Panama City Beach – Florida Ironman Winners 2009

PANAMA CITY BEACH — If you were on the beach yesterday at a Panama City Beach Condo  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  and didn’t watch the Florida Ironman here is what happened.

Florida Ironman results from the News Herald…Kirill Kotshegarov came to America for the first time this week, and all he got was an Ironman Florida championship.

The 23-year-old Estonian set the tone for a day full of firsts with a win in his Ironman debut Saturday. Not far behind Kotshegarov was Maxim Kriat, a Ukrainian triathlete who also was competing in his first Ironman.

While the men were welcoming rookies to its fraternity, the women watched as Sofie Goos, a relative unknown from Belgium unseated the favorite, five-time winner Bella Bayliss, who fell behind in the swim and ended up a victim of Ironman’s five-win jinx. No triathlete has won a race more than five times, excluding the World Championship.

But as Bayliss limped off, Goos was celebrating her first Ironman win with her father, brother and boyfriend in just her fourth year as a triathlete.

“I’m getting stronger every year, every month actually,” said Goos, 29, who won in 9 hours, 8 minutes, 38 seconds, 3 minutes off the course record. “The second loop when I had to go back (was the hardest). I saw Bella getting angry. It’s amazing (to beat her). I was not really busy with that. I just wanted to get the slot for Hawaii.”

Nothing was new about Tamara Kozulina’s day, however. She finished second here for the second consecutive year in 9 hours, 12 minutes, 47 seconds, about 2 minutes better than her time in 2008.

Kozulina came from behind to catch Bayliss at mile 23 of the run and then pulled ahead to better the local favorite, who finished in 9:13:52.

“I felt strong all the time,” said Kozulina, a Ukrainian native who now lives in Clermont. “I kept my pace. My mistake is to always push hard at the beginning. When I first started doing Ironmans I always went hard at the beginning.”

Kotshegarov’s training schedule kept him busy before he made the trip to Clermont three weeks ago. On top of going to school and studying environmental technology, Kotshegarov spends about 30 hours per week training.

Working with his teammates, Kotshegarov set his goal at breaking 9 hours. Winning his first Ironman wasn’t anywhere near his focus, and when he fell ill earlier this week, it was almost out of the question. But Kotshegarov caught leader Luke McKenzie on the bike and trailed him until Mile 7 of the run.

“I decided to go hard on bike and see how I could hold out on run,” Kotshegarov said.

It worked, and he won in 8:24:29.

Third-place Massimo Cigana understood how training could affect his performance. He’s competed in half-Ironman distance races before, and said he could win with his body, not his head. But in full-distance Ironmans, he needed his head as he completed the 140.6-miles in 8:28:04.

Kriat’s second place finish was a product of patience, on Saturday and all his life. He started training for Ironmans at age 15 with his eyes on competing at 18. But his father told him if he raced at 18, he wouldn’t be able to race again, and that he had to wait until he turned 25.

So shortly after reaching his father’s age of Ironman consent, Kriat finished second in his first Ironman in 8:26:51.

“This is the best day of my life,” Kriat said. “This Ironman is my childhood dream.”

Congratulations to all who participated!!

Panama City Beach – Nightlife: November 5-11, 2009

If you are visiting a Panama City Beach Condo http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  here are some things going on around town…

BETSY ANN RIVER BOAT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd. 233-7487
Located at the SUN HARBOR MARINA
Friday: Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise “Murder at Deadwood Saloon”, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday: Comedy Zone Dinner Cruise w/”Just June”, 6-8 p.m.
Comedy Zone Dockside w/”Julie Scoggins”, 9-10 p.m. (18 & Over)
Sunday: “Blues, Booze and Bustiers”, 3-5 p.m.
Live blues music only $10pp
Ladies wear your favorite bustier for free drinks and prizes!
www.betsyannriverboat.net

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

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

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT
5505 Sun Harbor Rd., 257-5556
Hours of Operation:
CLOSED MONDAY
Tues, Wed, Thurs: Opens at 4 p.m.
Fri, Sat, Sun: Opens 11 a.m.- till
Lunch Buffet, Tu.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
COME BY BOAT
Book your Christmas parties now!!
Watch the games at the Tiki Bar, game specials
Happy Hour: 2 for1, 4-8 p.m. daily
Saturday: Game Specials
Wednesday: Ladies Night w/Sean Mettler, 4-8 p.m.
Drink Specials

THE BOATYARD
5323 N. Lagoon Drive.
850-249-9273 – www.boatyardclub.com
Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m. til….
Real Good Food. Cool Music. Birdseye View of Grand Lagoon. The Boatyard is located on the docks of Grand Lagoon behind Capt. Anderson’s restaurant… Dress is casual, prices are reasonable.
Reservations are not necessary and plenty of boat slips are available if you are coming by boat.
**Stop by to pick up your Lunch & Martini Club Cards.**
SUSHI BAR – Thurs. thru Sun., 4 p.m.-close
LOBZILLA – The Return of Lobzilla at Boatyard. The Local’s favorite Maine monster deal is back at Boatyard! There’s one good thing about the recession… the price of Maine lobster has never been lower, and crazy Konrad Jochum is making the most of every delicious morsel! Live Maine Lobster flown in every week and served up in a savory assortment of Konrad’s own original recipes…
SANGRIA & TAPAS SUNDAY -Spend your Sunday afternoons enjoying our beautiful, historic Grand Lagoon while lazing over a chilled glass (or two) of sangria and a selection of yummy tapas created by the Chef Konrad himself !
Now taking Reservations for Holiday Parties
UPCOMING EVENTS:
LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY – Nov. 19
THANKSGIVING DINNER – Nov. 26
NEW YEARS EVE DINNER & DANCE – Dec. 31.
Call NOW to make your reservations.

BREAKERS
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Breakers Winter Schedule-Open Thursday-Monday.
Main dining room opens at 5 p.m.
The Breakers is available for Holiday Parties, 50-250.
The Breakers will close to be private for a large Christmas Party.
Call 234-6060-www.breakerspcbeach.com

BUCCANEER LOUNGE
711 W. Beach Drive, PC, FL 763-4622
Come and enjoy one of the only non-smoking karaoke bars in town!
Don’t forget to come early to enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking beautiful St. Andrew Bay!
Thursday: Karaoke with Uncle Mark, 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: Live music with Hangar Sixx
Monday: Monday Night Football – 2 for 1 drinks
Tuesday: Dance Night, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Karaoke with Lounge Lizard, 7:30 p.m.

CALYPSO BEACH CAFÉ & SPORTS GRILLE
15812 Front Beach Road, 850-234-6788.
Mon. – Fri, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $5.99 Lunch specials
4–6 p.m. $10.99 Early Bird Specials
Daily Happy Hour specials
Try a 22 degree chilled Bud or Bud Light – Tasty!
Thursday – College Football – Happy Hour ALL Day
Saturday – College gridiron action is on at Calypso, SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big 10, Pac 10, Big East. You want the game – we’ve got it on over 90 TV’s!
Sunday – Food, Fun, Flavor and the NFL. Drink specials ALL day long.
Try the “Tampa 2” Tacos with a “4th Down” Daiquiris!!
Monday – Monday Night Football
2 for 1 wells-2 for 1 draafts
Tuesday – Live Trivia with Chris Berry starting at 7 p.m.
Wednesday: Dancing with Mary at 5:30 p.m.
Come and get a lesson and have dinner.
Order your Cajun Fried Turkeys for Thanksgiving NOW!
“Get updates and become a Fan on Facebook.”
“Follow us on Twitter!:
Check schedules for all sports on our website: www.calypsobeachcafe.com

CLUB LA VELA
8813 Thomas Drive. 235-1061
New Drink Special! Every Night $2 off drinks after 2 a.m.
Sunday-Thursday: CLOSED
FRIDAY: Ladies Night
-Free Cover for Local Ladies (18+), 9-12
-$5 cover for all NON Local ladies, 9-12
-Free drinks for ALL Ladies (21+) 9-11
-Live rock w/Letters in Red
Saturday: 2nd Chance Halloween
-$500 CASH 1st PRIZE
-Ladies 18+ & Men 21+ FREE w/Costume till 12
-Low Cover Special
-Live rock w/Letters in Red
Upcoming Events:
Nov. 21st: Food Drive to benefit the Rescue Mission
For more information, check out our website at www.clublavela.com or call 234-Funn(3866) or 235-1061.

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

GRACIE RAE
1201 Beck Ave., St. Andrews
850-785-8761
At the West end of The Shrimp Boat Restaurant
Come by Car or by Boat
Open 11 a.m. Tues. – Sun. for lunch and dinner
Panama City’s Newest Waterfront Hangout
Daily Drink Special
Thurs-Sun: Live Entertainment
We now have College and NFL Sunday Ticket for all the games

THE GRAND
11800 Front Beach Rd., 249-1447
Grand Panama Resort Tower II
MEET ME AT THE GRAND
Open every day at 5 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: Acoustix, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Steve Wiggins, 7 p.m.
Tuesday: Acoustix, 7 p.m.
Jammin’ Wednesday: Steve Wiggins, 7 p.m. until
2-for-1 Jam Night Drink Special:
Beer, Wine and Well drinks, 7-9 p.m.

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.
New Fall schedule, call for store hours
Inside and deck seating available.
Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. with $1.50 draft & 2 for1 drinks
Dinner Specials starting @ $9.95
Friday & Saturday: The Manatees, 6-10 p.m.

HARPOON HARRY’S
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
& TIKI BAR
12627 Front Beach Rd., 850-234-6060
Waterfront Café
Inside Dining and On the Deck Outside dining. Open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday only.
Full service, ala carte menu, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and prime rib.
FOOTBALL – SATURDAY ALL COLLEGE GAMES, SUNDAY TICKET – 10 HD TV’S.
Inside and outside viewing. All the: MUST SEE GAMES!
Breakers/Harpoon Harry’s – 234-6060 – www.harpoonharryspcbeach.com

LADY ANDERSON
5550 North Lagoon Drive
November 11th, Veteran’s Day Freedom Celebration & Free Cruise for all Veteran’s.
Current Military & their families
Limited Spaces
Reserve Now! 234-5940
or www.ladyanderson.com

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

MS. NEWBY’S
8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030
The patio is now open 7 days a week
Friday & Saturday: SAMMY & THE SLAMRZ, 9 p.m.
Sunday: TIM SMITH, 3 p.m.
Monday: Monday Night Football
Tues.-Thurs.: KARAOKE

NEWBY’S TOO
4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203
Open everyday 7 a.m. until
Thurs.-Sat.: Rock Star Karaoke w/Anita, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Bucket Specials
Sunday & Monday: Football
Wednesday: “BOOTS & BOTTLES”-main bar w/Sean Mettler
Wear your cowboy hat/boots and receive discounts on drinks
Also, 3 metal bands, “Black Cobra, Blacktusk and The Dreamers Disease”, 9 p.m. at the Karaoke Bar. $5 Cover.
Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, and Darts
Smokers Welcome

PATCHES PUB
4723 Thomas Drive, 233-8879
Happy Hour Daily, 3-6 p.m.
Domestic Bottles & Cans $2.25
DAILY: Tom’s Bar-B-Que 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Jello shooters, $1; FREE WIFI
Thursday: Military appreciation night w/drink specials
Friday: Karaoke w/Emily, 8 p.m.
Sunday: NASCAR
Wear your Patches T-Shirt and get a free drink
Monday: $1 draft special, 6 p.m.-till
Tuesday: Blind Draw Darts, 7 p.m. $5 domestic pitchers (for players)
Wednesday: Ladies Night w/drink specials

PIER BAR
9875 S. THOMAS DR., P.C.B.
850-235-0928
Saturday, Nov. 7th: Game Plan
Sunday, Nov. 8th: Sunday Ticket
Monday, Nov. 9th: Monday Night Football
SCHEDULE: pineapplewillys.com
Myspace.com/willyspierbar

THE PLACE
429 Harrison Ave. , 785-3010
Friday: Curt McCarthy & his 4th Street Band, 8 p.m.
Last Fridayfest of the year on Harrison Ave.

ROCK’ IT LANES
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
On the Beach – Shoppes @ Edgewater 850-249-2695
Bowling, Pool Tables, Arcade, Roller Skating, Sports Bar and Grille that has been voted “Best Place to Take Your Kids” by PC Living Magazine in 2008 & 2009.
Ballistic Bowling –Nightly at 10 p.m.
Check out our new laser light show!
Birthday Parties are our Specialty! Military and Senior discounts.
MONDAY-FRIDAY: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
10 A.M-2 P.M. $3 Bowling, $1.50 Shoes
Happy Hour: (Sports Bar), 4:30-6:30 p.m.
2-4-1 Well drinks & $2 Drafts.
Thursday: Hospitality Night, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Team Bowling Tournament, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
$2 per bowling game; $1.50 Shoe Rental
Local Bar, Restaurant or Hotel pay stub required
Friday: TODDLER SKATE, 10 A.M.-NOON!
LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-MIDNIGHT
Saturday: ESPN GAME PLAN-$2 Drafts, $.50 Wings
LIVE DJ, 8 p.m.-MIDNIGHT
Sunday: Skate Rink – Family Day – Parents Skate $2
NFL SUNDAY TICKET- $10 Buckets, $2 Drafts, $.50 Wings
Monday: MONDAY MANIA, 9 p.m.-close
$2 bowling, $2 shoes, $2 skating, $2 longnecks, $2 tequila shots.
Tuesday: Karaoke Gong Show, 60,000 song library
8 p.m.-12 p.m. (prizes and drink specials)
Hours of Operation:
10 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Saturday
Noon – 2 a.m. Sunday
www.rockitlanes.com

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

SALTY SUES
17501 Panama City Beach Pky.
Panama City Beach, 234-8485
Open Tu.-Sun., 11 p.m.
Closed Monday
Saturday: ESPN Game Plan
Sunday: NFL Sunday Ticket
Everyday Specials: $1.50 16-oz. Bud & Miller Lite drafts
Game Day Specials: $.50 smoked wings

SCHOONERS
5121 Gulf Drive 850-235-3555
www.schooners.com
Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m. till……
Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome. As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on earth.
“SHRIMP, SHRIMP, SHRIMP”-Outstanding Shrimp Specials for Lunch & Dinner All Month Long!
$3.95 Homemade Soup Specials Daily
LIVE MUSIC:
TOPPER- Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.
Now taking reservations for Holiday Parties
Upcoming Event:
New Years Eve Dinner & Dance hosted by Troy Syfrett & The Nashville Mafia-Call Now to make your dinner reservations.

SHARKY’S RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB
15201 Front Beach Road 235-2420
One of the last places on Panama City Beach where you can dine right on the beach, watch the sunset at the Tiki Bar and enjoy a cocktail.
Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.
Open daily at 11 a.m.
Lunch Specials, M-F, 11-3, $5.99
Early Bird Specials, M-F, 4-6
Friday & Saturday: Clay Musgrave, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday: College Game Plan
Sunday: NFL Sunday Ticket

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

SPINNAKER
SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB/PARADISE GRILL/CANTINA
Open 7 days a week – 11 a.m.
8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / www.spinnakerbeachclub.com
SPINNAKER & PARADISE GRILL WILL BE OPEN NORMAL OPERATION HOURS DURING IRONMAN.
PARADISE GRILL-BBQ, Burgers, Seafood & Steak/CANTINA-Taco & Margarita Bar
* $4.95 BLUE PLATE LUNCH SPECIALS Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
* Taco Tuesday – 2 for 1 Tacos and 2 for 1 Margaritas – Lunch & Dinner.
* Throwdown Thursday – All you can Eat BBQ & $2 Beer Special – Lunch & Dinner
SPINNAKER- Fri.-Sun. Dance party & Live Music.
* Live Music – John Taglieri Band, Friday thru Sunday
* Free Entry for Everyone till 10 p.m.
* Friday – Ladies Night Party – Ladies 21+ get in FREE till 12.
* Saturday – Sex & the City Party – Ladies 21+ get in FREE till 12.
* Sunday – Bar Wars & Members Night – Free Entry til 10 p.m.
VIP/Super & SIN Cardholders get $2 Premium Drinks 11 p.m.-4 a.m.
NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES!
* UPCOMING EVENTS:
Clean Water/Good Vibes Music & Art Festival Nov. 15th
New Years Eve Black & White Ball Dec. 31st.
Call now to reserve your table!

Panama City Beach – Fishing at the Pier @ Pier Park Hours and Rates

Panama City Beach – If you are visiting our Panama City Beach Condo  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  and want to do some pier fishing The Russell-Fields Pier, also known as the City Pier, opened to the public July 4th 2009 and is located on Front Beach Road across the street from Pier Park. Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see the table below for rates. For more information call Panama City Beach City Hall at (850) 233-5080.

Spectators Daily                     $2

Fishing Daily (2 rods plus 1 bait rod included.  Additional rods $5-limit 5 rods and 1 bait rod)

Regular 6 yrs +                                $6

Child 6 yrs or younger                    Free

Disabled                                            $3

Military                                             $3

Senior 65yrs+                                  $3

Seasonal and Annual Passes

20 visits                                            $60

Six Months                                       $60

Annual                                               $180

Disabled, Military and Seniors 50% off

 Good Luck!  We hope that you catch the limit!

Panama City Beach – Taste of the Beach and Ironman Triathlon this Weekend November 6-7, 2009

If you are in Panama City Beach head to the Boardwalk Beach Resort and watch the Triathlon on Saturday.

The 2^nd annual Taste of the Beach is also going on in Pier Park…

Savor the flavors, sights and sounds of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast! The Taste of the Beach hits Panama City Beach on Friday, November 6^thin Pier Park. Enjoy the best of what Bay County has to offer. Guests will sip exceptional wines and sample savory cuisine prepared by local restaurants while strolling outdoors alongside the many shops at Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s premier shopping and entertainment destination! 

Wines to be Poured

Gaja | Mount Veeder | Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay | Argyle

Get your tickets! General Admission $50. Visit  http://www.tasteofthebeachfla.com.

Promo code for the Taste of Bay tickets. The code is “pierpark06” and should be entered online in the checkout process for a $15.00 discount on each ticket for the event. 

 http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Panama City Beach – Offshore-drilling Debate Reveals Upcoming Battle Lines

Panama City Beach – Envision oil derricks cluttering Florida’s sunset views at our Panama City Beach Condo  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  . Oil spills threatening marine life, turning beach sand black and scaring away tourists.

Or picture a very different scenario: High-tech oil and gas operations that set a new safety standard. Thousands of good-paying jobs flooding Florida. Billions in state revenues.

Those competing scenarios emerged during a two-hour televised debate between offshore-oil-drilling supporters and foes in Florida, sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat and Florida State University. The forum featured dueling three-member panels — for and against drilling — as well as two legislative leaders.

The debate hints at a grueling political battle on the horizon in Tallahassee: Whether to repeal the 1990 ban on oil drilling in Florida waters, which extend 10.3 miles from the coastline in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Drilling in the oil- and natural gas-rich Gulf could become the top issue during Gov. Charlie Crist’s final year in office and the Legislature’s spring session, which begins in March.

Hank Fishkind, an Orlando economist in favor of drilling, said opening Florida waters to exploration promises to create 20,000 jobs and bring in more than $2 billion in revenue. At the same time, he said, the risk of an oil spill is slight.

Another drilling supporter, Southern Strategy Group adviser David Rancourt, compared drilling to putting a man on the moon. Using modern technology, Florida could drill and maintain a strong tourism industry, he said, adding: “Oil and gas exploration and beautiful beaches are not mutually exclusive.”

But drilling foes say if Florida lifts its drilling ban, the state would risk its economy and environment based on an unproven promise of jobs and money. And drilling off Florida’s coast won’t drive down gas prices or do much toward making American energy independent, they said.

“Near-shore oil drilling will put at risk our environment, our economy, and will change Florida as we know it forever,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Kenneth Welch, a drilling opponent. “Florida’s coastal environment is not for sale. Why would we risk a world-class tourism economy?”

In Tallahassee this spring, an effort to repeal the Florida oil-drilling ban passed the House, but stalled in the Senate. At Wednesday’s forum were Rep. Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, and Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic. Both lawmakers support oil drilling — at one point Wednesday, Haridopolos decried the “scare tactics” of drilling opponents — but said they want to gather facts and lead a thorough review before voting.

The debate moderator, Gannett Capitol Bureau Chief Paul Flemming, pressed the pro-drilling panelists over the shadowy finances of the group lobbying for the drill-now effort. Rancourt would only say that the group includes a “God-fearing” collection of American oil and gas explorers. “Some of them wish to remain anonymous for the time being,” he said, citing competitive concerns.

That didn’t cut it for Florida Audubon’s Eric Draper, who noted the public owns the waters petroleum interests want to explore. “We don’t get at the truth when we’re hiding behind the claim of anonymity,” Draper said.

Panama City Beach – Visit the Purple Grape for a Wine Experience

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Purple Grape is the place to relax and visit with people you know and love.

Staying at our Panama City Beach Condo at Celadon Beach Resort  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  consider making the short drive to the Purple Grape.

 
“It’s a wonderful place,” said longtime customer Cindy Holt. “There’s not another place like this.”  Holt brought a friend to see the wine bar Friday, the day the Purple Grape offers free wine tasting.
While other clubs and bars cater to party-goers and the Spring Break crowd, The Purple Grape draws an eclectic mix of wine lovers of all ages looking to watch sports, smoke a cigar outside or play board games. The bar features purple walls and vanilla-colored seats. The Zebra wood flooring gives the feel of a high-end bar in a cosmopolitan city. The vibe is a mix of classy and down-to-earth community bar.
“We were just admiring the whole feel,” Holt said. “You go to a big city and you might see a place like this.”
Owners Yvette Pavone-Seldenright and her husband, Tom, are wine lovers who decided to start up a business about a year ago. They own about 600 wines.
The Purple Grape has cheese boards that start at $7 for one person, sweet boards that start at $2 and will deliver wine baskets. A customer can call, give a price and ask Pavone-Seldenright to pare up wine and cheese.
The wine bar looks to offer affordability, too. The bar has 40 different wines at $6 to $8 a glass. Wine to go starts at $9 and goes to $150. Customers can choose from about 200 wines by the bottle and 66 by the glass, Pavone-Seldenright said. The Purple Grape offers live music Wednesdays and Thursdays and features a wine every week.
Pavone-Seldenright’s family has been in the bar business for about 150 years. She remembers attending the 100th anniversary of a bar her grandfather owned when she was 8 years old. She said she wanted a bar because she loves the people and the community, but starting up a wine bar during a recession has been tough.

Pavone-Seldenright and Tom Seldenright both work full-time jobs to support the bar. Sales slumped after last year’s holiday season. The couple said they hope traffic will improve this year, so The Purple Grape can continue to be a community fixture.

“(The Purple Grape) really meets a need that was in this community,” Pavone-Seldenright said. “Everybody that comes in goes crazy about this place.”

Panama City Beach – TDC OKs new sand borrow areas

PANAMA CITY BEACH — From the News Herald – Sometimes, you can walk barefoot along the Panama City Beach shoreline and actually hear the sand squeaking beneath your feet.

The Bay County Tourist Development Council is taking steps to make sure the area has that kind of sand standing by, ready to replenish the beach in case of major storm erosion.

About a fifth of the current bed tax on short-term rentals, or roughly $2.2 million per year, is dedicated to beach renourishment, and scientists and engineers are constantly on the lookout for offshore sand with the right consistency and color.

The TDC recently voted to move ahead with the Department of Environmental Protection permitting process for two offshore areas to dredge new white sand that, if needed, could supply the area for 10 years or more, depending on the severity of future storms.

Lisa Armbruster of Sustainable Beaches, and her team of Melany Larenas and Steve Keehn, both of Coastal Planning & Engineering, recently showed TDC members examples of sand taken from offshore core samples.

It wasn’t the whitest of the white by geological standards, but sparkling in its container it was just one step below. “These are very thick, very clean deposits,” Larenas told members. “It’s just all good.”

The last major renourishment project at our Panama City Beach Condo http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com  took place in 2005-06 for $23.5 million. That project dredged up and imported from offshore more than 3 million cubic yards of the white quartz sand that has become a trademark of Panama City Beach.

A 1998-99 beach renourishment project placed about 9 million cubic yards of sand on the beach.

Finding the proper “borrow area” for the sand is a daunting process that can be as much art as science, Larenas said.

“It has to be a significant pile that is near enough but not too far out,” Larenas said. “You are looking for sand that has the right color and is the right size.”

There are no plans to begin dredging from the borrow areas or transporting the sand to the area’s beach, Armbruster said Friday. But the TDC needed to give its go-ahead before the permitting process could begin.

In a worst-case scenario of a storm that would cause major beach erosion, it’s good to have the permits already in your hip pocket, ready to go to work, Armbruster said Friday.

Panama City Beach – Gator gets loose near Pier Park after show and tell in PCB

PANAMA CITY BEACH — From the news Herald…A Florida Fish and Wildlife officer’s attempt to use a 5-foot live alligator during show and tell Friday at Breakfast Point Academy ended with the critter on the loose in the woods near Pier Park.

Don’t worry, our Panama City Beach Condos are not in danger  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com 

The officer, Dave Brady, captured the animal in the wild and then brought the gator — with tape around its mouth — to his daughter’s class, FWC spokesman Stan Kirkland said Friday.

“I heard it was good,” Kirkland said. “They were impressed.”

Officers routinely bring alligators and other animals to classrooms for show and tell, Kirkland added. However, after the show the officer placed the gator in the back of his truck and left in an attempt to return the animal to the wild. But the creature apparently got anxious and decided to return to the wild early, Kirkland said.

The gator jumped out of the truck and headed into the woods near Pier Park.

“Most people don’t think they can jump, but they have an amazing ability to jump,” Kirkland said. “They can not only jump, they can run.”

Another driver saw the escape and notified Brady, he added.

FWC officials, Panama City Beach officers and Bay County Sheriff’s deputies then spent much of Friday afternoon looking for the reptile. They believed they’ve tracked it to a pond but were not able to snag it Friday, Kirkland said. Officers are interested only in the gator with tape on its mouth, not other alligators that could be in the same area. 

The critter could be in trouble if its mouth remains taped shut, but it is possible the gator already removed the tape. If that is the case, officers could have a difficult time determining which gator is the right one, Kirkland said.

“It’s green, it’s 5 feet long and it was last seen on the lam,” Kirkland said.

Officers do lose animals from time to time, Kirkland added.

“It’s probably happened. It’s not something we hear about,” he said. “This just happened to be viewed by half of Panama City Beach. We appreciate all those calls to the media.”

Panama City Beach – Halloween at the Beach 2009

Panama City Beach – Are you going to be at PCB this weekend at our Panama City Beach Condo www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com ?  Looking for bone chilling Halloween activities? Then Panama City Beach is just the place for you! From haunted trails, scarecrow festivals, scary carnivals and nightlife for the big kids, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone. Here is to a very Witching Halloween!

Shuckums Oyster Pub & Party Shack ~ October 30
Fright night Halloween party at Shuckums Party Shack! There will be costume contests and prize giveaways which include a trip for two to a local lakeside cabin. Live music by Use Destruction!  The Party Shack opens at 5pm, party starting at 7. Proceeds donated to the Susan G. Koman fund. Don’t miss a Shuckum good time! Visit shuckums

Family Halloween Costume Party ~ October 30
Everyone skates for free if in a costume at Rock it Lanes! Starts at 7pm. Visit RockitLanes

Halloween All Night Skate Party ~ October 30
The fun starts at 6:30pm and goes until 6:30am! All ages invited. $20 per person. Visit The Skate Factory.

Halloween Dance ~ October 30
The Panama City Beach Senior Center will be holding a Halloween dance. Light refreshments are provided. Contact Lily (850) 233-5065 or Judith (850) 236-3038 for more information.

Toys for Kids Halloween Bash ~ October 31
Spinnaker Beach Club will host the annual Toys for Kids Foundation Halloween Bash – The theme for this spook-tacular event is “Rise of Isabella.” This annual event benefits the Toys for Kids Foundation’s goal of helping children in Bay County that may not be able to have a pleasant holiday season, and is one of several events held throughout the year that benefits the organization. Visit Spinnaker Beach Club.

ZooBoo ~ October 31
Dress your kids up in their spookiest costume and head over to ZooWorld for some fun entertainment! ZooBoo is offering trick-or-treating from 4:30pm to 8pm with the last admittance to the park at 7:30pm. Costume contests for kids through age 15! Visit ZooWorld

Malloween ~ October 31
Trick or Treating through Pier Park! Also offering a hay bale maze and costume contests for the kids. 6 pm to 8 pm.

Halloween at Schooners ~ October 30 & 31
Schooners, the last local beach club, has become something of a Halloween tradition. Everybody turns up to see the scary decorations that get crazier every year, bats, monsters, ghosts, witches, lights, fog, coffins, tombstones, and that’s just on the outside! Friday, Halloween Eve there will be the Great Jack O Lantern Carving Contest! Kids and grownups alike are invited to bring their most creative carved pumpkins from home between 6-8pm for a chance to win great prizes! On Halloween is the annual Schooners Halloween Bash! Visit Schooners

We hope to be at Schooners.  See you there!

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

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

As you read further keep in mind that our Panama City Beach Condo  http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com is only about 10 miles from the new airport

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

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

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

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

A number of regional organizations are assisting in launching the service. Coastal Vision 3000, the Northwest Florida business group that created the regional destination brand, “The Beach,” is participating in the initiative. The Bay County Tourism Development Council and The South Walton Tourism Development Council have pledged marketing resources. The Panama City – Bay County International Airport and Industrial District has worked hard to enable new air service.

The Company will release additional details regarding its future Panama City service in the coming months. The airline’s entry into Florida’s panhandle will be made possible in part by the airline optimizing its current flight schedule and repositioning aircraft.

YEA!!!