Panama City, Florida has been in the midst of a significant infrastructure project since 2016. The intersection of U.S. 231 and U.S. 98 is set to become the site of a much-needed flyover bridge. However, the construction timeline is still a long way off, with at least five more years to wait.

The Importance of Fair Property Acquisition

Before construction can commence, the existing properties in the area must be bought out. Ian Satter, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation, emphasizes the need for property acquisition to ensure that property owners receive fair market value. This process is time-consuming and arduous for both the department and the property owners.For example, Bob Leighton, the owner of Ragtime Consignment Boutique, was at the first meeting about the bridge eight years ago. He believes that the longer the process goes on, the more the value of his property will decrease. "It is time-consuming, it is arduous on the company, and it slowly depletes the value of the existing building," he said.On the other hand, Ashley McDaniel, the owner of Plum Delightful Boutique, is concerned about the custom and eclectic additions to her building. She has not received an offer that adequately compensates her family for these unique features, such as a door from Rosa Parks' house and a chest from Buckingham Palace.

The Need for the Bridge

Leighton and other business owners in the area agree that Panama City needs the bridge for growth and evacuations. It is a crucial infrastructure project that will benefit the entire community. However, relocating their businesses is not a simple task."This is a one-of-a-kind building, this is a one-of-a-kind area. It’s a 100-year-old building. You can never duplicate what we have here, and that is definitely something we are trying to protect. People come to Plum Delightful for this building; it is so unique, it is so different," said McDaniel.

The Lack of a Set Timeline

According to FDOT, there is no set timeline for the bridge's construction. This has led to frustration among some business owners who believe that more prompt action is needed."I would like more prompt action on the part of the state, and I know there are always issues, but I think the timeline speaks for itself. Act, guys," said Leighton.Despite the uncertainty, the community remains hopeful that the flyover bridge will eventually be built, bringing much-needed improvements to Panama City.