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1. What do I do if I've lost my pet?

The first thing to do is check with the Lynn Haven Animal Shelter. We only hold strays for 5 business days before they are available for adoption, so there is no time to delay! The only sure way to see if we have your pet is to come out and look. 

We house animals from the City of Lynn Haven only. Check with the facility every 2 to 3 days. The phone numbers are 850-265-4699 or 850-265-4111. Also, be sure to complete a Lost Dog Report (PDF) or a Lost Cat Report (PDF).

2. What else can I do?

• Check your neighborhood, talk to your neighbors and neighborhood children. Ask if anyone has seen your pet.
• Put up "lost" poster including a recent photo. Place them in your neighborhood, local stores veterinary clinics, and the Animal Shelter.
• Check your local newspaper classified advertisements for found pets, place a lost advertisement with the paper.
• Check with:
  Humane Society of Bay County
  1600 Bay Avenue
  Panama City, FL 32444
  Phone: 850-763-3923
• Check with:
  Bay County Animal Control
  Phone: 850-784-4005
• Place flyers and complete lost forms with each location.

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1. What is a Feasibility Study?

The Feasibility Study is intended to document conditions existing within the proposed Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) that indicate the presence of blight. A summary of blight conditions within the Lynn Haven CRA area has been published in the CRA Feasibility Study for the City of Lynn Haven; April 2003:

• Deterioration of site or other improvements
• Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness
• Inadequate and outdated building density patterns
• Physical Conditions
• Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout, parking facilities, and roadways
• Social/Economic Conditions

Assessed values of real property for ad valorem tax purposes are low compared to Lynn Haven as a whole and compared to other surrounding municipalities and Bay County. As a first step of the process, the City has to prepare a CRA Feasibility Study to evaluate the potential for including a portion of the City in a Community Redevelopment Area pursuant to Section 163, Florida Statutes.

2. What is a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)?

Local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA) when certain conditions exist. Since all the monies used in financing CRA activities are locally generated, CRAs are not overseen by the state, but redevelopment plans must be consistent with local government comprehensive plans. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include, but are not limited to:

• Inadequate infrastructure
• Inadequate parking
• Insufficient roadways
• The presence of substandard or inadequate structures
• A shortage of affordable housing

To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area to provide the tools needed to foster and support redevelopment of the targeted area. The ultimate goal of a CRA is to increase the taxable value within the CRA through specific projects as outlined in the CRA Plan.

3. What is a Community Redevelopment Plan?

The Community Redevelopment Plan typically includes the overall goals of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), as well as specific projects for that area. The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing such a plan (PDF) that addresses the unique needs of the targeted area. The Redevelopment Plan is based on the findings of the CRA’s Feasibility Study. It is a living document that can be updated to meet the changing needs within the CRA. However, the boundaries of the area cannot be changed without starting the process from the beginning.

4. How is a CRA funded?

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is funded through Tax Incremental Financing, also known as TIF. TIF money is used to promote private sector activities. The taxable value of all real property within the CRA area is determined as of a fixed date, the base year.

5. Who decides how CRA funds are spent?

The local Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board decides how to spend the CRA funds based upon staff recommendations.

6. How does Tax Increment Financing (TIF) work?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a local government tool that uses future gains in taxes to finance current public improvements. Improvements that theoretically will create those gains. When a public project such as a road, park, or constructing a sidewalk is carried out, there is often an increase in the value of surrounding real estate, and perhaps new investments (new or rehabilitated buildings, for example). 

This increased site value and investment sometimes generates increased tax revenues. The increased tax revenues are the tax increment. Tax Increment Financing dedicates tax increments within a certain defined district (i.e. the Lynn Haven Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)) to finance debt issued to pay for the project. 

TIF is designed to channel funding toward improvements in distressed or underdeveloped areas where development might not otherwise occur. TIF creates funding for public projects that may otherwise be less affordable to localities. Any funds received from a Tax Increment Financing area must be used for specific redevelopment purposes within the targeted area, and not for general government purposes.

7. How does a CRA affect my property taxes?

A CRA is financed through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Tax Increment Financing is not increasing the property taxes within the Community Redevelopment District (CRA). It is rather changing the distribution of the property taxes.

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1. How do I schedule a CPR class?

For training courses please contact Gulf Coast Community College.

2. Can I get a copy of a fire investigation report?

Yes. Reports are available at Fire Station Number 1, located at 1412 Pennsylvania Avenue.

3. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

Both fire stations have Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics on duty.

4. How can I become a Lynn Haven firefighter?

Candidates must have State of Florida Certification of Compliance for Firefighters and valid State of Florida driver’s license. Applications for employment are available from the personnel department in City Hall,
at 825 Ohio Avenue or online through the third party Jobs site. 

5. Why did the fire department place these blue markers in the street?

At night, it is difficult for fire engines to spot the fire hydrants on your street. The blue markers help locate the fire hydrant.

6. Why does the fire department show up when I call for a medical emergency?

The Lynn Haven Fire and Emergency Services Department responds to emergencies of many types including Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Our firefighters are First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), or Paramedics. We also have defibrillators for cardiac patients.

We assist the Ambulance Service as necessary.

7. To whom do I report a leaking fire hydrant?

Repairs to fire hydrants are handled by the City's Utility Department. The number is 850-265-0087.

8. Can I burn trash or yard debris in the City?

No. The City provided trash and yard debris pickup.

City Ordinance Sec.42-10 Fire - Building a fire outside of a stoves, grills, fireplace, or other places provided for such purpose shall be unlawful. All fires shall be attended to at all times and upon abandonment, such fires shall be completely extinguished.

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1. How do I get a library card?

Adults and minors age 16 years or older, who are residents of Lynn Haven, may acquire a Library Card free of charge provided they have a proof of residency and current address and an identification card. Proof of residency may be a recent Gulf Power Electric bill or property tax statement showing taxes paid to the City of Lynn Haven or a Property Deed. Water or other utility bills can not be used as proof of residency. Acceptable identification cards include Driver's License, Florida or Military ID.

A parent or legal guardian may obtain library cards for children age 15 and under as long as the parent/guardian also possesses a card. A parent/guardian is the responsible party for the minor card holder and assumes all responsibility for the proper care and return of materials checked out by the minor.

People living outside the city limits of Lynn Haven may enjoy all the rights and privileges available to resident card holders for a $10 annual, nonrefundable fee. The cost for Seniors, age 60 and over, is $7. Families, up to five persons, will be charged $25 annually. Nonresidents must present an identification card, as indicated, and documentation showing their current address.

2. How many items may I check out?

Ten items may be checked out per card with the following restrictions:

• No additional items may be checked out if more than two items are overdue
• No items may be checked out if a family member's account is in poor standing
• Three audio books
• Three Videos
• Two items by the same author
• Two items on the same subject

3. How long may I keep a book?

Books are checked out for a period of three weeks. They may be renewed for an additional three weeks as long as they are not reserved for another patron and the your account is in good standing.

4. How do I renew or reserve an item?

You may handle both transactions by telephone provided you have your Library Card number. After establishing a PIN with a librarian you may also visit the Library's website to place "Holds," renew books and check the status of your account.

5. What happens if I return an item after its due date?

Overdue books incur fines of $0.05 per day, per book. A patron having fees of $5 or more on his/her card, or on a family member's card, loses borrowing privileges until fees drop below the $5 limit. Partial payment of fees is accepted.

6. What happens if an item is damaged or gets lost?

Patrons are responsible for any damage to or loss of items they borrow. Mending, processing, or replacement fees will be assessed for such items.

7. May I get another card if I lose mine?

Library Cards may be replaced for a $2 charge. All information and fees will be transferred to your new card. The old one will no longer be valid.

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1. How do I test for a water leak?

Find out how to test for a leak by watching our recommended YouTube video.

2. What do I do if I have a water leak?

If you have a leak, call the Public Utility Department at 850-265-0087 if it's Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If it's after business hours, call 850-265-1112.

The City will determine if the leak is on the City side or the customer side of the line. A $25 leak detection fee will be charged to customer. The responsibility guidelines are as follows:

• From the meter to the road is the City’s responsibility.
• From the meter to the house is the homeowner’s responsibility.

If leak is on the customer side, the customer is responsible for calling a plumber and having the issue resolved at their own expense. If the leak is on the City Side the City will repair the line and absorb the $25 leak detection fee charged to the customer as well.

3. What do I do if I have a sewer stop up?

Call a plumber, they will determine if the problem is on the City side or the customer side of the line. From the tie in at the street sewer line (including the tie in) to and throughout the house is the homeowner’s responsibility.

If the blockage is on the customer side, the customer is responsible for all repair and maintenance cost. If the plumber determines the problem is with the City’s sewer line contact the Public Utility department at 850-265-0087 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If it's after business hours, call 850-265-1112.

The following will apply after you call:

• Staff on call will then respond unstopping the line.
• Plumber will need to be on site when staff responds, or you will need to be able to provide the name and number of the plumber who serviced the call.
• The City will pay up to and not exceed 1-hour labor charge for the plumbers’ service call determining the blockage to be a City issue once verified by City staff.
• Invoices should be directed to the City and residents should not be charged for plumber’s time unless additional work is agreed upon by the plumber and resident.
• Invoices are subject to verification and a 30-day processing time.

4. Boil Water Notice FAQ

*Am I under a Boil Water Notice?

   -Customers that are under a Boil Water Notice will be notified by a paper notice on the front door unless a Public Service Announcement (PSA) is made. If a PSA is used there will be a physical description of the area that is affected on the notice.

*What can I use the water for while under a Boil Water Notice?

   -A Boil Water Notice only refers to water being used for direct consumption. Water being used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before use. Customers are safe to use the water for showers, washing hands, etc.

*Is my water contaminated?

   -Most Boil Water Notices are “Precautionary Boil Water Notices” which means that no health hazards have been detected, but samples must be taken to confirm the safety of the water. These notices are typically used when water lines are brought under 20 PSI. There is a greater risk for contamination of water lines when they are not fully pressurized, so samples are needed to verify that there is no bacterial contamination. A “Mandatory Boil Water Notice” means that there have been immediate health hazards detected in the water system.

*How long will I be on this notice? / Is my notice rescinded?

   -Boil Water Notices require two consecutive days of coliform free samples. Pending on the time of day and ability to flush the lines samples may or may not be taken the day that the notice is issued. The testing done on these samples take 24 hours to run, so samples taken today will not have results until at least that time tomorrow. Notices will be rescinded in the same fashion as they were issued. If there was a paper notice issued, then there will be paper notice issued to inform the customer that the notice is no longer in effect. Notices will be issued as they are ready, regardless of normal working hours. The Water Treatment Facility remains staffed on weekends and holidays to ensure that customers’ needs are met.

*How can I disinfectant my water if there is no power/means to boil it?

   - If you cannot boil water, you should put eight (8) drops of common household bleach (unscented) which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into one (1) gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking.  If the water is cloudy, use sixteen (16) drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes.  There should be a slight chlorine odor.  Use common household bleach that has 5% to 8% active ingredients.  Use food grade containers.

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1. Why are Special Event Permits needed?

The purpose of the Special Events Ordinance is to ensure that special events do not endanger public health or safety and to permit the City to understand and prepare for known collateral and secondary effects of special events in the community. The permitting process is not intended to control or regulate special events based on their content, the nature or type of speech involved, or any speaker's viewpoint.   

2. Do I need to fill out a Special Event Application?

Every event that takes place on public property with an anticipated attendance of 50 or more people requires a special event permit.

3. What size is my event?

A small event has an attendance of 50-100 people.

A medium event has an attendance of 101-500 people.

A large event has an attendance of 500+ people

4. How soon do I need to submit a Special Events Application?

After your date has been secured through CommunityPass, the Special Events Application should be completed as quickly as possible. Your application must be submitted, paid in full, and approved before the following deadlines:

•   Forty-five (45) calendar days for a large event;  

• Twenty (20) calendar days for a medium event; and 

• Ten (10) calendar days for a small event.  

5. What are the event permit fees?

For small event, $50.00.  

For a medium event, $225.00 .

 For a large event, $350.00.  

6. What are the reasons a permit may be denied?

• The permit application is incomplete; a complete application is one that provides all the information or items required by this article regardless of the sufficiency of the information or item;  
• The final permit application as presented is deficient and the applicant refused to correct the deficiencies within a reasonable time; 
• The application fee has not been paid; 
• The proposed event is unlawful;  
• The application contains a material falsehood or misrepresentation; 
• It reasonably appears that the proposed event will present a danger to the public safety or health;  
• The proposed event is of such a nature or duration that it cannot be reasonably accommodated in the particular venue applied for;  
• The applicant has refused to attend or participate in good faith in a pre-permit meeting requested by the City Manager following reasonable notice and scheduling attempts by the City Manager and failed to propose reasonable alternatives.  

7. My application was denied, can I challenge that decision?

Every denial of a permit and every conditional grant of a permit challenged by an applicant is appealable to the City Commission by letter filed with the City Manager within three business days after receipt of the denial or proposed conditional grant. The City Commission shall grant or deny the permit, or uphold or rescind the conditions, based upon information presented by the applicant and the City Manager or his designee in a de novo, quasi-judicial hearing held as soon as practicable. The City Commission's decision, including its reasons therefor, shall be announced at the conclusion of the hearing and entered onto the record thereof which shall constitute the commission's final order in any subsequent proceedings and which may, but shall not be required to, express findings of fact and conclusions of law.