What happened with plans for the Panama City U.S. 231 flyover and the Tally-Ho Drive In?
PANAMA CITY  Construction on a planned U.S. 231 flyover could take even more years to start than previously expected, transportation officials say. Florida Department of Transportation officials said last year that they were "hopeful" construction would begin in 2023, but that no longer seems to be the case. There still are additional steps the department must clear before the project can start. One of them is the purchase of rights of way. Panama City:Interim chief named for Panama City Police Department  More:Panama City Welcome Wall mural artists explore shared experience at downtown photo shoot  "I'm going to be honest. The right of way activity is going to start in the summer of 2022," said Kohen Johns Brannon, communications specialist for FDOT's District 3. "They'll go ahead and start some of it, but it'll be acquisitions of roadways and stuff like that." The project is expected to cost $350 million. Brannon said it could be "years" before there is any visible construction. The challenge is how to do the construction with the least amount of negative impact. FDOT officials said they are still doing design work and they expect to have a public hearing to share information about where they are in the process. While no tentative date has been set for the public hearing, FDOT is shooting for September or October of this year. One of the businesses expected to be affected by the flyover project is the Tally-Ho Drive In burger and shake joint that has been at the same location since 1949. In 2018, it was expected that Tally-Ho would relocate by this year, but that hasn't happened. Before the restaurant can relocate, the state has to buy its property. "The government is two years behind and they haven't made me an offer yet," said Johnny Branch, owner of Tally-Ho. "I haven't found a lot yet that'll fit my need, but we're going to stay in business and it'll be in a better building." Branch said he currently is battling with people spreading rumors on social media platforms that Tally-Ho is closed down. He said he has the design of the new building he wants, but he hasn't found a suitable lot. Branch is emphatic in his stance on two things: He won't move unless the Florida Department of Transportation makes an offer to his liking and he does not see the chance of him moving his business to 23rd Street. The project was a polarizing topic that drew some criticisms initially from Panama City City Manager Mark McQueen. After some revisions, the project fit what the city wanted. "The city of Panama City respects the decision of the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization and its approval of the modified design for the flyover project," an email from city officials read. "The modifications align with the City's goals to provide more walkability and gathering spaces."