'Positive impact': Panama City considers expanding downtown social district for alcohol

PANAMA CITY − Residents soon might have a larger area downtown to openly consume alcohol.

Panama City commissioners on Tuesday held the first reading of an ordinance to expand the Downtown Panama City Social District, or a region in the downtown area where people can openly carry and consume alcoholic drinks.

The existing social district was approved by commissioners in November. It has a northern border near Sixth Street, a southern border near the Panama City Marina, an eastern border near Luverne Avenue and a western border near Grace Avenue and West Fourth Street.

The ordinance proposed Tuesday would expand the district west to include areas of Jenks Avenue, Mercer Avenue and other portions of Oak Avenue and Beach Drive. It also would allow commissioners to update the district to accommodate future growth, as well as increase its days of operation from only Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., to everyday during the same hours.

"It's been an incredible part of the downtown experience," Commissioner Jenna Haligas said. "People are really enjoying it."

During the meeting, Maria Williams, executive director of the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board, agreed with Haligas that the district has proved to be a success.

"It's brought vitality and economic growth to downtown," Williams said. "The businesses have thrived. Foot traffic has definitely increased, and both residents and visitors have enjoyed the enhanced social atmosphere.

"The positive impact has been evident."

Williams said expanding the district is the city's "logical step forward." For her, this would extend the economic benefits to other downtown businesses and provide additional opportunities for community engagement.

"This expansion signifies progress toward a vibrant and prosperous city," Williams said. "The new ordinance streamlines future adjustments, allowing the city to respond quickly to changes needed and opportunities."

Dave Parmer, owner of Millie's Cafe, said his business is among those in the area that have benefited from the social district. Located at 228 Harrison Ave., Millie's has been part of downtown for more than a dozen years.

Parmer said that he has noticed not only an uptick in revenue since the district was established, but also an increase in people simply walking around downtown.

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Like Haligas and Williams, Parmer supports expanding the district's region, along with increasing it to seven days a week − an addition he said will boost tourism throughout the area.

The second reading for the ordinance will be held July 9.

"It's been a big help," he said of the district. "It increases the visibility of downtown, (and) businesses profit from it. ... It's made downtown more visible, I think, to a lot of people."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: 'Positive impact': Panama City considers expanding downtown social district for alcohol