Well, the Jazz Festival was awesome! They had record numbers and mostly excellent weather (minus Saturday), and they’ve already started selling tickets for next year! With that out of the way, the improvements that are slated for Aaron Bessant Park are preparing to begin! Although I don’t look forward for the workers working during our hot summer days.
We’ve discussed what the plans are here, and you’ve certainly chimed in.
Q&A with the City of Panama City Beach
We were curious about what was happening over there and fired off some questions to Mario Gisbert, the director of the CRA, who also happens to handle some of the logistics regarding the development of this project.
Q. Now that the Jazz Fest is over, is there a projected begin date for the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Improvements?
We are fine toning the drawings now, we will be pricing per the City of Panama City Beach requirements shortly (one month process). Upon council approval of bids (two week process) and not exceeding the budget we would start construction. Goal would be June start.
Q. What is the projected construction time on the amphitheater?
The construction duration is approximately 5 months.
Q. What has been learned about the acoustical ramifications of the way the speakers can be oriented?
With proper speaker orientation, building configuration and amplification limitations, the performances will work within the current sound ordinance. These issues are being addressed with the building design. The performance standards are being developed at this point in time.
Q. How will the speakers be oriented in order to be sensitive to the needs of the surrounding public?
The speakers will be aimed (7 degree cone) into the audience and not out towards the neighborhoods.
Q. Was some of what has been learned put into practice for the Jazz Festival this year?
The performance provider was aware of the current issues and did coordinate the speakers for a proper responsible performance. The current sound ordinance limits were adhered. We did monitor the event.
Q. How will the sound be monitored on an ongoing basis to be sure everyone is happy?
We will complete the performance standards and monitor the effects and adjust as needed. We are planning on having the acoustician present during the new building performance in order to make final adjustments with building and speakers and amplification.
PCBDaily 