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jbrown@wmbb.com

Monday, April 21, 2008

Handicapped Parking Concerns at The Grand Theater

If you have visited Pier Park in Panama City Beach you have probably noticed the Grand Theater.  Perhaps you have taken in a movie there.  It is a really nice feature of the new shopping and entertainment complex.  But, one News 13 viewer raises an important question.  Richard Sharp says, “We recently went to the Grand Theater at Pier Park and noticed there were no handicap parking available near the entrance. The handicap parking was all the way around the back while open parking was available in the front on both sides of the road. My question is how can they get a certificate of occupancy when they are not in compliance with the state and federal laws relative to the handicap accessibility?”

So, is this the case?  News 13 decided to take a closer look at the issue in this Problem Solver report.

I have visited the grand theater several times.  But had not really thought about the placement of handicapped parking spaces there…until now.

If you look at the street that passes in front of the Grand, you don’t see any handicap parking or any parking spaces immediately out front, just a drop off-pick up lane.  On the other side of the street, those spaces are apparently open to anyone who wants to park here.

Parking for the Grand is directly behind the theater, with a few spaces along the side.  You will see many reserved spaces for handicapped guests right behind the theater.  I counted eleven of them.  A pathway is provided for theater customers that takes them to the front of the building.  According to the Simon Property Group, Pier Park developer, officials tell me that is just how the theater was designed and built.  They say the Grand is in compliance with state codes and that is confirmed by Panama City Beach Building Department officials.  And, again, the lane in front of the Grand allows a safe drop off and pick up point for everyone.  So, the Grand Theater appears to be providing the best it can for handicapped customers.

If you have questions about handicapped parking regulations, click this link to a state web site. http://www.floridasectionite.org/TIPS/TIPS%2022%20Rev%202003.pdf


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