Panama City Beach offshore outfall will be first of its kind. Where the project stands.

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Beach officials continue to inch forward on a massive development to improve water quality in the Gulf of Mexico, streamline stormwater drainage and reduce flooding near Lullwater Lake.

According to City Councilman Michael Jarman, construction of an offshore stormwater outfall remains a top priority for the majority of Panama City Beach officials. However, there are environmental and engineering studies that must be carried out before the project can begin.

Jarman, a supporter of the outfall, said that while there was no set timeline as of Tuesday, he hopes all associated studies will be completed by year's end, which could allow for construction to begin sometime next year. It then would take 16 to 18 months for construction.

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"This is kind of a slow-moving train," he said. "We want to make sure everything is exactly the way it should be before we start construction. That's the smart way to do it, and that's what we're doing.

"... We're not about to jump the gun on something."

Among the project's hurdles is a study to determine how far stormwater should be deposited into the Gulf so that it does not interfere with natural tides and currents, or wash back onto the shore.

Working plans call for the structure to combine current outfalls near Lullwater Lake and the Calypso Resort and Tower, channel the stormwater underground and deposit it about 1,500 feet out into the Gulf.

Stormwater from the two existing outfalls already funnels into the Gulf, but it spews across the sandy beach near Lullwater Lake. The offshore outfall would get rid of this eyesore.

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Based on his conversations with officials in other communities that have successfully implemented similar developments, Jarman is confident ongoing studies will prove the offshore outfall will be a benefit for the Beach.

He noted Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has dramatically improved its water quality over the years by building multiple offshore outfalls.

"I personally went to Myrtle Beach and walked with the engineers and reviewed their outfall system," Jarman said. "I've tried to do as much due diligence as I possibly can concerning this project because it's that important.

"... In Myrtle Beach, they've seen great success with these outfalls, whether it be from a stormwater flooding issue, to even maintaining good water quality, and creating artificial reefs off the shoreline."

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Information on the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority's website states Myrtle Beach was recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 for improving the environment through its offshore stormwater outfalls.

Mary Coburn, the only member of the Panama City Beach City Council who opposes the project, said she hopes pending studies will prove the offshore outfall would be a detriment to the Gulf.

Coburn noted that while outfalls have been a success in Myrtle Beach, the Gulf of Mexico boasts different ecology than the Atlantic Ocean, so unforeseen issues created by the structure might arise.

PCB's offshore outfall would be the first of its kind in the Gulf.

"I'm cautiously optimistic that when these reports come in that perhaps (they) will be the magic nail in the coffin," she said. "I do not think this outfall project is good. I think it's going to (negatively) affect generations to come."

Project funding comes from $21 million state grant

In 2021, Panama City Beach received a $21 million grant to fund the offshore outfall from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Repair Program for communities impacted by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The program is designed to help areas rebuild and harden their critical infrastructure to better withstand future natural disasters.

Coburn said that on top of the money already granted by the state, PCB still would have to fund about $1 million for the outfall. She worries that if built, it also would require expensive maintenance in the future.

"Our Gulf and our beaches is a goose with a golden egg, and I think that this project could (hurt) that goose with a golden egg down the road," Coburn said. "I think we need to be very, very cautious here. Just because the city has a $21 million grant does not make this project right.

"... A project this massive has never been done (in the Gulf), so why do we want to be the guinea pig?"

If any study related to the local offshore outfall produces inhibiting results, the grant money will go back to the state, Jarman said.

"We have a grant for $21 million, so (the project) is going to remain a main focus," he said. "We're not going to let this thing get moldy on the shelf, but we also are not going to do anything until everything is properly vetted."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach stormwater outfall project progress inches forward