News Flash
Public Meeting set for C.R. 2321 Widening Study
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners will host an Alternatives Public Meeting for the County 2321 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from State 77 to State 75 (U.S. 231) on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m.The study evaluates the potential widening of County 2321 from two lanes to four lanes along approximately 6.15 miles to address future capacity needs.The meeting will provide updated information about the project and give residents an opportunity to review proposed alternatives, ask questions and share feedback. Maps, drawings and other project materials will be available for public review, and Bay County staff and members of the project team will be present to discuss the proposed improvements and receive comments.The meeting will be at the Southport Community Building, 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport.All comments submitted or postmarked by Thursday, March 12, 2026, will be included in the public record.
Vendor Open House scheduled for Mar. 18
Join Bay County's Purchasing Department for an insightful and empowering Vendor Open House from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 18.This two-hour event is designed to demystify the process of doing business with the county. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or exploring opportunities for the first time, this event is your gateway to understanding the intricacies of county procurement.What to Expect:Strategic Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Bay County purchasing landscape, including key policies, procedures, and opportunities for vendors.Navigating the System: Learn step-by-step how to register as a vendor in OpenGov and stay informed about upcoming projects.Networking Opportunities: Connect with county procurement experts and department representatives to build valuable relationships that can propel your business forward.Q&A Session: Have your questions answered by professionals with a wealth of experience in county procurement. Get insights into best practices, potential challenges, and how to maximize your success.Who Should Attend:Any business interested in working with the Bay County governmentPrepare to embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event!This free event will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Bay County Government Center located at 840 W. 11th Street, Room 1030, Panama City, FL.For more information, please contact the Bay County Purchasing Department at (850) 248-8270.
Bay County Commission seeking applications for appointment
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tourist Development Council County Non- Collector Seat. The Tourist Development Council recommends County uses of Tourist Development tax revenue, make recommendations to the County for operation of special projects related to tourist development and review County compliance with those recommendations.The vacancy is classified as a “Non-Collector” seat. The person shall represent a tourist-related industry. The person must be an elector of the county and shall be appointed by the Board of Bay County Commissioners. The seat has a term of three years and the vacant seat is set to expire December 2028. Letters of interest with complete contact information may be submitted to the Bay County Board of County Commissioners at BOCC@BAYCOUNTYFL.GOV. Letters must be received no later than 5 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.The board is expected to announce its appointee on Mar. 3, 2026, at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting.
Animal Control
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Annual Reports
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Bay County 2024 Budget Summary
The 2024 Budget Summary aims to assist the public in understanding the budget adopted by the Bay County Board of County Commissioners in September 2023.
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Bay County 2023 Budget Summary
The Bay County Budget Summary is now available to review online.
Beach Safety
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Bay County and TDC launch “Stay PCB Current” initiative
Bay County Commissioners and the Bay County Tourist Development Council launch “Stay PCB Current” informational sheet. The Stay PCB Current is a new tool for all things beach safety. Folks can snap a shot of the QR code with their smartphone. The link will direct them to Stay PCB Current which illustrates the day’s beach safety flags. Rip current safety, lifeguard information, and other valuable facts can also be found on it.
Bay County leaders said the “Stay PCB Current” sheets can be found at hotels and condominiums on the beach and in town. You can also pick one up at the Bay County Government Center or Tourism Development Council.
Bay County Commissioners and the TDC worked together to make this vision come to life.
You can receive text message alerts when beach safety flags change by texting PCBFLAGS to 888777.
Emergency Management
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Damage Assessment Reporting
As the storms clear, Bay County Emergency Management asks the residents of the county to fill out their residential damage assessment form.
They are in the process of coordinating damage assessment teams and are looking for data of any impacted structures. If you have seen or know of any damages in Bay County, please fill out the form or scan their QR code. This data will also be used for the National Weather Service surveys later this week.
Half Cents Surtax
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Half-Cent Surtax Infrastructure Tax
Click here to explore an interactive map of projects throughout Bay County being funded by the Half-Cent Infrastructure Surtax and their status.
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Public Meeting set for C.R. 2321 Widening Study
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners will host an Alternatives Public Meeting for the County 2321 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from State 77 to State 75 (U.S. 231) on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The study evaluates the potential widening of County 2321 from two lanes to four lanes along approximately 6.15 miles to address future capacity needs.
The meeting will provide updated information about the project and give residents an opportunity to review proposed alternatives, ask questions and share feedback. Maps, drawings and other project materials will be available for public review, and Bay County staff and members of the project team will be present to discuss the proposed improvements and receive comments.
The meeting will be at the Southport Community Building, 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport.
All comments submitted or postmarked by Thursday, March 12, 2026, will be included in the public record.
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Vendor Open House scheduled for Mar. 18
Join Bay County's Purchasing Department for an insightful and empowering Vendor Open House from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 18.
This two-hour event is designed to demystify the process of doing business with the county. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or exploring opportunities for the first time, this event is your gateway to understanding the intricacies of county procurement.
What to Expect:
- Strategic Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Bay County purchasing landscape, including key policies, procedures, and opportunities for vendors.
- Navigating the System: Learn step-by-step how to register as a vendor in OpenGov and stay informed about upcoming projects.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with county procurement experts and department representatives to build valuable relationships that can propel your business forward.
- Q&A Session: Have your questions answered by professionals with a wealth of experience in county procurement. Get insights into best practices, potential challenges, and how to maximize your success.
Who Should Attend:
- Any business interested in working with the Bay County government
Prepare to embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event!
This free event will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Bay County Government Center located at 840 W. 11th Street, Room 1030, Panama City, FL.
For more information, please contact the Bay County Purchasing Department at (850) 248-8270.
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Bay County Commission seeking applications for appointment
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tourist Development Council County Non- Collector Seat.
The Tourist Development Council recommends County uses of Tourist Development tax revenue, make recommendations to the County for operation of special projects related to tourist development and review County compliance with those recommendations.
The vacancy is classified as a “Non-Collector” seat. The person shall represent a tourist-related industry. The person must be an elector of the county and shall be appointed by the Board of Bay County Commissioners. The seat has a term of three years and the vacant seat is set to expire December 2028.
Letters of interest with complete contact information may be submitted to the Bay County Board of County Commissioners at BOCC@BAYCOUNTYFL.GOV. Letters must be received no later than 5 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
The board is expected to announce its appointee on Mar. 3, 2026, at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting.
Recover Bay County
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Rehouse Bay
Residents, elected officials, city and county staff are dedicated to revitalizing Bay County in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Housing repair and construction are top priorities; investing in residential infrastructure is the first step in creating strong neighborhoods and reestablishing our county’s unmatched quality of life
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Rebuild Bay County website
Rebuild Bay County Inc. is a long-term Disaster Recovery Organization (LTDRO), dedicated to rebuilding hope, hearts, and homes
Utility Services
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Bay County Utilities to expand pilot treatment program
In January 2023, Bay County Utilities Services (BCUS) successfully tested and implemented an alternative water treatment product approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that cut costs and ensures the continued availability of treatment materials due to ongoing supply-chain shortages.
The product, Polyaluminum hydroxychloride (ACH), serves as an alternative to ferric sulfate, a coagulant that removes solids from the water during the treatment process and is necessary for the provision of safe drinking water throughout the county.
BCUS will soon begin a trial of a new coagulant – Hyperion 4064 – that is in the same family as ACH but a different blend, Bay County Utilities Water Division Superintendent Sean Lathrop said.
“This new blend will give us the capability to handle a wider range of raw water conditions,” Lathrop said, “but it will not cause any water quality changes. What it will do is give BCUS a broader range of water treatment options as raw water conditions vary.”
Lathrop said the new product will allow BCUS to optimize settling in clarifier basins at the plant, allow longer filter run times and more efficient solids removal.
As a result of the 2023 testing, BCUS realized cost savings of more than $130,000 annually and increased employee safety with the elimination of a dangerous chemical.
“This has been a win for Utilities,” Lathrop said, “and we anticipate those cost savings and safety improvements to continue with this new product.”
Testing is set to begin on February 5, 2024 and is necessary to determine how well Hyperion 4064 will work with the county’s treatment and distribution system. During the trial, only half of the water treatment plant will be used, with one treatment basin and up to four filters on standby and ready to quickly switch back to normal operations should unfavorable conditions arise.
For more information, please call Bay County Utilities Services at (850) 248-5010.