Bay County Approves Northern Route for Philip Griffitts Parkway Phase 3

Panama City Beach, Florida, USA - On July 17, 2025, Bay County commissioners made a significant leap forward in local infrastructure by approving the third phase of the Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway. The project is set to tackle the ongoing traffic challenges faced in Panama City Beach, particularly the congestion plaguing U.S. 98. This expansion promises to breathe new life into the region’s transportation framework.

The newly selected route, which is the northernmost of three options presented, aims to address rising traffic concerns for both residents and visitors. The Bay County leadership conducted a public meeting at Grace Episcopal Church, where locals were encouraged to voice their opinions and weigh in on the proposed routes. Unfortunately, not all feedback was positive; many residents of the nearby Breakfast Point Neighborhood expressed their worries over aesthetics, noise, and potential cut-through traffic. The community fears that a new highway could diminish property values and create unwanted disruption in their daily lives.

Aiming for Traffic Relief

As residents know all too well, the traffic woes don’t stop at U.S. 98. Back Beach Road has become notorious for its congestion, and even after a planned expansion to six lanes, local experts like Keith Bryant, Chief Infrastructure Officer for Bay County, believe the road will „remain at its level of service,“ meaning relief might be short-lived. The expansive $100 million project outlines a partnership between Panama City Beach, Bay County, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), indicating a commitment to addressing these pressing transportation needs.

The upcoming phase of the parkway, stretching from North Clara Avenue to Chip Seal Parkway, is expected to take around two years to design. This segment is a part of a larger effort that started back in 2017 with Phase 1, which connected State 79 to North Pier Park Drive. Phase 2 followed, linking to Segment 1 and opening in 2021. As the project progresses, it’s encouraging to see initiatives like the expansion of Gayle’s Trails, which will now reach east to Chip Seal Parkway, promoting alternative modes of transport and enhancing the area’s recreational offerings.

Strategies for Improvement

As they work to solve traffic concerns, Bay County officials are not alone; traffic management consulting is playing a vital role in modern urban planning. It involves addressing a myriad of factors—from road network design and public transit integration to active transportation infrastructure and congestion management. Well-prepared strategies such as data-driven traffic modeling and dynamic signaling systems are essential tools for alleviating congestion, ensuring that the needs of both residents and visitors are balanced.

The overall goal remains clear: to create a transportation framework that promotes efficiency while considering community input. Knowledge from traffic specialists will guide the decisions that shape the dynamics of movement in Panama City Beach. Ultimately, this project does more than just add roads; it paves the way for a more connected and vibrant community.

As the processes unfold, residents will continue to look for signs of positive changes and hope that their voices will be heard. After all, as the saying goes, „there’s something to be said for it“ when a community comes together to address its needs and aspirations. Only time will tell how this endeavor shapes the future of traffic in Bay County.