Kathryn L. Hanline was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Her family returned to Panama City and moved into her great-grandparent’s home in the late 1950s.  She attended Millville Elementary School, St. John’s Catholic School, Rutherford High School, and Gulf Coast Community College.

Commissioner Hanline has been a small business owner since 1975.  She opened Sweet Magnolia’s downtown on Harrison Avenue in 1989.  In 1995, Sweet Magnolia’s was moved to its present location in Millville.

Ms. Hanline involved herself in supporting and promoting her neighborhood.  She served on the Panama City Planning Board as Commissioner Donna Mortland’s appointee.  Commissioner Hanline has enjoyed serving the City of Panama City as Ward I Commissioner since 1997.