Sea Museum Gets Promise of Panama City Beach, Fla., Site.

Byline: Kevin Porter

Nov. 25--PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.--A former Navy diver has verbally committed to purchasing property to relocate the cramped Museum of Man in the Sea.

Earlier this year, museum officials announced intentions to secure eight acres off Thomas Drive near Patronis Drive in Panama City Beach.

They had hoped to break ground for an estimated $7 million building by now, but "funding hasn't gone as well as planned," said Douglas Hough, executive director.

The benefactor's name won't be released until more than a verbal commitment is made. The price of the property is believed to be more than $1 million. "This puts a firm floor …