Downtown Marina

It’s a balance we’ll need to find together.

Operationally, the marina slips lost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and didn’t even cover long-term maintenance costs, such as bulkhead repairs, which run into the tens of millions. If this were a private business, it would also be responsible for property taxes. Yet, even with these advantages—no tax burden and deferred maintenance—it still operated at a loss. Ultimately, Panama City taxpayers covered the costs so that just 44 residents could have boat slips, while most users were from outside the city. That’s not a fair or sustainable model. 

Government-run businesses rarely match the efficiency of private ones. If we argue that the marina should remain a city-run business, we must ask: Should the government also operate restaurants, car washes, or retail stores?

That said, I completely understand the emotional aspect of this issue. The marina represents more than boat slips—it’s part of our identity as a fishing town. Many worry that privatization could make it feel more like Fort Lauderdale, catering to big boats owned rather than preserving our small-town character. That’s a valid concern.

However, we must also consider fairness. Most Panama City residents don’t own boats, yet their tax dollars were subsidizing slips primarily used by non-residents. That’s not sustainable or fair.

The key is balance. We should explore ways to maintain the local feel of the marina and ensure accessibility for residents while also making it financially viable. Perhaps there’s a way to preserve community ownership and improve maintenance without forcing taxpayers to cover ongoing losses. A well-managed marina should be an asset to the city—not a burden.