Glenwood Looking To The Future, By Embracing The Past - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

The historic Glenwood community of Panama City is looking to boost it's image and its visibility. One city commissioner has a plan in mind that will do that just that as the community embraces it's past.

Panama City Commissioner Kenneth Brown says it all starts with visibility. His idea - banners similar to the ones that hand on the light poles throughout St. Andrews.

"Maybe we can start from 231 and let it travel through the neighborhood to Martin Luther King Blvd." Brown said.

Written on those banners, snapshots and stories detailing the rich history of the 105 year old community.

"Our history is being limited, and we want to get that limitation off," Brown said.

Brown's plans don't end there. He would eventually like to see Glenwood recognized as an official national historic district, which in turn could lead to more visitors and economic prosperity. He plans on looking further into how the city would do that.

"Bring in consultants to assist us, because we want somebody who has done this before," Brown said.

We caught up with residents to see what they thought about the idea. Glenwood resident Charles Taylor, who just moved here a couple years ago, agrees with the commissioner's concept.

"Anything to help the community will be fine," Taylor said. "If it's gonna bring more revenue and more people to the area, it's fine."

Lifelong Glenwood resident Tony Allen says it will be a good opportunity to teach the younger generation.

"Let our young kids know what Glenwood is all about - past, present, and the future that it's heading in," Allen said.

Commissioner Brown plans on introducing his plans for Glenwood to the city commission at Tuesday's meeting, and is hoping for strong community support.

"That would be outstanding," Brown said. "We can do it."

Commissioner Brown said he got the inspiration from Rosenwald high's class of 1962, who had their class reunion recently. At Tuesday's commission meeting, the president of Rosenwald's Class of '62 will be presenting a special gift to the school. The meeting will start at 4pm.