Gisbert Chosen as New Panama City Beach City Manager - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Assistant City Manager Mario Gisbert is chosen as the successor to Richard Jackson as Panama City Beach's new City Manager.

Gisbert won with three votes coming from Councilmen John Reichard, Keith Curry and Rick Russell. Mayor Gayle Oberst voted for current Bay County Assistant City Manager Bob Majka for the position, while Councilwoman Josie Strange decided upon former Pensacola CRA Director, Thaddeus Cohen.

Now, contract negotiations will begin with Gisbert and the City.

Gisbert has been with Panama City Beach for 10 years, prior that he worked as a developer for the St. Joe Company and has a background in architecture.

Gisbert called this appointment a "long time coming" and he's looking forward to filling the big shoes of his predecessor, Richard Jackson.

"I hope that they selected me because of my background and my insight into the area, and what I have to offer for the beach, but a lot of it is in the heart. Just like the other employees on Panama City beach, there's so much heart and I think that's one of the things that I also get across is that my heart is in Panama City beach," said Gisbert.