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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!