More than 1,000 acres of land north of Panama City Beach will soon be developed into what’s being called a “game changer” for Bay County.
The land is given an agricultural and timberland use title, but this morning the Bay County commission agreed to change the designation to mixed use and public institution land use.
That change paves the way for the Bay County Tourist Development Council to move forward with its new sports village plans.
Also, Bay District Schools has identified a need for a new elementary or middle school on the east end of Panama City Beach so they will consider building a new school on the land.
One hundred and forty five acres will be used for conservation and the St. Joe Company, which requested the land use change, will develop almost 900 acres for residential and commercial use.
County commissioners say they’re excited to see the developments move forward.
“I would hope to say by the first of the year we’ll be turning dirt out there. That’s the schedule they’ve got us on now and I would hope early 17 we’ll start seeing lots of activity,” said Philip “Griff” Griffitts, Bay County Commissioner.
This plan will now go to the Department of Economic Analysis to rubber stamp the county’s approval.
