Golf Carts
Part of the CRA and Main Street vision for Lynn
Haven to become a “vibrant, walking
community.”
Proposal for Lynn Haven Golf Carts

I would propose that Lynn Haven resolve to request that the Florida Department of
Transportation permit and establish a Golf Cart Crossing at the intersection of Hwy
77 and 9th Street, at the intersection of Hwy 77 and Marina Bay Drive on the North
side of the Bailey Bridge, and at the intersections of Pennsylvania Avenue at 12th
and 14th Streets. (The County Manager has authority to establish crossings on
County Roads)

I would further propose that Lynn Haven adopt a change in the current golf cart
Ordinance regulating the use of golf carts and expand the area for golf cart use to
include the CRA area as well as all neighborhood streets within the city limits of
the City of Lynn Haven with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or below. The current
policy excludes and isolates the oldest neighborhoods in Lynn Haven where posted
speed limits are without exception below 30 mph, with most at 25 mph.

I would also propose that golf carts be allowed on the old Bailey Bridge to allow
Senior citizens, small children, and those with other handicaps easier access to
fishing and enjoyment of the park, and to allow the Marina Bay community area to
cross the bridge to enjoy the parks and historic areas of Lynn Haven.
Neighborhoods in which golf carts
currently are permitted in Lynn Haven
Azalea Place
Millpoint Landing
Shadow Ridge
Belaire Estates
Mowat Highlands
The Landings
Belaire Estates Unit One
North Haven Estates
The Meadows
Brookwood
Osprey Cove
The Pointe
Camryn’s Crossing
Palmetto Ridge
Timbers
Gulf Coast Village
Panama Country Club
Water Oak Plantation
Hammocks North & South
Pine forest Estates
Windwood
Hawk’s Landing
Pines of Lynn Haven
Woodrun
Magnolia Meadows
Ravenwood
Current Lynn Haven Ordinance excludes
older, established neighborhoods

Use is permitted within one-half mile of a bona fide golf course. Golf
carts are permitted to operate on city streets within a one-half mile
radius of any limited access subdivision that contains a bona fide golf
course only when such golf cart is being used for transport to or from
such golf course.

Prohibited Streets :Golf carts may not operate upon any city, county,
or state street within the City of Lynn Haven unless permitted by
above section 66-6 (a) or (b). Golf carts shall not be permitted to
travel along or cross any state highway or county road in the City
unless such use is authorized by resolution of the Bay County Board of
County Commissioners or the Florida Department of Transportation ,
and such road is marked with official signage.
Exclusionary ordinance

The ordinance, as it is written, excludes many Senior citizens and families
who do not live in the gated or exclusive residential areas from enjoying the
mobility and relaxing travel by golf cart which is a trend all over our state and
in Bay County as well. Golf carts are no longer just for golf courses, and are
part of the laid-back, “live, eat, work, play,” lifestyle which residents have
indicated they would like to see in Lynn Haven.

As we move forward with the plans for the historic district, parks, and
government center of Lynn Haven, golf carts will make parking easier at our
festivals and events, and many retirees will be able to participate in more
outdoor activities such as the Farmer’s Market and the Concerts in the Park.

The other cities of Bay County have moved forward with this; why not us?
Lynn Haven current operational
requirements

1.The operator holds a valid, current driver’s license, or, if the operator is under
the age of 16, a person who possesses a valid, current driver’s license must be a
passenger in the golf cart. Under no circumstances may any person under the age
of 14 operate a golf cart on any public road in the city.

2.The golf cart is operated between the hours of sunrise and sunset, provided that
a golf cart equipped with integrated headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a
windshield may operate at any time.

3.The golf carts is operated in accordance with State or City traffic regulations.

4.Such operation does not obstruct or interfere with normal traffic flow

5.The golf cart carries no more passengers than the number for which the golf cart
was designed to carry

6.The golf cart is installed with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe
tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices on both the front
and rear.
Blue areas currently allow golf carts on
residential streets; pink areas are city limits,
tan area is CRA area.
Panama City Golf Carts

The Panama City Commission has approved golf cart use in the Cove area, and
is presently in the process of First and Second readings of an Ordinance to
approve them in the Millville area South of U.S. 98 and West of East Avenue.

Mayor Greg Brudnicki stated,”the City allows golf carts in the Cove area
neighborhood,” something he says has not caused any problems. He also said,
“I guess I’m kind of partial because I live in the Cove and use a golf cart. I
don’t think we can restrict Millville. It’s been successful in the Cove; we
haven’t had a problem.” NEWS HERALD
Bay County Golf Carts
Bay County allows golf carts on all public roads within those portions of
unincorporated areas of Bay County south of the Intracoastal Waterway and
county-owned roads contiguous to the City of Callaway.
Bay County prohibits operation on certain roads:
(1)
Any road designated and numbered as a U.S. Highway, a State Road, or a
County Road
(2)
Any road on which the speed limit exceeds 30 mph
(3)
Wisteria Lane
Golf carts shall be authorized to CROSS roads specified above only at such points
designated by FDOT or Bay County.
County Manager has authority to designate and mark county road crossings.
Panama City Beach Golf Carts

Panama City Beach
Sec 22-107

(a)Golf Carts shall be allowed to operate upon any street
within the city except the following:
EAST WEST Streets
Front Beach Road, Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach
Parkway, Thomas Drive and South Thomas Drive
NORTH SOUTH Streets
Beach Boulevard from S. Thomas to Front Beach, Churchwell
Road, Beckrich Road, Alf Coleman Road, Clara Avenue, Hill
Road, Powell Adams Road, Highway 79
Panama City Beach Golf Carts

(b) Golf carts shall be permitted to CROSS any street listed above
ONLY at such points as are from time to time designated by resolution
of the City Commission where authorized, or the FDOT, and marked as
crossing points with official signage.
OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS:
(A)Operator holds a valid current license
(B)Golf cart operated during hours between sunrise and sunset
(C)Golf cart operated in accordance with State or City traffic regulations
(D)Golf cart does not interfere with normal traffic flow
(E)Golf cart carries no more passengers than the number for which
designated to carry
Callaway Golf Carts

Golf carts shall be allowed on streets which are subject to
the jurisdiction of the City of Callaway and not a county,
state or federal roadway and which have a speed limit of
35 mph or less as depicted on the attached map.

Boat Race Road shall be utilized for golf cart crossing only
and not normal golf cart operation.
Lynn Haven’s CRA/Main street Mission
Statement
Promoting
a family-oriented,
walkable community with a
vibrant, small-business friendly
downtown area while preserving
our local, small town heritage.
Safety and golf carts

If the 25 mph and 30 mph speed limits are enforced in our
neighborhoods by the Lynn Haven police department, residents,
particularly Senior citizens and children, will be much safer whether
riding in golf carts, walking, bicycling, or just pulling out of their
driveways.

Residents currently walk, as well as ride bicycles, wheel chairs, hoverrounds, skateboards, scooters, and motorcycles in Lynn Haven, on
State and County roads, on sidewalks, and when crossing at
intersections and without intersections.

Golf carts will only be driven within the City limits on residential
streets, crossing county or state roads only at very limited designated
and marked crossings by the County and/or FDOT.

Golf carts will promote the relaxed, slower-paced lifestyle which will
increase the enjoyment of all residents of our beautiful little city, and
are part of a growing trend in all parts of Bay County.
Initial permit requests for suggested
crossings of County and State roads

A crossing at Hwy 77 and 9th Street to allow residents to move back and forth
between the East and West sides of Hwy 77; Hwy 77 is part of our town and
cannot be seen as a detriment to the growth and enjoyment of our historical
and park areas. The only detriment is that traffic is allowed to drive through
our town in excess of the posted 35mph speed limit.

Crossings at Pennsylvania and 12th, and Pennsylvania and 14th, to allow Seniors
to travel along Pennsylvania Avenue from the park and the Senior Citizens
Center, and for access for those North of 12th and 14th Streets to travel to City
government buildings and to cross over to the businesses on Ohio and Florida.
There are currently NO DESIGNATED CROSSINGS within the CRA district for
these two streets, and this would improve safety for those walking and on
bicycles as well. Several churches are located on these streets.

A crossing at Hwy 77 and Marina Bay Drive for the Lynn Haven residents along
the Bay to cross using the old Bailey Bridge.
Contacts made with FDOT and County
for Crossing Permit Information

I have made initial contact with FDOT regarding the
permitting process for two crossings on State Hwy 77, and
have contacted Mr. Robert Majka the Bay County Manager
concerning the crossings of 12th and 14th Street at
Pennsylvania Avenue or possibly Michigan Avenue.

Jason Peters, P.E. Director of Transportation
Development, FDOT

Steve Benak, District Three Traffic Operations Engineer
Discussion by the Board and by the
Public