Panama City Farmers Market Considers Rotating Locations to Boost Downtown Engagement

The Panama City Farmers Market is at the heart of a new initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown areas.

 

The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) has proposed a plan to rotate the market's location every three months, starting in 2026.

 

This strategy seeks to distribute foot traffic evenly and support various local businesses.

 

Traditionally held at McKenzie Park, the market was temporarily moved to Harrison Avenue in August 2025 due to the O-12 infrastructure project, which limited access to the park.

 

With construction nearing completion, the DIB is considering a rotational schedule that includes:

 

McKenzie Park: Returning to its original location for a three-month period.

 

Harrison Avenue: Hosting the market on different blocks to spread economic benefits.

 

Alternative Locations: Exploring other downtown areas to further diversify engagement.

 

DIB Chairman Jason Kretzer emphasized the plan's goal: "So no one bears all the burdens, and no one gets all the positive. And plus, at the end of the year, we’ll have a lot of data to show where it worked best."

 

Local business owners have expressed mixed reactions.

 

Pam Armstrong, owner of Tom’s Hot Dogs, noted, "I think that any time you put people in front of our business, you’re going to see a result."

 

Conversely, Ted Holland of  Somethin’s Cookin’ Downtown shared concerns, stating, "You moved to Harrison, it’s like crickets, we can shut down and probably make more money."

 

The market, managed by Anchored Market Ventures, features over 100 local vendors offering a variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and artisan crafts.

 

It operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a pet-friendly event that serves as a popular community gathering spot.

 

As the DIB finalizes plans, they aim to create a dynamic environment that benefits both vendors and the broader community.

 

For the latest updates on the Panama City Farmers Market and its upcoming locations, residents are encouraged to stay connected with local announcements.

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