Panama City Beach is located in the Southeastern U.S. in the area of northwest Florida, known as the Florida Panhandle, positioned on a narrow strip of land bordered on the south by the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. St. Andrew Bay lies to the east, and Lake Powell lies just outside the city limits on the west end. To the north is West Bay.

 

DID YOU KNOW:

Panama City Beach averages an elevation of 13 feet above sea level. The City is located in the Central Standard Time Zone.

 

FUN FACT:

PCB has an estimated population of 15,000, which increases to a peak daily population of more than 100,000 during the busy summer months. Each year approximately 4.5 million visitors come to PCB.

 

FUN FACT:

PCB is often referred to as "the island" … in fact, it is a peninsula. Anyone entering the City from the east must cross the Hathaway Bridge on U.S. 98, which crosses the St. Andrew Bay. Those entering from the west cross Phillips Inlet Bridge on U.S. 98. Travelers from the north, including those flying into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, will cross West Bay on State Road 79.  

Panama City Beach in Bay County is not a big city, with a population of only about 15,000 people. Yet the world’s most beautiful white sandy beach attracts millions of visitors each year. You heard right: millions.

We are a fast-growing, progressive community that is a vacation, relocation, and retirement mecca for many. Overall, the county boasts 27 miles of beach, with nine of those being inside the City limits of Panama City Beach. We are also a young city, having been founded in 1970 through the merger of four small towns.

Panama City Beach has so many amenities. Whether you are a visitor, a part-time, or a full-time resident, you will find a lot to explore – from our Conservation Park and trail system to the city and county piers, endless water sports, amazing restaurants, lively nightlife, relaxed shopping, and family-friendly entertainment.

There are so many great things about our community, not the least of which are our people. Our residents are both native-born third- and fourth-generation, as well as newcomers who have relocated from across the country. Natives and non-natives contribute greatly to our community and welcome others.

Panama City Beach is truly a great city to live, work, worship, and play. Enjoy the easy lifestyle here, the sun and the sand. I encourage you to walk barefoot and feel the sand under your toes, and, as much as you can, share our world-famous sunsets with those you love.

Mark Sheldon

Mayor, Panama City Beach