glenwood Farmers Market

 • October 18, 2025 - H.D. Mathis Park

 • November 15, 2025 - Oaks By The Bay Park 

To receive the FREE trees, recipients must be Bay County residents, be present at the event and fill out a registration form (per the grant’s requirements). The registration form can be filled out prior to the giveaway or on-site the day of the giveaway. At each giveaway event, two lines will be set up, one for registration forms already filled out and one for citizens who need to fill them out on-site. The registration form can be found on the city website: www.panamacity.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=653

The 2025 Tree Giveaway events will begin on January 18, 2025, and it will feature Red Maple and Sweet Bay Magnolias. These two species are among the many trees available at future giveaways, with different varieties offered at each event depending on the season. 

This initiative is funded by the IRA UCF Eastside PC Reforestation Grant (Million Dollar Tree Grant), a $1 million award from the USDA Forest Service. The grant will provide a total of 15,632 trees. 15,000 trees will be given away to Bay County residents over the next five years, with 3,000 trees distributed yearly. 

The remaining 632 trees will be planted at eight locations across the city within the next three years, including Millville Waterfront Park, Daffin Park, Snug Harbor, C.M. Kidd Harris Park, Millville Cemetery, Joe Moody Harris Park and Right-of-Ways along E 3rd St. These areas will see significant improvements in their tree canopy, benefiting both residents and local wildlife. 

The tree giveaway events are a wonderful opportunity for residents to contribute to the city’s environmental recovery while enhancing their homes and neighborhoods. The City of Panama City is committed to continuing its efforts in creating a more sustainable, resilient community for years to come.