PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A bogus tourist tax was one of many topics discussed at this evening’s Panama City Beach City Council meeting.
City officials approved funding to buy a new patrol car for the Beach Police Department to replace one that was totaled last year, and also discussed potential restrictions on hosting multiple large events at the same time, citing traffic congestion during the air show and Thunder Beach events.
Additionally, officials addressed concerns about restaurants charging bogus tourist taxes, with Mayor Stuart Tettemer emphasizing the need for price transparency.
“There is no tourist tax,” Mayor Tettemer said. “That’s the problem. It can be confusing for customers. It may seem like the city is trying to make customers think the tax is being imposed when in fact the restaurants are just raising their prices. We want to be clear about pricing and make sure these restaurants are following Florida law when it comes to transparency and pricing.”
Council officers have announced they will be sending letters to all beach restaurants clarifying the legality of the false taxation and legal action may be taken if the practice continues.
City leaders also voted to change the start time of their June 27 meeting from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m., and will vote on airport commission appointments at that meeting. Former City Manager Mark Sheldon is one of the leading candidates for the post.
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