Jet not in the plan for Panama City marina

A military jet is being retired as serving almost 40 years as a centerpiece at the Panama City marina.

The Marina Redevelopment Project is slated to begin this summer. But first, the jet will have to be removed. Officials recently told the News Herald of Panama City (http://bit.ly/V6G0fJ ) they plan on having a retirement ceremony.

Community Redevelopment Agency director William Whitson says the F-101 has many maintenance issues. In addition, it will have to be disassembled and relocated, which is difficult and expensive. The aircraft is almost 68-feet long and has a wingspan of about 40 feet.

Whitson says the airplane did not fit into the new design plans. He says they're planning other ways to honor the military along a Memorial Walkway at the marina.