PCB Plans for the Future

In another sign that our region is working to shape its future, the Panama City Beach City Council is considering new, stricter land-use regulations. (see: News Herald, 2/22/07, “PCB Tries to Get Ahead of Growth”)

The good news is the community is getting engaged, thinking about what kind of place Panama City Beach wants to be in the future.

The way to avoid many of the problems that have plagued other parts of Florida is through good planning. Once again, I point to the West Bay Sector Plan as Bay County’s shining example.

This community worked together to create a 75,000-acre land-use plan that:
1) protects West Bay,
2) puts about 40,000 acres of land conservation,
3) relocates our airport and creates the opportunity for better air service, and
4) creates a regional employment center next to the airport to help us attract new businesses and jobs.

It’s a fifty-year plan that lays out a tremendous vision for our county.

What a gift it would be to future generations if Panama City Beach could develop a similar long-term vision for their city.