Panama City Beach, Florida Fun Information

Panama City Beach – Jazz by the Bay October 21st-22nd, 2011 Oaks by the Bay Park

2011-10-21T15:05:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – Best Panama City Beach Rental at Celadon Beach Resort Guests Best Panama City Beach Condo
Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort are in for a fun weekend.

Bringing attention to jazz music, the Gulf Jazz Society is hosting the 11th Annual Jazz by the Bay Festival. In Historic St. Andrews, the two-day jazz music appreciation festival will be held by the water. Six bands are scheduled to play, including the all-star Dixieland and famous Bud Leeds Classic Jazz Band. The festival is free and open to the public, so bring a date or your family and listen to several different styles of jazz music.

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Mardi Gras to Liven Up St. Andrews This Weekend – February 25-26, 2011. Check out the Schedule

2011-02-24T08:03:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach - The Krewe of St. Andrews and the St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership have teamed up this year to bring the festival and parades to Historic St. Andrews.

Mardi Gras Festival Schedule:

The St. Andrews Mardi Gras Festival is from 2-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in the streets of Historic St. Andrews. The festival will feature 70 vendors and live music on eight stages.

EastBay will get the music started at 2 p.m. Friday on Stage 1 and then come back for more at 6 p.m. Saturday. The local island rock duo, featuring John Davis on vocals and guitar and David Merriam on percussion, is a regular at the St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers’ Market.

Savannah-based Sunday Project will be on Stage 2 at 2 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday, bringing guitar and folk lyrics for its indie sound. The band features Sidney Holloway on guitar and vocals, Greg Parton on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Johnny Briggs on percussion and Trevor Johnson on bass.

Almost There will perform at 5 p.m. Friday on Stage 1 and 1 p.m. Saturday on Stage 2. High school sophomores James Bell, Mason Downey and Haden Martinez describe their original music as a mix of rock and blues, but they also play a variety of crowd favorites. Downey, who founded the band, is the lead singer and guitarist. He and Bell, drummer, began playing music together at Holy Nativity Episcopal School during a guitar class.
“I’ve been playing with James since I was in second grade,” Downey said.
Downey said they got serious about music in middle school and then recruited Martinez, bassist and vocalist, in 2008.
Bell’s dad, John Bell, heard them practicing one day, and he said, “you’re almost there.” The name stuck. For this weekend, the band has 24 songs planned, including “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown, “Crossroads” by John Mayer and “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock. They even have produced some originals, such as “Abandoned Apathy” by Downey and “Finally Found My Way” by Martinez.

Following Almost There on Friday will be the Blackout Brass Band at 6 p.m. Started as an experimental project by a group from the 98th Army Silver Wings Band, the Blackout Brass Band brings traditional New Orleans street band instrumentation and incorporates funk rhythms.

Grammy nominee Slim Fatz will go on at 5 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday on Stage 2. The Delta bluesman’s latest offering is a team effort between Slim Fatz and legendary music producer, Neal James, “Everybody Loves Slim.”

Following Slim Fatz on Friday will be Panama City-based Kelly & The Healers with classic blues. Led by singer and lead guitarist Kelly Hundley, who has appeared with artists such B.B. King, Eric Johnson, Jeff Healey and Rick Derringer, the band also features bassist and vocalist Neal Franks and drummer Chris Curry.

The Tony Vegas Group goes on Stage 1 at 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tony Vegas, an international recording artist, has released three CDs including “Rockin’ the Blues,” “Cajun Ladies” and “Nawlins Renaissance.”

KD and Legacy goes on at 4 p.m. Saturday on Stage 1. Based out of Dothan, Ala., Legacy entertains with Motown, R&B and smooth jazz. The band includes Melvin Burks on keyboards and trumpet, Kenneth Darden “KD” on lead vocals and guitar, Marcus Hart as bassist and musical director, Keith Anderson on drums, James Crawford “JC” on guitar and Leslie Moguel on lead and background vocals.

Emerald County Line, a modern country band, performs at 4 p.m. Saturday on Stage 2. The band features guitarist and founder Tim Parrish, female lead singer Brittnie Sloan, Luke Abbey on lead guitar and harmonica, Caleb Todd on bass guitar and Kenny Brown on drums. Emerald County Line has opened for national acts including Carrie Underwood.

The Bay Stage Avant-Garde, a new community theater organization in Panama City, will be performing mime sketches during the festival.

Our Best Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort are reserved but I bet you can still find a place to stay at Celadon Beach Resort if you want to visit for the weekend. Call 850-236-1965.

Panama City Beach - Nightlife: February 3-9, 2011

2011-02-05T06:41:00.003-06:00

Here is what is going on this week around Panama City Beach courtesy The Best Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort

Have fun!

BIG EASY II
17190 Front Beach Road. 234-6770
Beer Specials, 5-7 p.m.
Sunday: “B & J”, 6-10 p.m.
Country music jam session.

BOARDWALK BEACH RESORT
& CONVENTION CENTER
9600 S. Thomas Drive, PC Beach
Sundays & Wednesdays: Jim Lawson Snowbird Dances, 3-6 p.m.
February 14th: Valentine’s Day Dance.
February 20th: Canada Day Dance
For more information, please call 850-234-3484

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 - www.boatyardclub.com
UPCOMING EVENT:
* Thursday, FEB. 17th: LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY
DJ VLADI and Live Music STEVE WIGGINS BAND

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Dine of the Beach this Winter at the Breakers. Happy Hours every night and Great Entertainment.
The Breakers is open 7 days a week at 4 p.m.
Mike Van Elsen on keyboards and vocals Wednesday thru Sunday.
VEGAS NIGHTS with TODD HERENDEEN, all of FEBRUARY, WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
To see our new menu for the winter: visit our web site
www.breakerspcbeach.com.

CANTINA BAR & GRILL
Located in Pier Park
COME FOR THE FAJITAS - STAY FOR THE MARGARITAS!.
Thursday: 90 minutes of live comedy w/Carmen Morales (opener) and Ian Gutoskie (headliner), 9 p.m.
18 & older, $10 Cover
Wednesday: ½ price Margarita’s
www.locosamigos.com 850-233-6228

CLUB LA VELA
8813 Thomas Drive 235-1061
Friday, 4th: Rock Arena Band: Ultra Drive
Grand Re-Opening Newly Remodeled Posh Lounge
Saturday, 5th: Rock Arena Band: Ultra Drive
Dress Code enforced
For more information, check out our website at www.clublavela.com
Or, call 234-Funn (3866) or 235-1061

FIREFLY
Early Dining Specials 5-6 p.m. nightly!
Sushi Happy Hour: Mon.-Thurs. 5-7 p.m. Sushi roll, hot Sake & Vodka Martini Specials.
Join us for “Tini Tuesday¹s”. Vodka Martini Special.
A night spot for upscale locals and guests who are looking for something different than our usual beach bars.
In the Shoppes at Edgewater, Panama City Beach. Open 5 p.m. daily.
850-249-3359. fireflypcb.com

GULF WORLD
15412 Front Beach Rd., 234-5271
Gulf World Marine Park
Is Proud to Present
2011 WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Hosted by Todd Allen Herendeen
February 5th: The Return, Beatles Tribute Band
February 8th: Go Big or Go Home Band
February 12th: The Diamonds
February 15th: Nothing But Todd Herendeen
February 19th: Ray Walker & Todd Herendeen & his FTD Band
February 22nd: The Classics with Wayne & Joey
February 26th: Bennie Anderson & The Drifters
All Shows 7:30 p.m.-Doors Open 6:30 p.m.
Tickets Available at Gulf World Marine Park

HAMMERHEAD FRED'S
8752 Thomas Drive 233-3907
A quaint little bar & grill located on the west end of Thomas Drive.
Inside & deck seating available.
Open Monday & Thursday @ 4 p.m.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ 11 a.m.
Friday: Touch of Class Band, 4-9 p.m.
2 for 1 Well Drinks, $2 Draft
Sunday: Super Bowl Party
Get here early to get the best seats
Lots of giveaways
Draft & Drink Specials

HARPOON HARRY'S
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
& TIKI BAR
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Waterfront Café
Harpoon Harry’s is closed for the winter. Call the Breakers/Harpoon Harry’s – 234-6060
www.harpoonharryspcbeach.com

LADY ANDERSON
5550 North lagoon Drive
850-234-5940
Valentine’s Day Cruises
Lunch Cruise, 12-2:30; Dinner Cruise, 7-9:30
Both feature Live Band & Buffet
Sweetheart Packages Available
Reserve Now 234-5940 or
www.ladyanderson.com

MARGARITAVILLE
Panama City Beach
16230 Front Beach Rd, 235-7870
At Pier Park On the Gulf
Friday & Saturday: The Barry Fish Band, 8:30 p.m. No Cover charge

MS. NEWBY'S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
Patio open everyday.
Friday & Saturday: TONY VEGAS GROUP, 8 p.m.

NEWBY'S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Friday & Saturday: Karaoke w/Night Al, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday: Super Bowl Party
Wednesday: Texas Hold’em Tournament, 7 p.m.
BUZZTIME everyday.
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PATCHES PUB
4723 Thomas Drive, 233-8879
Near St. Andrews State Park
Non Smoking/“The locals know”
Thursday-Snowbird Day, Live music w/Woody and the Peckers, 3-6 p.m.
Friday-Pitcher Specials
Sunday-SUPERBOWL PARTY-Buckets & wings specials
Monday-Beer Pong with Brad! 9 p.m.
Tuesday- The “Geezer DJ”, 3-6 p.m., playing 40-60’s hits
Wednesday-Ladies Night-Happy Hour prices all night for Ladies

PINEAPPLE WILLY’S
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-235-0928
EVERY FRIDAY: Live Music @ 7:30
SATURDAY: NCAA Basketball
SUNDAY: Super Bowl
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

SALT LICK TAVERN
8021 Thomas Dr., 249-8021
HOURS: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Cash Only
Happy Hour everyday, 11-7 p.m.
Thursday: Live Music, 7-11 p.m.
Friday: Jessie Jones, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Live Music, 7-11 p.m.
Sunday: Karaoke w/Emily, 2 p.m. till game time
Super Bowl Party

SALTWATER GRILL
11040 Hutchison Blvd, 850-230-2739
Open Daily @ 3 p.m.
Happy Hour Everyday, 3-6 p.m.
$5 Calamari, $5 Firecracker Shrimp
Martini Wednesday: Select Martini’s $5
Tuesday – Saturday: Saltwater Grill presents the only Piano Bar on the beach! Come join us in our Mermaid Room and listen to MICHAEL RORAH perform your favorite tunes from Jazz standards, classical rock, today's hits, and all your favorite show tunes, 7:30 pm.
www.saltwatergrillpcb.com

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive/850-235-3555
www.schooners.com
Open daily 11 a.m.
* Feb. 4-5: TRIGGERPROOF BAND
* Feb. 11-12: Lisa Webb Band
* April 1, 2, 3 - CAJUN FESTIVAL
Live Music with BAYOU BOYS, HEAT & THE ZYDECO GENTS & SAUCE BOSS BILL WHARTON

SHARKY'S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road, 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail.
More Info Sharky’s beach.com
Open Daily @ 11 a.m.
Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. $1.50 Domestic Drafts & $3.25 Well Drinks
Thursday: Bingo, 3-5 p.m.
Monday: Shaggin’ @ Sharky’s, 4-8 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Sunday: Super Bowl Party

SPINNAKER
SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB/PARADISE GRILL/CANTINA
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
UPCOMING EVENTS:
* Friday, Feb. 18th Casting Call Party – Spring Break Promo Model Search with DJ NYU and Live Music from WISER THAN FOOLS
* Saturday, Feb. 19th – Hot Tub Time Machine 80’s Night Costume Party.
DJ Surfer Mark & Live Music from WISER THAN FOOLS
* Saturday, Feb. 26 – Toys for Kids Foundation Mardi Gras Party.
Live Music with CHASING SCARLETT

Panama City Beach – The 2010 Empty Stocking Fund Exceeds $40,000

2010-12-10T06:45:00.004-06:00

The managers of Best Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort encourage you to contribute to the Empty Stocking Fund.

Panama City Beach – Here is how you can donate:

The News Herald will run full-page ads promoting the Empty Stocking Fund and share the status of the fund toward reaching the goal. During the holiday season, special envelopes are included with the newspaper. Donors may place their contributions in the envelope and:

1. Mail it to The Salvation Army at: P.O. Box 540, Panama City, FL 32402.
2. Hand-deliver it to The Salvation Army at 1824 W. 15th St., Panama City.
3. Hand-deliver it to The News Herald office at 501 W. 11th St., Panama City.

Salvation Army staff processes the contributions and gives updates to The News Herald. The News Herald regularly publishes those names (or one may choose to remain anonymous) in the paper.

UPDATED WEEKDAYS

The Empty Stocking Fund had raised a total of $41,122 as of Wednesday, when donations were $6,437.

The annual fund drive is sponsored by Tommy Thomas Chevrolet and The News Herald. This year’s goal is $175,000. The money will be used to help The Salvation Army buy enough toys, food and other gifts to help bring the holiday spirit to more than 2,000families and up to 14,000 people in Bay, Washington, Gulf, Franklin and Holmes counties.

To donate, mail donations to either of these addresses: The Empty Stocking Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 540, Panama City, FL 32402; or The News Herald, P.O. Box 1940, Panama City, FL 32402.

Donations also may be dropped off at The News Herald, 501 W. 11th St., Panama City.
The News Herald runs a daily list of contributions during the week. Donations may be made anonymously, in the giver’s name or in someone’s memory

Panama City Beach - PGA Tour hopefuls converge on the Hombre for a second stage PGA Tour Qualifier November 17, 2010

2010-11-17T10:38:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach, FL--To the links now and once again some 70 plus P-G-A Tour hopefuls are converging on the Hombre Golf Club in Panama City Beach, as they get set to fight it out for four rounds of pressure packed golf.

Craig Hamlin the Hombre Director or Golf says, "The Hombre Golf Club is very proud to be hosting the second state of Q-school for the 15th straight year. Having these tour professionals here, Jeff Peterson, our superintendant has got the golf course in great shape. It should provide an excellent challenge to the players and give the local community and our vacationers the opportunity to come out and see some great golf."

77 players fighting for about 20 spots to move on to the final stage with the chance for that PGA card in 20-11. The rounds are Wednesday through Saturday.

Lots of our Celadon Beach Resort guests Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation have enjoyed playing golf at Hombre. Hombre is only about five miles from the condo. Play golf in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon.

Panama City Beach - Nightlife: October 21-27, 2010

2010-10-22T09:52:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – Thanks to the News Herald for this listing. Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

BETSY ANN RIVER BOAT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd. 233-7487
Located at the SUN HARBOR MARINA
Thursday: Sunset Dolphin Cruise, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday: Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
“Murder at the Juice Joint”
Saturday: Dinner Dance Cruise, 6 p.m.
Relax, Dine and Dance on beautiful St. Andrew Bay
Tuesday: BobFM Sunset Cruise, 6:30-8 p.m.
www.betsyannriverboat.net

BIG EASY II
17190 Front Beach Road. 234-6770
Beer Specials, 5-7 p.m.
Sunday: “Al & Joe”, 6-10 p.m.
Country music jam session.

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 850-249-9273 - www.boatyardclub.com
Open 7 days a week 11a.m. – Lunch & Dinner
Real Good Food, Cool Music. Birdseye view of Grand Lagoon. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson's restaurant. Dress is casual, prices are reasonable. Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat.
* LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY –– Thurs. Oct. 21st
ON CALL BAND and DJ VLADI, 7 p.m.

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060 850-234-6060
The Breakers main dining room, the only Real Gulf Front dining available on Panama City Beach, DINNER SPECIALS ALL NIGHT, open at 5:00 pm, with Mike Van Elsen on keyboards and vocals, Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:30 pm. The Breakers: Call 234-6060 for information and reservations. – visit our web site:
www.breakerspcbeach.com

CALYPSO BEACH CAFÉ & SPORTS GRILLE
15812 Front Beach Road (just East of Pier Park)
850-234-6788 850-234-6788 .
“Ask the locals where they go and they’ll tell you here!”
OPEN THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: 11 a.m. ‘til
THURSDAY: Ladies drink FREE (wells, domestic draft beer, house wines), 5-7 p.m.; Endless Roast Beef, 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY: Ladies drink FREE (wells, domestic draft beer, house wines),, 5-7 p.m.; Back by popular demand, All You Care to Eat Fish Fry, 5-8 p.m.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? If it is possible to get your game, we will have it on one of over 20 Big Screen TV’s!
Enjoy $15 Bucket and Nacho or Bucket and Burger plus other drink and food specials.
www.calypsobeachcafe.com

CLUB LA VELA
8813 Thomas Drive 235-1061
Live Rock every Friday & Saturday
Pool deck Closed
Friday: Ladies Night
All ladies 18+ get in FREE until 12am
Everyone 21+ get $2 drinks 9-11
“Jukebox Hero” in the Rock Arena
Doors open at 9pm
Saturday: Happy Hours
Ladies 18+ Free Cover until 11pm
Everyone 21+ enjoys 2 for 1 drinks until 11pm
“Jukebox Hero” in the Rock Arena
Doors open at 9pm
Upcoming Events:
Oct 23rd: FREE FOR ALL…ALL NIGHT!!!
Oct 30th: FORBIDDEN Halloween Party
Dress Code enforced
For more information, check out our website at www.clublavela.com
Or, call 234-Funn (3866) or 235-1061

CUSTOM YACHT CHARTERS
FLORIDIAN STAR
Bay Point Marina, 850-588-0906 850-588-0906
Sunset and Dinner Cruises
Group Events including weddings. Birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events.
Come enjoy the sights of the bay aboard the Floridian Star.
Thursday, Oct. 14: Sunset Shell Island Cruise, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 16: The Classics w/Wayne & Joey, 6-8:30 p.m.
Reservations required for all functions.
View our Event Calendar online at www.CustomYachtCharters.com

DOUBLE D’S COOLER
1508 Calhoun Ave., 215-8112
Catch all the games here with NFL Sunday Ticket!
Happy Hour: 11-7 Daily
$2.75 Longnecks & 16 oz. Draft
2 for 1 Well Drinks
Friday & Saturday Night: DJ Ken with Dance & Party Music, 9 till ??

FIREFLY
Early Dining Specials 5-6 p.m. nightly!
Sushi Happy Hour: Mon.-Thurs. 5-7 p.m. Sushi roll, hot Sake & Vodka Martini Specials.
Join us for “Tini Tuesday¹s”. Vodka Martini Special.
A night spot for upscale locals and guests who are looking for something different than our usual beach bars.
In the Shoppes at Edgewater, Panama City Beach.
Open 5 p.m. daily.
850-249-3359 850-249-3359 . fireflypcb.com

GRANITE CAFÉ
1001 Beck Ave., 215-3287
Thursday: Ladies Night with 2 for 1 Margarita’s, 2 for 1 Cosmos & the Bar Tenders Specials
Friday: Kelly and the Healers, 8-12
Saturday: Lowell Hopper, 7:30 till 11:30
Tuesday: Will Terrain, 8-11:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Jesse Deese, 8-11:30 and the Red Hat Group in for lunch at 11:30 a.m.
See you at the Granite

HAMMERHEAD FRED'S
8752 Thomas Drive 233-3907
A quaint little bar & grill located on the west end of Thomas Drive serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more. Inside & deck seating available. Open Daily at 11 a.m.
* Daily Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.
2 for 1 Well Drinks and $1.50 Domestic Drafts
College Game Day Specials, Thursday through the weekend
HARPOON HARRY'S
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
& TIKI BAR
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060 850-234-6060
Waterfront Café
Inside Dining and On the Deck Outside dining! Open 7 Days a week at 11 am.
Harpoon Harry’s, with the same fine food as the Breakers, offering great seafood and steaks, great wings, sandwiches and appetizers.
Watch your favorite teams on HD, inside or outside, on ESPN Gameplan and Sunday Ticket!
Smiley Jay, the DJ, on the deck playing all your favorite music, Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m.
Breakers/Harpoon Harry’s - 234-6060
www.harpoonharryspcbeach.com

LADY ANDERSON
5550 North lagoon Drive
Thursday: Gospel Dinner Cruise
Saturday & Wednesday:
Dinner Dance Cruises
Reserve now 234-5940
www. ladyanderson.com
LA ROYALE LOUNGE/
FIESTA ROOM
100 Harrison Ave., 763-1755

FEMALE IMPERSONATION SHOWS: Starring Miss Dee Dee Williams and Reba Rae with special quest star.
Hot Club Music, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, three shows nightly, 11:30 p.m., 1:30 a.m., 3 a.m.
STAR-TIME KARAOKE: Thursday & Sunday, 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Beer Bust and Amateur Night
DRINK SPECIALS: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

MS. NEWBY'S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
Patio open everyday.
Friday & Saturday: LEADING EDGE, 9 p.m.
Sunday: RED BULL PROMO PARTY, 3-6 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: KARAOKE w/DJ Night Al

NEWBY'S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Friday & Saturday: Karaoke w/Night Al, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday: Football w/bucket specials
Monday: Monday night football
Wednesday: Texas Hold’em Tournament, 7 p.m.
BUZZTIME everyday.
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PIER BAR
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-235-0928 850-235-0928
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15
Jacobs, Brock & Beasley
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

THE PLACE
429 Harrison Ave. , 785-3010
Friday: Turtlefoot & Friends , 8 p.m.

SALT LICK TAVERN
8021 Thomas Dr., 249-8021
HOURS: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Cash Only
Happy Hour everyday, 11-7 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: Live music w/Brian Cairns, 7-11 p.m.
Saturday: College Football
Sunday: NFL Snacks
Monday: Pitcher Special, 7-10 p.m.
Tuesday: Ladies Night. Free pool & darts for ladies & couples

SALTWATER GRILL
11040 Middle Beach Road, 230-2739
Open Daily @ 3 p.m.
Early Dining Specials, 4-5:30 p.m.
Happy Hour Everyday, 3-6 p.m.
$5 Calamari, $5 Firecracker Shrimp
Martini Wednesday: Select Martini’s $5
Tuesday – Saturday: Saltwater Grill presents the only Piano Bar on the beach! Come join us in our Mermaid Room and listen to MICHAEL RORAH perform your favorite tunes from Jazz standards, classical rock, today's hits, and all your favorite show tunes, 7:30 pm.

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive/850-235-3555
www.schooners.com
Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. – Lunch & Dinner
Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awe-some. As a matter of fact, this might be the best place on earth
* LATITUDE 29 – Fri. & Sat., 9 p.m.
* Next Weekend: LONG REEF- Fri & Sat 9 p.m.

SHARKY'S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and Enjoy a cocktail. Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more. More Info Sharky’s beach.com
Open Daily 11 a.m.
Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m.
$1.50 Domestic Drafts & $3.25 Well Drinks
Thursday & Tuesday: Clay Musgrave, 6-10 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: Tiki Time with Clay Musgrave, 4-8 p.m
Friday-Sunday: 345 Express, 8 p.m.-12
Monday & Wednesday: Family Karaoke, 6-10 p.m.

SPINNAKER
SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB/PARADISE GRILL/CANTINA
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
PARADISE GRILL & CANTINA-closed until February
SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB – Fall Hours: Friday & Saturday, 9 p.m. till 4 a.m.
* DJ NYU & DJ WILL – Fri. & Sat., 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
* JOHN TAGLIERI BAND – Fri. & Sat., 10 p.m.
* UPCOMING EVENTS:
* TOYS FOR KIDS HALLOWEEN BASH – Sat Oct 30 – American Honey, Radio Cosmos & Chasing Scarlett
* BONFIRE PARTY – Fri. Nov 12 – YAMADEO & HERITAGE – FREE ENTRY/ALL AGES
* CLEAN WATER GOOD VIBES MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL – Sat., Nov. 13 to benefit Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter: Live Music from: American Honey, Heritage, Split Tone, 20WT, Chronic Jester, Yamadeo, Fat Lipped Fish, B-Liminal, Nothing Short of Pure

UNCLE ERNIE'S BAYFRONT
Grill & Brewhouse
On Historic St. Andrews Marina
1151 Bayview Ave., 763-8427
Friday: John Cannon, 7 till
Saturday: John Cannon, 7 till

Panama City Beach – You Win!! Real.Fun.Rewards American Express Promotion – August 2010

2010-07-26T14:57:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach – The TDC is teaming up with beach vacation rental companies for a promotion during August 2010. We are participating so you can save money on your Celadon Beach Resort beach vacation see our web site Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

You win because we are participating with the Panama City Beach Tourist Development Council Real Fun Rewards Program for stays booked on or after July 26th and completed by August 31, 2010. You are eligible to receive up to a $200 American Express Gift Card for a 5-day stay. The number of gift cards is limited so you need to act quickly.

Any stays after August 31, 2010 will not qualify for gift card. You must stay at a participating accommodation to redeem gift card. American Express gift card accepted at all retailers where American Express is accepted don’t leave home without it! One gift card per reservation.

Panama City Beach – Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) Grand Opening / Open House Schedule of Events May 22, 2010

2010-05-17T12:18:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach / West Bay – On Saturday May 22, 2010 come and enjoy a great day of celebration! It’s the GRAND OPENING! The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is hosting an Open House.

Tour the new terminal. See the West Bay Site. There will be shuttles from the parking area to the terminal. Meet the sponsors while visiting their booths which will be located outside and inside the terminal. Some of the artists who donated artwork will be available to discuss their work. Bring your umbrella for shade while enjoying the outdoor concerts and ribbon cutting ceremony. There will also be indoor concerts. There will be LIMITED seating. Bring chairs.

There will be food and beverage vendors on site as well as a first aid area. There will be balloon artists and face painting for the children. If weather permits, you will witness the first aircraft landing at ECP. Buy your t-shirt, too!

Schedule of Events*
Saturday, May 22

6:00 a.m. Gate Security--Law Enforcement Positioned.
9:00 a.m. Gates Open to General Public
9:00 -9:45 a.m. Merritt Brown Middle Band Terminal Front
45 Seated
9:00 a.m.-4 p.m. Flipside Terminal In & Out
Fun for children.
9:45 -10:55 a.m. LoCash Cowboys Stage 2
10:55 -11:15 a.m. Arnold High Jazz Band Apron
25 Seated
11:30 a.m. Grand Opening Program Stage1
Local, regional, state and federal dignitaries in attendance to mark
this memorable occasion including Senator Bill Nelson and Governor
Charlie Crist.
11:45 a.m. Tyndall Flyover
12:20 p.m. Ribbon Cutting
12:30-1:45 p.m. Eric Heatherly (Set 1) Stage 2
1:55 p.m. First Flight ETA
1:55-2:20 p.m. Bay High Band (Set 1) Terminal Side
2:15-3:20 p.m. Stainless Steel Terminal Gate Area
2:30 p.m. Second Flight ETA
2:30-2:50 p.m. Bay High Band (Set 2) Terminal Side
3:00-3:55 p.m. Eric Heatherly (Set 2) Stage 2
4:00 p.m. Gates will be closing within the hour.
* Times and activities may change due to weather and/or conditions

ECP is only 11.5 miles from our Panama City Beach Condos for tent at Celadon Beach Resort Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

We will have pictures on the web site from the first flight leaving Nashville on May 23, 2010. Our first drawing for Southwest Airlines gift cards to be given to our guests at Celadon Beach Resort will also be held May 23. Book your reservation now to be eligible!

The address of ECP follows:

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
6300 West Bay Parkway
Panama City Beach, FL 32409

Directions to ECP Follow:

Panama City Beach – The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located on State Highway 388 roughly equidistance between State Road 79 and State Road 77 to the east.

From Panama City, take State Road 77 north through Lynn Haven and Southport. Turn left onto State Highway 388. Proceed for approximately 8 miles. Airport entrance is on the right.

From Panama City Beach, take State Road 79 north toward West Bay. Turn right onto State Highway 388. Proceed for approximately 4 miles. Airport entrance is on the left.

Driving west on I-10 from Tallahassee, take State Road 77 south to State Highway 388. Turn right and proceed approximately 8 miles. Airport entrance is on the right.

Driving east on I-10 from Pensacola, take State Road 79 south to State Highway 388. Turn left and proceed approximately 4 miles. Airport entrance is on the left.

From the best condos for rent in Panama City Beach, FL http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com driving east on Front Beach Road take State Road 79 north toward West Bay. Turn right onto State Highway 388. Proceed for approximately 4 miles. Airport entrance is on the left. Wow the new airport is only a little over 11 miles from your condo on the beach.

Click here to get driving directions to ECP http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=&daddr=982+State+Highway+388,+Panama+City+Beach,+FL+32413&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.634084,56.337891&ie=UTF8&ll=30.326553,-85.781967&spn=0.503779,0.88028

Panama City Beach – Press Release for Northwest Florida International Airport (ECP). May 23, 2010 opening on Schedule!

2010-05-12T07:31:00.004-05:00

The new airport is only 11.5 miles from our Panama City Beach Florida condos for rent Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation . Our Vacation rental condos are at Celadon Beach Resort.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Wins Final FAA Approval

May 23rd Grand Opening Right on Schedule
Panama City, Florida – (May 11, 2010) – The Panama City Bay County Airport and Industrial District (Airport Authority) today announced that Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport has received its Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. The new airport is scheduled to begin service Sunday, May 23.

“This is a significant milestone in the development of Northwest Florida’s newest airport,” said Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill. “We want to thank our partners at the FAA in helping us to ensure that the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport meets all federal aviation safety requirements. This is indeed great news.”

As part of the certification process, FAA inspectors tested the new airport’s 10,000-foot runway, instrument landing equipment, navigational system, runway lighting and air traffic control tower. FAA air traffic controllers are now training in the control tower in preparation of the May 23rd opening.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is still awaiting final approval from the Transportation Security Administration and a Certificate of Occupancy from Bay County for the 125,000-square-foot passenger terminal.

In other action today, the Airport Authority agreed to lease space at the new airport to Thrifty Car Rental. That brings to six the number of car rental companies that will be operating in the new airport. The others are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

The $318-million Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the first commercial-service international airport built in the U.S. in the past 15 years. The new airport and its 10,000-foot runway are built on approximately 1,300 acres of a 4,000-acre site. The 125,000-square-foot passenger terminal features seven gates, two restaurants, two retail shops and six car rental ticketing counters.

Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines will offer daily nonstop service to Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando, Cincinnati, Houston, Baltimore and Nashville.
Airport Contact:

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Randy Curtis, Executive Director, 850-763-6751 ext. 203

Panama City Beach Condo Rental Contact:
Pam 615-496-4369

Panama City Beach - Mine Sweeping Squadron & Largest Helicopters In Panama City Beach

2010-04-29T11:58:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – If you are staying at our Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals
at Celadon Beach Resort keep a lookout for these choppers… Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division is hosting three of the largest helicopters in the western hemisphere. The HM 14 mine sweeping squadron out of Norfolk, Virginia, flew in a few weeks ago for training missions over the gulf.
They are the largest helicopters on this side of the world. Three giant MH-53E Seadragon helicopters are right at home at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. "We have multiple missions flying from day into night," said Lt. Matthew Reeves.

The HM 14 Squadron is here to conduct mine sweeping training missions. The MH-53E Seadragon has a hunting device that uses sonar to find mines underwater. "We have dummy mines out in the water that have been placed there just so we can do these exercises, so we can evaluate the new gear," said Reeves. Once the chopper detects a mine, sweeping equipment will cut the mine's wires so it can be neutralized.

"We are supposed to be deployable anywhere in the world within 72 hours. So this gives us a chance to practice that, packing everyone up, bringing it down here and operating from not our home base. We would not be able to conduct our missions without the expertise that is located here in Panama City," said Lt. Cmdr. Dale Johnson, the Officer in Charge of the HM 14 Squadron.

These techniques were most recently used during the Iraq War. Of all the bases in the world, this one is the absolute best for this type of training. "The exercise is set up here in Panama City, Florida, because of the clarity of the water. We are able to conduct an exercise here with the 53's that they can't necessarily do anywhere else in the world," said Reeves.

It's not just the water that's a draw. "This is probably the foremost mine exploration region in the world here in Panama City. So all the equipment that we actually tow in our helicopter, the mission specific equipment is actually here. Some of it was actually manufactured here and some of it is actually serviced here. We have all the military and civilian experts here that can help us conduct our training most effectively," said Johnson.

The US Navy is the only organization in the world conducting airborne mine countermeasure missions.

This article was reported by Meredith TerHarr. Thanks Meredith!

Panama City Beach – Southwest Airlines Debut of Florida One

2010-04-24T06:55:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach — Southwest Airlines unveiled Florida One in Tampa on Friday, its newest themed aircraft that is emblazoned with the state flag of Florida. The video link is at the bottom of the article. Thanks to the News Herald for the article!

“We are very excited about our newest aircraft,” Southwest spokeswoman Brandi King said. “We have been planning to honor Florida for some time.”
The new Boeing 737 will join the airline’s regular rotation schedule throughout the country at the 68 — soon to be 69 — cities Southwest serves, King said.

Panama City Beach will become the 69th city when Southwest makes its first flight into the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, scheduled for its grand opening May 23.

The low-cost carrier already serves six cities in Florida, including Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Jacksonville.
“Florida is proud to have such a strong Southwest Airlines presence in Florida,” Gov. Charlie Crist said in a news release. “Not only is Southwest employing thousands of talented Floridians, but is also making Florida more easily accessible and affordable for visitors.”

According to material provided by Southwest, the painting of Florida One required 32 people working three shifts over eight days. More than 46 gallons of paint and 16 different colors were used.

The Florida plane joins 13 other themed aircraft in Southwest’s fleet, including California One, Lone Star One (Texas) and three Shamu aircraft (SeaWorld).

The new airport is less than 12 miles from our condos for rent in Panama City Beach at Celadon Beach Resort Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Here is the link to the Southwest video… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKnsyYbfC60&feature=player_embedded

Panama City Beach - Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) is on schedule for May 23, 2010 opening. Fly SWA and save $150 on a 6 night stay!

2010-03-28T08:53:00.004-05:00

Panama City Beach - ECP is only 11.5 miles from our condos for rent in Panama City Beach, FL Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation at Celadon Beach Resort. Both condos are available on May 23 for 6 nights.

To save $150 all you need is a copy of your May 23, 2010 opening day Southwest Airlines itinerary to ECP. Call and book your reservation today… 615-496-4369.

Panama City Beach - Tannehill renews pitch for crosswind runway at new airport

2010-03-26T09:48:00.002-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Airport Authority board Chairman Joe Tannehill is usually unflappable, presiding calmly at board meetings that can sometimes grow contentious over issues such as budgets, industrial development or sod. On Tuesday, he took the unusual step of moving out from behind the board member’s dais to renew his strong support for building a crosswind runway at the new airport under construction near West Bay.

“We need to do everything we have committed and promised,” he said from the audience podium, noting that the board will go through changes in the coming months. Both his term and the term of Vice Chairman Bill Cramer expire in June.

The new airport is less than 12 miles from oru Panama City Beach Condos Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Over the last year, financial plans for the 5,000-foot crosswind runway have faltered as board members struggled with issues such as extending the main concrete runway to 10,000 feet, hiring a company to market the airport to industry and funding more than $3 million in expensive sod to halt storm water erosion problems.
Board Vice Chairman Bill Cramer, for instance, argued successfully last May that hiring “master developer” Jones Lang Lesalle to manage the industrial and commercial development of hundreds of acres surrounding the airport’s main runway should have a higher priority than the crosswind runway.

Cramer also has argued that other uncertainties, such as the fight with Phoenix Construction over the need for sod, has placed the funding for a crosswind runway in doubt.

Admitting he was taking the board by surprise, Tannehill said he would ask other members in two weeks to advertise for bids on the secondary runway, expected to cost about $18 million.

“If we can construct the crosswind runway without going out for more debt, we should do it,” Tannehill read from a prepared statement. “We have committed the crosswind runway to our GA (general aviation) friends, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation).”

Tannehill made a case that the airport had a total of $321 million to spend for the construction of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, including two loans totaling $40 million from Florida’s State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loans program, $15 million of which was untapped so far. He said the airport has been “running a budget of $306 million, of which we presently have $3.6 million left in contingency and free cash.” The airport also intends to recoup $3.2 million in sod payments from either contractors or project engineers in future legal battles.
“Our legal teams have concluded that these funds are not the responsibility of the Airport Authority,” Tannehill said. Following the meeting, Cramer said he still had doubts about the timing for issuing bids. “If we can do so responsibly, I’m all for it, if we can afford it,” he said. But he insisted that uncertainties still existed over other needs, such as $1.25 million for an international concourse, or hall.
“We also have an uncertainty over how much more sod we will need,” Cramer said, noting that he did not wish to encumber future board members with current problems. “The bottom line is: Can we afford it?”

In other business, board members approved several additions to a tentative policy on commercial ground transportation, including penalties for rule infractions, such as a one-week permit suspension for reckless driving, and a non-smoking rule. The board also agreed to review several provisions, such as banning outside advertisements on vehicles and requiring that all vehicles within a company be the same color.

Board members also approved a proposal by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to erect a 7-by-4-foot granite monument, or “Wall of Honor,” complete with benches and flags, near the airport’s entrance that would recognize the major sponsors of the airport’s three-day quarter-million dollar grand-opening ceremony, set for the weekend of May 23. Board members modestly declined to have their names chiseled into the structure.

Panama City Beach - Southwest Airlines Competition Reducing Airfares

2010-03-03T07:37:00.004-06:00

Panama City Beach – Are you thinking about flying to Panama City Beach for a relaxing vacation? The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opens May 23, 2010 (ECP). There is already good news for guests that want to fly to Panama City Beach. Reduced airfares and our affordable Panama City Beach condos for rent at Celadon Beach Resort less than 12 miles from ECP Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

In a letter to The News Herald that was published Feb. 25 (“New airport has yet to land lower airfares”, Mr. Bruce Kennedy complained that the new airport has not resulted in lower airfares.
To make his case he compared the purchase of two Southwest Airlines’ tickets to San Antonio departing on June 1 and returning on June 6. The total price for the two round-trip tickets was $587.60, or $293.80 per person.

He compared this with Delta Air Lines fares for the same dates and found their fares to be $3 lower. His conclusion is that nothing has changed and Panama City fares remain high even with the new Southwest service.

That is incorrect.

The U.S. Department of Transportation collects data on actual air fares sold, with the latest information available being the 12-month period ending in September 2009. Based on that information, the average round-trip airfare sold from Panama City to San Antonio during that 12-month period was $694 per person. That cost does not include taxes and other fees that were included in Mr. Kennedy’s fare quote. Therefore the comparison is $1,388 (plus taxes and fees) for two tickets in 2009 versus $587 (including taxes and fees) with the new Southwest fares.

The fact that Delta is matching the Southwest fares is evidence that the competition provided by Southwest is generating significantly lower air fares.

Mr. Kennedy was also critical of Southwest’s level of customer service referring to seat assignments and beverage services. In response I would note that Southwest has routinely been ranked by various consumer and industry organizations as No. 1 in the airline industry in customer service. Kennedy also left out the part where Delta charges bags to fly if you have to check your bag.

The new airport is about many things that will provide economic benefits to our community, in addition to better airfares.

RANDY CURTIS
Executive Director
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Panama City Beach - Mardi Gras on the Beach and Downtown St. Andrews February 10-13, 2010

2010-02-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

Panama City Beach - Something for everyone! 2010 Mardi Gras festival in St. Andrews!.

FEB. 10-13th. Little Miss & Mr. Mardi Gras Contest (Ages 5-10, Applications due Jan. 29th), Mardi Gras Costume Contest (18+), Gumbo and Cajun Cook-offs, Jazz Funeral March & Royal Court Appearances....read more below!

February 10th. Mardi Gras Festivities in St. Andrews
5 - 7 PM Panama City Publishing Co. open to display the History of Mardi Gras in St. Andrews complete with pictures, video, memorabilia and costumes.
5:00PM Royal Court Appearance @ Hunt's Oyster Bar
5:30PM Royal Court Appearance & Charity Gumbo Cook-off begins @ Pappy's - come and watch teams compete as they create their signature gumbo dishes.
6:00PM New Orleans Dirge (Jazz Funeral March) from Pappy's to Uncle Ernie's Restaurant - the public is invited to join in the fun!
6:30PM The Krewe of St. Andrews is proud to announce its 1st Little Miss and Mr. Mardi Gras Contest for children ages 5-10 years old; Download a Little Miss & Mr. Mardi Gras Application Form to enter. Prizes awarded and winners get to ride in Kid's Parade.
7:15PM Charity Gumbo tasting and voting begins @ Pappy's Restaurant.

February 11th ~ Mardi Gras Festivities in St. Andrews
5 - 7 PM Panama City Publishing Co. open to display the History of Mardi Gras in St. Andrews complete with pictures, video, memorabilia and costumes.
5:00PM Royal Court Appearance @ The Capt's Table Restaurant
5:30PM Royal Court Appearance & Charity Cajun Cook-off begins @ the Granite Cafe - come and watch teams compete as they create their signature cajun dishes.
6:00PM New Orleans Dirge (Jazz Funeral March) from the Granite Cafe to the Shrimp Boat Restaurant - the public is invited to join in the fun!
6:30PM The Krewe of St. Andrews is proud to announce its 1st Mardi Gras Costume Contest for adults 18+. Come dressed in your Mardi Gras costumes or attire (purple, green & gold) and participate to win your spot on a Mardi Gras parade float complete with your own beads to throw!
7:15PM Charity Cajun Cook-off tasting and voting begins @ Granite Cafe.

February 12th ~ Kid’s Parade & Mardi Gras Pet Parade; 4:00PM
Kids Parade will be down Beck Avenue from 15th Street to 11th Street, kids throwing to other kids along the route (beads, stuffed animals, toys and more). Adults are asked to stand back and let the younger ones have their chance at some Mardi Gras style fun.

February 13th ~ St. Andrew's Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk; 8:00AM
Mardi Gras 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Run starting at Oaks by the Bay Park at 10th Street and Beck Avenue in St. Andrews. $15 early registration for 5K; $10 early registration for 1 Mile. Contact Joe at 763-5005 or 774-0018 or Marty at 265-8439. Information online at Draggin' Tail Runner.

February 13th ~ Mardi Gras 13th Annual Grande Parade; 1:00PM
There will be over 14 Krewes with more than 20 brightly colored floats Starting at Oakland Terrace Park, down 11th to Beck and Beck to 15th. There will be beads, doubloons, and other unique treasures to catch. This is the Grand Finale parade for Bay County's Mardi Gras Season. www.standrewsmardigras.com/mardigras.html
Let the good times roll!

Panama City Beach - 23rd Annual Bay County Job Fair February 12, 2010

2010-02-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Panama City Beach - On Friday, February 12th 2010 the 23rd Annual Bay County Job Fair will be held at Haney Technical Center from 9am – 1pm. Interested employers can obtain registration information on www.baycountyjobfair.com or contact Jennifer Hall at halljr@bay.k12.fl.us. Employers have the opportunity to participate to fill current and future job openings. There will be a wide variety of employers at the Job Fair looking to fill positions from entry-level to professional. Sponsored by: Haney Technical Center, Naval Support Activity-Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base and the Workforce Center, a service of Gulf Coast Community College. Community Partners: Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Knology and Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce

When: Friday, February 12, 2010 - 9am – 1pm
Where: Haney Technical Center, 3016 Hwy 77 in Panama City, Florida

Download the Registration Form here: http://www.pcbeach.org/uploads/pressroom/181/file/JobFairApplication.pdf

Panama City Beach – Celebrate Mardi Gras at Pier Park February 5-6 2010 with the Krewe of Dominique Youx

2010-01-17T07:19:00.001-06:00

Panama City Beach - Feb. 5 – 6, 2010 - Panama City Beach will experience the excitement, glamour and pageantry of the age-old tradition of Mardi Gras as the Krewe of Dominique Youx hosts the 2nd Annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras Festival and Parade.

The spirited season of carnival is alive and revered as the renowned festivities of Bourbon Street come to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes and a signature parade and street party.

The FUN begins at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 as the streets of Pier Park are closed to vehicular traffic. Mardi Gras revelers at this gulf coast destination will enjoy a festive street party including live bands and entertainment, Cajun fare, float tours along with beads and doubloons aplenty. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

On Saturday, Feb. 6, Magic Broadcasting’s Island 106 radio personality, “That Guy Kramer”, will be broadcasting live starting at 10:00 a.m. as festivities kick-off with a children’s parade. Following the children’s parade, the Mardi Gras parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. as majestic floats make their way along Front Beach Road and roll through Pier Park. The street party celebration continues after the parade with live entertainment, regal costumes, masks, beads, trinkets, Cajun and low-country cuisine, and much more!

For additional event information, go to www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or www.dominiqueyoux.com.

Are you interested in participating in the parade by entering a float? For registration details and “Parade Entry Application” email the Krewe of Dominique Youx at information@dominiqueyoux.com or pleili@aol.com

Sorry but our Panama City Beach vacation rental condos are booked Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Panama City Beach – Stay with us in 2010 for a Chance to Win a Southwest Airlines Gift Card!

2010-01-10T11:35:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – Feeling Lucky?

Stay with us in 2010 and win! Not only will you have a relaxing beach vacation at Celadon Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, you will have a chance to win Southwest Airlines gift cards.

In celebration of Southwest Airlines flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (only 11.3 miles from our condo) starting May 23, 2010, we are giving away four $100 Southwest Airlines gift cards. Our first drawing will be May 23 and all guests with a paid deposit by that date will be eligible to be included in a drawing for one of two gift cards to given away. Our second drawing will be October 15 and again all guests with a paid deposit by that date will be eligible to be included in a drawing for one of two gift cards to be given away. Each family/group reservation may win only one gift card. Winners will be posted here on our web site Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

We have added some new pictures to our site. Click the link above to see our Panama City Beach Condos and learn about Celadon Beach Resort.

You are a winner when you vacation with us!!

Panama City Beach – 2008 Visitors top 6.1million!

2009-12-23T13:21:00.001-06:00

Panama City beach - The Bay County Tourist Development Council estimated that Panama City Beach generated 6.1 million visitor days in 2008. The TDC is currently working on 2009 (the TDC year ends in October). The PCB visitors come from the following markets:

Florida (In-State) 8.7 %
Southeast 42.8%
Northeast 5.2%
Mid West 27.2%
Southwest 7.1%
Canada 3.1%
Europe 2.9%
Remaining US Markets 2.9%

Hopefully the 2009 stats will be out soon.
Come stay in a Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Panama City Beach – Drive Times to the beaches from Northwest Florida Beaches International and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Okaloosa Cou

2009-12-20T08:33:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach – I saw this information in the news Herald this morning and thought that you might be interested in beach drives from the airports. Pat Rice of the News Herald did some driving last week to determine the time it takes to drive from the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport to Destin and conversely the time it takes to drive from Okaloosa County’s Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

While everyone else was celebrating the imminent opportunity to fly to and from Houston, Nashville, Baltimore and Orlando on Southwest Airlines, Pat was busy on the road, finding the answer for us to another airport-related question. Namely, how long does it actually take to drive to various points along the beach from Northwest Florida’s airports?

Next to ticket cost, drive time from airport to destination might be the most important question tourists and other visitors to Northwest Florida have as they decide which airport to use. If it takes decidedly longer to travel from one airport than the other, that could matter to visitors.

So Pat jumped in his truck and went on a drive on our behalf. Pat drove from the entrance of Bay County’s new airport and timed how long it took to reach certain well-known points along U.S. Highway 98 in Walton and Okaloosa counties. The exact route was west from the airport on County Road 388, south on State Highway 79 and then west on U.S. 98.

On the way back to Panama City Beach Pat drove from the entrance of Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Okaloosa County and timed how long it took to reach the same points along U.S. 98. The exact route was State Road 85 north to Niceville, then State Road 20 east through Niceville, then State Road 293 south across the Mid-Bay Bridge to U.S. Highway 98.

The results of Pat’s field trip follow. Note that Pat made the drive on a Wednesday in the middle of December so drive times will definitely be longer during prime time from either direction.

1. The east entrance to State Road 30A in east Walton County, 21 minutes
2. The intersection with County Road 295, which ends at Seaside and WaterColor, 29 minutes
3. The intersection with County Road 283, which ends at Grayton Beach, 31 minutes
4. The intersection with County Road 393, which ends at Dune Allen Beach, 37 minutes
5. The west entrance to 30A, 40 minutes
6. The Silver Sands shopping area, 46 minutes
7. Destin Commons, 51 minutes.

And, in reverse order, here is how long it took to drive to the same points from Okaloosa County’s airport:
1. Destin Commons, 26 minutes
2. Silver Sands, 34 minutes
3. The west entrance to 30A, 40 minutes
4. County Road 393, 43 minutes
5. County Road 283, 48 minutes
6. County Road 395, 50 minutes
7. East entrance to 30A, 59 minutes

So if you are a traveler heading to points west of the west entrance of 30A, you will save a few minutes if you begin your drive from Okaloosa County’s airport. But if you are heading to points east of the west entrance of 30A, then you would be better off beginning from the new Bay County Airport.

Of course, the real lesson here is that the difference in drive time is negligible.
Pat’s conclusion…Rather than focusing on drive time from the airports, travelers should focus on the price of their airline tickets. And Southwest’s arrival to Bay County’s airport should create competition that means lower ticket prices all around. That’s a present we can all enjoy.

Pat did not include the drive time to our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation
I will:
From PCB – 12 minutes
From Okaloosa 63 minutes

On a side note Pam and I are booked on the first direct flight from Nashville to Panama City Beach on Mat 23rd. I hope you join us!

Panama City Beach - Southwest Airlines Announces Fares and Flights To/From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

2009-12-16T10:55:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach - Carrier Will Operate Eight Daily Nonstop Flights From Panama City Beach, FL Beginning May 23, 2010

DALLAS, Dec 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Grab your beach ball, it's on! Southwest Airlines brings FUN in the sun to Panama City Beach, Florida! Flights are on sale today for the much-anticipated May 23, 2010, start of service! The Dallas-based airline will offer a better way to the beach with a total of eight daily nonstop departures:
-- Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Nashville (BNA) - two daily flights
-- Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Houston Hobby (HOU) - two daily flights
-- Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - two daily
flights
-- Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Orlando (MCO) - two daily flights

Southwest is offering these new flights with fares as low as $49 each way to Orlando and $69 each way to Baltimore/Washington, Houston, and Nashville with a 14-day advance purchase (see fare rules below). For more information on the new service see our blog post: blogsouthwest.com.

"Southwest Airlines is excited to bring to this brand new, top-notch airport an all-jet Boeing 737 fleet, our generous Bags Fly Free service where we don't charge you extra for your first two checked bags, and our outstanding Customer Service," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Properties. "We have been eyeing this region for a long time and have been extremely impressed by the amount of passion the community has put behind bringing Southwest Airlines to their hometown."

In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 58 destinations from Panama City Beach, including Dallas and Chicago. Southwest Airlines will operate from Gate 3 at the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport with approximately 30-35 Employees who will call the region home.

When shopping for Southwest online, it's important to know that Southwest Airlines' low fares are only available at www.southwest.com. Not only will Customers find Southwest's great rates online at www.southwest.com, but the site also hosts Southwest's Travel Guide where Customers can check out insider travel tips posted by those who frequent the Emerald Coast.

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when you land Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Panama City Beach - Southwest To Announce Destination Cities

2009-12-15T13:49:00.003-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Here is the news that you all have been waiting for…Southwest Airlines on Wednesday will announce its four destination cities to and from the new Panama City airport, along with special introductory fares.

Bob Montgomery, Southwest vice president of properties, will make the announcement during a press conference at 10 a.m. at the Breakers Restaurant in Panama City Beach. Officials have anxiously awaited the location of the four “gateway” cities from which Southwest plans to schedule its eight daily non-stop flights to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, scheduled to open May 18 near West Bay.

Need a beachfront condo? You will land approximately 10 miles from our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) officials say they want to jump-start a marketing campaign in the cities once they were announced, particularly using the new social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

“We are waiting to get the names of the cities,” said TDC executive director Dan Rowe. “It is a very important day. When they start selling tickets, it really brings energy to the whole project.”

Watch for my post of the cities tolowwor morning!

Panama City Beach – Nightlife Listing - December 10-16, 2009

2009-12-11T16:43:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – Hey Pat here is the stuff for you and Connie to do this weekend while you are at our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation Courtesy of the News Herald. I still hope to get to one of the Boatyard Little black Dress Parties but I always seem to be in Nashville instead of PCB. Have fun this week. Check it out on Thursday Night!

Looks like some New Years Eve opportunities as well!

BEACH VFW
At Panama City Beach
17680 Ashley Dr. , PCB, FL 249-3025
Call for membership/guest information
Every Thurs. 2-6 p.m. Ms. Cues
Fri. 7 p.m.-till: Cross Fire Band in the Ballroom
Sat. 3-7 p.m.: Todd Sparks in the Ballroom (2-6 CrockPot yumms)
Every Wednesday 2-5 p.m.: “Big Al” and Beach musicians in the Ballroom

BETSY ANN RIVER BOAT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd. 233-7487
Located at the SUN HARBOR MARINA
Saturday: Santa Claus Cruise, 12-1:30 p.m.…Bring $20 unwrapped gift for donation to Boys & Girls Club & ride for FREE. Boarding 11:30.
Annual Parade of Lights Cruise, 4-8 p.m. Board 3:30
Sunday: Blues, Booze and Bustiers Cruise. Live blues music-ladies wear your favorite bustier & your 1st drink is free! 3-5 p.m. Only $10pp
New Years Eve Cruise, 9:30-12:30
www.betsyannriverboat.net

BOAR'S HEAD RESTAURANT & TAVERN
17290 Front Beach Road, 234-6628
Olde English style restaurant with award winning wines. Join Pat "C" in the Tavern Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. with guitar and vocals that will remind you of Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell. Relax with cocktails and appetizers, or coffee and dessert, or for a full coarse dinner while hearing her sassy but beautiful rendition of old standards that complement your evening here.

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 - www.boatyardclub.com
Open 7 days a week - 11 a.m. til….
Real Good Food. Cool Music. Birdseye View of Grand Lagoon. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson's restaurant... Dress is casual, prices are reasonable.
Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat.
**Stop by to pick up your Lunch & Martini Club Cards.**
SUSHI BAR - Thurs. thru Sun., 4 p.m.-close
“TUESDAYS ARE FOR FRIENDS” - "Friends" (Friends of Grand Lagoon) every Tuesday evening this fall/winter, Boatyard will provide a special 4-course dinner to include a soup, a salad, a choice from 2 entrees, and a dessert, all for only $12.95 per person. $1 from each dinner will be donated to the Friends of Grand Lagoon.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY – Thurs. Dec. 17th – Steve Wiggins Band & DJ Vladi
The hottest party on the Coast is for a good cause, raising money to fight breast cancer. Slip into your favorite LBD for a beautiful… classic and FUN night out! Boatyard salutes beautiful women at their beautiful best! You could win a beautiful designer little black dress from Envy Boutique. Start with a tall frosty flute of champagne for all ladies in their best little black and each lady receives a custom LBD gift bag full of goodies and discounts at all your favorite shops, salons and fun spots. There are stylish gifts for everyone, and Chef Konrad has cooked up a delicious assortment of yummy and free little edibles for the Ladies in Black. Plus, $2 import beer specials and $3 Mojitos, Bellinis, Chambord and frosty sexy drinks for the ladies – all night long.
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES
NEW YEARS EVE DINNER & DANCE – Dec. 31 – Chef Konrad is preparing a Gourmet Dinner menu. Menu can be found on website www.boatyardclub.com. Entertainment Provided by DJ VLADI. Fireworks at Midnight. No Cover Charge
Call NOW to make your reservations.

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Breakers Winter Schedule-Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Main Dining room opens at 4 p.m.
The Breakers is available for Holiday Parties, up to 250 guests.
*Make your reservations now for our traditional Christmas buffet, serving 11 a.m.till 6 p.m.
Todd Herendeen, returns with “A Very Elvis Christmas,” December 11, 12, 18, 19 & 26th.
*New Year’s Eve reservations are also available, call for party information, 234-6060
www.breakerspcbeach.com

CALYPSO BEACH CAFÉ & SPORTS GRILLE
15812 Front Beach Road, 850-234-6788.
Mon. – Fri, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $5.99 Lunch specials
4–6 p.m. $10.99 Early Bird Specials
Daily Happy Hour specials
Try a 22 degree chilled Bud or Bud Light – Tasty!
Saturday – You want to watch your College basketball team– we’ve got the game your looking for on over 90 TV’s!
Sunday - Food, Fun, Flavor and the NFL. Drink specials ALL day long.
Try the “Tampa 2” Tacos with a “4th Down” Daiquiris!!
Monday – Monday Night Football
2 for 1 wells-2 for 1 drafts
Tuesday – Live Trivia with Chris Berry starting at 7 p.m.
Wednesday: Learn to dance with Mary and Patrick. Instructions start at 6 p.m. Come early and join in the fun!
“Get updates and become a Fan on Facebook.”
“Follow us on Twitter!
Check schedules for all sports on our website: www.calypsobeachcafe.com

CRAZY MARLIN’S
6628 Thomas Drive, 249-5270
Wed. – Sat./$6.95 Lunch Specials (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Thurs. - Ladies Night w/DJ Kenno…$1 Off Drinks For All Locals
Fri. – Kuhlcher Korner Presents…3 Ska/Punk Bands for only $5
Sat. - Enjoy Football on our 140" screen w/ $.25 wings & $5 pitchers!!
Live Music after the Games
Sun. - SUNDAY BRUNCH….Live Music by Marcus Words…Endless Bloody Mary Bar
Mon. & Tues. - CLOSED
Wed. - BAR WARS

FIREFLY
$14.95 Early Dining Specials 5-6 p.m. nightly!
Sushi Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 5-7 p.m.: Buy one roll get one half price, half price hot Sake & $5 Vodka Martini¹s.
Join us for “Tini Tuesday¹s”, all Vodka Martini¹s $5.
A night spot for upscale locals and guests who are looking for something different than our usual beach bars.
In the Shoppes at Edgewater, Panama City Beach.
Open 5 p.m. daily.
850-249-3359. fireflypcb.com

THE GRAND
11800 Front Beach Rd., 249-1447
Grand Panama Resort Tower II
MEET ME AT THE GRAND
Thursday & Friday: Acoustix, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: Bitter Sweet, 8 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday & Wednesday: Wayne Morton, Live Piano

MS. NEWBY'S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
Friday & Saturday: SCREAMIN FLEAS, 9 p.m.
Sunday: BIYOU’S OPEN MIKE, 3 p.m.
Tues. & Wed.: KARAOKE

NEWBY'S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Thurs.-Sat.: Rock Star Karaoke w/Anita, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Bucket Specials
Sunday & Monday: Football
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PIER BAR
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-235-0928
FRI. DEC. 11TH 7 P.M.
STERLING FLETCHER
Saturday, Dec. 12th:
COLLEGE GAME PLAN
Sunday, Dec. 13th:
SUNDAY TICKET
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

THE PLACE
429 Harrison Ave. , 785-3010
Friday: Turtlefoot & Friends, 8 p.m.
All you can eat family style fish fry, $9.99
“Home for the Holidays” Downtown

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive 850-235-3555
www.schooners.com
Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m. till……
Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome. As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on earth.
LIVE MUSIC: PHAR FLETCHER- Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Now taking reservations for Holiday Parties
NEW YEARS EVE DINNER & DANCE: Hosted by Troy Syfrett & The Nashville Mafia,
Dinner music provided by Boyd & Wood.
Call now to reserve your dinner reservations.
SHARKY'S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail.
Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m.
Lunch Specials, M-F, 11-3, $5.99
Early Bird Specials, M-F, 4-6
Friday & Saturday: Clay Musgrave, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday: College Game Plan
Sunday: NFL Sunday Ticket

SPINNAKER
SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB/PARADISE GRILL/CANTIN Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m.
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
PARADISE GRILL-CLOSED FOR THE SEASON-REOPEN FEBRUARY 2010
* Now Booking Holiday Parties for Large Groups. Menu on the website www.spinnakerbeachclub.com in Event & Catering Section-Available dates are posted on the website calendar.
* SAVE by booking your holiday party Mid Week! Chef PJ is offering $250 off every $1,250 spent if you book your party Monday-Thursday. Offer valid Dec. 8-23, 2010
SPINNAKER- Friday & Saturday 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
* Free Entry for Everyone till 10 p.m.
* Dance Party with DJ Will & DJ NYU
* Friday – Ladies Night Party – Ladies 21+ get in FREE All Nite!
* Saturday – Sex & The City Party – Ladies 21+ get in FREE til 12.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
* “All I Want for Christmas-Naughty or Nice” Holiday Fashion Show from CK’s Secrets – Dec. 11th.
* New Years Eve Black & White Ball. Dinner & Dance Party, Dec 31ST – Gourmet Dinner from Chef PJ. Live Music with Ocean Street. DJ’s Will, NYU & Tadashi.
Call now to reserve your table! Menu and pricing available at www.spinnakerbeachclub.com on the event calendar.

Panama City Beach – Northwest Florida in Frommer’s TOP 12 in the World for 2010

2009-12-08T08:24:00.001-06:00

Panama City Beach – We have always known that our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation is in a great spot. More and more travel guides are starting to agree with us.

Among worldwide favorites such as Copenhagen, Hawaii, and Melbourne Australia, Northwest Florida’s Beaches have been named in Frommer’s most recent list of Top Destinations.

Here’s what they had to say: Like the Rodney Dangerfield of the American Southeast, Florida’s panhandle never gets the respect it deserves. Dubbed the “Redneck Riviera” by dismissive northerners, northwest Florida, in fact, contains some of the most diverse recreation choices along Florida’s drastically under-appreciated Gulf coast, and some of the best options for visitors seeking an affordable family vacation.

From Destin to the west, where you can hire a fishing or sailing charter, to the smattering of National Seashores as you move east toward Panama City Beach, there’s really something for everyone. Seaside’s planned community is so “perfect” it was the setting for the The Truman Show, yet you’ll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches, and the perfect cottage to rent.

“Stunning beaches, nature trails … great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community.” — Lesley Abravanel, author Frommer’s Florida.

Come and discover Panama City Beach for yourself!

Panama City Beach – Guest Comments from Best Panama City Beach Condo

2009-12-01T10:51:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – Looking for a nice Panama City Beach Condo for your next beach vacation? Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation Here are a couple of comments from our guests at Celadon Beach Resort…

October 16, 2009
Celadon Beach Resort 1105

Jerry & Pam

We enjoyed our stay at Celadon. The condo was very comfortable and clean. We attended the Seafood, Wine & Music Fest on Sunday evening. Grand Funk Railroad was awesome! The balance of the week was spent at the beach soaking up the rays … and eating. Our favorite restaurant is Boars Head. All the food is delicious – the Key Lime Pie is the best we’ve found.

Linda & Jerry
Evansville, IN

Celadon Beach Resort November 20-28, 2009
1405

Thank you for sharing your beautiful condo with our family. There are four in our family and we had plenty of room. We normally go to Destin for the week of Thanksgiving but we decided to try Panama City. We have really enjoyed our stay here. The weather was wonderful. We saw tons of sting rays, three dolphins and one large jelly fish. Our kids had a wonderful time playing on the beach. The temperature was an average of 70-75 degrees all week. We ate at Margaritaville – good atmosphere but don’t go there expecting seafood. Sharky’s was my favorite and the kids loved the playground on the beach. My husband liked the “all u can eat crab legs” at Dirty Dick’s but the regular menu items were a little pricy. We will be back hopefully in July, 2010. We look forward to it and trying Angelo’s Steakhouse and Captain Andersons.

Thank you for sharing your little piece of Heaven with us. Your condo was great, neatly kept and well equipped and just what we needed. See you again soon!

James and Samantha
Rogersville, Al

Panama City Beach – Best of Yesterday and Today

2009-11-27T07:58:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach - I got this idea from PCB Daily. We have been going to Panama City Beach for about 5 years so I am using their list for the best of PCB yesterday. I have tweaked the today list for our favorites.

Panama City Beach Yesterday

Best Place to Stay – Regency Towers
Best Place to Eat – Captain Anderson’s
Best Place to Party – Club La Vela
Best Place to Shop – Alvin’s Island Magic Mountain Store
Best Family-Friendly Attraction – Miracle Strip Amusement Park

Panama City Beach Today

Best Place to Stay – Celadon Beach Resort Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation
Best Place to Eat – The Boatyard for dinner and Schooners for lunch
Best Place to Party – Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge at Pier Park
Best Place to Shop – Pier Park
Best Family-Friendly Attraction – Shipwreck Island Water Park

These are just a few of the fantastic ways to have fun and enjoy Panama City Beach and that there are far too many to mention on one small list! Some of the old favorites are sadly no longer around, but the possibilities for the future are endless. What’s your pick? Do you have a favorite Panama City Beach restaurant or a place to shop on your Panama City Beach vacation? Do you remember somewhere from long ago that you wished was still here? Share your opinion – I’d love to know what you consider the best of Panama City Beach!

Panama City Beach – Airport Czar will Pitch to new businesses

2009-11-14T06:46:00.003-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The efforts to jump start business around the new airport are underway in earnest. Kevin Johnson the new economic development czar (this use of the word czar id good not like some of the other czars in the news) for The St. Joe Co. told the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce on Friday that Northwest Florida had the potential to duplicate or even surpass the high-tech growth of North Carolina’s research triangle.

With the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport set to open in May, the region’s “branding” is poised to go from bathing suits to business suits, said Kevin Johnson, new vice president of economic development for St. Joe.
“You can not only have a great tan, but make a million bucks,” said Johnson, who previously served as business development vice president for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina.

As owners of condos in Panama City Beach Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation and a part time resident we are excited about the prospects of new business development in the area.

All that was needed to make it happen was “regional leadership,” he said. “The enemy of high-impact economic development progress is political jurisdictions,” said Johnson, who will encourage companies such as aerospace, aviation and defense to expand or relocate near the new $318 million airport under construction near West Bay.

When the research triangle was first formed by state and local governments in the late 1950s, North Carolina was the second-poorest state in the country, Johnson said. Today, North Carolina ranks 25th in the country and the area around the research triangle has the second-highest per-capita income in the state. “I think we can do that here,” Johnson said.

Both Johnson and airport executive director Randy Curtis were speaking to the chamber Friday about the economic influence of the new airport, the center of a 71,000-acre state-sanctioned West Bay Area Sector Plan of long-term industrial and residential development.

Johnson said the 7,000-acre research triangle in North Carolina is one of the most prominent research-and-development centers in the United States. It is sometimes compared to Silicon Valley, Calif., another high-tech corridor now dominated by computer companies.

Johnson said the West Bay Sector, with 10 times as many acres, roughly the size of Washington, D.C., had the capacity to outstrip the North Carolina effort by creating a “new urban land form.”

The resulting development could revolutionize the economic landscape of Northwest Florida “to put a stamp on it for a new generation,” Johnson told the large chamber crowd. “We still don’t have the numbers,” he said, noting that he has asked for labor data for 100 miles in every direction from the new airport. His research will be shared with prospective industries.

Corps letter

Curtis told the crowd the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a letter Thursday to the Federal Aviation Administration, giving its approval for the 1,600-foot extension on the new airport’s runway, which will lengthen the runway to 10,000 feet.
“We are ready to go” on the extension’s construction as soon as the FAA signs off on the Corps’ recommendation, Curtis said after the meeting.
Not only are airport officials hopeful the new facility will make its projected May 18 grand opening, “it’s more than a goal; it will happen,” Curtis told the chamber crowd.

Curtis briefed the crowd on the construction progress of the new airport’s 120,000 square feet of terminal space, 2.5 miles of main access road and the facility’s 16,000-square-foot baggage handling area, which he called “truly state-of-the-art technology.”

This will be a fun development to watch over the years.

Panama City Beach – New Airport receives another new name

2009-11-11T07:56:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH -- The Airport Authority voted Tuesday to change the name of the new airport under construction near West Bay to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

Regardless of what they end up naming the airport you are only 12 miles from the Panama City Beach Condos at Celadon Beach Resort Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Southwest Airlines plans to fly to the airport starting in May 2010. Southwest will publish their flight schedule and start selling tickets in December 2009.

The change, in a close 3-2 vote, came just a month after the board named the new airport the Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport, a label that drew critical comments from some quarters because of the Panama City tag, officials said.
“We did receive quite a few comments from the public and other government agencies,” airport Executive Director Randy Curtis said.

Curtis said that over the course of two years in discussions with possible airlines for the new facility, carriers had made clear they hoped a name would be chosen with a more regional perspective to help marketing efforts.

Board Vice Chairman Bill Cramer protested that he thought the new name, with its Beaches moniker, made the Panhandle seem too “one dimensional.” He said the previous name, with its use of both “Northwest Florida” and “Panama City,” accomplished the twin objectives of branding the region and letting visitors know the city they were flying into. Most large airports in Florida use the home city in their official names, Cramer said, and Panama City had a lot of "brand equity.”
Both Cramer and board member Gerry Clemons, a former Panama City mayor, voted against changing the name.

Clemons said Panama City had spent millions of dollars over past years in efforts to keep the current airport afloat and deserved the recognition.
In the end, though, he was philosophical about changing the name. “We made a lot of people mad, and that was kind of fun,” he said.

Panama City Beach - PCB music fest idea still afloat, petition launched

2009-11-02T07:07:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — A monster music festival rejected by the city council late last month isn’t dead yet — at least not in the promoter’s eyes.

“We’re exercising our options,” California-based concert organizer Ted Absher said recently of his plans for the first annual “Beach Scene Music Festival” in Panama City Beach.

And despite the cold reception here, “we’re not going to leave Panama City,” he said.

The site is minutes away from our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation
On Oct. 22, the council stifled Absher’s pitch for the two-weekend, nearly 60-act music event at Frank Brown Park, striking down the idea with a unanimous vote.

The proposal included world-famous names on a list of “potential” performers: Paul McCartney, Green Day, Beyonce and others. None of them, however, appear to be committed.

Its tentative sponsors, according to Absher and his Endless Summer production company, include Web giant YouTube.com, which Absher said might broadcast some of the shows live online.

One councilman summed it up as a “train wreck. But the idea struck others as a gold mine.

An online petition at petitionspot.com — titled “Bring business to PCB by saying OK to music fest” — appeared a week later, insisting the council should reconsider. It had 96 supporters as of Sunday afternoon.

“All the issues the city council has could be alleviated with some creative thinking to help our businesses and ourselves,” it said.

Julie Hack, a manager at The Hangar high-end men’s clothing store in Panama City Beach, said she started the petition because she believes such a concert would boost everyone’s local business.

“It would bring so much money into our little town when its economy is struggling,” she said.

The council’s concerns include security — they do not want to revisit the type of mtvU-sponsored Lil’ Wayne rap concert that turned violent last Spring Break — and logistics.

Police Maj. David Humphreys told the council his agency couldn’t handle Absher’s crowd estimates — as many as 100,000 over two of the busiest Spring Break weekends.

Mayor Gayle Oberst agreed, but added that the city was investigating ways to add auxiliary police for large-scale events like Absher’s. That still leaves the question of a large-enough venue.

Absher, if he wants Frank Brown Park for his show, eventually will have to meet the city’s requirements under its new special events ordinance — and prove the event will have adequate security, bathrooms, parking, emergency services and insurance.

If he accomplished that, held his concert and it spun out of control, the city could shut it down, Oberst said.

The council pointed to the recent Seafood, Wine and Music Festival at Frank Brown as an approximation of its capacity (about 15,000 people per day).

Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Ferguson, too, was skeptical of Absher’s monstrous plan, but he still said he hopes Absher “didn’t walk away with a sour attitude on our location.”

“I think the door’s still open for a show of that magnitude as we grow,” Ferguson said. “I think people won’t be as closed-minded to it as some are.”

“I don’t know where he could have it. That’s a good question, and I guess that’s the magic question here: Where can it be?”

Back in California, Absher said he was spending the weeks after the council meeting “reaching out to some other entities in the city.” He declined to say who those were.

One competing venue, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, east of Tallahassee, has expressed some interest.

“We’ve received more calls from more cities wanting us to come to their town,” Absher said. But “our emphasis is on Panama City and we’re trying to stay that way at least for the first year.”

Panama City Beach - Taste of Bay 2009 at Pier Park

2009-10-30T13:09:00.000-05:00

Panama City Beach - Come hang out at a panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation for the Second annual Taste of THE Beach comes to Bay County! Taste of THE Beach - Wine. Dine. Donate., a four-day culinary and cultural celebration taking place Nov. 5-8 along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. This is the second year Bay County has hosted one of thirteen wine events and a Wine Maker & Shakers dinner at Firefly restaurant for the Taste of THE Beach.

Pier Park is the host location for the Taste of Bay, a food and wine experience under the stars. Wines, paired foods, live entertainment and retail wine sales will fill the main street of Pier Park on Friday November 6 from 5:30-8pm. Tickets for the event are $50 per person.

A more intimate event, a Wine Markers & Shakers dinner is being held on November 7 at Firefly Restaurant on Panama City Beach. Chef Paul will prepare a five-course meal, which will be matched with a celebrity vintner's reserve and older vintage wines at each of these locations to create an unforgettable evening. Tickets for this event are limited.

For more information on all events taking place during the Taste of THE Beach or to purchase tickets please visit www.tasteofthebeachfla.com

Panama City Beach - It's Official-Southwest Airlines to Service New Airport

2009-10-26T09:02:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach - Southwest Airlines announces its intent to begin jet service from Northwest Florida's new international airport near Panama City, Florida in May 2010.

As you read further keep in mind that our Panama City Beach Condo Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation is only about 10 miles from the new airport

The planned service is made possible through a strategic alliance agreement developed between Southwest and The St. Joe Company, one of Florida's largest landowners and real estate developers. The new airport will introduce daily jet service to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, providing Southwest Customers easy access to its stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant communities. For more information on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, please visit www.PCBeach.org or www.thebeachfla.com.

Southwest has not released specific service details, saying only that it will add at least two daily nonstop flights from Northwest Florida to four destinations across its 68 airport network for a total of eight daily nonstop flights when it begins service next year. Northwest Florida will be the first international airport to open in the nation in more than a decade. The new international airport is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in May 2010. Specific details on Southwest's fares and schedule will be available in December 2009.

"I am certain our more than 90 million annual Customers will be delighted to learn they are now free to hit Florida's white-sand beaches with Southwest Airlines' great, low-fare service from across the nation's largest airline network, taking Northwest Florida visitors off the roadways and into the airways," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. "I would like to applaud the ingenuity and hard work that both Southwest and St. Joe leadership poured into this unique agreement." Kelly said.

"Southwest's arrival in Northwest Florida is expected to stimulate job growth, economic development, and give travelers more of the options they've been seeking," said Britt Greene, President and CEO of St. Joe. "St. Joe is the largest landowner in Northwest Florida with hundreds of thousands of acres in the service area of the new airport site. Southwest will help position Northwest Florida as one of America's leading beach destinations. At the same time, this region is also home to one of the world's most important defense aerospace economic clusters anchored by U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army aviation installations."

A number of regional organizations are assisting in launching the service. Coastal Vision 3000, the Northwest Florida business group that created the regional destination brand, "The Beach," is participating in the initiative. The Bay County Tourism Development Council and The South Walton Tourism Development Council have pledged marketing resources. The Panama City - Bay County International Airport and Industrial District has worked hard to enable new air service.
The Company will release additional details regarding its future Panama City service in the coming months. The airline's entry into Florida's panhandle will be made possible in part by the airline optimizing its current flight schedule and repositioning aircraft.

YEA!!!

Panama City Beach - Social media reacts to Southwest news

2009-10-22T21:29:00.001-05:00

PANAMA CITY Beach — from the News Herald… “This was the best news of my life,” a Nevada resident tweeted about Southwest Airlines’ decision to begin servicing the new Panama City airport.

Known as UNLVgirl to the Twitterverse, she had explained in an earlier tweet that her family lives in Panama City and now visits will be much cheaper.

She was not alone Wednesday.
Twitter, the popular micro-blogging Web site that allows users to communicate with followers 140 characters at a time, was abuzz yesterday with news that Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport will be the newest airport serviced by the Dallas-based air carrier.

“Yea, Panama City! White-sand beach vacations!” wrote Whitneye, her location not specified.

Like a majority of the other Southwest-related tweets — each individual message is called a “tweet” — on Wednesday, she was pleased by the news.

Not to be outdone, commenters on NewsHerald.com, which offered a more local perspective, were, as usual, quite opionated about the decision.

“OK, everybody can exhale now. Great work!” was the first comment posted by jasiron.

A majority of the comments were excited about the news. However, mixed among the congratulatory fervor were a few hints of skepticism.

“If the bribe is big enough, anyone can be bought! Let’s just hope some of the benefit does trickle down to the ‘ordinary citizen,’ opined Bonjourno, referring to

a deal Southwest entered with the St. Joe Co., under which St. Joe will ensure Southwest at least break even during its first two years.

Others predicted a positive economic impact for the region.
“It cannot happen soon enough. We need jobs, we need jobs, we need jobs,” commented umpireblue.

Readers of the Dallas Morning News, the hometown paper of Southwest’s corporate headquarters, also took note of the news. And, while Dallas experiences low 60s and overcast skies, it appears that paper’s commenters understand the benefits of Southwest servicing Panama City.

“Too bad this route didn’t open today. I’d go just to get out of this crappy weather,” wrote JG.

Panama City Beach - Southwest Airlines coming?

2009-10-13T06:48:00.002-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill said Monday that Bay County should know by December whether Southwest Airlines is coming to the new Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport.

There were rumors on Twitter when we were at our Panama City Beach Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation that Southwest Airlines is going to fly to Panama City Beach from Nashville and Baltimore. Being from Nashville, a direct flight to PCB on Southwest would be great!

“I haven’t been told a specific date and I haven’t asked them for a specific date,” said Tannehill, who has been intimately involved in negotiations with Southwest and other low-cost carriers in advance of the new airport’s May 2010 opening.

“But we know that if they are coming anywhere in the Panhandle, they have to have it resolved by December for their own business reasons,” he said. “They would want to begin selling tickets after the first of the year.”

Tannehill on Monday also left open whether Airport Authority members would revisit the issue of the airport’s new name, which was chosen last week. Northwest Florida Panama City International. I agree they can do better.
Email your name suggestions to me and I will send them to the board.

Panama City Beach - Friday At The Beach: ‘Live Good and Prosper’

2009-10-07T08:51:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Are you in PCB this Friday October 9th, 2009 at our Panama City Beach Condo? Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

If you are consider attending the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Friday at the Beach breakfast at Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, from 7:30 to 9:00 AM.

In partnership with Regions Bank and United Way of Northwest Florida, the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce will present “Live Good and Prosper,” a humorous and dramatic tale highlighting the personal health and wellness benefits of saving AND giving… two activities often considered incompatible.

“As our nation moves further into financial recovery there will most definitely be a trend toward saving. Many people anticipate such a trend hurting charitable giving,” states Michael Menk, city president of Regions Bank. “What one needs to remember, however, is the strength of charitable organizations such as United Way that arose out of the Great Depression as our ancestors found a way to still help others while rebuilding their own lives,” says Bryan Taylor, president of United Way of Northwest Florida. “If past performance is any indicator of how our local communities will respond, we will see businesses and individuals come forward and assist in any way they can,” Bryan continues.

Meanwhile, will “Spending Man” and his wreckless acts be defeated? Will “Saving Man” and “Giving Man” combine their powers and learn that yes indeed, they may coexist in peaceful harmony? Come see for yourself! Or simply come enjoy a light-hearted, yet serious message that will surely benefit all.
Friday at the Beach is designed to share ideas and opportunities that will affect the beaches area and local businesses. Each program presents community and business leaders in a casual, "face-to-face" setting. This event is open to the public at no charge, however RSVP is required to Lindsay@PCBeach.org, or call (850) 235-1159.

Panama City Beach – Skin Diving PCBs Most Famous Wreck

2009-10-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Are you a diver? Staying at our Panama City Beach Condo? Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation at Celadon Beach Resort

Skin Divers will discover the Gulf of Mexico's most famous wreck, the 465-ft. Empire Mica in Panama City Beach. Dubbed the "wreck capital of the south" by Skin Diver magazine, Panama City Beach is home to many historical wrecks and is the second most explored Florida dive destination.

Explore the Gray Ghost, 110-ft. tug: the Chippewa, the 160-ft. coastal freighter; a 441-ft. World War II liberty ship; the 110-ft. tug Chickasaw; and the S. S. Tarpon, a 220-ft. World War II tug.

From April through September is the best time of year for diving in the waters off Panama City Beach. U.S. Coast Guard approved safety equipment is featured on the 32-ft. to 48 ft, fiberglass crew boats and can accommodate parties of up to 30 divers. Several full service dive shops provide an array diving and snorkeling gear and offer custom packages that include onshore and offshore diving.

Panama City Beach - Oktoberfest This weekend

2009-10-02T12:41:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach - Oktoberfest celebration begins today 10.2.09 at 5 p.m. in downtown Panama City.

Oktoberfest kicks off today at 5PM. The mayor will be the honorary keg tapper. Be there at 5PM to watch the festivities. There will be authentic German music, plenty of German foods and lots of beer.

If you are in the Pier Park area today or tomorrow, stop by the Hofbrau Beer Garden. Free Oktoberfest beer @ 6PM today and at 7PM Saturday.

I hope that our Panama City Beach Condo guests have a great weekend Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation at Celadon Beach Resort!!

Panama City Beach – 20th Annual Schooners Lobster Festival & Tournament - Menu

2009-09-18T09:37:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – The SCHOONERS Lobster Festival is this weekend…

LOBSTERFEST MENU 2009

WHITE LOBSTER CHILI
LOBSTER GUMBO
LOBSTER BISQUE
LOBSTER CEVICHE WITH SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS
SMOKED LOBSTER CRAB AND CHEESE DIP
LOBSTER AND CORN HUSHPUPPIES
LOBSTER KABOBS WITH STEAK AND SAUSAGE
NEW ENGLAND STYLE LOBSTER ROLLS
LOADED LOBSTER LASAGNA
LOBSTER PAELLA WITH SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE
SAVORY LOBSTER POT PIE
LOBSTER-SHRIMP&GRITS WITH TASSO HAM
COTTON CANDY FOR KIDS
KEY LIME PIE ON A STICK

The 20th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament benefits Toys for Kids Foundation and The Florida Aquatic Marine Institute.

Remember to buy your raffle tickets from Rocker. Help her repeat the feat of top ticket seller again in 2009!

Schooners 5121 Gulf Drive 850-235-3555 - www.schooners.com
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Panama City Beach – Schooners 20th Annual Lobster Fest!! September 17-20, 2009

2009-09-16T11:06:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – Schooners The Last Local Beach Club is sponsoring the biggest four day lobster festival in Florida. Invited divers hunt the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and lobster lovers feast on the bounty. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes!!

Proceeds from the Panama City Beach Lobster Festival will go to The Toys For Kids Foundation and The Florida Aquatic & Marine Institute!

I bought my raffle tickets from a cute Schooners employee named Rocker. If you want raffle tickets ask for Rocker she was the top ticket seller in 2008 and intends to win in 2009 as well!

The schedule of events follows:

Thursday 9/17 – Kick off party with Troy Syfrett and the Nashville Mafia – Live

Friday 9/18 – Lobster specials all day and night. Mini Auction and $1,000 Raffle. Arizona on the bar stage.

Saturday 9/19 – Sand Sculpting Competition featuring the award winning sand sculptors Standing Ovations. Nothing Short of Pure playing on the beach stage. Arizona playing on the bar stage. Raffle.

Sunday 9/20 – Lobster Fest noon till?? Charity Auction 5-7PM. Final raffle $$$$$ Arizona on the bar stage.

Remember to buy lots of raffle tickets from Rocker! Have fun!!
Call Schooners @ 850-235-3555
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Panama City Beach – Help Name The New Airport!!! And the Access Roads

2009-09-15T13:55:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach - Panama City-Bay County International Airport is the current name can we do better?
The Airport Authority is soliciting new names for the new airport under construction near West Bay as a way to better market the region.

Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis said the general public, city and county government officials and tourist development councils in Bay County and South Walton are being invited to submit their suggestions.

The airport still may retain its current designation as the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, but Curtis said potential airlines have suggested the name should better echo a more regional perspective.

The new airport, with its longer 10,000-foot runway, will serve a larger geographical area than the current airport. The new name should mirror this national and international marketing reality, Curtis said. “(The airlines) want to make sure the new airport reflects a regional component,” he said.

Although some airports have been named after famous persons — such as the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana or the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Okla. — Curtis said the new Bay County airport probably will take on a geographical designation. “I think the inclination is geographical, but we are open to suggestions,” he said.

Curtis told airport board members Friday that names will be collected and the issue discussed Sept. 22 at the next board meeting.

Competing airports in Northwest Florida tweaked their names last year to better market their brands, such as the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Fort Walton Beach.

Dan Rowe, executive director of the Bay County TDC, said the new airport, with its longer runway and customs operations ready for long-haul and international flights, gives officials a unique opportunity to brand the region.

“The name of the airport is important,” he said. “Having it help define where we are and who we are is important. The state of Florida is one of the top destinations on the planet. Creating a preference for this designation is our No. 1 goal.”

In material prepared for Friday’s board meeting, Curtis said the current Panama City airport began life in 1932 as a private landing field known as Atkinson Field. The name was changed to Fannin Field in the late 1930s or early 1940s and then to its current designation in 1992.

If the name is going to change again, Federal Aviation Administration officials say it should be done quickly to meet deadlines for directories and publications and the airport’s May 2010 opening date, Curtis said.

Airport officials also are soliciting names for the five major roads at the airport, particularly the main access road. Environmental themes have been suggested, Curtis said.

In addition, board members on Friday approved a change order to the Phoenix Construction contract that allows for the runway’s extension from 8,400 feet to 10,000 feet, pending FAA approval, which is anticipated shortly.

The extension, which officials have planned for months, adds roughly $3.5 million to the overall Phoenix contract.
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Panama City Beach – Top 20 Restaurants per Tripadvisor.com Annual Survey

2009-09-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach – Here is the tripadvisor September 2009 annual results of the top 20 Panama City Beach restaurants out of 389 PCB restaurants reviewed.

1. Firefly
2. Saltwater Grill
3. Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant
4. Thomas Donut and Snack Shop
5. Bonefish Grill
6. Lizas Kitchen
7. Barefoot Beach Club
8. Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill & Brew House
9. Boars Head Restaurant & Tavern
10. Donut Island
11. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
12. Pineapple Willy’s
13. Spinnaker
14. Schooners Last Local Beach Club
15. Angelo’s Steal Pit
16. Joeys House of Pizza
17. Kitchens Ice Cream
18. Red Rose Jems Pizzeria
19. Bayou Bills Crab House
20. Boon Docks Restaurant

Let’s do our own survey! What are your top 3?

Mine are…

1. Schooners Last Local Beach Club
2. Captain Anderson’s
3. The Boatyard
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Panama City Beach – Pineapple Willy’s Community Days Eat…Drink…Shop

2009-08-26T08:26:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – if you are planning on going out to eat in PCB in the next three days, August 26, 27 or 28th, 2009 consider heading to Pineapple Willy’s Community Days. All gross sales during this time will benefit local charities including Beach Care Services, Friends of BCAR, The Humane Society of Bay County and Panama City Beach Paws & Claws.
Thanks to Pineapple Willy’s for giving back to the community service!!
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Panama City Beach Forum: Spring Break doesn't have to be so rowdy

2009-08-20T06:49:00.001-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — From the News Herald - The rowdy Spring Break crowds that invade local beaches each March should not be discouraged but better managed, residents and business leaders said Wednesday during a community forum.

Hosted by the Bay County Tourist Development Council, the meeting attended by about 100 people was meant to help plan future TDC marketing plans for Spring Break. Most agreed the college crowds bring in loads of March money but can give the destination a public relations black eye.

Hardly anyone speaking Wednesday wanted to discourage spring breakers, which help make March the third highest money-making month for Bay County tourism. Some of the business representatives said March college visitors become future tourists, and Spring Break acted like a “tourism fish hatchery.”

“These people are creating memories for the rest of their lives,” said John Starling of Campers Inn.

But concerns were raised and data presented Wednesday that Panama City Beach’s close association with Spring Break was perpetuating an image that might harm future business, especially with the looming opening of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, set for May 2010.

“I want our public officials to do their jobs and clean this situation up,” Panama City Beach resident Tom Klompts said.

Following the meeting, TDC executive director Dan Rowe said it was doubtful he could recommend another Spring Break/mtvU partnership, given attempts this year by sister station MTV to film drunken revelers. The TDC currently is drawing up its yearly budget and will use Wednesday’s comments to inform future marketing expenditures, he said.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but based on what we know now, I would not recommend it,” he said of the $150,000 spent with mtvU for Spring Break 2009.

Realtor Bill Holt said he has made trips to France and Germany the last few years to test the waters of European perceptions. He has seen television specials there highlighting the rowdiness and police enforcement aspects of Panama City Beach.

“We already have some damage control to do,” he said. Other residents said the binge drinking, infrequent deaths and rapes that occur during Spring Break created negative images of Panama City Beach when they were reported back to the breakers’ home states.

Data presented by TDC consultant Peter Yesawich showed Panama City Beach’s association with Spring Break made it less attractive in some drive markets than other spots, such as Destin or even Gulf Shores, Ala. A survey of Panama City Beach non-college tourists by consultant Walter Klages illustrated that March visitors were less likely to return than those in April, mostly because of an unfavorable Spring Break impression. Hotelier Julie Hilton, in the hospitality business for 42 years, urged fellow businesses to better manage the college crowds that converge on Panama City Beach each spring.

Spring breakers began arriving in large numbers in the 1990s after other Florida destinations such as Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach made them feel unwelcome, she said. She learned how to handle the college crowds and now 30 percent of her yearly income comes from the Spring Break period.

“I encourage us to think of responsible management,” she said. “I think we can exist together.”

Businessman Charlie Hilton agreed, saying the current economy was too soft to neglect any potential customers. “If you are thinking about getting rid of anything, you are out of your mind,” he said.
What’s your view?
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Panama City Beach - Red snapper season winding down 8.14.09

2009-08-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

Panama City Beach – Fishing, It was good while it lasted.
Today, however, is the last day to keep a red snapper.
“It’s been as good as it ever gets,” captain Tommy Browning said earlier this week after he backed in on the boat Finest Kind from a six-hour trip with a limit of red snapper and king mackerel. “It’s a shame,” he said of the closure. “There ain’t no shortage. We’ve been throwing back keepers.”
The red snapper season has taken several blows in the recent months by federal and state regulators who say the fishery is in peril. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted at a meeting at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in February to shorten the recreational red snapper fishing season in state waters from April 15 through Oct. 31 to June 1 through Sept. 30, making it compatible with a shorter federal season. But then the federal governing board decided to close the season in federal waters Aug. 14. So the state revisited the issue and voted to end the snapper season on the same day.
So the snapper season went from what used to be about a seven-month season to a little more than two months, with a scaled-back limit of two snapper per person. Destin charter boat captains say they are about to take another hit. “It’s not looking good,” said Harold Staples of the charter boat Al-Lin. “We’re not expecting much in the fall” after the closure kicks in. Staples said he had one customer book a 12-hour trip in October, the month of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, but he called back and cut it to an eight-hour trip when he realized they couldn’t land red snapper. Staples said that after his scheduled trips this week, there are “two more on the books, period,” he said. “We’re just not getting any phone calls.”
Browning said that after today, his bookings are “slim to nothing.” He said that fishing trips have dropped more than half for most on the docks. Captain Ken Bolden of the Just B Cause, who landed one of the biggest snapper on the docks this summer, a 25-pounder, said the season has been “incredible. It’s been so easy to find them.” And the ones showing up have been a good grade at 18-inches-plus. “If it even looks like you’ve got to measure it, I go to a different spot,” Bolden said. As for the future, “it’s looking really slow.” Bolden said.
He said fishermen now will target triggerfish, mingo, amberine and king mackerel.
“I wish there was something we could say to let ’em know that snapper are in abundance,” Bolden said. Some captains say the slow economy also is contributing to their lack of bookings. “Between the economy and the fact we can’t keep snapper … put the two together, it’s not good,” said captain Kirk Reynolds of the SS Enterprise.
Maybe you can get a good deal on a fishing trip as the season slows down in PCB.
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Panama City Beach – Weekend Activities August 13th to 16th 2009

2009-08-13T06:53:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – In PCB this weekend here are some things to do…
Thursday August 13th 2009

Pier Park Summer Concert Series: Heat and the Zydeco Gents
Spinnaker’s 80’s night Costume Party
Grand Lagoon Fireworks – Sunset
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Margaritaville – Barry Fish Band
Club La Vela – No Cover Til & $2 You Pick Em Shots
Club Oxygen – Ladies Night – Ladies free til 12 $1 draft

Friday August 14th 2009

Friday Fest Downtown Panama City – Live Music, Great Shopping
Club Oxygen – Unforgiven – 2-4-1 Everything til 9
Marina Civic Center – Backstage Pass Concert Series: Steve Wiggins
Hofbrau Beer Garden – Free Beer Friday – Free Beer at 6 pm
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Club La Vela – Ladies Night – Free Cover til 12

Saturday August 15th 2009

Club La Vela – Eclipse : Pink Floyd Tribute
Coconuts – 4pm Happy Hour
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Hofbrau Beer Garden -Strong Man Contest

Sunday August 16th 2009

Spinnaker’s Afterburn Cantina
Club La Vela – 11-5 Pool Party
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Panama City Beach – Weekend Activities August 6th to 9th 2009

2009-08-06T10:58:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – In PCB this weekend here are some things to do…

Thursday August 6th 2009

Pier Park Summer Concert Series: Beach Mice
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Margaritaville – Chuck Lawson Live
Club La Vela – 80’s Night – No Cover 21+ 9-11
Club Oxygen – DJ Doc Roc – Ladies free til 12 $1 draft

Friday August 7th 2009

Hofbrau Beer Garden – Free Beer Friday – Free Beer at 6 pm
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Marina Civic Center – Backstage Pass Summer Concert Series: Gulf Jazz Society
Visual Arts Center – In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America **LAST WEEKEND**
Club La Vela – Bikini Beach Bash – No Cover if wearing a Swimsuit

Saturday August 8th 2009

Panama City Downtown – Main Street Striders and Old-Fashioned Sidewalk Sale
Coconuts – UFC Fight/ Stuff the Truck - Bring a food item for the needy as your cover
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar – Biscuit Miller Band Live
Hofbrau Beer Garden -Strong Man Contest
Spinnaker’s – Sex and The City Saturday – Ladies Free til 12
Sunday August 9th 2009
Spinnaker’s Afterburn Cantina

Our Suggestions:

A chance of rain all weekend, but should have lots of sunshine peeking through clouds. Families should get out this weekend by heading over to St. Andrew’s State Park, maybe grab some bikes and ride the tour or hitch a ride on the tour boat over to the island for some “getaway” fun.

For all you love-birds out there, Club La Vela’s 80’s night will be good fun and dancing like you’re Kevin Bacon in Footloose. Thursday night concert at Pier Park is the perfect way to watch the sun set.

Clubbers, who could pass up free beer at Hofbrau? Not me. And Spinnaker’s Sex and the City Saturday will be an event you don’t want to miss.
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Panama City Beach - Nightlife: July 30-August 5

2009-08-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach - Nightlife: July 30-August 5

Here are some things to do in PCB, have fun….

THE BACKDOOR LOUNGE
7800 W. Hwy 98, Panama City, Beach, 235-0073
Happy Hour: 9 a.m.-Noon
Thursday: Ladies Night
Wednesday: Bike Night
Wed. – Sat. - High Def Karaoke with Night Al
Digital recording available

BETSY ANN RIVER BOAT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd. 233-7487
Located at the SUN HARBOR MARINA
Thursday: Live Music Sunset Cruise w/”Massalina Cargo”, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday: Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, 6 :30-8:30 p.m., boarding 30 min. before.
Saturday: COMEDY ZONE w/Kris Shaw
6 p.m. dinner cruise and 9 p.m. dockside show
Tuesday: BOB_FM Sunset Party Cruise 6:30 p.m. $10pp
Wednesday: Dolphin Adventure Cruise, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
www.betsyannriverboat.net

BIG EASY II
17190 Front Beach Road. 234-6770.
Starting Saturday, August 15th: “Al & Joe”, 6-10 p.m.
Wednesday: Karaoke w/Dale, 8 til
Country music jam session.
Welcome Bikers

BLUE WATERS LOUNGE
7105 Big Daddy Drive, located behind Beach K Mart, 236-4529
Happy Hours: Monday - Friday, 4-6 p.m.
Sunday-Thursday, 10 p.m.-midnight
FRIDAY: Karaoke with Nona, 7 p.m. til
The friendliest, cleanest bar in town

BOAR'S HEAD RESTAURANT & TAVERN
17290 Front Beach Road, 234-6628
Olde English style restaurant with award winning wines. Join Pat "C" in the Tavern Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. with guitar and vocals that will remind you of Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell. Relax with cocktails and appetizers, or coffee and dessert, or for a full coarse dinner while hearing her sassy but beautiful rendition of old standards that complement your evening here.

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd., 257-5556
Open 7 days a week for Lunch & Dinner
Tike Bar Happy Hour: 4-till daily
Monday-Friday: WPT World Poker Tour
Wednesday: Ladies Night, 4-10
Outside on the Deck
Friday: Feel Good Willys, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Saturday: Live Music, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 - www.boatyardclub.com
Open 7 days a week - 11 a.m. til….
Real Good Food. Cool Music. Birdseye View of Grand Lagoon. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson's restaurant... Dress is casual, prices are reasonable.
Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat.
**Stop by to pick up your Lunch & Martini Club Cards.**
Sushi Bar Open Thurs. thru Sun., 4 p.m.-close
Sangria & Tapas Sunday -Spend your Sunday afternoons enjoying our beautiful, historic Grand Lagoon while lazing over a chilled glass (or two) of sangria and a selection of yummy tapas created by the Chef Konrad himself !
Stainless Steel Band - Sunday, 3-7 p.m.
LITTLE SUN DRESS PARTY – THURSDAY, AUGUST 20.

BUCCANEER LOUNGE
711 W. Beach Drive, PC, FL 763-4622
Thursday: The Seaweed Brothers, 7:30-11:30
Ladies Night-Martini and house wine specials
Friday & Saturday: Come dance the night away with The Epics
Monday: Monday Night Madness w/2 for 1 domestic beer, house wine and well drinks.
Tuesday: Live dance music w/Lou & Wally, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Karaoke w/Lounge Lizard, 7:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy one of the only non smoking karaoke bars in town!
Don’t forget to come early to enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking beautiful St. Andrew Bay!

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Breakers After Dark! New Showtime: 9 p.m.
Best Breakers Show in YEARS!
Viva Las Vegas, Elvis and Friends: Todd Allen Herendeen. Two Great Shows Nightly, Two completely different shows.
JOHNNY CASH, ROY ORBISON, TOM JONES, AND OF COURSE, THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, ELVIS.
RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED.
Dine Early, Stay for the Show.
Call 234-6060-www.breakerspcb.com

CALYPSO BEACH CAFÉ & SPORTS GRILLE
15812 Front Beach Road, 850-234-6788.
Food… Fun…. and Flavor live here. You’re gonna fall in love with this place. The Creole inspired menu is just the half of it.
Open everyday for lunch, dinner and more. Just east of Pier Park.
HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY
Friday – Saturday: Live Music on the front porch 6- 8 p.m. and on the back deck Gene Mitchell from 8 p.m. - when.
Wednesday: “Blue Wednesday” featuring Sus - $2.00 Blue yards of beer and frozen drink of the day.
Tuesday: Trivia with Chris Berry; play to win gift certificates and FREE drinks. $.99 drafts and $4.50 pitchers
Check schedules for all sports on our website: www.calypsobeachcafe.com

CLUB LA VELA
8813 Thomas Drive. 235-1061
Pool Deck Open Sun.–Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m
Thursday: Ying Yang Twins in Concert
-Advance tickets $20
-live rock inside w/ “Poptart Monkeys”
FRIDAY: Ladies Night
-Free Cover for all Ladies (18+) 9-12
-Free Screwdrivers for ALL Ladies (21+) 9-11
-Live rock w/ Ultra Drive
-Teen night in the dark room 7-12
Saturday: “Journey” tribute w/ The Frontiers
-$10 cover from 7-9 p.m.
-Live rock w/ Ultra Drive
-Teen night in the dark room 7-12
Sunday:
Daytime- Sunday Funday
-$2 premiums 11a-4p for HIP’s and VIP’s
-everyone 21+ enjoys $2 beer till 5 p.m.
Nighttime- VIP Teen Night in the Posh Ultralounge
-ages 13-17…7 p.m.-12 a.m. w/ DJ KitKat
-free pizza from 7-8
-$10 cover 7-8 and $20 after 8
-Club Open for adults- Free Cover for 21+ & $2 drinks 7-11
Monday Night: CLOSED
Tues: MTV’s Club Wide Teen Bash: Hosted by MTV Real World’s “Kenny”
-Includes Foam Party (weather permitting)
-Ages 13-17…7 p.m.-1 a.m.
-$15 cover 7-8 and $25 after 8
-Posh Open for adults- Free cover 21+ all night & $2 drinks 7-11
WED: Girls Night Out
-Free Cover for all Ladies 18+ from 9-12
-Free Screwdrivers for ALL Ladies 21+ from 9-11
-live rock w/ Top of the Orange
Upcoming Events:
-July 30th: Ying Yang Twins in Concert
-August 1st: The Frontiers…Journey Tribute
For more information, check out our website at www.clublavela.com or call 234-FUNN(3866) or 235-1061.

FIREFLY
$14.95 Early Dining Specials 5-6 p.m. Nightly!
The warmth of the bar and the Library Lounge leaves you feeling like you are at home with friends while dining under our grand old oak tree gives you the feel of a Mediterranean bistro.
All new at Firefly, Fresh Sushi – Wed.-Sat. in the Bar and Library Lounge.
Join us for "Tini Tuesday's", all Stoli Martini's $5;
"Wine Flight Wednesday's", sample four different wines for $20.
Friday: $5 Martini¹s and half price appetizers after 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: Live entertainment with Jesse Deese featuring Nick Martino as Frank Sinatra.
Saturday: Late night happy hour, 9 p.m.-close. Buy one all new Sushi roll get one half price.
A night spot for upscale locals and guests who are looking for something different than our usual beach bars.
In the Shoppes at Edgewater, Panama City Beach. Open 5 p.m. daily.
850-249-3359. fireflypcb.com

GRANITE CAFÉ
1001 Beck Ave., 215-3287
Thursday: Ladies Night, 2 for 1 Cosmos and Margaritas
Sounds of Motown w/KD, 7:30-till
Friday: 2 for 1 Draft Beer & $2 Wells, 4-6 p.m.
Jeff Shipes playing classic rock, 7-midnight
Sunset Saturday: 4 p.m.-Sunset: 2 for 1 Draft Beer, $2 wells and 25% off appetizers.
Sounds of Motown w/KD, 7:30-till
Tuesday: 2 for 1 draft beer & $2 wells, 4-6 p.m.
Jeff Shipes playing classic rock and R&B, 7-10 p.m.
Wine Down Wednesday: 2 for 1 Wine, 4-10 p.m.
2 for 1 Draft beer & $2 wells, 4-6 p.m.
Smooth Jazz Sounds of Counterpoint, 7-10
NEW OWNERS, NEW MENU, NEW LOOK!!!!

HAMMERHEAD FRED'S
8752 Thomas Drive 233-3907
A quaint little bar & grill located on the west end of Thomas Drive serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m. Inside and deck seating available.
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. with $1.50 draft & 2 for 1 drinks
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Manatee’s Steel Drum Sounds, 6-10 p.m.
Monday: “Magical Monday” Face Painting, Balloon Tying, Magic Show, 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday: Lennie Jennings, 6-10 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: KIKI, 6-10 p.m.

HARPOON HARRY'S
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
& TIKI BAR
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Cool Inside Dining and On the Deck Outside dining. Open at 11 a.m. daily. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials. Full service, ala carte menu, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and prime rib.
Mike Van Elsen with his great repertoire of oldies, shag and beach music on the deck , Thursday thru Monday. Clay Musgrave also rocks the deck 5 nights a week, Friday thru Monday.
Great Food, Great Music 7 Nights a Week!
www.harpoonharryspcb.com

LADY ANDERSON
5550 North Lagoon Drive
Thursday: Gospel Dinner Cruise
Wed., Fri., & Sat.: Dinner & Dance Cruise
Tuesday: Country Comedy Cruise
All Boarding 6:30 p.m.– Cruise 7-9:30 p.m.
Reserve Early 234-5940
www.ladyanderson.com

LA ROYALE LOUNGE/
FIESTA ROOM
100 Harrison Ave., 763-1755
FEMALE IMPERSONATION SHOWS: Starring Miss Dee Dee Williams and Reba Rae with special quest star MISS OSHA.
Hot Club Music, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, three shows nightly, 11:30 p.m., 1:30 a.m., 3 a.m.
STAR-TIME KARAOKE: Thursday & Sunday, 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Beer Bust and Amateur Night
DRINK SPECIALS: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

MS. NEWBY'S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
The patio is now open 7 days a week
Tues. – Thurs.: Karaoke
Friday & Saturday: Sea N Dog, 9 p.m.
Sunday: Fat Catz, 6-10 p.m.
Monday: Dan Haley
Watch all the games on our new flat screen TV's.

MUDDY RUDDER
OF CAFÉ ROYALE IN CARILLON BEACH
105 Market Street, 850-230-8028
A private dining getaway
Open 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Live Entertainment:
Tues., Wed. & Thurs.: Good Times Karaoke, 6 p.m.
Friday: Live Music, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Live Music, 7 p.m.
Monday: Block Party w/Live Music
We cater private parties

MARTIN THEATRE
409 Harrison Ave., 763-8080
Sunday: August 2, 3-7 p.m.
WKGC's Emerald Coast Studio, Live at the Martin Theatre
Join LUCKY MUDD and their guest, contemporary folk artist Gileah Taylor for a live taping.
Full bar and hors d'oeuvres available. $2/Cover

NEWBY'S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Rock Star Karaoke w/Anita, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Watch all the games at Newby’s Too
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PATCHES PUB
4723 Thomas Drive, 233-8879
Happy Hour Daily, 3-6 p.m.
Domestic Bottles & Cans $2.25
Monday-Friday: Tom’s Bar-B-Que
FREE WIFI & jello shooters, $1.
Thursday: Military appreciation night w/drink specials
Friday: Karaoke w/Emily, 8 p.m.
Saturday: Starting soon is In House Dart League. Sign up Now
Sunday: NASCAR
Wear your Patches T-Shirt and get a free drink
Monday: $1 domestic draft beer, 6 p.m.-til
Tuesday: Blind Draw Darts, 7 p.m. w/drink specials
Wednesday: Ladies Night w/drink specials

PIER BAR
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-235-0928
JULY 30-31 AUGUST 1 8:30/10:30
JOEY GILMORE BLUES BAND
AUGUST 2 2 P.M.
REGGAE SUNDAY
ONE JAMAICAN REGGAE BAND
AUGUST 5-6-7-8 8 P.M.
BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

THE PLACE
429 Harrison Ave. , 785-3010
Friday: Turtlefoot and Friends, 8 p.m.
Saturday: Tidewater Bluegrass Band, 7:30 p.m.

REGGAE J’S
16202 Front Beach Rd @ Pier Park, 233-1790
Come Get A Taste Of The Islands!
Thursday, 8 p.m.-Midnight: One Jamaican Reggae Band and
2 for 1 Domestic Beer, House Wine and Well Liquor
Friday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Ladies Night w/De Lions of Jah
Saturday, noon-4 p.m.: One Jamaican Reggae Band and
Caribbean Crawfish Boil w/ $4 Domestic Beer Pitchers
Saturday, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: De Lions of Jah and $3 Reggae J’s Punch

ROCK' IT LANES
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
On the Beach - Shoppes @ Edgewater 850-249-2695
Bowling, Pool Tables, Arcade, Roller Skating, Sports Bar and Grille that has been voted “Best Place to Take Your Kids” by PC Living Magazine in 2008 & 2009.
Ballistic Bowling –Nightly at 10 p.m.
Check out our new laser light show!
Birthday Parties are our Specialty! Military and Senior discounts.
Monday-Friday: Happy Hour: (Sports Bar), 4:30-6:30 p.m.
2-4-1 Well drinks & $2 Longnecks.
Thursday: Hospitality Night, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Team Bowling Tournament, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
$2 per bowling game; $1.50 Shoe Rental
Local Bar, Restaurant or Hotel pay stub required
LIVE DJ, 10 P.M.-CLOSE
Friday: TODDLER SKATE, 10 a.m.-NOON
LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-MIDNIGHT!
Saturday: LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-MIDNIGHT!
Sunday: Skate Rink – Family Day - Parents Skate $2
Monday: 9 p.m.-close Monday Mania
$2 bowling, $2 shoes, $2 skating, $2 longnecks, $2 tequila shots.
Tuesday: Karaoke Gong Show, 60,000 song library
9 p.m.-1 a.m. (prizes and drink specials)
Hours of Operation:
10 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Saturday
Noon – 2 a.m. Sunday
www.rockitlanes.com

SALTWATER GRILL
11040 Middle Beach Road, 230-2739
YOU'VE GOT TO HEAR THIS!
Saltwater Grill presents the only Piano Bar on the beach! Come join us in our Mermaid Room and listen to MICHAEL RORAH perform your favorite tunes from Jazz standards, classical rock, today's hits, and all your favorite show tunes. Performing Tuesday - Saturday night 7:30 pm.

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive 850-235-3555 - www.schooners.com
Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome. As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on earth.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BRUNCH AND BAND JAM.
Beach Party like the Good Ol Days. Every Sunday 5-9 p.m..
Thursday: DA LIONS OF JAH, 7-11
Friday: ARIZONA, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday: STAINLESS STEEL, 4:30-8:30
ARIZONA, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday: Afternoon Band Jam w/ARIZONA, 5-9 p.m.
Monday: DYNAMIC DUO, 6-10
Tuesday: ACOUSTIX, 6-10
Wednesday: ACOUXTIX, 6-10
Thursday: WACO RAMBLERS, 7-11
Next Weekend: OCEAN STREET

SHARKY'S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail.
Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m.
Thurs.– Mon.: Tiki Time with Clay Musgrave, 4-8 p.m.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: One More Time, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Monday & Wednesday: Family Karaoke, 9-till
Tuesday: Family Luau & Buffet, 7 p.m.
Polynesian Dance Show
Tuesday: Shark Monkeys, 7-11 p.m.
Wednesday: Gary Van Brocklin, 4-8 p.m.
Thursday: Shark Monkeys, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

SHRIMP BOAT
1201 Beck Avenue . St. Andrews
850.785.8706 . Open 4:30 p.m. Mon- Sat
Panama City's Newest Dining Sensation
Come by Car or by Boat
4:30-6 p.m. Daily Sushi Special
Buy any Sushi Roll and get a 2nd roll for only $3
www.TheShrimpBoatRestaurant.com

SPINNAKER
Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m til.....
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
Paradise Grill - Dine Beachside or in the air-conditioned dining room. BBQ, BURGERS, SEAFOOD & SOUTHWEST-ERN FARE.
CANTINA – Beachside Taco & Margarita Bar. Serving lunch & dinner 7 days a week.
OPEN LATE NIGHT THURS. THRU SUN.
DAILY SPECIALS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Munchie Monday – ½ Price Appetizer Specials & ½ Price Sangria
Taco Tuesday – 2 for 1 Tacos and 2 for 1 Margaritas
Wine Down Wednesday – ½ Price Appetizer Specials & ½ Price Bottled Wine
Throwdown Thursday – All you can Eat BBQ $12.95 & $2 Domestic Beer
“AFTERBURN” BEACH PARTY Sunday – Beach Party w/DJ @ Cantina Bar
Buckets of Beer, ½ Price Tacos Burritos, Quesadillas and Margaritas, 12-8
SPINNAKER- Open Thursday thru Sunday hosting the best dance party and live music on the beach. Come early for low cover charge and extra drink discounts.
GROVE ROOM – Top 40, Dance & Mash Ups. Thurs.- Sun.
CANTINA – Old Skool Party Jams, Friday & Saturday
ROCK ARENA – LIVE BANDS Thursday thru Sunday
THURSDAY – LATIN NITE - Free Entry 21+/$2 Drink Specials – All Night
Salsa, Merengue Bachata & Reggaeton. Dance party in the Grove Room with Special Guest DJ’s.
RED CARPET FRIDAY – FREE ENTRY for Ladies 21+ ALL NIGHT! FREE CHAMPAGNE, FREE WINE & GOURMET CHOCOLATE DESSERTS 10-12.
SEX & THE CITY SATURDAY - FREE ENTRY for Ladies til 12. $3 Cosmopolitans all night.
SINDUSTRY SUNDAY/BAR WARS/MEMBERS NITE – All SIN, VIP & SUPER Card holders get $2 Premium Drinks, 11 p.m.-close. BAR WARS!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
DJ WILL – Groove Room: Thurs., Fri. Sat. & Sun., 9 p.m.
DJ SURFER MARK– Cantina – Old Skool Jams at Cantina Bar, Fri. & Sat., 10 p.m.
GRANDY & STEEL at Cantina Bar, Friday 6-10 p.m.
MAURICE MANGUM at Cantina Bar, Saturday 6 -10 p.m.
GABBY JOHNSON-Rock Arena-Thurs.-Sun., 10 p.m.
Next Weekend: UGLI STICK, Thurs. Aug. 6 – Sun. Aug. 9
Upcoming Event – OLD SKOOL 80’s NITE, Thurs., Aug. 13
DJ MIKE B from 3 Bad Brothaz-#1 Atlanta Club/Party DJ. Thurs. Aug. 13-Sat., Aug 15.

UNCLE ERNIE'S BAYFRONT
Grill & Brewhouse
On Historic St. Andrews Marina
1151 Bayview Ave., 763-8427
Thursday: “John Cannon”, 7 till
Friday: “John Cannon”, 7:30-11 p.m.
Saturday: “Lowell Hopper”, 6-11 p.m.
Wednesday: “Lowell Hopper”, 7-10 p.m.

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Panama City Beach - Late surge gives Bay Point exciting finish Tuna, dolphin categories decided in final minutes

2009-07-19T13:14:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach - Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament

Perhaps the larger boats had larger expectations on Saturday, but the result was the same as the previous night. Until 9:50 p.m. that is. Two tuna came to the Bay Point scales within 15 minutes of one another. The first blew away the previous first-place tuna and the second one topped them all. Peter Bos’ 119.5-pounder took first place in the category and netted him more than $36,000 in the 26th annual Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament. The boat he was aboard, Legendary, was one of the last inside the channel, but it only increased the drama for the fish that was caught on Friday.

"We didn’t think we would win because we’ve caught bigger fish before," Bos said. "All the talk was about people catching smaller fish, but we had no idea where it would end before we got here. Bos’ tuna beat out Paul Murdoch, who weighed in a 90.3-pounder just 15 minutes earlier. Murdoch’s tuna easily bested the previous first-place 51.3-pound tuna caught by Jared Roberts on the Mollie.

Not to be outdone, August Redding took first place in the dolphin category with a 32.1-pound catch. Redding and the Dreams Wake 2 was the next-to-last boat to weigh-in.

Most of Saturday was much like Friday outside of the final surge. The seas were rough. The fish weren’t biting and the ones that did were smaller than normally brought into the Bay Point Invitational. There also were no blue marlin to be seen, despite the weighed category being reinstated this year after a one-year absence. The lure of Big Blue drew the crowds, as it was announced at 9 p.m. that no one else would be admitted to Bay Point due to safety reasons. It was only the second time in the 26-year history of the event that the gates were closed to Bay Point spectators earlier than around 11 p.m.

Friday’s 40/40 Shootout featured only one tuna. The same was true on Saturday for nearly four hours. Roberts and the rest of the anglers on the Mollie doubted that a 51.3-pound tuna would hold up. They were right.

"No matter what, with a fish like that you never think it will be there in the end," Roberts said. "We’ll be living on a prayer here until the end of the night."
Roberts’ prayers weren’t answered, however. Grant Nicholson’s were.

Fishing aboard Life is Good, Nicholson came in at around 8:30 p.m. with a wahoo and dolphin. His 33-pound wahoo stood up to win first place. His dolphin was knocked out of first by Redding.

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Panama City Beach – Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament July 16-18

2009-07-11T16:18:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach – At the 26th Bay Point Marina tournament will have lots to do while you wait for the fishermen to bring in their catch including a Festival on the Docks from 5-11pm each night with food and drink, merchandise, art and a kids’ play area.

The taste of the town vendors section will feature food from Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, Hammerhead Fred’s, Hottie Hawgs BBQ and Shipwreck Island Grill as well as other snack and dessert vendors. You can purchase drinks with and without alcohol.

Thursday’s opening night will feature live music from 5:30 – 9pm with Rock Lobster on the main stage. The cannon firing and the boat parade start at 9:30pm. Joanna Smith will be on stage from 10-11:30pm.

Meet Miss Billfish, Jessie Lee on Friday at 5pm. Weigh-in is from 6-11pm Friday.

The final weigh –in is from 6-10pm Saturday.

Have some fun in PCB.
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Panama City Beach - Named Top Beach by TripAdvisor

2009-06-27T10:08:00.003-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Panama City Beach, Fla., was just recognized by TripAdvisor(R) as home to one of America's top beaches.

Ranking third in the U.S. on the just-released 2009 listing, the destination's St. Andrews State Recreation Area was selected based on opinions of millions of travelers worldwide and the expertise of the editors of the world's largest online travel community, TripAdvisor.com(R).

Spanning 1,260 acres in picturesque Northwest Florida, St. Andrews State Recreation Area boasts sugar-white sand overlooking the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay. The 1.5-mile-long beach has a calm, child-friendly area, offering swimming and snorkeling in a shallow, tranquil pool, protected by jetties. Visitors can take a quick ferry ride to nearby Shell Island for more surf and sun. Hikers and birders, meanwhile, enjoy the park's 1.25 miles of pristine trails with an incredible array of plants and wildlife, including deer, egrets and graceful tropical birds. At St. Andrews, anglers enjoy surf fishing, as well as fishing off a deep-sea jetty and two piers. Concession stands and campsites also are available for lovers of the outdoors.

Panama City Beach also enjoys recognition as a premier beach destination from Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, The Travel Channel, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council.

"The destination offers something for everyone," explains Dan Rowe, C.E.O., Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our award-winning beaches and predictably sunny weather have drawn travelers for generations. Visitors here today discover a wealth of new offerings. From new restaurants, shops and nightlife venues to outdoor concerts, festivals, fishing, golfing, eco-tours and more, there's always something fun going on in Panama City Beach."

Shoppers and culinary enthusiasts here are rewarded at the new Pier Park, located in the heart of town. Spanning roughly one million-square-foot Pier Park serves up soft sea breezes and an array of unique offerings as Northwest Florida's largest shopping, dining and entertainment venue. For marine life lovers, the nearby Gulf World Marine Park delights with animal exhibits and shows as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins. Little ones marvel at ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park, home to more than 250 animals, including rare and endangered species, in a lush, tropical setting. Family attractions abound, including Shipwreck Island Waterpark, one of Florida's largest theme water parks, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, featuring fascinating finds from around the world.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there's world-class fishing, hiking, kayaking and more. Adventurers find plenty of ways to test their skills with Panama City Beach's full spectrum of water sports - snorkeling, diving, parasailing, skimboards, Yolo boards, wave runners and more.

To showcase the destination's many charms, the Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched a summer-long online video contest, offering $50,000 in cash and prizes, including customized vacations to Panama City Beach. Tapping into the fast-growing popularity of online videos, the contest encourages consumers to post their original works, offering an innovative travel personality twist.

Through July 31, consumers can visit www.RealFunContest.com and take a quick quiz to determine their Panama City Beach travel personality: Eco-Seeker, Wave Warrior, After Dark Shark looking for glittery nightlife, Soul Surfer who loves long strolls on the beach, or a leader of the family-friendly Sandy Bottom Bunch. Then, they can produce an original video that showcases their unique travel personality type. The top videos will be showcased for online voting, and five winners will receive $10,000 each in cash and prizes, including five-night vacations in Panama City Beach, customized to suit their travel interests. To date, nearly 2,000 people from around the country have taken the destination's travel personality quick quiz.

With so much to offer, it's no surprise that Panama City Beach attracts visitors from around the globe. Even more travelers are about to discover this Florida gem thanks to a new international airport slated to make its debut in the spring 2010. The airport's opening will increase accessibility to Panama City Beach for travelers nationally and internationally. With myriad green features incorporated into its design and construction, the airport aims to be the first in the U.S. to receive LEED certification.

About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida community is home to St. Andrew's State Park, a Top Three beach on the 2009 TripAdvisor list of America's best beaches. Panama City Beach also enjoys recognition as a premier beach destination by Conde Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, award-winning dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside community.
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Panama City Beach - Angler catches 700-pound blue marlin, breaks record

2009-06-21T07:28:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach / SANDESTIN - Chip Temple's first major fishing tournament experience is one he'll never forget.

In an article from the News Herald…

An admitted outsider when it comes to fishing's biggest stages, Temple hooked, battled and helped reel in a 714.7-pound, 121.5-inch blue marlin to help the crew of the Jasper Time shatter the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic record
"We fought about 100 runs from her," said Temple, who battled the marlin for eight hours before the crew finally hauled it on board.

The crowd spilled down the Baytowne Marina's pier in anticipation to see the massive fish hoisted up by its tail fin and weighed, a process that took three people. When the total weight flashed on the screen, cheers and cries of disbelief erupted from the crowd.

The marlin beat out the previous record of 692.6 pounds set in 2006 and far outpaced the 566.8-pound average for the tourney winner.

The record-setting catch cruised to first place and will earn the crew at least $167,000 in prize money. The 67-boat event carried a total purse of $1.3 million.
The five-man team consisted of owner Mark Wallace, captain Tommy Bradon and mates Ed Gobel, Matthew Pearson and Temple.

"That's a once-in-a-lifetime fish," Pearson said. "That's not one you catch every day, that's for sure. That's a fish you dream of your whole life. Especially in a tournament and getting to bring it back and show it off to everybody."
And show off they did.

Wallace said the 160-foot Jasper Time, which harbors at the Marabella Yacht Club in Destin, was almost 130 miles into the Gulf of Mexico when they finally hooked the marlin at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

The crew had started casting at daybreak, and when the big fish bit it was Stockbridge, Ga. native Temple's turn in the fishing chair. The chair is mounted on the back deck of the boat and the angler hooks into the massive fishing pole.
With Temple, 33, all but locked into his position, he endured an eight-hour battle with the marlin before the crew finally hauled it in at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday night. They rode overnight back to Sandestin.

"Yeah, I was kind of tired," Temple said. "But we were all pleased with the effort."
The Jasper Time crew reeled in the marlin with just five men on board, which Wallace said was a small group for this kind of event.

While Temple spent eight hours in the chair physically attached to the 80 Wide fishing reel, one mate tended the line and another stood behind Temple to pivot the chair as needed. Wallace filmed the event and Bradon ran the boat.
"You don't have any back-up," Wallace said. "Normally you have at least two anglers and a film man and two crew plus a captain, so we were a little shorthanded."

The crew happened upon the marlin at Lloyd's Ridge deep out to sea, which was where the crew purposefully headed following Thursday's 7 p.m. start time after satellite reports showed favorable fishing conditions there. A break between blue and green water pushed water currents together, which made for plentiful fishing, Wallace said.

"We were right where we wanted to be," Pearson said.
And when the marlin bit on a tuna line, the lightest gear the team had, Wallace knew the team had a battle on their hands.

"We knew we were in trouble," Wallace said. "We saw her way off, and we saw her come out of the water one time; that's the only time she jumped. And then she just stayed down the rest of the time, so we couldn't put a lot of heat on her, so we just had to slowly, eight hours later, work her up."

The fish latched onto a 200-pound leader with a circle hook, which caught the crew by surprise as they were looking for much lighter tuna with that line. To catch the fish, the team used a naked ballyhoo rig, or a large lure without a skirt attached. Wallace said crews usually need leaders at least twice as heavy to reel in marlin of that size.

The process of getting the massive fish into the boat would have been laborious even if the crew hadn't just been wrestling with it for eight hours. After Temple's fishing acumen helped get the fish up on the back door of the boat, the remaining four crewmembers wrapped a bloodied t-shirt around its bill and hauled it on board, making for a happy but exhausted night's sleep.

"They all got together, and a lot of adrenaline and a couple of heave ho's and pulled it up," Temple said.
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Panama City Beach – Baby It’s Hot Outside

2009-06-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Thursday June 18, 7pm till?

Ladies it is time to slip into your favorite little sun dress for a steamy night out upstairs at the Boatyard.

Clill off with a complementary glass of champagne and a gift bag full of goodies for ladies in sun dresses

$3 drink specials, $2 beer and free hors d’oeuvres for ladies in sun dresses.

Music by - DJ Valdi!

Little sun dress raffle:
- Win a little sun dress from Envy of Panama City Beach
- Win a wedding set from Maharaja’s of PCB

Raffle proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to fight Breast Cancer.

Call (850) -249-9273 for more details.
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Panama City Beach – TDC Fall Ad Campaign You can Help!

2009-06-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

Panama City Beach – The Tourist Development Commission is trying to determine the focus of the fall / winter ad campaign.

I would like to get your ideas for ad themes as well as the best place to run the ads. Most of you come to our condos through VRBO.

How do you decide on Panama City Beach?

What would help someone decide on Panama City Beach instead of Destin or Gulf Shores?
I am sure that the people reading this blog have lots to offer.

How do we reach visitors interested in a fall break beach trip to PCB?

How do we attract families with kids that are not in school?

How do we attract adults with no kids that are interested in a fall beach vacation?

I will submit your ideas to the TDC.

All comments are appreciated.
www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Panama City Beach Marketing Efforts

2009-06-07T07:19:00.001-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — If you build it, will they come?
Take a look at this article from the news Herald. How can the TDC improve their efforts to sell PCB? I think they wait too long to start. For instance they should start the summer campaign on April not June. I think people plan ahead. Other ideas or comments? Have you seen the new ads? I have see some on TV in Nashville.
That's the unspoken 800-pound question hanging in the air as the Bay County Tourist Development Council contemplates the construction of its aggressive new summer marketing campaign and peers - squinting - toward the fall.
To put it another way: Are they erecting their faith on rock, or sand?
Lee Ann Leonard of By the Sea Resorts appreciates the TDC's new television commercial promoting vacation opportunities along Panama City Beach, but she wishes the marketing could be more targeted.
After a 6 percent drop in room rentals during the first quarter of this year, she's a little nervous as the Beach moves into its summer tourist season and then fast-pedals into the fall.
"We are definitely pacing behind last year," she said. "One thing that has been a premier generator for us has been the special events. The special events really draw people here."
She mentioned the New Year's Eve celebration at Pier Park, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in mid-April and the promotion of Valentine's Day along the beach. Individual events help set Panama City Beach apart from other destinations, she said.
"Special events really give people that extra reason to come here," said Leonard, general manager of By the Sea Resorts and a member of the TDC's marketing committee.
These and other concerns will be on the table at a marketing committee meeting Tuesday called to discuss the TDC's marketing approach for the fall and winter seasons.
Committee Chairman Buddy Wilkes, of Shipwreck Island Waterpark, said he is eager to hear from various business owners about the state of current and future marketing efforts.
"I would like to get some feedback from both the audience and the committee," Wilkes said.
Of particular concern to Wilkes, he said, are potential target audiences for any future marketing campaigns, particularly in the fall and winter. In the past, he had an 80 percent return rate for his customers. Now, about 50 percent of his patrons are new customers.
"These are the people we need to know about," he said. "I think that's happening all along the beach. We are in that type of a transition."
TDC executive director Dan Rowe said that with the new influx of funds generated by the recent passage of an additional 2-cent bed tax, the Beach is primed to deploy some new marketing muscle, especially for the fall and winter.
The June and July period make up about 40 percent of the Beach's yearly revenue, and this area will continue to draw visitors over the summer, he said. "People almost consider that a constitutional right."
"Clearly we do well with the summer vacationers," Rowe said, noting that Tuesday's marketing committee meeting will be the first step in tweaking the summer program into a larger fall campaign. "Now we have a great opportunity to get people here the rest of the year."
The launch of the TDC's summer marketing effort has included a re-design of its Web site, visitpanamacitybeach.com, and a rebranding effort highlighted by the production of a new television commercial, now appearing in selected Southeastern markets.
The campaign, tagged with the slogan Real.Fun.Beach., has attempted to promote Panama City Beach as a year-round designation, Rowe said.
"Fall is a perfect time to come down," he said. "We want to create a whole experience of events. We want potential visitors to know that you can always find something fun to do."
Leonard said she hopes the TDC's marketing efforts do not fall prey to a blandness that fails to distinguish Panama City Beach from other destinations. The competition between vacation spots is becoming fierce, she said, with room rates dropping in a climate dominated by crafty shoppers.
"I think we need to be more specific, to differentiate our beaches from other beaches," she said. "It is critical to get more people here. When people are forced to drop their rates, everyone is losing."
One suggestion Leonard had was a micro-targeted campaign of banner advertising on popular Internet sites such as Facebook.
Wilkes said the TDC also needed to cast its marketing eyes - and dollars - toward the opening of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
"We need to be looking at new markets that will be meaningful to the new airport," he said. "Wisconsin and Michigan used to be real strong in the winter. But Michigan could be really impacted with the auto situation. There could be a market in Minnesota, as well."
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Panama City Beach - Pier Park Summer Concert Series

2009-05-30T16:10:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach - Visiting PCB this summer? The Pier Park Summer Concert Series starts up in early June. Get your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers ready – this season’s lineup looks like a lot of fun! Here’s the schedule:

• De Lions of Jah - Raggae - June 4th
• Eric Lindell - Blues/Rock - June 11th
• Rollin in the Hay - New Grass - June 18th
• Cyril Neville (of the Neville Brothers) - R&B/Rock - June 25th
• The Lee Griffin Band - R&B/Rock - July 2nd
• PBS - New Orleans Fund - July 9th
• The Legendary JC’s - Soul/R&B - July 16th
• King Cotton Blues Band - Blues - July 23rd
• The Donnie Sundal Project - Variety - July 30th
• Beachmice - Eclectic Acoustic - August 6th
• Heat and the Zydeco Gents - Zydeco - August 13th
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Panama City Beach - Beach Warning Flag Magnets

2009-05-24T07:55:00.002-05:00

Through a partnership with the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Medical Center distributed nearly 4,000 beach warning flag refrigerator magnets this week to Beach accommodations. Vice President of Communications Marta Rose explained, “Making our beaches safe for swimmers is an important message we wanted to communicate this season. Gulf Coast Medical Center’s magnets show the different warning flags and a description of what they mean. They’re a simple guide that may help save someone’s life.”

Rose said an email to Panama City Beach rental property owners about the free magnets generated an immediate response. “Within 15 minutes of sending the email, we began receiving requests.”

Gulf Coast Medical Center Director of Marketing Rod Whiting said, “Property owners understood the value of the magnets to the safety of their guests. Our beaches are our greatest attractions and we want to do our part to make sure our visitors have a pleasant experience while they are here. ”

The magnets are free to the property owners and are available by calling 850-747-7817.

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Panama City Beach – Fishing with Captain James Pic

2009-05-16T09:35:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Captain James Pick report of May 15, 2009
I am pleased to announce that I am the Hobie Sunglass guide for the area. Any of my past or future customers that want to fish with the same glasses I wear at a substantial discount, let me know and I will hook you up.
Panama City Fishing Forecast:

Reds and trout are abundant. Sharks have moved into the bay early this year and the kings have shown up off the beach. Shaping up to be a great year. Give me a call and let me show what I can do. 850-215-5578. Or click www.jp2fish.com
Target Species:

All the players are here. All species are available.
Need a place to stay…
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Panama City Beach – Pier Park Restaurant

2009-05-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach - Hofbräu Beer Garden

Here is a restaurant close to our condos. Our daughters have visited the Hofbräu Beer Garden in Munich. The PCB version is not the same bit still nice.
Welcome to Hofbräu Beer Garden, located on Pier Park Drive in Panama City Beach. We are excited to bring the spirit of Munich's fabled Hofbräuhaus to the Panhandle of Florida. The Hofbräu tradition is one of legends, where people of all ages and walks of life come together to enjoy good times, a hearty meal and drink great beer!

Locals and tourists alike have a favorite place to meet old friends, make new ones and enjoy the greatest beer in the world. Our food is authentic, featuring a menu of Bavarian Specialties developed by our Master German Chef. With authentic tables and benches from the original Münchner Hofbräuhaus, our customers will find themselves transported to a legendary Munich beer hall. Outside, our beer garden entices our visitors to soak up some Florida sun, all the while enjoying a crisp, cold Bavarian brew.

A visit to Hofbräu Beer Garden will be filled with "Gemütlichkeit", a word that has no exact translation, best described as a feeling of comfort and social belonging. A true Hofbräu experience is meeting as strangers and leaving as friends. So, if your table is not full make room for others, introduce yourself to your neighbors, raise your glasses and say "PROST!" For more information visit www.hofbraupcb.com.

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Panama City Beach Area- Top 10 Free and Almost Free Attractions

2009-05-02T08:03:00.001-05:00

Going to some of these attractions from the Beat Panama City Beach Condo requires a day trip. We have visited the Naval Aviation Museum several times over the years. If you have the time I highly recommend the trip. Some of these attractions Top 10 Free and Almost Free Attractions along the Gulf Coast

1) National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola, FL) – Featuring 150 vintage aircraft, aviation artifacts, flight simulators and an IMAX theater; watch Blue Angels practice their choreographed flying twice weekly. Admission to the museum is free. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
2) Emerald Coast Science Center (Fort Walton Beach, FL) – More than 250 hands-on exhibits educate kids about everything from electricity and animals to the human body. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.50 for kids (ages 3 to 12). www.ecscience.org
3) St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Port St. Joe, FL) – Home to Cape San Blas, one of the top rated beaches in the continental U.S., the park is an ideal destination for kayaking, bird watching and spotting bottlenose dolphins. Admission is $4 per vehicle. www.floridastateparks.org/stjoseph
4) Frank Brown Park (Panama City Beach, FL) – This brand new park offers more than 200 acres of recreational facilities including a freshwater fishing pond, saltwater fishing pier, greenways, trails, ball fields, playgrounds and picnic pavilions. Admission to the park is free. www.playballinparadise.com
5) Panhandle Butterfly House (Navarre, FL) – See butterflies up close and personal at this educational and interactive exhibit. Indoor and outdoor gardens serve as a home for thousands of brilliantly hued butterflies, including migrating monarchs. Admission is free. www.panhandlebutterflyhouse.org
6) St. George Island State Park (St. George Island, FL) – Pack a picnic and head to this pristine park for a day of searching for the perfect seashell, kayaking and wildlife viewing along its many trails. Admission is $5 per vehicle. www.floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland
7) Gulf Islands National Seashore – The Pensacola Bay Area is home to the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country. National park rangers lead free programs from beach walks and bird watching to star gazing and snorkeling. Admission is $3.00 per person. www.nps.gov/guis
8) Outdoor Concerts and Performances (Beaches of South Walton) – From “Moonlight and Movies” in Rosemary Beach and “Friday Nite Flicks” and “Wednesday Night Concert Series” in Sandestin to a theatrical performance by the Seaside Repertory Theatre under the stars in Seaside, it’s easy to find free and inexpensive entertainment on a warm night in the Beaches of South Walton. www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
9) Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor (Santa Rosa Beach, FL) – On exhibit at this first branch of New Orleans’ famed Ogden Museum are masterful paintings, photographs, sculptures and more created by famed Southern artists. The Center for Southern Craft and Design is also located in the museum, offering the work of highly collectable craft artists for sale. Admission is free. www.ogdenmuseum.org
10) Man in the Sea Museum (Panama City Beach, FL) – Exhibits at this modest but entertaining museum dedicated to man’s exploration of the sea range from centuries-old treasures recovered from sunken ships to a submarine that guests can walk through and SEALAB-1, the world's first working undersea habitat. Admission is $5 per person; children under 7 are free. www.maninthesea.org

For more suggestions of free and inexpensive activities to do at THE Beach and general destination information, visit www.thebeachfla.com

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Panama City Beach – Florida Real Estate April 09

2009-04-18T09:24:00.003-05:00

With the current low prices it could be a good time to invest at Celadon Beach Resort… come and be our neighbor at PCB!

Ten Realtors from across Florida met with Gov. Charlie Crist this week to discuss increased home sales and other positive trends in their markets, as well as offer insight into some current issues facing the real estate industry. It’s part of this year’s Great American Realtor Days, April 14-15, when about 1,000 Realtors from throughout the state join forces at the state capital to meet with their legislators and discuss concerns affecting all Florida residents.

Representing markets from Miami to Jacksonville and all points in between, Realtors reported an upswing in existing home sales in the past three to six months, when comparing year-to-year activity and also month-to-month sales figures. John Sebree, vice president of public policy for the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), kicked off the Real Estate Roundtable meeting with Gov. Crist by noting that February’s statewide existing home sales rose 20 percent over the same period last year, according to FAR data. He also reported that February’s home sales were about 17 percent higher than January’s statewide sales activity.

Realtors also told the governor about other positive indicators such as: mortgage interest rates under 5 percent; reduced housing inventory levels as buyers take advantage of current, more affordable housing opportunities; and encouraging market reaction to the federal economic stimulus package, especially the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Upon hearing these reports from around the state, Gov. Crist said, “It doesn’t get much better than this. [Housing] supply and demand is going to come into balance here. Two to three years from now, people will be saying, ‘Back in April 2009 I could have gotten that home for so many dollars’ – so you don’t want to wait.
“Prices have gotten as low as they can. Now is the time to buy, while the deals still exist,” the governor said.

Discussing some of the challenges in today’s market, many Realtors pointed to difficulties with so-called “short sales,” where the bank or lender agrees to accept less money on a home sale than the seller owes on the mortgage. They said that short sales are problematic not only because of how long it actually takes to finalize the sale, but also because of the inconsistencies in information and documents required by lenders. Streamlining the short-sale process and providing consistency in required documentation among the lenders would boost the recovery of Florida’s real estate market.

Solutions to ease lenders’ restrictions on the state’s condo market are also needed, said Edgewater Realtor Robert Clinton. “Not only is the prospective condo buyer having to be approved for a mortgage, but the condo owners association itself has to be approved and qualified, which is causing problems,” he said.

Largo Realtor Alan Riley told Gov. Crist that 50 percent of buyers involved in recent home sales in the Tampa Bay area paid cash for their purchases, a strong indicator that investors have returned to the housing market.

“Savvy investors have returned to our market as well,” added Eric Sain, a West Palm Beach Realtor. “But we’re also seeing a lot of young families buying a home to settle down and establish roots in the community. That’s a sign that people aren’t leaving the area, aren’t leaving Florida.”

Gov. Crist agreed, saying, “Of course they are [establishing roots] – it’s Florida. Why would they go anywhere else?”

Not only is it a great time to buy a home in Florida, it’s also a great time for businesses to move to the Sunshine State, noted Suzanne Sherer, a Fort Myers Realtor. Commercial and business properties are readily available in a range of price options, she said, providing prime opportunities for entrepreneurs. She asked the governor and state leaders to take steps to encourage the relocation of businesses and industries to Florida.

At noon today on the steps of the old Capitol, Gov. Crist addressed the crowd of nearly 1,000 Realtors participating in Great American Realtor Days, applauding their perseverance and dedication to their profession despite challenges posed by the economy and the marketplace. Amid reports of increased home sales and other positive signs, the governor said that the “changing landscape” for Florida’s real estate markets is “nothing short of remarkable.”

Other participants in Gov. Crist’s Real Estate Roundtable included: Jacksonville Realtor Millie Kanyar; Fort Lauderdale Realtor Jesse Acevedo; Miami Realtor Carlos Cruz; Port St. Lucie Realtor Scott Wingfield; Panama City Realtor Katie Patronis; and Orlando Realtor Les Simmonds.

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Panama City Beach – Shrimp and Oyster Festival April 10-12, 2009

2009-04-09T08:20:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Shrimp and Oyster Festival at Beach Shopping Center ¼ mile west of the Hathaway Bridge at 7928 Front Beach Road.

Great seafood…Arts and Crafts from around the nation…Largest Amusement Rides in the area…live entertainment.

The World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge is providing entertainment:
Clay Underwood, Nikki Garner, Billy Pierson, Kari Nelson, Matt Mason and Joanna Simth.

Fri 4-11, Sat 11-11 and Sun 11-6
Admission $5 kids under 12 free.

www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Family Spring Break Time in Panama City Beach

2009-04-04T06:27:00.006-05:00

Panama City Beach - Parents looking for sun and fun are in luck: Family Spring Break kicks off in April. You'll find concerts by chart-topping teen bands, unique events, water sports, attractions and 27 miles of pristine white-sand beaches. Whether you spend your days building sand castles, hunting sea shells, gliding atop the water on a skim board, swimming with dolphins, reeling in a big catch, savoring the best grouper on the Gulf, or listening to live music by jazz greats and country music stars, you’ll find there’s something for everyone on this beach built for family fun.

Here’ s the lineup of Family Spring Break events in Panama City Beach…

• America’s Number One teen country music band -- The Springs – comes to Pier Park, April 9. The Springs was the 2008 ICM Youth Artists of the Year at the 14th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show. With two Number One hits off their debut CD, these inspiring young artists offer families a different kind of country music. The group has performed as the warm-up band for such country music stars as Steve Holy, Craig Morgan, Aaron Tippin, Kid Rock and Sara Evans.

• The Seabreeze Jazz Festival makes its Panama City Beach debut, April 16 – 19, also at Pier Park. Recognized as by JAZZIZ Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Jazz Festivals in the USA," the event attracts music lovers across North America. Performers include smooth jazz greats: Boney James, Wayman Tisdale, Will Downing, Nick Colionne, Warren Hill, Joyce Cooling, and more. For more information, visit http://www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.

• The Annual Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival rides into Panama City Beach, Wed., April 22 – Sat., April 25, for a weekend of music, arts, crafts, food, children’s rides, prizes and horse shows. One of America’s largest equestrian celebrations, the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show draws thousands of travelers and locals annually to Frank Brown Park. Back by popular demand this year, the Ivey Brothers are among the groups promising crowd-pleasing musical performances. For more information, visit http://gulfcoasthorseshow.com.

Additional family-friendly concerts and event take place throughout April. For the full listing, visit http://www.familyfuninpcb.com.

Reel Adventures
Stand-up paddleboarding is the newest way to explore the Panama City Beach waters. As in surfing, riders stand on a buoyant longboard, but they navigate with an extended paddle.

The clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay make Panama City Beach a natural playground for other water sports too -- snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, power boating, jet skiing, kite-boarding and parasailing. Dubbed the “Wreck Capital of the South,” Panama City Beach offers scuba divers a variety of historic wrecks and artificial reefs to explore. The shallow waters along the shores are also paradise for skimboarders.

For anglers of all ages, Panama City Beach’s Russell Fields Pier reopens in June following extensive renovation. Known to locals as the best spot to take in spectacular sunsets, the landmark, concrete city pier is a prime fishing spot. It will extend more than 1,600 feet into the calm Gulf waters, making it the longest pier on the Gulf Coast. Rod rentals and tackle are available onsite.

Family Attraction Action

Beyond the sand and surf, Panama City Beach serves up a wonderland of affordable family attractions.
Located in the heart of town across from the new pier, Pier Park is Northwest Florida’s largest shopping/dining/ entertainment venue. Spanning nearly one million square feet, the open-air complex houses a full array of restaurants and stores ranging from popular national chains to favorite local boutiques and eateries. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill joins the Pier Park lineup, April 16, 2009, bringing his distinctive marine and wildlife décor and menu of fresh, sustainable seafood and other American fare. Plus, Pier Park’s Grand 16 Theatre -- a 16-screen, 3,000-seat movie theater complex – treats families to the latest blockbuster hits.

Not far from Pier Park, Gulf World Marine Park’s Dolphin Encounter invites visitors to learn about preservation before getting into the water for a dolphin swim. In the six-hour Trainer for a Day program, guests study dolphin behavior then step onto the stage to perform alongside trainers during the Dolphin Show in the state-of-the-art Dolphin Stadium. Offering new exhibits, extended hours and more than 25 shows, Gulf World features sea lions, exotic birds, penguins and more. The attraction also is home to a rescue and rehabilitation program for sick or injured dolphins, sea turtles and other marine animals as area coordinator for the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Thanks to the gentle care of the park’s onsite veterinarian and supportive staff, many stranded creatures have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

At one of Florida’s largest theme water parks – Shipwreck Island Waterpark – little ones favor the waterpark’s specially designed Tadpole Hole, offering slides, towers, tubes and swings. The 500,000-gallon Ocean Motion Wave Pool and 2,000-foot Lazy River provide cool relaxation, while water-based thrill rides are designed to get the adrenaline pumping. Older visitors prefer the White Knuckle River, a 600-foot family tube ride; the 65-foot Tree Top Drop; Great Ship Wreck, and Zoom Flume.

Get up-close-and-personal with animal friends as Keeper for a Day at ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park. Designed to educate and amaze, this unique program promotes wildlife preservation through hands-on activities and personalized animal encounters. Visitors can feed endangered primates, assist in an animal show or go behind the scenes with a guided tour of the Tilghman Infant Care Facility, offering close-up views of the baby animals born at ZooWorld. The attraction is home to more than 250 animals, including rare and endangered species. Lions, tigers, and bears . . . along with monkeys, alligators, camels, giraffes, reptiles, exotic birds, and jaguars are all part of the educational entertainment.

Designed to look like a 1950s luxury cruise liner run aground on the beach, the Ripley’s entertainment complex houses Ripley’s Moving Theater and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Showcasing fascinating finds from around the globe, the odditorium lists among its highlights: a shrunken head from Ecuador, a mummy discovered off the Florida coast and an 11-foot Eiffel Tower made entirely of matchsticks. Another dazzler, the 23-foot-long Lincoln Town Car, is adorned with 23,000 gold-plated British coins valued at $1.3 million.

Visitors can step back in time to the days when pirates roamed the Florida coastline aboard the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Cruise the Gulf waters in this authentic 85-foot pirate ship with cannons blasting, swords swinging and pirates hanging from the rigging. More adventures await aboard the Sea Screamer. Cruise the Gulf waters on this open-air powerboat. Playful dolphins and other marine life vie for attention much to the delight of passengers.

Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers two unique attractions. Golfers swing their way through two 18-hole miniature golf courses that resemble a tropical island jungle. On the journey, they encounter exotic plants and animals, including life-size statues. Watch out for water-spraying elephants as you make your way around the courses. Then travel to Coconut Creek’s Gran Maze, one of America’s most challenging human mazes. Larger than a football field, the Gran Maze encourages young explorers to use their best navigation skills to complete this “a-mazing” journey.

Time to have some fun in PCB!
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Panama City Beach – Fishing Tournaments for Cobia and Pompano

2009-03-30T06:07:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – Here are a few of the upcoming fishing tournaments…

Howell Tackle Cobia Classic – April 11, 2009, based at St. Andrews Marina. Call 850-785-8548

Half Hitch Tackle Cobia Tournament – April 18th, based at the shop on Thomas Drive. More information call Bill Mansey at 850-234-2621

LipLasso – A new monthly series sponsored be the Lynn Haven-based LipLasso barbless fish hooks. More information call Joe Ivey at 850-871-2732

Kids Win tournament - in Port St. Joe May 15-16. More information call Clara Landry at the Port St. Joe Marina - 850-227-9393

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Panama City Beach - Grand Lagoon National Tournament Canceled for 2009

2009-03-28T08:07:00.001-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Grand Lagoon National Fishing Tournament is another casualty of the sour economy, organizers said this week.

"Obviously, I feel bad about it," tournament chairman Bill Spann said Friday. "But there's nothing we can do. Tournaments like this depend on boat companies and banks, and they're not having the best year ever."

Last year's inaugural event was postponed twice because of Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Ike, and ultimately canceled. The 2009 event set for August is a victim of the financial storm, Spann wrote in an e-mail to the Grand Lagoon National Organizing Committee.

Spann said the tournament could return in 2010.
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Panama City Beach - Crocs Tour Panama City Beach Open starts on Friday

2009-03-24T21:40:00.001-05:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH – If you are in PCB for spring break this week check out the AVP volleyball tournament and the pre tournament events on the beach behind Sharky's.

The AVP Crocs Tour Panama City Collegiate Challenge, the four-on-four coed tournament, which precedes the AVP Crocs Tour Panama City Beach Open this weekend, features a 16-team bracket that was open to anyone who entered, but it was focused more on spring breakers.

The format is simple. Each team required at least one female, although most featured two, and games were played to 15 points. The single-elimination event yielded first-, second- and third-place teams. The winning team earned $100, four tickets to Friday's qualifying tournament and AVP Tour apparel. The second- and third-place teams received tickets and apparel.

There will be another tournament Wednesday and Thursday before Friday's AVP qualifying tournament.

More to come…
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Panama City Beach – There is a Rumor of a New Water Park in PCB

2009-03-21T09:40:00.002-05:00

Panama City Beach – Preliminary plans for a new water park include a wave pool, activity pool, interactive play structure (envision a three story jungle-gym that pumps water through it in ways even the imagination cannot fully predict), lazy river, inner-tube slides, a family raft ride, and a whole “zone” for surfing.

Sounds like fun. Our kids love waterpark outings even though the condo is on the beach.

More to come as the plans are finalized and construction is scheduled.

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Panama City Beach – Boatyard Little Black Dress Party

2009-03-19T21:11:00.001-05:00

Panama City Beach – At PCB tonight…

LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY – Thurs. March 19 and again on Thurs. April 16…Time to slip into your favorite little black dress for a night out... upstairs at Boatyard! Complimentary champagne and a gift bag full of goodies for all ladies in black dresses! $3 drink specials, $2 beer specials and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Entertainment with DJ Vladi! And, it's all for a good cause!

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Panama City Beach Nightlife: March 12-18

2009-03-14T08:38:00.003-05:00

Panama City Beach – Places to go if you are in PCB for Spring Break….

THE BACKDOOR LOUNGE
7800 W. Hwy 98, Panama City, Beach, 235-0073
Happy Hour: 9 a.m.-Noon
Thursday: Ladies Night
Wednesday: Bike Night
Wed. – Sat. - High Def Karaoke with Night Al
Digital recording available

BIG EASY II
17190 Front Beach Road. 234-6770.
Saturday: “Sons of the Beach”, 8-12
Sunday: “Joe & Crew Jam Session”, 7 til
Wednesday: Karaoke w/Dale, 8 til
Country music jam session.
Welcome Bikers

BOAR'S HEAD RESTAURANT & TAVERN
17290 Front Beach Road, 234-6628
Olde English style restaurant with award winning wines. Join Pat "C" in the Tavern Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. with guitar and vocals that will remind you of Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell. Relax with cocktails and appetizers, or coffee and dessert, or for a full coarse dinner while hearing her sassy but beautiful rendition of old standards that complement your evening here.

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 - www.boatyardclub.com
Open 7 days a week 0 11 a.m. til….
Real Good Food. Cool Music. Birdseye View of Grand Lagoon. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson's restaurant... Dress is casual, prices are reasonable. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week...
Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat. **Stop by to pick up your Lunch & Martini club cards.**
UPCOMING EVENTS: LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY – Thursday, March 19th

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Come dine on the beach and catch the world's most beautiful sunset from every table.
February dinner specials begin at just $12.95 - all night, every night.
Open 4 p.m., every night.
Mike Van Elsen plays live music during dinner Sun.-Thurs.
Make reservations now for “Viva Las Vegas” starring Todd Herendeen, Friday & Saturday Nights. Tickets just $10. These shows will sell out. Dine on the beach early, stay for the show!
www.breakerspcb.com

CALYPSO BEACH CAFÉ & SPORTS GRILLE
15812 Front Beach Road, 850-234-6788.
Food… Fun…. and Flavor live here. You’re gonna fall in love with this place. The creole inspired menu is just the half of it. Can you say March Madness in HD?
Over 100 TV’s in the Calypso Sports Grille. Open everyday for lunch, dinner and more. Just east of Pier Park.
“Spring Breakers – We dare you…eat a whole Muffalatta sandwich and get a free t-shirt”
$5.99 lunch specials
HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY
$.99 drafts, $4.50 pitchers, 2 for 1 house wines
Check schedules for all sports on our website: www.calypsobeachcafe.com

CLUB LA VELA
8813 Thomas Drive. 235-1061
Pool Deck Open Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
New Nightly Hours 7 p.m.-4 a.m.
Enjoy 3 Hot Contest: Worlds Gym Male Hard-body, Bikini, and Wet T-shirt-Daily
THURSDAY: Amnesia Foam Party
9-p.m. – 2 a.m.
FRIDAY: LADIES NIGHT
-Free Cover for Ladies 7-10
-Free Beer 7-9
-Live rock w/ “Aclarion”
Saturday: Rockstar Saturday
-Free beer 7-9
-live rock with “Aclarion”
SUNDAY Skool
-Free beer 7-9
-Sweetest Ass in the world contest
Monday: Kendra Wilkinson from the Girls Next Door
Pool Party 12-5 p.m.
Enjoy Free beer, Free food and free Party Punch all for only $25.
Nighttime: POParazzi Monday
- Kendra Wilkinson, 11 p.m.
FREE beer 7-9.
Live Rock w/ “Hidden Element”
All theme rooms open
Tuesday: Pop Evil Live in Concert
Rock Arena Band: “Hidden Element”
Wednesday: Viva La Wednesday
Enjoy $3 Margaritas & $3 Coronas 7-9
Free draft 7-9. Wet-T contest
Live Rock w/ “Hidden Element”
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mar. 17: Pop Evil live in concert
For more information, check out our website at www.clublavela.com or call 234-FUNN(3866) or 235-1061.

DAVID’S NEW ORLEANS
13913 Back Beach, PCB
Sno-Balls, Café-au-lait. Soft Serve, Beignets, Hot Dogs, more. Family Fun. Where y’at? Ask about FREE live music by Crescent City T-Bob Taylor. Where y’at? Come On! Directions? 236-1998

FIREFLY
$14.95 Early Dining Specials 5-6 p.m. Nightly!
The warmth of the bar and the Library Lounge leaves you feeling like you are at home with friends while dining under our grand old oak tree gives you the feel of a Mediterranean bistro.
Join us for "Tini Tuesday's", all Stoli Martini's $5;
"Wine Flight Wednesday's", sample four different wines for $20.
“Study Hall Friday’s” with Pianist Gordon Gaskin, 6-10 p.m.
$5 Martini¹s and half price appetizers after 9 p.m.
Saturday Night there¹s live entertainment with Jesse Deese¹s Sand Band".
A night spot for upscale locals and guests who are looking for something different than our usual beach bars.
In the Shoppes at Edgewater, Panama City Beach. Open 5 p.m. daily.
850-249-3359. fireflypcb.com

GRACIE RAE
1201 Beck Ave., in St. Andrews
850-785-8761
At the West end of The Shrimp Boat Restaurant
Open 11 a.m. Tue. – Sun. for lunch and dinner
Panama City's Newest Waterfront Hangout
Come by Car or by Boat
Daily all day Drink Special: $9.95 Beer Buckets
(5-12 oz. bottles of domestic beer)
Daily all day Food Specials
Live Entertainment Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. until..
Sundown Sundays: Eggs Gracie Rae ..Our own version of Eggs Benedict with a crawfish twist
$2 Mimosa and Poinsettia Drink Specials all day
Live Entertainment Sunday, 3-7

HAMMERHEAD FRED'S
8752 Thomas Drive 233-3907
A quaint little Bar & Grill located on the west end of Thomas Drive serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m. Inside and deck seating available.
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. with $1.50 draft, 2 for 1 drinks
Spring Break 2009
Live Music Nightly
DJ Inside & Out
Discounted Spring Break Menu
HARPOON HARRY'S
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
& TIKI BAR
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Eat like you¹re on vacation every day! Dine inside or out for lunch or dinner. 11 a.m. Wed-Sun.
www.harpoonharryspcb.com

LADY ANDERSON
5550 North Lagoon Drive
Saturday: Dinner Dance Cruise
Board 6:30 – Cruise 7-9:30
Reserve now at 234-5940
Saturday, March 28: Hearts of Hope Golf Challenge Cruise
www.ladyanderson.com

LA ROYALE LOUNGE/
FIESTA ROOM
100 Harrison Ave., 763-1755
FEMALE IMPERSONATION SHOWS: Starring Miss Dee Dee Williams, Reba Rae and special guest star.
Hot Club Music, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, three shows nightly, 11:30 p.m., 1:30 a.m., 3 a.m.
STAR-TIME KARAOKE: Thursday & Sunday, 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Beer Bust and Amateur Night
DRINK SPECIALS: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

MS. NEWBY'S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
The patio is now open 7 days a week
Friday & Saturday: “Todd Simpson & Mojo Child, 9 p.m.
Sunday: Dan Haley, 3-7 p.m.
Monday: Free jukebox & drink specials
Tuesday, March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day party w/Morning Meds
Watch all the games on our new flat screen TV's.

NEWBY'S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Friday: “Element 55 and Helvetica Effect”, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover.
Saturday: “Pig Chicken Suicide, Lost Apparitions, Dreamers Disease”, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover.
Watch all the games at Newby’s Too
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PIER BAR
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-2350928
MARCH 12-14
THE RESOLVERS REGGAE BAND
FROM DELLFIELD, FL 8:30
MARCH 16-18
JOMO & JAH SEED BAND
NOON
MARCH 15-18
4TH DIMENSION REGGAE BANK
FROM MIAMI 8:30
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

THE PLACE
429 Harrison Ave. , 785-3010
Friday: “Massalina Cargo”, 8 p.m.
Tuesday: St. Patty’s Day celebration

ROCK' IT LANES
On the Beach - Shoppes @ Edgewater 850-249-2695
50,000 Sq ft. Family Entertainment Center
Bowling, Pool Tables, Arcade, Roller Skating, Sports Bar and Grille under one roof
Voted “Best Place to Take Your Kids” by PC Living Magazine.
Birthday Parties are our Specialty! Military and Senior discounts.
Monday-Friday: Early Bird Specials, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$3 bowling, $1.50 shoes
Happy Hour: (Sports Bar), 4:30-6:30 p.m.
2-4-1 Well drinks & $2 Longnecks.
Thursday: Bar Wars, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Team Bowling Tournament, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
$2 per bowling game; $1.50 Shoe Rental
Local Bar, Restaurant or Hotel pay stub required
Friday: TODDLER SKATE 10 A.M.-NOON
LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-midnight
Saturday: LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-midnight
Sunday: Skate Rink - Family Day- Parents Skate $2.
Monday Mania: 9 p.m.-close
$2 bowling, $2 shoes, $2 skating, $2 longnecks, $2 tequila shots
Tuesday: Karaoke Gong Show, 60,000 song library
9 p.m.-1 a.m. (prizes and drink specials)
Spring Break Beach Reach FREE Pancake Breakfast
March 16-19, 2009, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.rockitlanes.com

SALTWATER GRILL
11040 Middle Beach Road, 230-2739
YOU'VE GOT TO HEAR THIS!
Saltwater Grill presents the only Piano Bar on the beach! Come join us in our Mermaid Room and listen to MICHAEL RORAH perform your favorite tunes from Jazz standards, classical rock, today's hits, and all your favorite show tunes. Performing Tuesday - Saturday night 7:30 pm.

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive 850-235-3555 - www.schooners.com
Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome. As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on earth.
Friday: Delilah Why, 8 p.m.
Satuday: Delilah Why, 8 p.m.
Sunday: Stainless Steel, 2 p.m.
SHARKY'S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail. Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m.
Spring Break 2009
Live Music Nightly
DJ Inside & Out
Discounted Spring Break Menu

SHRIMP BOAT
1201 Beck Avenue . St. Andrews
850.785.8706 . Open 4:30 p.m. Mon- Sat
Panama City's Newest Dining Sensation
Come by Car or by Boat
4:30-6 p.m. Daily Sushi Special
Buy any Sushi Roll and get a 2nd roll for only $3
www.TheShrimpBoatRestaurant.com

SPINNAKER
Open 7 days a week – 11am til.....
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
Paradise Grill - Offers perfect beach food in a perfect beach setting. Dine Beachside or in the air-conditioned dining room. BBQ, BURGERS, SEAFOOD & SOUTHWESTERN FARE.
March 2009 Winner of Bay County Chamber of Commerce “Apple of Our Eye” award.

SPINNAKER- Now open 7 nights a week hosting the best dance party and live music on the beach. Come early for low cover charge and extra drink discounts. Look for the Spinnaker street teams during March for free/discounted entry passes.
Groove Room – DJ WILL , DJ NYU, DJ DANIMAL
Rock Deck – DJ VLADI, DJ BRADY, DJ DONNIE D
VIP Room – DJ TADASHI & DJ DAVID KERR
TRIGGERPROOF – March 8-17
CLAY EVANS – March 18-21
OCEAN STREET – March 18-24
GABBY JOHNSON – March 25-29
FREE CONCERTS & EVENTS:
RED BULL STUNT HELICOPTER AND PARACHUTE SHOW – Sun. March 15th, 12-2.
STEPHEN COCHRAN - Mon. March 16 – 4 p.m. – All Ages.

TRIPLE J’S
2218 Thomas Dr.
Panama City Beach, Fl 32408
850-233-9514
Open from 11 a.m. til 10 p.m. seven days a week year round.
A Local's favorite!
Happy Hour every day 3-7 and 9-close
Early Bird Menu 3 to 6 p.m.
Great Lunch Menu
Seafood, Sandwiches, Great freshly cut Steaks.
Patio Dining Available.
Friday & Saturday: Live Music, 7-9 p.m.

UNCLE ERNIE'S BAYFRONT
Grill & Brewhouse
On Historic St. Andrews Marina
1151 Bayview Ave., 763-8427
Thursday & Friday: “John Cannon”, 7 til
Saturday: “James Dain”, 7 til
Wedneaday: “The Epics, 7-10 p.m.

Panama City Beach - Celadon Beach Service

2009-03-01T06:58:00.004-06:00

Hello Best Panama City Beach Condo Guests! Today is the day that....

Beach Service opens Celadon Beach Resort! Have fun in the sun on PCB!

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Panama City Beach - Pro Volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist

2009-02-28T09:08:00.005-06:00

Panama City Beach - The AVP is preparing to start a Spring Break tradition of its own this year in Panama City Beach, Florida. The AVP now stands alone as the only pro beach volleyball tour in the country.

Known to many as Spring Break Capital of the World, PCB plays host to hundreds of thousands of college students each year, who descend on the Florida coast to soak up the surf and sand, and party on the beach. Along with the endless sea of Spring Breakers, also come some of the biggest names in Spring Break entertainment, including MTV, who has called Panama City Beach its Spring Break home for several years.

This year, the AVP plans on making its own name for itself in Spring Break entertainment, as it will pack up the Southern California beach party atmosphere found on the AVP Crocs Tour and bring it to Panama City Beach for the first event of the 2009 season.

AVP will head to Panama Beach City on March 7 to start its three week Spring Break experience. The first two weeks of Spring Break will include numerous promotions and events geared towards Spring Breakers, and hosted by the AVP’s official sponsors, including, Bud Light, Crocs, Gatorade, Naked Juice, and Nature Valley, among others.

The third week of the AVP’s Spring Break will start off with the first ever Collegiate Beach Challenge. Starting on Tuesday, March 24, college students from across the country will have the chance to participate in a two day four-on-four beach volleyball tournament. There will be a men’s, women’s and coed division, each competing for cash prizes. Also at stake for the winning teams will be the unique opportunity to move on to a final where they will face a team of two AVP Pros.

The main event of AVP’s Spring Break will come at the end of week three, with the AVP Crocs Tour Panama City Beach Open. In what will serve as the 2009 season-opening event, the AVP Crocs Tour will showcase some of the best beach volleyball players in the world, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. A one-day qualifier will begin on Friday morning followed by a live band in the evening. Men’s and women’s main draw action will start on Saturday morning with the finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

The AVP Crocs Tour event will take place directly in front of Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar, located in the heart of Panama City Beach. In an attempt to revert back to beach volleyball's beginnings, six of the courts will be set up in “old school” style. This will include minimal bleacher seating, allowing plenty of room for beach-goers to throw down their towels and mingle, while fully enjoying the beach party atmosphere of Spring Break.

If you are in PCB during March take some time to enjoy the AVP beach volleyball action.

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Panama City Beach - Ferry looking to shuttle Beach visitors to St. Andrews

2009-02-21T09:27:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH - Anyone visiting Panama City Beach on Saturday might have the opportunity to take a ferry from the Bay Point Marriott to St. Andrews to enjoy Mardi Gras festivities.

But the opportunity hinges on securing more riders.
Ferry service had been scheduled to pick up revelers from St. Andrews as late as 10 p.m. on Saturday. So far, however, reservations for the St. Andrew Bay Ferry Company are almost nil from the various Beach pickup points. Ferry operator Hall Lacey said Thursday that if a group of 20 or 40 is interested in the voyage, they can call him at 850-867-1563.

"The Krewe of St. Andrews (which organizes Mardi Gras) has called our service locations at Edgewater, Hidden Dunes, Legend's Edge and Bay Point Marriott, and there aren't enough people reserving seats for us to run. It's disappointing, but not surprising. A lot of people travel on Friday and Saturday" out of Panama City, he said.

Lacey said he will call the Bay Point Marriott today see if any of the new guests have a free schedule Saturday to travel by boat to St. Andrews.
The ferry service has been gaining popularity in recent months. Twice on Thursday afternoon, nearly 40 tourists were shuttled from St. Andrews back to Bay Point Marriott.

Lacey said he still plans on offering a new service to downtown Panama City for Friday Fest on March 6. "We're creating awareness to our visitors that there's more than just Panama City Beach," Lacey said. "We want them to see St. Andrews and downtown Panama City."

While in St. Andrews, Nancy Wengel, program director of St. Andrews Revitalization for Panama City, offers visitors walking tours. People then usually shop and eat lunch. The same concept is planned for downtown Panama City, with the Downtown Improvement Board behind that effort.

The price for a ferry ride is $10 per trip, but the price will increase in March to $20 per individual and $15 for a group of 20 or more.

Lacey said he is searching for grants that may help him purchase a third pontoon boat to offer the ferry service. Without a third boat, he said he is too busy running the Shell Island shuttle route during the summer to meet the full demand of St. Andrews and Panama City stops.

"Eventually, I'd like to see ferry service connecting Destin, to Panama City, to Mexico Beach, to Apalachicola via the Intracoastal Waterway," Lacey said.
Virgil and Mary Ellen Mann, of Pacific, Mo., said they were thrilled with the inexpensive ferry service. They traveled on it to Shell Island on Wednesday, then to St. Andrews on Thursday. "I'd do this again," Virgil said.
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Panama City Beach - First Pier Park Mardi Gras parade Saturday February 14, 2009

2009-02-14T07:18:00.002-06:00

There eill be at least 40 floats, convertibles and other rolling displays. Anyone who needs more information can call Lienhop at (850) 233-6590 or Edward Leili at (850) 819-8711, e-mail to pleili@aol.com or see www.dominiqueyoux.com

The parade will start at 3 p.m. at Gulf World Marine Park, heading west on Front Beach Road into Pier Park and ending at the Grand Theatre. You can expect to see plenty of pirates.

Dominique Youx takes its name from a New Orleans buccaneer who used that pseudonym. He fought alongside Andrew Jackson’s troops against the British in the Battle of New Orleans, Lienhop said. “We’re 185 members, and it’s a men-only krewe,” he said. So “we consider ourselves pirates … with the support of our wives.”

Hope to see you there!
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Panama City Beach - New Restaurant Opening in Pier Park in April 09

2009-02-08T12:50:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach Pier Park- Guy Harvey's Island Grill scheduled to open in Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida around April 2009. Guy Harvey's Island Grill, a chain of family-friendly restaurants with retail stores, announced today that it is opening its fifth restaurant-retail concept in Panama City Beach, Florida in April 2009. The new location will open at the successful Pier Park project, a one million square foot, open-air, lifestyle center across from the beach in the heart of Panama City Beach.

Currently with four coastal locations in the southeast including Grand Cayman, Marco Island, Key West, and Orange Beach, Alabama, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants offer a variety of Americana fare and fresh, sustainable seafood in a unique dining atmosphere. The decor is accented with Guy Harvey’s distinctive marine, wildlife original art and prints, and Guy Harvey Artist’s Collection Wines can be paired with each dish.

Guy Harvey enjoys a storied career as a world-renowned artist, photographer, diver and scientist whose focus has always been beneath the waves. His artwork is in galleries, stores, and at fishing tournaments, and his conservation efforts to save marine life in the oceans are well known. So, it’s only natural that Harvey should enter into the restaurant business with Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. Each Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurant offers not only fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual dining atmosphere, but also a retail store and gallery that features original Guy Harvey artwork, signature clothing, and giftware.

“The restaurant-retail store concept, first established in my hometown of Georgetown, Grand Cayman, has proven so successful, that we have chosen to expand the Guy Harvey brand through this prototype into other markets including Panama City Beach,” said Guy Harvey. “With a booming local market and more than 7 million tourists who come each year for the fishing, sun, and surf, Panama City Beach is an ideal location to expand the Guy Harvey’s Island Grill concept. We believe this will be a very successful market for us,” concluded Harvey.

As part of his ongoing commitment to researching and conserving the ocean’s marine life, Guy Harvey has insisted his restaurants serve only carefully selected seafood that has not been over-fished. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants do not serve over-exploited or threatened species such as swordfish, grouper, Chilean sea bass or any species of billfish or shark. By excluding these fish from its menus, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants aid in the long-term improvement of these fish stocks. A simple, responsible seafood guide, detailing what fish to eat and avoid, is available at all Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants to raise awareness of carefully selecting seafood for sustaining the oceans and marine wildlife.

Additionally, a portion of all proceeds from restaurant and retail store sales of Guy Harvey artwork and licensed products fund marine research for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Through Guy Harvey’s Ocean Foundation, new marine research and educational outreach programs are conducted to better inform recreational and commercial fishermen and the public of the need for additional conservation and best management practices for a more sustainable marine environment.

In the end, whether it’s Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, with its carefully appointed seafood menu, Guy Harvey’s distinctive marine wildlife art, or his marine research and conservation efforts, it’s all about the fish. For more information about Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, and its new location in Panama City Beach, Florida, please visit www.GuyHarveysIslandGrill.net or visit Guy Harvey’s Web site at www.GuyHarveyinc.com.
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Panama City Beach - VRBO New Layout

2009-02-07T19:11:00.001-06:00

Has anyone looked at the new VRBO Panama City Beach front page? If so what do you think? Confusing or not?

http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Panama City Beach - New Ad Campaign

2009-02-07T18:58:00.003-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH -- Dan Rowe, executive director of the Bay County Tourist Development Council, said the county's tourism experts are not putting all their expectant eggs in the traditional Spring Break basket this year.

The TDC expects to aggressively market the Beach as a family Spring Break destination during the first half of April, then move to promote the Seabreeze Jazz Fest later that month.

"We are not just relying on college Spring Break this year," Rowe said. "We are pulling out all the stops" for both the spring and summer marketing campaigns, including the Jazz Fest promotion.

The nationally known Jazz Fest will take place at Pier Park for the first time this year. The event will occur April 16-19 at the park amphitheater. The fest is moving to Pier Park from Walton County, where it was first organized 10 years ago.
Part of the aggressive marketing campaign will be unveiled Tuesday at the full TDC board meeting when details should emerge about efforts to redesign the TDC Web site, www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. The TDC is putting additional resources into its Internet profile, including making the Web site more interactive with users.

Student Spring Break in Panama City Beach already is being promoted on mtvU, the college outreach Web link on the MTV Web site, at www.pcbeachspringbreak.com.
The TDC hired the Jennifer Barbee firm of JB Inc. to oversee the fresh Internet approach and held a strategic planning session in early January to gather ideas from business leaders.

Beyond the traditional student Spring Break, the April and summer tourist seasons are being touted in Southern Living magazine and Daytime TV, a lifestyle program syndicated on regional television stations, Rowe said.

The advertising is designed to reach families with children, he said, with the summer campaign moving away from last year's Summer White Sale, which emphasized discount coupons.

This year, all the talk as summer nears will be about branding the Beach for its "value and fun."

Let us know that you think od the ads. Our Panama City Beach Condos are on the west end of the beach, quiet and family friendly.

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Panama City Beach - Seabreeze Jazz Festival Line Up

2009-02-04T21:29:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – Seabreeze Jazz Festival April 16-19, 2009 Artist List and Current Schedule

Boney James
Wayman Tisdale
Will Downing . Nick Colionne
Warren Hill . Eric Darius . Joyce Cooling . Brian Simpson . Alex Bugnon
Four 80 East . Jackeim Joyner . Nils . Shilts . Urban Jazz Coalition
Althea Rene . RomanStreet . Jones and Company

THURSDAY - APRIL 16th
Smooth Jazz Dinner Cruise
with Alex Bugnon presented by Marriott Bay Point Resort
Aboard The Solaris dinner yacht boarding beginning at
6pm at the Bay Point Marina

FESTIVAL HOST: NICK COLIONNE
Pier Park Amphitheater – Panama City Beach, FL

FRIDAY - APRIL 17th
(Gates Open at 5pm)

6:00-7:45pm Urban Jazz Coalition
8:30pm Smooth Jazz All-Star Jam
featuring Nick Colionne, Shilts,
Four 80 East, Brian Simpson, Matt Marshak,
Nils, Alex Bugnon, Eric Darius, Althea Rene,
Jackiem Joyner, and special guests
10:30pm Jazz Under the Stars Party
with Urban Jazz Coalition and Friends
(Pier Park Special Club Location)
Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

SATURDAY - APRIL 18th
(Gates Open at 9am—VIP Early Entry at 8:30am)

10am-11am Althea Rene
11:30am-1pm Eric Darius
1:30-2:45pm
The Seabreeze Groove Project
featuring Four 80 East, Shilts, and
Matt Marshak
Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com
3:15-4:30pm Joyce Cooling
5pm-6:30pm Will Downing
7pm-9pm Wayman Tisdale

SATURDAY NIGHT - APRIL 18th
9:30pm Jazz Under the Stars Party
with Four 80 East, Shilts, Matt Marshak, and friends
(Pier Park Special Club Location)
Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

SUNDAY - APRIL 19th
(Gates Open at 9am—VIP Early Entry at 8:30am)
Sunday 10am-11am Jones and Company
11:30-12:30pm Roman Street
1pm-2:30pm Brian Simpson / Nils /
Jackiem Joyner
3pm-4:30pm Warren Hill
5pm-6:30pm Nick Colionne
7pm-8:30pm Boney James

go to seabreezejazzfestival.com for more information.
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Panama City Beach - February is Centennial Month

2009-01-31T08:10:00.004-06:00

Panama City Beach - As Panama City enters its centennial month, there's something to do every day to observe the city's 100th birthday, which will be Feb. 23. Here are some of the events organized by the Panama City Centennial Committee:

• 28 Days of History at the Bay County Public Library. Each day in February will feature an art exhibit, film, speaker, author signing or other event.

• A centennial art exhibit at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida in downtown Panama City, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Feb. 3 It will feature Centennial Calendar artists, historical art and artifacts from private collections.

• Mardi Gras parades. In the Krewe of Massalina Mardi Gras parade in downtown Panama City on Saturday, Feb. 7 the Centennial Carriage will follow the Bay High School Color Guard. Costumed riders will throw centennial cups and doubloons. The carriage also will be in the Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras Kids Parade on Feb. 20

• The Centennial Gala. The party at the Marina Civic Center on Valentine's Day is a chance to dress in fancy best or dress to represent your favorite decade. There'll be heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and music by Latitude 29. Tickets are $25 per person at the Paul Brent Gallery, the Downtown Improvement Board office and the Local History Room at the library. For more information, call Stacey Fontaine at 234-3884 or e-mail to centennialgala@gmail.com

• A Centennial birthday cake at City Hall. The celebration will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23. Centennial water bottles and envelopes with a Panama City Centennial canceled stamp will be available for purchase.
For more information on events or on the centennial, see www.panamacity2009.com

Have fun at the centennial events! Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Panama City Beach - Southern Living Readers Vote PCB Second Best Beach in FL

2009-01-25T12:58:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach – According to the January 2009 Southern Living Magazine readers voted Panama City Beach the Number 2 beach in Florida behind Destin.
When it comes time to plan your vacation, don’t forget about Panama City Beach in Florida. Recently, in a Southern Living magazine poll, Panama City Beach was voted the 4th best beach in the entire South behind Destin and Gulf Shores.

Famous stars such as Courteney Cox and Hank Williams, JR frequent the area. Did you know that David Arquette proposed to Courteney on the beach in front of Schooners restaurant.

Don’t forget to dine at Hunt’s oyster bar and the Captain’s Table, two restaurants mentioned for their authentic local flavor and variety of exquisite sea food tastes.

For entertainment you might want to check out the Cruizin’ classic car show November 9-14, displaying over 2,000 models of cars from classic antiques to roaring hot rods, they have it all.

We hope to see you on the beach at Celadon Beach Resort.
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Panama City Beach - NASCAR Driver Visit

2009-01-24T06:22:00.005-06:00

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson is accustomed to driving 200 miles per hour. On Friday, he broke 800 mph.

No, he did not shatter a land-speed record in his Air Force-sponsored No. 43 Dodge Charger. Sorenson broke Mach 1 in an F-15 jet, as part of a two-day promotional trip at Tyndall Air Force Base. A Peachtree City, Ga., native who turns 23 next month, Sorenson will drive the Air Force car for the first time in the 2009 Sprint Cup season. He said Friday he's looking forward to representing more than just another company.

"It's a different type of feeling when you get to represent all the different men and women who fight for our country," said Sorenson, who drives for the newly-merged Richard Petty Motorsports. "There's a lot of honor to it." The Air Force sponsors a car to boost recruiting. "There's a lot in common between the Air Force and NASCAR - speed, power, precision, teamwork," explained Col. Tim Hanson, chief of strategic communications for the Air Force Recruiting Service. The Air Force hopes the common ground will lead some NASCAR fans to enlist. "People who are interested in that kind of an organization, we think, would be interested in the Air Force," said Hanson.

Sorenson and his crew chief, Mike Shiplett, shot video for a series of webisodes, entitled "Switching Seats," (set to debut on airforce.com in March) in which the NASCAR men compare notes with Air Force pilots. Shiplett shot a scene on Friday with a few Air Force officials and the engine to an F-22, after he tagged along with Sorenson on their 90-minute joy ride over the Gulf of Mexico.

Capt. Justin Ripley flew Sorenson and Shiplett, taking them upside down, refueling in midair, and ramping up to 8.5 Gs. "I always give a smooth ride, like any good Air Force pilot," said Ripley with a Cheshire-cat grin. If he did give Sorenson a jolt, the NASCAR driver didn't let on Friday. He does get a chance to exact revenge, though. Ripley is slated to ride along in Sorenson's No. 43 car in Charlotte in March.

But will riding in a car at 180 mph have an effect on Ripley? Sorenson smiled at the question, then mentioned something about driving up against the wall with Ripley in the passenger seat. "I can definitely scare him."
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Panama City Beach - Thunder Beach Motor Cycle Rally

2009-01-17T10:21:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach - Our Celadon Beach Resort Condo # 1405 is currently available if you are thinking about attending Thunder Beach in April...

Thunder Beach officials are proud to announce two brand new Official Venues to the 11th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally; Club La Vela and the brand new gulf-side entertainment and shopping complex Pier Park. Club La Vela, recognized as the "Largest Night Club in the USA", opens their doors and nearly 5 acre parking area for the 2009 Thunder Beach Rally Series as the home to the new Manufacturer and Builder Exhibition. This exciting new beach-side venue will be filled with some of the most recognized names in the power sports industry complete with full factory display rigs, installation trucks, and service teams. There will also be a full stage with live entertainment outside every day during the rally with Club La Vela’s taking over with even more live entertainment and dancing in any of their ten theme rooms.

Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s newest gulf-front shopping, dining, and entertainment complex will be the setting for the US Rider News “Best of The Beach” Bike Show and the new home to the Factory Demo Rides. These events and displays make Pier Park one of the most unique venues of the 11th Annual Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally.

The US Rider News “Best of The Beach Bike Show” at Pier Park was a huge success during the Autumn 2008 Rally with nearly 75 custom bikes displayed and thousands of onlookers throughout the day. The turnout for contestants at the upcoming Spring Rally event is expected to is expected to double.
The Factory Demo Rides taking place at Pier Park will allow attendees that have a motorcycle endorsement and a helmet to take a test drive one many of the newest motorcycles on the market. Scheduled for the Demos during the 2009 Spring Rally are Yamaha Motorcycles and Boss Hoss Custom Cycles & Trikes. These two venues expand the Thunder Beach Spring Rally to seven (7) Official Venues spread across all of Panama City Beach, Florida.

Official Venues:
Frank Brown Park Shoppes at Edgewater
Boardwalk Beach Resort & Convention Center Club La Vela
Pier Park Sandpiper Beacon
Sharky’s Beach Club
For Additional information please visit www.ThunderBeachProductions.com or call our offices directly toll free at 888.396.1638 or locally at 850.249.7627.

Thunder Beach Rally Information: The 11th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally is set to take place April 30 – May 3, 2009 in Panama City Beach, Florida. With seven (7) Official Venues spread out all over Panama City Beach, no gates or cover charges at any venue, free parking at every venue, 200 handpicked quality vendors, daily live entertainment, contests and giveaways every day, rides, and many other things “biker related”. The Thunder Beach Rallies attract approximately 100,000+ riders & visitors from around the southeastern United States and beyond. Located on the picturesque beaches of the Florida Panhandle, riders flock to the area for the beautiful rides, the overwhelming “Biker Friendly” attitude given to riders by the numerous businesses in and around the Bay County area, and the long lasting camaraderie found at Thunder Beach.

The 2009 Thunder Beach Rally is sponsored by The Sandpiper Beacon Resort, The Boardwalk Beach Resort and Convention Center, Arrow 95.9 Radio, and Full Throttle Magazine.

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Panama City Beach – Panama City Kicks Off Centennial Year of 2009

2009-01-04T08:33:00.002-06:00

For those of you that are staying at our Panama City Beach Condo at Celadon Beach Resort I will keep our event calendar updated as I run across Centennial events. If you are interested in other Panama City Beach events click on our web site below and look at the event calendar tab. There will be lots of fun things to do in Panama City Beach in 2009. On to the Centennial Kickoff…

R.L. McKenzie moved to Panama City area from Georgia along with his brother Oscar in the early 1900s. Panama City was incorporated in 1909, and Robert was elected the city's first mayor that year. Gigi McKenzie, Oscar's granddaughter, was among the small group of revelers at Panama City Hall on Friday for Mayor Scott Clemons' proclamation, kicking off Panama City's centennial year of 2009.

The event was the first of many scheduled in 2009 to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary. "It's exciting that these people - my grandfather, his brother - came down here from Georgia around the turn of the century, and now we're just realizing their dreams," said McKenzie. Mayor Clemons read a short proclamation, which he closed by saying, "We should honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue to imagine the future."

Then three little girls dressed in early-1900s garb - white, flowery dresses with their hair tied with powder blue, pink, and purple bows - tried to ring the bell, officially kicking off the centennial.

The girls couldn't make it ring, prompting Clemons to help them toll the old fire bell, which was first purchased in 1912 and hung in McKenzie Park. After Clemons rang it once, the girls were able to ring the bell a second time, bringing a round of applause from the crowd.

For more information on centennial events, including the Centennial Gala, set for Feb. 14 at the Marina Civic Center, go to panamacity2009.com.

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Panama City Beach – Top 10.5 New Year’s Resolutions

2009-01-03T10:29:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – Top 10.5 New Year’s Resolutions

According to Amazon the following resolutions are the top 10 that we are making this year:

1. Lose Weight
2. Get Finances in Order
3. Go Greener
4. Curb Vices – smoking, drinking , gambling
5. Get in Shape
6. Relax More
7. Pursue a New Career
8. Upgrade Your Technology
9. Get Organized
10. Start a New Hobby

And My Resolution # 10.5…
10.5 Spend more time on the Beach at Celadon Beach Resort

Interested in the Amazon Sale? Click back to the bottom of front page of our web site for the link to Amazon.

Best of luck with your resolutions!
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Panama City Beach - Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T08:33:00.002-06:00

We want to say thanks to all of you that follow our blog. If there is anything that you would like to see more of in 2009 please let us know.

We also want to thank all of you that stayed in the Best Panama City Beach Condos at Celadon Beach Resort in 2008! We appreciate your business! We hope that you enjoyed your beach vacation and will stay with us again. Our goal is to develop loyal customers and hope that you will recommend our condos to your family and friends.
We hope that you and your family have a prosperous 2009!

Sincerely,

Pam and Jerry
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Panama City Beach - Arctic Wolf Club to howl in the New Year

2008-12-31T07:41:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH— Are you from up North? Miss jumping into ice cold water on New Year’s Day? Well this may be the next best thing. Here is the Beach’s version of a Polar Bear Club.

The Arctic Wolf Club is preparing to howl in the New Year with a plunge into the chilly waters of Econfina Creek on New Year's Day, a ritual now in its eighth year. No they will not need to chop a in the ice before the plunge but it sounds like fun anyway.

Mark and Sandi Wolf have been hosting the event on their farm each year to raise money for charity, most notably the Seacrest Wolf Preserve near Chipley, the Council on Aging and the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation. Sandi Wolf expects about 300 people to attend the event at their farm, with about 100 jumpers.
Mark Wolf said they had always been interested in doing charity work, including an earlier trail-riding event for cancer. A few years ago they started the Arctic Wolf Club and the creek jumps. With their last name, it seemed a good fit. The jumpers will go one at a time from a rope swing, howling like a wolf the whole way. Each jumper will get a certificate or button to show they participated. Awards will be given for the youngest and oldest jumper.

Besides the big jump, the event also features a chili cook-off, a howling contest for the kids and an educational presentation on wolves. Those people who wish to come out and participate are encouraged to visit the Web site arcticwolfclub.com and bring a side dish. There is a suggested donation of $10 per jumper and $20 for those who just want to come and experience the fun. Last year, the event raised about $3,000.

The event begins at noon New Year's Day with the jump taking place at 2 p.m. Jumpers in the past have ranged from 72 years old to 2 years.
If you want to participate in the chili cook-off you should bring your pots before noon.

All jumpers will have to sign a release form. In case you wonder the spring-fed creek should be 67 degrees with the ambient temperature forecast for 64. The Gulf is around 60 degrees if you are looking for a colder swim.

To get to the jump, turn east on State 388 from State 77 and go about 7.5 miles, cross the Econfina Creek Bridge. Take the first left after the bridge at Dogwood Lane. There should be balloons marking the road. Follow the signs.
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Panama City Beach - Top Ten News Stories of 2008

2008-12-29T07:07:00.002-06:00

In the annual Panama City News Herald Poll The good, the bad and the ugly stood out among readers and newsroom staff in 2008…Most of the stories are based on local events and do not deal with the Beach tourist trade so I will only list a couple of the stories.

Top 10 # 1 - County residents feel sting of faltering economy

Bay County's economy took a pounding in 2008, as high unemployment, a record number of foreclosure filings and a sluggish housing market took its toll on area residents and businesses.

The county's unemployment rate went from 4.9 percent in January to 7.4 percent in November, the highest level recorded since January 2002. Gulf Coast Workforce Board Executive Director Kim Bodine said the area's annual job growth rate measured a negative 3.4 percent in November, an overall loss of 2,600 jobs. Bodine said the county's unemployment rate could rise in early 2009, as the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation included more area job layoffs in its monthly totals. "I think next month will be up a half-percent at least," Bodine said Dec. 20, after AWI released its November unemployment numbers.

Area foreclosure filings were also on the rise in 2008. Irvine, Calif.-based foreclosure tracking company RealtyTrac had recorded 2,280 Bay County foreclosure filings through November. Filings in RealtyTrac's total included default notices, auction sale notices, and bank repossessions, with some properties with multiple mortgages receiving more than one notice. By comparison, the company recorded 960 Bay County foreclosure filings in its end-of-year 2007 market report, released in January. August was Bay County's highest month for foreclosure filings, according to RealtyTrac, with 328 filings. Like most other Florida metropolitan areas, Panama City recorded year-over-year decreases in existing home and condominium sales, as well as median sales prices, for most of 2008. The area did see a slight increase in November existing home sales. Bay County Association of Realtors President Jan Cox said in December she thought the area's housing market would start to stabilize in 2009 after a challenging 2008. The county's housing market must still work through a two-year existing inventory of residential homes and create a reason for prices to increase, Cox acknowledged. Cox said the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport could contribute to a housing market rebound that comes sooner than recoveries in other parts of Florida. "I see the Panhandle as having the absolute first shot at recovery and price appreciation," Cox said before Wednesday's meeting. [I am not in the market now but if you are looking for a Panama City Beach Condo there are some great prices on prime properties on the Beach.]

One 2008 economic bright spot was the end-of-year decline in gas prices. After spiking above $4 a gallon in the wake of Hurricane Ike's Texas landfall, gas prices dropped steadily over the rest of the year. By late December, Bay County gas prices had dropped as low as $1.63 a gallon at some area stations. The dip below $2 a gallon represented the first time area gas prices had fallen below that benchmark since February 2006.

Top Ten #3: Pier Park, new airport good news amid gloom

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The opening of Pier Park in Panama City Beach and continued progress on construction of the new airport near West Bay was some good economic news during this year's gloomy economy.
Dozens of restaurants and large retailers signed on to open stores at Panama City Beach's 93-acre Pier Park development, expected to reach 152 outlets when completed and 1.1 million square feet of retail space.

Construction of the Panama City-Bay County International airport picked up steam with the awarding of a bid for the new terminal and the decision to increase the length of the runway to 10,000 feet. In addition, a legal hurdle for the airport was cleared this year when a lawsuit was dismissed that sought to reverse a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the airport's construction. The lawsuit, filed by several environmental groups, claimed that building the $318 million airport would destroy valuable wetlands and that the Corps abused its discretion in issuing the permit. For now, officials say construction at the airport site is about four months ahead of schedule and the opening date is still planned for May 2010. [As a side note the Airport project has approximately 250 on site workers per day and offsite quarries, asphalt plants, truck drivers and other ancillary businesses employ another 350 people.]

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Panama City Beach 30 Degree Blue

2008-12-28T08:08:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach – 30◦ Blue - First does anyone know where the symbol for degree is on the keybord:)

Some friends gave us a gift certificate to 30◦ Blue for Christmas. Next time we are at our Panama City Beach Condo we plan on going to 30◦ Blue. I have seen adds for 30◦ Blue in the paper. Has anyone been to 30◦ Blue? Do they have a food specialty? Any menu recommendations? What is the dress?

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Panama City Beach – No plans for New Year’s Eve?

2008-12-27T08:43:00.003-06:00

Our Panama City Beach Condo # 1105 is still available if you have a wild hair to head for Panama City Beach for New Year's.

Panama City Beach – No plans for New Year’s Eve? Head to Panama City Beach for the first New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park. Here are the details:

New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop Presented by Margaritaville
- Family time from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- There will be stilt walkers, balloon animals and face painters on hand
- Bounce houses located in the green grass beside the volleyball court
- 24ft blow-up screen to feature live NYE countdowns across the world
- Barry Fish band to perform live in the promo area

New Years Eve Countdown
- From 9 pm to 1 am
- Roads will be closed to traffic from Front Beach Road to the circle in front of the promo area
- Live radio remotes provided by ClearChannel Radio (3 stations will be featured, tentatively they are 92.5 WPAP, Sunny 98.5, and 99.3 The Beat). Remotes will be located on every corner block that is closed to traffic.
- News Channel 7 will be here to broadcast the countdown live
- Countdown to midnight MC'd by ClearChannel D.J.
- Beach Ball drop will be located in the green grass across from the promo area
- Beach ball is an illuminated 8ft ball to be dropped 12 stories (120 ft.)
- Fireworks to immediately follow the ball drop

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Panama City Beach - Blue Angels to Visit in March

2008-12-21T08:33:00.003-06:00

If you are going to be staying in our Panama City Beach Condo at the end of March you will have the opportunity to see the Blue Angels...

Panama City Beach - Tyndall Air Force Base got a visit from a slightly flashier flier, Friday.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels No. 7 dropped by to iron out some details before this spring's air show. The Navy F/A-18, painted blue and gold, arrived bearing Navy Lts. Amy Tomlinson, event coordinator, and Ben Walborn, narrator and advance pilot. Tomlinson said the performance team is practicing maneuvers in Pensacola and will eventually transfer to California to polish the routine. Tyndall's Gulf Coast Salute, held March 28-29, is the third of 36 scheduled appearances for the team in 2009.

"We come to the airfield just to work out the logistics and coordination with the air show committee in order to set up a successful and safe air show," she said. Tomlinson said the finishing touches are coming together on the year's routine, which must be blessed by the Federal Aviation Administration before it may be performed. "There may be some new maneuvers. There was one added last year called the ‘delta breakout' at the end of the show," she said.

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Panama City Beach - Winter Guests Pick up your SunCard Today

2008-12-19T06:16:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach - If you plan tp be in Panama City Beach for the winter this looks like a good way to save some money

The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is hosting the annual Winter Resident SunCard program Friday December 19. The event is from 9-11 AM at the Visitor Information Center located at the corner of US 98 and State 79. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served. At this gathering, the CVB will issue official Winter Resident SunCards to new and repeat winter residents. The cards provide value added programs and discounts at participating restaurants, hotels and other attractions and events. For more information go to visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-233-5070.

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Google adds Panama City Beach, Panhandle to Street View (see MAPS)

2008-12-18T07:15:00.003-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Bay County's streets went "live" Dec. 9.

That's the day Google Maps Street View, a program providing panoramic, street-level images from cities around the world, added Panama City and much of the surrounding Panhandle. Browsers on Google Maps now are able to take a virtual walk of Bay County streets — and the homes and businesses lining them. The images appear to have been gathered several months to a year before they were added to the map function.

"Locally, people usually have fun kind of poking around and making it sort of a detective game looking for movie theaters to see what was playing and things like that to see exactly when it was," said Google spokeswoman Elaine Filadelfo.

This is cool. To see our Panama City Beach Condo building enter 17757 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL in the address box. Our condo is in Celadon Beach Resort, the tan building on right with the street walk over.

Ever since Google Street View was unveiled in 2007, the effort has raised some privacy concerns and spawned a minor Internet phenomenon of Street View users scouring cities for frozen non sequiturs. Although the initial images of Bay County were obtained using older and fuzzier cameras, Filadelfo said efforts already have begun in larger cities to scan using higher-resolution devices.

"If people are concerned about privacy or anything like that in every single image in Street View, at the bottom is a link that says ‘report a concern.' That will take them to a form where they can ... let us know an image they would like removed, and we would happy to do that," she said.

Street View images are gathered only from public roads, Filadelfo said. But other areas of concern also can be omitted. The stretch of Thomas Drive in front of Naval Support Activity-Panama City, in addition to a large portion of U.S. 98 through Tyndall Air Force Base, has been omitted. "When you're passing by those areas, we do try to be careful and err on the side of caution," she said.

Have fun looking around Panama City Beach!
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Panama City Beach - Condo Auction Yeserday Great Deals for Buyers

2008-12-14T07:15:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — We had dinner last night at the Shrimp Boat with a friends that sell Panama City Beach Condos and have a mortgage company. Gary and Janice went to the condo Auction at the Origin at Seahaven on Front Beach Road.

The first sale was a three-bedroom condo for $270,000; the next was a two-bedroom unit that went for $201,000. A few other units sold at similar prices. All of the available condos did not sell. This is a solid buyers market condos, which had previously sold for more than $500,000 sold for around $200,000.

If you are thinking about buying a Panama City Beach Condo there are some great deals out there. If you want an agent to show you around let me know and I will put you in touch with Gary and Janice. We have worked with them to buy three condos.
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Panama City Beach - Winter Guests Wanted

2008-12-11T19:32:00.002-06:00

Hi,

Our guests that had our Panama City Beach Condo at Celadon Beach Resort #1105 reserved for the winter have had a health issue that has halted their winter vacation.

If you or a friend are looking for a great place to spend the winter check out our web site...Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent

Jerry and Pam

Panama City Beach - Marketing Ideas

2008-12-10T06:57:00.002-06:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The European tourist market is increasingly eyeing Northwest Florida as a vacation destination, and improving Panama City Beach's visibility overseas will become more important as the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport nears completion.

A market research expert told the full board of the Bay County Tourist Development Council Tuesday that interest in the Florida Panhandle by the European market, which he called a "beach market," was a recent phenomenon. "This is a market that you need to seed now and harvest down the road," said Walter Klages, president of The Klages Group, whose long list of clients includes McDonald's, the National Football League, Pizza Hut and Walt Disney World Inc.

Until that harvest can be achieved, however, tourists traveling by car are still the mainstay of Beach visitors, Klages said, representing about 84 percent in July through September 2008. [I agree with the numbers, they may even be a little low. Over the past year we have only had one couple fly to Panama City Beach to stay in our condos]. He presented a sheaf of statistics to TDC board members on the face of the emblematic Beach tourist.

The typical size of a group of visitors during that period was 3.2 persons, he said, with 8.4 percent representing first-time tourists to the area, most from nearby states such as Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Indeed, today's tourist is becoming increasingly reliant on the Internet for research into choosing a vacation destination, Klages said. And much of the information gleaned from the Web is becoming harder to control, with sites such as YouTube and Facebook becoming more popular.

He forgot the bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com site and jerryeyler wordpressblog about Panama City Beach.

"Consumer-generated information is beginning to dominate the Internet," he said. Because that type of information is irresistibly spreading, he urged board members to aggressively market the Beach's best asset, its uniquely white sand, which he described as rare in the world. To that end, board members decided to move forward on a contract with Jennifer Barbee Inc. to redesign the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site. Barbee has already been working with the TDC/CVB since being chosen a month ago to quickly create a micro-site connected to www.visitpanamacitybeach.com for next year's Spring Break marketing campaign.

Rowe also told board members that the TDC was partnering with Pier Park for a New Year's Eve fireworks display and midnight "Beach Ball drop." An eight-foot glowing ball will be lowered from a 148-foot crane. The fireworks will cost $10,000.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can do a more effective job marketing our condos?

Jerry
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Panama City Beach - Great place for a Vacation Home

2008-12-09T06:56:00.002-06:00

Panama City Beach - I keep running across articles about Panama City Beach Condo real estate. Here is an excerpt from one of the articles. Their top five are Panama City Beach, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, The Crystal Coast, North Carolina, Lake Tahoe, California and Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.

CREDIT-CRUNCH-SQUEEZED homeowners and investors are unloading their second homes en masse, offering up desirable vacation properties at some pretty steep discounts.

"When the market is down and there's blood in the streets, someone else's misfortune could work in your favor," says Ken Kamen, president of New Jersey-based Mercadien Asset Management. Buying now entails some risk, however. After all, prices could drop even further. But for those looking to hold a property long term for a family vacation spot or eventual retirement retreat should feel confident that they'll recoup the investment, he says.

Here is one of the places where vacation-home bargains abound:

1) Panama City Beach, Florida
There's something for everyone in this Panhandle town where white "sugar sand" beaches along the Gulf of Mexico give way to inland attractions, including six championship golf courses and an active restaurant and nightlife scene. Prices for beachfront property run the gamut from $100,000 for a one-bedroom condo, to $2 million-plus for single-family homes of five bedrooms or more, according to vacation rental site HomeAway.com.

Why Buy Now: Besides the weather (temperatures rarely dip below the 60s, even in January) a new international airport is slated to open in the next couple of years. With it comes low-cost carriers and an abundance of nonstop flights. (Currently, flying from New York involves at least one connection and travel time of anywhere from 4.5 to 13 hours. In comparison, a nonstop flight from New York to Orlando takes about two hours.) That ease of access should help boost tourism — and property values, says Anil Pereira, CEO of secondspace.com a property-finding service. "It'll be more feasible to own a second home there," he says. "People will be able to fly in for the weekend."
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Panama City Beach - Holiday Events 12-7 - 12-14-08

2008-12-07T12:44:00.004-06:00

The Celadon Beach Resort Homeowner meeting is Saturday the 13th. The Panama City Beach Condo homeowners that attend the Celadon meeting will have some nice events to attend.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Beach Christmas Parade sponsored by the Optimist Club of the Beaches; at Pier Park starting at 5 p.m., following a route though Pier Park. Details: 234-0854

Christmas Market: at the St. Andrews Marina Event Facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local artists will be on hand with a variety of items on display. Stay around for the Boat Parade.

Boat Parade Of Lights: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Theme: "A Star Spangled Christmas." Mandatory captain's meeting is at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at Granite Cafe on Beck Avenue in St. Andrews. For applications, visit www.historicstandrews.com and click on Documents and Information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14
Apalachicola Community Christmas Program: Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at Historic Trinity Episcopal Church. The Ilse Newell Concert Series presents a selection of holiday favorites. Details: (850) 653-9419
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Panama City Beach - Real Estate Update December 2008

2008-12-06T08:21:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach – Condos for Sale at Celadon Beach Resort

I received a real estate flyer in the mail yesterday about Panama City Beach condos. I thought that some of you might be interested in a short summary of the condo market so here it is…

There are currently 1,399 condos on the market in Panama City Beach ranging in price from $175,000 to $1,500,000. There are 46 sales pending and 558 sales have closed since January 1, 2008. So currently there is a 2.4 year supply of condos. Guess what it is a huge buyer’s market. If you have been thinking about buying a condo now is a great time to look.

The current asking prices in Celadon Beach Resort follow:
10 – 1 BR units $172 – $309K
4 – 2BR units $384 - $429K
5 – 3BR units $379 - $499K

Units sold this year:
11 – 1 BR units $178 – $295K
2 – 2BR units $350 - $365K
4 – 3BR units $385 - $450K

If there is any good news for sellers at least based on the units sold in Celadon Beach Resort in 2008 our condos are selling approximately twice as fast as the overall market in Panama City Beach.

Let me know if you want to talk to a realtor in PCB. I know two really good ones. If you want to visit Panama City Beach and look for condos, I suggest staying in one of our Celadon Beach Resort 1 BR condos with bunk rooms. You will be impressed with the property! Who knows, maybe you can get a great deal on a condo while you are there having a good time on the beach.

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Panama City Beach - Cyberscams

2008-12-05T07:03:00.001-06:00

Be Careful Out there on the Web...

Panama City Beach - The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of a new string of phishing e-mails making the rounds this holiday season. Scammers are posing as well-known companies that do a lot of business this time of year, attempting to steal personal information such as Social Security or credit card numbers, according to a BBB news release.

"While most of the country is spreading peace and love this holiday season, criminals are spreading computer viruses and stealing identities," said Norman Wright, president/CEO of the Bureau serving northwest Florida. "Hackers pose as trusted businesses to take advantage of the seasonal increase in online shopping and shipping."

Following are three phishing e-mails BBB has spotted this holiday season:

Shipping
Claiming to be from a legitimate shipping business such as FedEx or UPS, one phishing e-mail alleges a problem with delivery. It may include a link to a Web site that installs malware or solicits personal information. A recent message has a subject line of "Subject: Tracking Number 13040065504." It advises, "To take your package back you should print the copy of invoice that is in the added file." Of course, the attachment is a computer virus.

BBB ADVICE: Don't click on a link in the e-mail; instead go directly to the shipper's Web site or call the business (do not use a phone number provided in the e-mail) to ask if there is a shipping problem. Don't open attachments in unsolicited e-mails.

Surveys offering holiday spending cash

Targeting cash-strapped holiday shoppers, other phishing e-mails pretend to be from retailers such as Wal-Mart. One has the subject, "Online Survey from Wal-Mart Stores!!!" The message says, "You've been selected to take part in our quick and easy 9 questions survey. In return we will credit $90.00 to your account - Just for your time!" The e-mail includes a link to a Web site to "take the survey," but actually leads to a phishing site.

BBB ADVICE: Don't respond to unsolicited e-mails promising money for answering surveys. E-mails offering big rewards for minimal effort usually cost you in the end.

E-cards

E-cards are a popular and inexpensive way to deliver season's greetings. Legitimate e-cards typically send an e-mail with a hyperlink to a Web site hosting the e-card. Unfortunately, it's easy for hackers to disguise their phishing e-mails and direct users to Web sites that install viruses and malware.

BBB ADVICE: Phishing e-mails posing as e-cards can be difficult to spot. Be wary of e-mails with spelling and grammatical mistakes and don't follow links in an e-card if you don't recognize the sender. Consumers should report suspicious e-mails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
For additional information go to www.bbb.org
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Panama City Beach - Festival of Trees

2008-12-04T07:13:00.004-06:00

See some holiday art and buy some gifts at...

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Decorated holiday wreaths adorned the walls of the Visual Arts Center on Wednesday night, and the smell of molasses and gumdrops filled the air.
It was the Panama City Rescue Mission's 5th annual Festival of Trees, and the third at the downtown center.

"We think the Visual Arts Center is a great venue for us," said The Rev. Billy Fox, executive director of the Rescue Mission. "We have some beautiful art, after all, and it's a wonderful cause." Community donated gingerbread houses, Christmas trees and other Christmas-themed art filled the galleries of the center, to be bid on by the public in silent auction. The Rescue Mission wants to surpass the $50,000 raised last year.

Funds generated from the auctions will go to support the Rescue Mission's Bethel Village, a shelter for struggling women and children. The Rescue Mission, which is suffering from limited space and a void of programs for the needy, is looking to add additional housing and a new driveway, as well as a pole barn for its community recycling program.

The bidding, which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
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Panama City Beach - Dirty Santa Ball

2008-12-02T04:53:00.003-06:00

Panama City Beach – I missed this event in my previous post. If you enjoy the Seaside Repertory Theatre here is a way to have some fun and support the Theatre…

Dirty Santa Ball is at 7 p.m. Saturday December 6, 2008 in Carillon Beach Resort ballroom to benefit Seaside Repertory Theatre. Tickets: $100 per person, Details: www.seasiderep.org or (850) 231-0733
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Panama City Beach - Holiday Events The Week of December 1, 2008

2008-11-30T19:47:00.002-06:00

If you are interseted in attending some holiday events to get in the spirit of the season, here is waht is going on in the Panama City Beach area thie week:

MONDAY, DEC. 1
P.C.B. Christmas Tree Lighting: Frank Brown Park, 6:30 p.m.; Presentations by Mayor Oberst to essay contest winners, music by local school groups. Give Santa your wish list and enjoy refreshments provided by local church and civic groups. Details: (850)233-5045

Festival Of Trees: Christmas design contest and charity auction to benefit Panama City Rescue Mission is Dec. 1-6 at Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida. Details: www.pcrmission.org or 769-0783.

TUESDAY, DEC. 2
Tree Lighting at Oaks by the Bay Park: 5:30 p.m. in St. Andrews. The public may come to the park by 5:15 to help decorate the tree with ornaments made by St. Andrew School students. Commissioner John Pilcher will light the tree at 5:30. After the tree lighting, stay for the Pilot Club's Luminaries of Love that will line the park's sidewalks.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Millville Elementary School's 9th Annual Holiday Parade: 9:45 a.m. Several bands, floats and guests; Mayor Scott Clemons is Grand Marshall and Superintendent Bill Husfelt will participate. The route begins at Millville Elementary School at the corner of Second Court and East Avenue, proceeds north on East Avenue, left on Third Street, left on Sherman Avenue, and left on Second Plaza to end at Immanuel Baptist Church. Details: 872 -4765.

Apalachicola Lighting of the Lights: 3 p.m., annual lighting of the holiday lights at the center of St. George Island. Santa will arrive on a fire engine. Refreshments and lighthouse tours available. Details: call the St. George Island Visitor Center and Museum at (850) 927-7744.

The Kids Khristmas Kard Shop: 9 p.m. to midnight (rest of the month by appointment) at UnREAL ARTists Gallery. Khristmas Kard Making Workshop Dec.12. Children should have artwork scanned and e-mailed to mail@mermaidsdontcook.com by Dec. 2. To sign up or for details: 215-0705 or (866) 347-0801 or e-mail.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Eastpoint Christmas Parade: 10-10:30 a.m. on U.S. 98 in Eastpoint. Santa arrives on a fire truck. Details: Pam Watson at (850) 653-7041.
"The Christmas Shoes": Area churches collaborate for holiday musical with adult choir, children's ensemble and hand bell choir. Show times are Dec. 6 at 4 and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola.

Christmas Dinner & Dance: The Panama City Bop & Shag Club buffet dinner and dance open to the public, 6-10 p.m. at the Lyndell Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach. BYOB with free set-ups. Tickets: $15, 50 percent of proceeds donated to the News Herald's Empty Stocking Fund. Advance tickets required; available at the Senior Center, or call Gloria at 234-5605 or Patty at 215-6431.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7
"The Christmas Shoes": Area churches collaborate for holiday musical with adult choir, children's ensemble and hand bell choir. Show time: 7 p.m. at the Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola.

Gulf Beach Garden Club Tour Of Homes: 1-5 p.m.; five homes decorated for Christmas, plus VFW. Refreshments at Gulf Beach Garden Club, 17012 Hernando Ave. at State 79 in Panama City Beach. Ticket $10. Details: 235-3324

GCCC Holiday Concert: 2:30 p.m. at Amelia Center Theatre, Gulf Coast Community College. Singing Commodores and GCCC Concert Chorale. Open seating. Free admission; donations accepted for music scholarships. Details: 872-3886 or www.gulfcoast.edu

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Panama City Beach - Cape St. George Light

2008-11-30T13:01:00.005-06:00

If you are visiting our Panama City Beach Condo, a day trip to Apalachicola and St. George Island is a fun way to pass some time and see some historical buildings. If you go we recommend the restaurant on the corner in downtown Apalachicola for lunch.

ST. GEORGE ISLAND - The 153-year-old Cape St. George Light has been moved and opened again today. Three years ago the lighthouse sat on uninhabited Little St. George Island, accessible only by boat and boarded up as a safety hazard. It was leaning slightly as the Gulf of Mexico swirled past its base along the eroded shoreline until the 74-foot lighthouse finally succumbed to the sea, smashing to pieces.

On Saturday, the lighthouse doors opened and a line of people climbed the new set of pine steps circling inside the 19th-century bricks before, hoisting themselves up a metal ladder through a small rectangular hole to the lamp house. It marked the end of a rescue mission that was improbable at best and thought crazy by most. "It's just absolutely thrilling," said Eddie Lueken, 52, of Tallahassee as she stood in the glass-enclosed lamp room which was warmed by the sun. "This is a piece of history transplanted here."

Almost anyone who saw Cape St. George Light after it fell would have thought it was lost forever. Large chunks of bricks and the mangled metal lamp house were awash in the surf. Logic would have told most that it couldn't be saved. "It looked like such a heap of rubble that I thought it was overambitious to try it," said Mike Roehr, 67, who lives on St. George with his wife, Connie, 50. "It shows what I know." Shortly after it fell, Dennis Barnell and Terry Kemp went out to take a look. What they saw was discouraging, but they decided if dinosaurs can be pieced back together, so could Cape St. George Light. They were already part of a group, the St. George Lighthouse Association, that was hoping to stabilize the structure and move it back to higher ground.

Once the lighthouse crumbled, the mission changed. The association worked through a bureaucratic maze of federal, state and county government to get the project approved and started. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided money to recover and move the lighthouse pieces. Volunteers spent thousands of hours cleaning the old bricks. The association raised money through T-shirt sales, fundraisers and other events and state lawmakers provided $350,000 to help. Contractors cut rates, volunteers provided labor and the lighthouse rose again at the end of the 4-mile bridge that connects St. George with Eastpoint on the other side of Apalachicola Bay, about 77 miles southwest of Tallahassee. "It was total devotion on their part," said Lueken, who has a vacation house on St. George. "It was a labor of love if there was ever one."

Residents and tourists from as far away as The Netherlands stood in line Saturday for about an hour to climb the 92 steps -- not including the ladder through the 22-inch by 21-inch rectangle to the top. One boy shouted to his parents, "Whoa! This is awesome!" in a voice that echoed around the small room. While maybe a little more subdued, adults making the climb were also enthralled. "Neat! Awesome! Look at the bridge," said Connie Roehr, experiencing an entirely new view of the long, narrow island that she's known her whole life. It wasn't her first time climbing steps in the lighthouse, but it was the first time she made it to the top. When Roehre was a child, her parents would take her by boat to Little St. George where the abandoned lighthouse stood. It wasn't open to the public, but she would still venture inside.
"There wasn't anything that said that we couldn't," Roehr said with a laugh. "We didn't go very far."

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