Panama City commissioners approve reforestation grants

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Two days from the six-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, Panama City officials say they’re seeing huge progress in reforestation efforts.

The city lost about 80% of its tree canopy during the storm.

On Tuesday commissioners accepted three grants from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, worth about 1 million dollars.

The money will fund reforestation projects for the next 5 years.

The first areas to receive trees will be Hentz Park in St. Andrews and the Bay Memorial Walking Park.

“Just these two parks alone are receiving almost 400 trees. And these aren’t little, small trees. I mean, these are, these are big, substantial-sized trees that are going to be able to grow and reforest our city. This doesn’t even represent 10% of the funds that are actually available to us. And so, we’re going to see an improvement all across the city and every one of our parks seeing new trees planted,” Panama City Commissioner Josh Street said.

Panhandle Landscape Solutions LLC has the contract.

The grants provide full funding and do not require a match by the city.

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