City Commission Approves Semi-Permanent Closure of West Beach Drive at Frankford Avenue

PANAMA CITY, FL. — The City Commission has officially approved the semi-permanent closure of West Beach Drive at the west side of Frankford Avenue, restricting all vehicle traffic in both eastbound and westbound directions. The closure will go into effect on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Residents and drivers who regularly use this portion of West Beach Drive should begin planning alternate routes ahead of the June 11th closure. Closure signage will be in place, and updates will be provided on the City’s website and social media channels.

The decision follows several months of community engagement and safety discussions between Commissioner Street, City Manager Jonathan Hayes and residents of the Landmark Condominiums at 2100 W. Beach Drive. Residents raised concerns about drivers cutting south through residential streets such as Foster, Arthur, and Calhoun Avenues to avoid congestion on Beach Drive, creating unsafe conditions and increased traffic through quiet neighborhoods.

In response, the Landmark Condominiums management team conducted door-to-door outreach to the ten single-family homes immediately west of the proposed closure. All affected homeowners expressed support for the traffic change.

“This closure is a direct response to resident input and our shared goal of improving neighborhood safety,” said Commissioner Street. “We’re taking a cautious, flexible approach by starting with a semi- permanent solution and evaluating its impact over time.”

With Commission approval now in place, the City will implement a semi-permanent closure at West Beach Drive and Frankford Avenue using signage and traffic delineators. At this time, asphalt will not be removed or permanent infrastructure installed, and pedestrian access through the area will remain open.

The closure will remain in effect for a minimum of one year, through June 1, 2026, during which time the City will monitor traffic flow, gather community feedback and consider any long-term adjustments. Any proposal for a permanent road modification would require further Commission approval and coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).