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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
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!
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
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
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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
Sorry but our Panama City Beach vacation rental condos are booked Reserve The Best Panama City Beach Condos for Your Beach Vacation
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
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Panama City Beach – 2008 Visitors top 6.1million!
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
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
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Panama City Beach – Drive Times to the beaches from Northwest Florida Beaches International and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Okaloosa Cou
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!
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!
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