PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Panama City Beach got lucky earlier this week when Hurricane Debby drifted east and spared the area. On Thursday night, the Panama City Beach City Council agreed to make the city less vulnerable to power outages for the next hurricane.
At Thursday’s regular meeting, the council voted to enter into an agreement with Florida Power and Light to relocate power lines underground on Section 4.2 of Front Beach Road.
Section 4.2 of Front Beach Road runs from east of Hills Road to west of Lantana Street. The power lines in this section were previously above ground.
Council members say that putting the lines underground will not only eliminate one less eyesore, but also provide additional protection against hurricanes and their winds.
“It’s very important that power stays on during the storm if possible and that power is restored as quickly as possible after the hurricane. Putting these lines underground protects them better than above-ground lines. Above-ground lines are more vulnerable to hurricanes and stronger winds,” said Paul Casto, City Councilor for District 1.
Council members say the project will go out to tender later this year and they hope to start construction in early 2025.
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