We want to say thanks to all of you that follow our blog. If there is anything that you would like to see more of in 2009 please let us know.
We also want to thank all of you that stayed in the Best Panama City Beach Condos at Celadon Beach Resort in 2008! We appreciate your business! We hope that you enjoyed your beach vacation and will stay with us again. Our goal is to develop loyal customers and hope that you will recommend our condos to your family and friends.
We hope that you and your family have a prosperous 2009!
Sincerely,
Pam and Jerry
Reserve the Best Panama City Beach Condos for your Beach Vacation
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Panama City Beach - Arctic Wolf Club to howl in the New Year
PANAMA CITY BEACH— Are you from up North? Miss jumping into ice cold water on New Year’s Day? Well this may be the next best thing. Here is the Beach’s version of a Polar Bear Club.
The Arctic Wolf Club is preparing to howl in the New Year with a plunge into the chilly waters of Econfina Creek on New Year's Day, a ritual now in its eighth year. No they will not need to chop a in the ice before the plunge but it sounds like fun anyway.
Mark and Sandi Wolf have been hosting the event on their farm each year to raise money for charity, most notably the Seacrest Wolf Preserve near Chipley, the Council on Aging and the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation. Sandi Wolf expects about 300 people to attend the event at their farm, with about 100 jumpers.
Mark Wolf said they had always been interested in doing charity work, including an earlier trail-riding event for cancer. A few years ago they started the Arctic Wolf Club and the creek jumps. With their last name, it seemed a good fit. The jumpers will go one at a time from a rope swing, howling like a wolf the whole way. Each jumper will get a certificate or button to show they participated. Awards will be given for the youngest and oldest jumper.
Besides the big jump, the event also features a chili cook-off, a howling contest for the kids and an educational presentation on wolves. Those people who wish to come out and participate are encouraged to visit the Web site arcticwolfclub.com and bring a side dish. There is a suggested donation of $10 per jumper and $20 for those who just want to come and experience the fun. Last year, the event raised about $3,000.
The event begins at noon New Year's Day with the jump taking place at 2 p.m. Jumpers in the past have ranged from 72 years old to 2 years.
If you want to participate in the chili cook-off you should bring your pots before noon.
All jumpers will have to sign a release form. In case you wonder the spring-fed creek should be 67 degrees with the ambient temperature forecast for 64. The Gulf is around 60 degrees if you are looking for a colder swim.
To get to the jump, turn east on State 388 from State 77 and go about 7.5 miles, cross the Econfina Creek Bridge. Take the first left after the bridge at Dogwood Lane. There should be balloons marking the road. Follow the signs.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
The Arctic Wolf Club is preparing to howl in the New Year with a plunge into the chilly waters of Econfina Creek on New Year's Day, a ritual now in its eighth year. No they will not need to chop a in the ice before the plunge but it sounds like fun anyway.
Mark and Sandi Wolf have been hosting the event on their farm each year to raise money for charity, most notably the Seacrest Wolf Preserve near Chipley, the Council on Aging and the Gulf Coast Community College Foundation. Sandi Wolf expects about 300 people to attend the event at their farm, with about 100 jumpers.
Mark Wolf said they had always been interested in doing charity work, including an earlier trail-riding event for cancer. A few years ago they started the Arctic Wolf Club and the creek jumps. With their last name, it seemed a good fit. The jumpers will go one at a time from a rope swing, howling like a wolf the whole way. Each jumper will get a certificate or button to show they participated. Awards will be given for the youngest and oldest jumper.
Besides the big jump, the event also features a chili cook-off, a howling contest for the kids and an educational presentation on wolves. Those people who wish to come out and participate are encouraged to visit the Web site arcticwolfclub.com and bring a side dish. There is a suggested donation of $10 per jumper and $20 for those who just want to come and experience the fun. Last year, the event raised about $3,000.
The event begins at noon New Year's Day with the jump taking place at 2 p.m. Jumpers in the past have ranged from 72 years old to 2 years.
If you want to participate in the chili cook-off you should bring your pots before noon.
All jumpers will have to sign a release form. In case you wonder the spring-fed creek should be 67 degrees with the ambient temperature forecast for 64. The Gulf is around 60 degrees if you are looking for a colder swim.
To get to the jump, turn east on State 388 from State 77 and go about 7.5 miles, cross the Econfina Creek Bridge. Take the first left after the bridge at Dogwood Lane. There should be balloons marking the road. Follow the signs.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Monday, December 29, 2008
Panama City Beach - Top Ten News Stories of 2008
In the annual Panama City News Herald Poll The good, the bad and the ugly stood out among readers and newsroom staff in 2008…Most of the stories are based on local events and do not deal with the Beach tourist trade so I will only list a couple of the stories.
Top 10 # 1 - County residents feel sting of faltering economy
Bay County's economy took a pounding in 2008, as high unemployment, a record number of foreclosure filings and a sluggish housing market took its toll on area residents and businesses.
The county's unemployment rate went from 4.9 percent in January to 7.4 percent in November, the highest level recorded since January 2002. Gulf Coast Workforce Board Executive Director Kim Bodine said the area's annual job growth rate measured a negative 3.4 percent in November, an overall loss of 2,600 jobs. Bodine said the county's unemployment rate could rise in early 2009, as the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation included more area job layoffs in its monthly totals. "I think next month will be up a half-percent at least," Bodine said Dec. 20, after AWI released its November unemployment numbers.
Area foreclosure filings were also on the rise in 2008. Irvine, Calif.-based foreclosure tracking company RealtyTrac had recorded 2,280 Bay County foreclosure filings through November. Filings in RealtyTrac's total included default notices, auction sale notices, and bank repossessions, with some properties with multiple mortgages receiving more than one notice. By comparison, the company recorded 960 Bay County foreclosure filings in its end-of-year 2007 market report, released in January. August was Bay County's highest month for foreclosure filings, according to RealtyTrac, with 328 filings. Like most other Florida metropolitan areas, Panama City recorded year-over-year decreases in existing home and condominium sales, as well as median sales prices, for most of 2008. The area did see a slight increase in November existing home sales. Bay County Association of Realtors President Jan Cox said in December she thought the area's housing market would start to stabilize in 2009 after a challenging 2008. The county's housing market must still work through a two-year existing inventory of residential homes and create a reason for prices to increase, Cox acknowledged. Cox said the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport could contribute to a housing market rebound that comes sooner than recoveries in other parts of Florida. "I see the Panhandle as having the absolute first shot at recovery and price appreciation," Cox said before Wednesday's meeting. [I am not in the market now but if you are looking for a Panama City Beach Condo there are some great prices on prime properties on the Beach.]
One 2008 economic bright spot was the end-of-year decline in gas prices. After spiking above $4 a gallon in the wake of Hurricane Ike's Texas landfall, gas prices dropped steadily over the rest of the year. By late December, Bay County gas prices had dropped as low as $1.63 a gallon at some area stations. The dip below $2 a gallon represented the first time area gas prices had fallen below that benchmark since February 2006.
Top Ten #3: Pier Park, new airport good news amid gloom
PANAMA CITY BEACH — The opening of Pier Park in Panama City Beach and continued progress on construction of the new airport near West Bay was some good economic news during this year's gloomy economy.
Dozens of restaurants and large retailers signed on to open stores at Panama City Beach's 93-acre Pier Park development, expected to reach 152 outlets when completed and 1.1 million square feet of retail space.
Construction of the Panama City-Bay County International airport picked up steam with the awarding of a bid for the new terminal and the decision to increase the length of the runway to 10,000 feet. In addition, a legal hurdle for the airport was cleared this year when a lawsuit was dismissed that sought to reverse a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the airport's construction. The lawsuit, filed by several environmental groups, claimed that building the $318 million airport would destroy valuable wetlands and that the Corps abused its discretion in issuing the permit. For now, officials say construction at the airport site is about four months ahead of schedule and the opening date is still planned for May 2010. [As a side note the Airport project has approximately 250 on site workers per day and offsite quarries, asphalt plants, truck drivers and other ancillary businesses employ another 350 people.]
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Top 10 # 1 - County residents feel sting of faltering economy
Bay County's economy took a pounding in 2008, as high unemployment, a record number of foreclosure filings and a sluggish housing market took its toll on area residents and businesses.
The county's unemployment rate went from 4.9 percent in January to 7.4 percent in November, the highest level recorded since January 2002. Gulf Coast Workforce Board Executive Director Kim Bodine said the area's annual job growth rate measured a negative 3.4 percent in November, an overall loss of 2,600 jobs. Bodine said the county's unemployment rate could rise in early 2009, as the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation included more area job layoffs in its monthly totals. "I think next month will be up a half-percent at least," Bodine said Dec. 20, after AWI released its November unemployment numbers.
Area foreclosure filings were also on the rise in 2008. Irvine, Calif.-based foreclosure tracking company RealtyTrac had recorded 2,280 Bay County foreclosure filings through November. Filings in RealtyTrac's total included default notices, auction sale notices, and bank repossessions, with some properties with multiple mortgages receiving more than one notice. By comparison, the company recorded 960 Bay County foreclosure filings in its end-of-year 2007 market report, released in January. August was Bay County's highest month for foreclosure filings, according to RealtyTrac, with 328 filings. Like most other Florida metropolitan areas, Panama City recorded year-over-year decreases in existing home and condominium sales, as well as median sales prices, for most of 2008. The area did see a slight increase in November existing home sales. Bay County Association of Realtors President Jan Cox said in December she thought the area's housing market would start to stabilize in 2009 after a challenging 2008. The county's housing market must still work through a two-year existing inventory of residential homes and create a reason for prices to increase, Cox acknowledged. Cox said the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport could contribute to a housing market rebound that comes sooner than recoveries in other parts of Florida. "I see the Panhandle as having the absolute first shot at recovery and price appreciation," Cox said before Wednesday's meeting. [I am not in the market now but if you are looking for a Panama City Beach Condo there are some great prices on prime properties on the Beach.]
One 2008 economic bright spot was the end-of-year decline in gas prices. After spiking above $4 a gallon in the wake of Hurricane Ike's Texas landfall, gas prices dropped steadily over the rest of the year. By late December, Bay County gas prices had dropped as low as $1.63 a gallon at some area stations. The dip below $2 a gallon represented the first time area gas prices had fallen below that benchmark since February 2006.
Top Ten #3: Pier Park, new airport good news amid gloom
PANAMA CITY BEACH — The opening of Pier Park in Panama City Beach and continued progress on construction of the new airport near West Bay was some good economic news during this year's gloomy economy.
Dozens of restaurants and large retailers signed on to open stores at Panama City Beach's 93-acre Pier Park development, expected to reach 152 outlets when completed and 1.1 million square feet of retail space.
Construction of the Panama City-Bay County International airport picked up steam with the awarding of a bid for the new terminal and the decision to increase the length of the runway to 10,000 feet. In addition, a legal hurdle for the airport was cleared this year when a lawsuit was dismissed that sought to reverse a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the airport's construction. The lawsuit, filed by several environmental groups, claimed that building the $318 million airport would destroy valuable wetlands and that the Corps abused its discretion in issuing the permit. For now, officials say construction at the airport site is about four months ahead of schedule and the opening date is still planned for May 2010. [As a side note the Airport project has approximately 250 on site workers per day and offsite quarries, asphalt plants, truck drivers and other ancillary businesses employ another 350 people.]
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Panama City Beach 30 Degree Blue
Panama City Beach – 30◦ Blue - First does anyone know where the symbol for degree is on the keybord:)
Some friends gave us a gift certificate to 30◦ Blue for Christmas. Next time we are at our Panama City Beach Condo we plan on going to 30◦ Blue. I have seen adds for 30◦ Blue in the paper. Has anyone been to 30◦ Blue? Do they have a food specialty? Any menu recommendations? What is the dress?
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Some friends gave us a gift certificate to 30◦ Blue for Christmas. Next time we are at our Panama City Beach Condo we plan on going to 30◦ Blue. I have seen adds for 30◦ Blue in the paper. Has anyone been to 30◦ Blue? Do they have a food specialty? Any menu recommendations? What is the dress?
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Panama City Beach – No plans for New Year’s Eve?
Our Panama City Beach Condo # 1105 is still available if you have a wild hair to head for Panama City Beach for New Year's.
Panama City Beach – No plans for New Year’s Eve? Head to Panama City Beach for the first New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park. Here are the details:
New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop Presented by Margaritaville
- Family time from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- There will be stilt walkers, balloon animals and face painters on hand
- Bounce houses located in the green grass beside the volleyball court
- 24ft blow-up screen to feature live NYE countdowns across the world
- Barry Fish band to perform live in the promo area
New Years Eve Countdown
- From 9 pm to 1 am
- Roads will be closed to traffic from Front Beach Road to the circle in front of the promo area
- Live radio remotes provided by ClearChannel Radio (3 stations will be featured, tentatively they are 92.5 WPAP, Sunny 98.5, and 99.3 The Beat). Remotes will be located on every corner block that is closed to traffic.
- News Channel 7 will be here to broadcast the countdown live
- Countdown to midnight MC'd by ClearChannel D.J.
- Beach Ball drop will be located in the green grass across from the promo area
- Beach ball is an illuminated 8ft ball to be dropped 12 stories (120 ft.)
- Fireworks to immediately follow the ball drop
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Panama City Beach – No plans for New Year’s Eve? Head to Panama City Beach for the first New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park. Here are the details:
New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop Presented by Margaritaville
- Family time from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- There will be stilt walkers, balloon animals and face painters on hand
- Bounce houses located in the green grass beside the volleyball court
- 24ft blow-up screen to feature live NYE countdowns across the world
- Barry Fish band to perform live in the promo area
New Years Eve Countdown
- From 9 pm to 1 am
- Roads will be closed to traffic from Front Beach Road to the circle in front of the promo area
- Live radio remotes provided by ClearChannel Radio (3 stations will be featured, tentatively they are 92.5 WPAP, Sunny 98.5, and 99.3 The Beat). Remotes will be located on every corner block that is closed to traffic.
- News Channel 7 will be here to broadcast the countdown live
- Countdown to midnight MC'd by ClearChannel D.J.
- Beach Ball drop will be located in the green grass across from the promo area
- Beach ball is an illuminated 8ft ball to be dropped 12 stories (120 ft.)
- Fireworks to immediately follow the ball drop
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Panama City Beach - Blue Angels to Visit in March
If you are going to be staying in our Panama City Beach Condo at the end of March you will have the opportunity to see the Blue Angels...
Panama City Beach - Tyndall Air Force Base got a visit from a slightly flashier flier, Friday.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels No. 7 dropped by to iron out some details before this spring's air show. The Navy F/A-18, painted blue and gold, arrived bearing Navy Lts. Amy Tomlinson, event coordinator, and Ben Walborn, narrator and advance pilot. Tomlinson said the performance team is practicing maneuvers in Pensacola and will eventually transfer to California to polish the routine. Tyndall's Gulf Coast Salute, held March 28-29, is the third of 36 scheduled appearances for the team in 2009.
"We come to the airfield just to work out the logistics and coordination with the air show committee in order to set up a successful and safe air show," she said. Tomlinson said the finishing touches are coming together on the year's routine, which must be blessed by the Federal Aviation Administration before it may be performed. "There may be some new maneuvers. There was one added last year called the ‘delta breakout' at the end of the show," she said.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Panama City Beach - Tyndall Air Force Base got a visit from a slightly flashier flier, Friday.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels No. 7 dropped by to iron out some details before this spring's air show. The Navy F/A-18, painted blue and gold, arrived bearing Navy Lts. Amy Tomlinson, event coordinator, and Ben Walborn, narrator and advance pilot. Tomlinson said the performance team is practicing maneuvers in Pensacola and will eventually transfer to California to polish the routine. Tyndall's Gulf Coast Salute, held March 28-29, is the third of 36 scheduled appearances for the team in 2009.
"We come to the airfield just to work out the logistics and coordination with the air show committee in order to set up a successful and safe air show," she said. Tomlinson said the finishing touches are coming together on the year's routine, which must be blessed by the Federal Aviation Administration before it may be performed. "There may be some new maneuvers. There was one added last year called the ‘delta breakout' at the end of the show," she said.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
Friday, December 19, 2008
Panama City Beach - Winter Guests Pick up your SunCard Today
Panama City Beach - If you plan tp be in Panama City Beach for the winter this looks like a good way to save some money
The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is hosting the annual Winter Resident SunCard program Friday December 19. The event is from 9-11 AM at the Visitor Information Center located at the corner of US 98 and State 79. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served. At this gathering, the CVB will issue official Winter Resident SunCards to new and repeat winter residents. The cards provide value added programs and discounts at participating restaurants, hotels and other attractions and events. For more information go to visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-233-5070.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is hosting the annual Winter Resident SunCard program Friday December 19. The event is from 9-11 AM at the Visitor Information Center located at the corner of US 98 and State 79. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served. At this gathering, the CVB will issue official Winter Resident SunCards to new and repeat winter residents. The cards provide value added programs and discounts at participating restaurants, hotels and other attractions and events. For more information go to visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-233-5070.
Best Panama City Beach Condos for Rent
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