State and FEMA funds shape Panhandle coastal and local development work
Key Questions
What projects are funded by the $13M state grant package?
The grant supports an airport engine-repair hub, housing and road improvements in Port St. Joe, and dock expansion at a Gulf shipyard. These initiatives are projected to create hundreds of jobs across the region.
When will the west Destin beach restoration project begin?
Okaloosa County and FEMA plan a $10M beach-restoration and dredging effort involving roughly 150,000 cubic yards of material. Work is scheduled to start on March 23, 2026.
What local development actions are approved or under study?
Panama City is conducting a feasibility study for the former mall site with options for a medical campus or convention center. Bay County has approved a Habitat for Humanity Restore and office, and CHELCO is attending job fairs to signal upcoming hiring.
A state grant package (~$13M) is funding regional projects (airport engine-repair hub, Port St. Joe housing/road work, Gulf shipyard dock expansion) with hundreds of projected jobs. Okaloosa County and FEMA plan a $10M west Destin beach-restoration/dredging (~150,000 cu yd) to begin Mar 23, 2026. Local actions include a Panama City Mall feasibility study (medical campus/convention center options) and Bay County approval for a Habitat for Humanity Restore/office; CHELCO participation in job fairs signals hiring windows.