Wish I was in Panama City Beach

Cold morning in Nashville. Made the Food Network Tomato Soup w Grilled Cheese Croutons. Good choice! Wish we were at Best Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Celadon Beach Resort

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

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

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

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

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 – 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 - 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 – 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!!

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

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

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 – New Airport receives another new name

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 – Skin Diving PCBs Most Famous Wreck

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

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 – Florida Real Estate April 09

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 - Celadon Beach Service

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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