Experienced Leader Keith Meyerl Joins City Team As New Parks, Culture and Recreation Director

PANAMA CITY, FL. - The City is pleased to announce the selection of Keith Meyerl as the new Parks, Culture and Recreation Director, joining our leadership team with more than two decades of experience in parks and recreation management. His first day will be Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Meyerl brings a strong and genuine enthusiasm to serving the Panama City community, emphasizing his eagerness to work alongside staff to deliver exceptional programs, facilities, and services for residents of all ages. Known as an engaged and supportive mentor, he looks forward to building a shared vision rooted in teamwork, community connection and continuous improvement.

Meyerl currently serves as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for Panama City Beach, a role he has held for the past 2 and a half years. Before his time in Bay County, Meyerl spent nine years with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Division Chief and District Manager, overseeing 140 employees, more than 300 parks, dozens of facilities, and a $28 million operating budget. During his tenure in Jacksonville, he also developed the Urban Parks Recreation Program, which attracted more than 7,000 youth visitors annually.

Meyerl earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill. His earlier career includes significant leadership roles across Virginia, serving as Regional Superintendent for Fauquier County, Director of Parks & Recreation for Fluvanna County, Director of Aquatics & Youth for the City of Charlottesville, and Athletic Director for Fluvanna County. He is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association and has managed a wide range of facilities, large teams, substantial budgets, and thousands of programs throughout his career. He has also represented local governments at numerous community meetings and events, strengthening partnerships and engagement across the communities he served.

City leadership noted that Meyerl’s extensive experience, collaborative style and passion for community service made him stand out among an impressive field.

The City is excited to welcome Keith Meyerl as its new Parks, Culture and Recreation Director and looks forward to the leadership and vision he will bring to this vital department and our community.