Drake Avenue Reopens After Sewer Break in Panama City

Panama City crews reopened Drake Avenue between 16th and 17th Street this morning after emergency repairs to a 12-inch sewer force main. A subcontractor for Clearwave struck the line on May 28, rupturing it and spilling sewage into the storm drain system and Lake Huntington.

City staff stopped the leak by 9:20 p.m. May 28 and completed repairs by 12:06 a.m. May 29. Clearwave terminated its contract with Millenium, the subcontractor responsible, and halted all work by that company citywide.

Residents must avoid Lake Huntington until testing confirms safe water quality. The City of Panama City's lab will report results to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The city placed warning signs around the lake and distributed notices to affected homes.

Carillo's Underground Construction, a local company, prepped the repair site. A specialized contractor from Montgomery, Alabama, arrived by 8 p.m. with equipment needed for the 12-inch line stops.

No water or sewer service disruptions affected nearby homes. For questions, residents may contact the Public Works Department at 850-872-3000, option 3.