We hope everyone has made it safely through the storm. We are so proud of how well, once again, our community is coming together to help one another in such a trying time. We are attempting to make contact with as many businesses in Bay County to identify needs for them to be able to reopen. The easiest way for you to communicate your needs is to go to www.floridadisaster.biz and register for an account for your business. By updating your account with your current needs, operational status, contact information and more, we will have the information needed to help you get your doors back open.

If you have not done so already, please visit our website, PanamaCity.org/Disaster-Preparation for information on disaster recovery. This page offers information regarding insurance processes, financial assistance and more.

Curfew

All of Bay County remains under a curfew from 12:00 am to 5:00 am. Everyone who is out working during this time must be able to prove where they are going and must have a valid reason for being out. All others should be indoors during this time.

Power Update

Gulf Power expects to have power restored to 95% of businesses in Bay County between October 21 and October 24. Please be patient as they work as quickly as possible to restore power to your business. In the mean time, it is crucial that you have your meter inspected before power is restored as Gulf Power will not hook your power back up if it is not safe to do so.

For unincorporated Bay County, Bay County BOCC Builders Services has opened a temporary office located in between the Bay County Government Center located at 840 W. 11th Street, Panama City and the Bay County Public Library. This site will be used to issue permits, and in particular, electrical permits and will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.

For incorporated municipalities east of the Hathaway Bridge, you may reach EPCI by visiting the A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street, or by calling (850) 582-0734 for a free inspection of your meter.

Water and Sewer Update

The mandatory boil water notice has been rescinded for customers of the City of Panama City, City of Lynn Haven, City of Callaway, City of Parker, Bay County Utilities in unincorporated areas and the City of Panama City Beach. In order to eliminate any residual water from home and business plumbing systems downstream of your meter, you should run water for approximately five (5) minutes at each tap to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for five (5) minutes. The first bin full of ice from ice makers should also be discarded.

All other areas of Bay County remain under a mandatory  boil water notice. Officials are asking customers to conserve water as they work to flush the system. Flushing helps clear the lines and provide good chlorine residual throughout. This process is the next step towards providing potable water to customers. Crews are continuing to test the water and make repairs to the county’s water infrastructure. People may experience fluctuations in the after pressure during this process. At this time, all water should be boiled to ensure it is safe to drink. The sewer system is fully operational within the city limits of Panama City and Panama City Beach.

Emergency Services

Please note that emergency services are fully operational within the county. Should you need EMS, Fire or Law Enforcement, you may call 9-1-1 for emergency response.

Garbage Collection

Debris Removal

The City of Panama City has contracted with a company to remove debris located in the right-of-way from within city limits. Please sort your debris into four piles: household items, yard debris, construction items and appliances. All piles should be placed along the right-of-way but out of the road and not blocking fire hydrants, water meters, mailboxes or driveways. Please do not mix household garbage with these debris piles. Commercial garbage is being collected, however be mindful it may not be done on your regular schedule.

Residents and businesses owners in Bay County with home or business damage may make temporary repairs to secure the structure. Permanent repairs are not permissible until the work can be properly permitted.

Comfort Stations

Chamber Operations

As for regular Chamber operations, all Chamber activities, including committees, events, and grand openings, have been suspended until further notice. We hope to have temporary offices set up soon and will advise you when we do. Please do not attempt to contact our regular email addresses as they are not working at this time. You can contact us through our Facebook page or by emailing [email protected]. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work together to build a better Bay!