PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Tuesday was the first reading of the golf cart ordinance. Panama City commissioners discussed adding St. Andrews and downtown Panama City as the new locations allowing golf carts.

This map shows the areas where golf carts are allowed. St. Andrews and downtown Panama City are up next for possible approval.

Commissioners discussed whether or not to have dusk-to-dawn rules in the ordinance.

Safety concerns were also brought up addressing requirements for seat belts, turn signals, brake lights, and insurance. Many community members were in favor of the ordinance changes. Commissioners said Tuesday was the first step in having the conversation with the public.

“So, I think it’s really important to kind of note there’s some of this activity is already happening,” said Josh Street, Panama City commissioner. “15 years ago, the city started its first golf cart-friendly community. Since then, we’ve added Millville, we’ve added Venetian Villas, we’ve added Sweet Bay and there’s other neighborhoods across the city, they’re looking to see it added where they live.”

Others have differing opinions about the ordinance.

“I am very concerned for the safety of the occupants of the golf carts because I’m a retired orthopedic surgeon and I worked in the emergency room for nearly 40 years, said Michael Rohan, Panama City Mayor. “So, a lot of accidents, not very many with golf carts, but when you have an accident and a golf cart hits it, hits a car is all over for the golf cart, that person is going to get hurt. They’re going to get hurt real bad.”

The locations that will allow golf carts is still a work in progress. Commissioners will vote on the ordinance changes next meeting August 6th.

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