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Panama City Beach, FL

Frequently asked questions

Panama City Beach, FL

Panama City is a city in and the county seat of Bay County, Florida, United States. Located along U.S. Highway 98 (US 98), it is the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola. It is also the most populated city and a principal city of the Panama City–Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,939, down from the figure of 36,484 at the 2010 census.

The development in this once-unincorporated part of Northwest Florida was created by combining the settlements and communities of Floriopolis, Harrison, Millville, Park Resort, and St. Andrews. In 1906, the development was named Panama City and it was first incorporated as Panama City in 1909. When Panama City was incorporated, its original city limits were 15th Street (Hwy 98) on the north, Balboa Avenue on the west, and Bay Avenue on the east. 

According to the Panama City Public Library's A History of Panama City, George Mortimer West hoped to spur real estate development in Bay County during a period of intense popular interest in the construction of the Panama Canal by changing the town's name from Harrison to Panama City, because a straight line between Chicago and the Central American country Panama's national capital intersected the Florida town. Additionally, since required meanders around land formations in a seaborne route to the canal added distance when starting at other ports, Panama City was the closest developed port in the US mainland to the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal.

The approximate coordinates for the City of Panama City are located at 30°10′28″N 85°39′52″W (30.174451, –85.664480) within the Florida Panhandle, and along the Emerald Coast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city limits encompass an area of 35.4 square miles (91.8 km²), of which 29.3 square miles (75.8 km²) is land and 6.2 square miles (16.0 km²), or 17.39%, is water.

Panama City Beach prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents and visitors. The city boasts healthcare facilities and services dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Panama City Beach Medical Center is a notable healthcare provider in the area, offering a range of medical services. YMCA provides fitness facilities, group classes, swimming pools, and community programs for people of all ages and fitness levels. Equinox offers premium fitness facilities, personalized training, group fitness classes, spa services, and wellness amenities. Crunch Fitness offers a diverse range of workouts including group fitness classes, personal training, and specialized programs like HIIT and yoga. Select Physical Therapy offers comprehensive physical therapy services, including orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, manual therapy, and specialized programs for various conditions. CORA Physical Therapy provides personalized physical therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, balance and fall prevention, and occupational therapy services.

Top sites in Panama City Beach, FL are Gulf World Marine Park, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and SkyWheel Panama City Beach.

Population: 19,393 (2023). ZIP codes: 32401, 32407, 32408, 32413, 32417. Area codes: 850, 448. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 19.53 sq mi (50.57 km²).

FAQs

Why is Panama City Beach, FL so popular?

Panama City Beach is home to one of the country's largest sport fishing fleets. The area boasts one of the highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in the world, one of the many reasons Panama City Beach travel is so popular. Panama City Beach fishing is world famous, and fishermen can troll for multiple varieties of fish in our waters, including Blue Marlin, Red Snapper, Mackerel, Trout, Pompano, and Cobia.

What is the difference between Panama City, FL and Panama City Beach?

So, what's the difference? While Panama City, Panama is an ocean city and Panama City, Florida is technically inland (located on the Florida panhandle), Dunes of Panama Vacation Rentals is located in Panama City Beach across the bay on the Highway 98 bridge, just 10 miles from the center of Panama City.

What is the cost of living in Panama City Beach, FL?

The cost of living in Panama City Beach, FL is generally quite affordable. The median home price is below the national average and most basic goods and services are reasonably priced. Food and dining prices tend to be lower than the national average, helping to keep grocery bills down. Utilities costs are also competitively priced which can help to offset the relatively high rental costs in some areas. Overall, Panama City Beach offers a comfortable cost of living for those looking to move to or vacation in this popular resort city.

Sources

City of Panama City Beach

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

Dunes of Panama

Visit Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Medical Center

YMCA

Equinox

Crunch Fitness

Select Physical Therapy

CORA Physical Therapy

Gulf World Marine Park

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

SkyWheel Panama City Beach

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.