Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City is moving forward with a significant expansion, with leaders taking the first concrete steps to develop 350 acres of wooded land north of the existing terminal. The Federal Aviation Administration has already signed off on permits for the work.
The project will roll out in phases, with stormwater drainage infrastructure coming first. After that, crews will get to work cutting roads and clearing trees across the newly designated area. Part of the plan also involves reconfiguring an existing pond on the property to open up additional parking capacity.
Airport Authority Board Member Will Cramer framed the expansion as a direct reflection of Bay County's momentum, noting that the available land on the current footprint is essentially already spoken for. The goal, leaders say, is to make room for new industries and additional businesses serving the broader Panhandle region.
Airport leaders are scheduled to meet next Thursday to work through the project's budget details.
This story was originally reported by WJHG.
