Why do so many people call Panama City, FL just Panama when there is a country named Panama?

Question

Do they not know there is a country named that? It can be confusing.

Answer 1

Not really confusing. If you live there and you say "Panama" chances are slim you are referring to the country.  People call New York City, New York, they call Colorado Springs, "the Springs", they call Manitou Springs simply " Manitou.   Many cities have nicknames or shortened names used by the residents.

Answer 2

Well I've been going to Panama city Beach since 1963 and I lived there in the 70's and as for calling it Panama,yes it is called that informally.Sure they know there is a country by that name,but then there is the the Russian conflict with "Georgia" and there is a state named Georgia..So this could be a mute point.

But yes people do use the term saying they are going to Panama for vacation,but this is informally and since they are in the U.S. then they assume people know they mean the beaches of the Emeral Coast of Florida.

Answer 3

nostly ive just heard it called PCB-panama city beach