Panama City Beach City Council shifts city election dates

PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Panama City beach residents will be voting for their local officials later in the year.

Starting next year, the city elections will be held in November instead of April.

Panama City Beach City Council voted on this change at Thursday’s meeting. The vote was not unanimous. However, Councilwoman Mary Coburn said she believes this may create confusion among voters.

Thursday’s discussion was the 2nd reading of the ordinance. Members who supported this decision say this will help increase voter turnout.

Council members who are up for reelection next year will serve an additional 6 months. The city says they have been and will continue to work on getting the message out to the community about this change.

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