Jerryeyler's Weblog

Panama City Beach - Pier Park Floorplan / Map

jerryeyler — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:53:04 +0000

A few days ago someone asked for a store map and listing of Pier Park stores. The following is the best that Ican find. Next time i am at me Panama City Beach Condo i will go to Pier Park and see if I can find a more complete floorplan. Hope this helps.

pier-park-floor-plan-62908

http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Panama City Beach to add Lifeguards

jerryeyler — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:24:54 +0000

Panama City Beach to add lifeguards at the following locations:

—The Pier Park beachfront.

— The M.B. Miller county pier, at the foot of Alf Coleman Road.

In addition the city will examine updating the existing Beach ordinance that requires lifeguard training for licensed beach vendors. The review will consider possible changes to reflect training and equipment requirements that are more effective than the existing rules. The city also will begin exploring open-surf lifeguard training for members of its Beach Patrol and other public safety officials who come into contact with beach-goers.

Pay attention to the surf conditions when you are visiting Panama City Beach. Be safe!

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Panama City Beach - Collector Postcards

jerryeyler — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:14:44 +0000

Watch The News Herald if you are visiting Panama City Beach. You may find a collector postcard with your paper. City’s centennial postcards will become a collection starting Monday.

A series of postcards signed by internationally renowned Panama City artist Paul Brent will be inserted in The News Herald over the next few months. The first, on Monday, will feature Bay High School. Other historical sites include First Baptist Church, the Bay County Courthouse, the Cove Hotel, the Dixie Sherman Hotel, City Hall and the Ritz Theatre (later renamed the Martin Theatre).

The high-quality cards are 5 by 7 inches and can be framed. Card insertions will be on third Mondays in August, October, December, February and April as the celebration continues past the centennial date of Feb. 23, 2009. The postcards will continue a collection by Brent that began in February this year with an exhibit at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida.

According to written research Brent did for his Bay High postcard, the school that rose on Harrison Avenue during the Roaring ’20s was a product of Panama City’s growth. It replaced four smaller ones, in Panama City, Millville, St. Andrews and Lynn Haven. Spanish Colonial Revival was a popular architectural style in Florida at the time, and Bay High’s architect adapted many Spanish elements for the red-brick building. Those include a red tile roof and the arch surrounds, or decorative borders, on the arches at the building’s far ends. But there were classical details as well, such as arched doorways and windows, classical columns, a central archway and baluster details on the building’s façade. Bay County High School opened Sept. 13, 1926, with 12 classrooms, an auditorium, school offices, an outside wooden court for basketball or tennis and a dirt field for football. Later additions to the original brick building in the 1950s and ’60s included an enclosed gym, a library, a cafeteria and several classroom wings. The original building was torn down in 1976 and replaced by the current building, designed by the architectural firm of Smith, Bozarth and Fuller, that now houses the school’s offices.

But many still remember the original brick building fondly as the revered symbol of Bay High.

If you or your business would like to sponsor one of the postcards call Rebecca Saunders at (850) 522-2130 or e-mail to info@panamacity200.com.

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Panama City Beach - Trolley to Pier Park

jerryeyler — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:04:06 +0000

If you are visiting Panama City Beach and staying on the east end of the beach near Wal-Mart you have a new weekend trolley service to Pier Park.

According to the News Herald…

The Pier Park Express is up and running.

Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst led a group of county government and business officials on board the inaugural trolley run from the Wal-Mart Supercenter to Pier Park on Friday morning as the summer trolley service quietly commenced operations at 10 a.m.

Oberst praised the effort to add weekend trolley service to the Beach, noting Front Beach Road traffic congestion has increased considerably as a result of new resorts and the opening of Pier Park.

“I hope this is the first of many projects” to add transit options to visitors, Oberst said, noting the planning under way to establish a commuter transit system connecting the Beach and the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport at West Bay.

Regions Bank President Rick Dye, who leads the nonprofit corporation that set up the summer trolley shuttle, described the effort as “a great example of where the public and private sectors work together and make things happen.”

Lynn Haven Mayor Walter Kelley, chairman of the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization, said the shuttle could serve as a prototype for greatly expanded mass transit service throughout the county.

Financed by a $125,00 Florida transportation grant and anticipated advertising revenues, the shuttle is designed to provide tourists, residents and Beach employees dedicated mass transit service each Friday through Sunday.

The east-west shuttle service uses two Baytown Trolley vehicles traversing the city in opposite directions from Wal-Mart to Pier Park. The system will operate 10 a.m. to midnight each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with scheduled stops every 30 minutes during its season, which runs from June 20 through Sept. 28.

The Express is in addition to normal Bay Town Trolley operations countywide on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Express fare is a flat rate of 50 cents per person, per ride.

“In marketing, one of the important words you can use is ‘free,’” Dye said. “Well, 50 cents for someone on vacation is almost free.”

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Panama City Beach - August & September Seaside Events

jerryeyler — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:39:14 +0000

If you are visiting Panama City Beach in August or September a side trip to Seaside (only about 10 miles from our condos) might be fun. Here is the Seaside line up…

Seaside, FL is hosting an array of entertainment choices during August and September 2008. Beginning Mondays August 4th and 11th at 7:30 p.m. “Sleeping Beauty” will be featured at the Seaside Amphitheater. Moses Goldberg, an American master of participation theater, has adapted this beloved Brothers Grimm tale of timeless love and virtues of patience. This production is a musical fantasy for ages 4 through 80. Pack a picnic and come to scenic Seaside for an evening of acoustic, folk, jazz, rhythm and blues music performed under the stars. Sticks N Stones will kick off the free Seaside Summer Concert Series August 5th from 8-10 p.m., followed by Jones and Company August 12. More concerts are scheduled for August 19 and 26.

Indulge your inner artist at the Seaside Art Walk. Stroll beautiful Ruskin Place and browse the many art galleries. Enjoy live music and refreshments. Meet local and regional artists and learn more about their work on display. The art walk is scheduled August 1 and September 5 from 5-8 p.m.

Kick off the weekend with good old-fashioned summertime fun and enjoy a movie out of doors on the silver screen in the center of Seaside’s Central Square. Free family movie nights at the Seaside Amphitheater are every Friday starting August 1 through 29 at 8 p.m. For more information please contact 850-231-5424.

Seaside’s Labor Day Weekend Celebration is a three-day event starting August 29 with family movie nights at 8 p.m., followed by music concerts August 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. The celebration is being held at the Seaside Amphitheater with free admission.

Ease in to the weekend this fall with a festive concert line-up featuring local and regional artists performing acoustic, folks, jazz and rhythms and blues music. The free concert series is scheduled for September 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 4 p.m. at the Seaside Amphitheater.

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Panama City Beach - White Sale

jerryeyler — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:44:22 +0000

Looking for good deals in Panama City Beach? We have openings in our condos starting again in August. Need June or July? The Bay County Tourist Development Council listened raptly last week as a marketing consultant analyzed the first returns on its ambitious “Summer White Sale” advertising campaign launched two months ago.

Three dozen Beach businesses submitted 57 discount offers and special deals for the sale. The TDC, in turn, has invested more than $495,000 in the campaign, which aims to attract potential vacationers through advertising of a new Web site, PCBWhiteSale.com, where they can find the discounts and special offers.

The Summer White Sale campaign also has generated significant coverage in the travel news media and even in major newspapers and network TV shows including a recent “Good Morning America” segment that cited Panama City Beach and the sale.

The sale campaign will continue with a second major e-mail “blast” Wednesday to a mailing list of 423,000 previously identified potential vacationers, Ray said. The TDC is planning for a fall tourism campaign similar to the ongoing effort.

Come visit us at The Beach!

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Panama City Beach - Pier Park Stores June 2008

jerryeyler — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:51:16 +0000

Pier Park is in Full Gear with over 80 stores open. Here is the current list for June 2008:

• Dillard’s (126,000 sq ft) NOW OPEN

• JCPenney (83,692 sq ft) NOW OPEN

• Target (137,000 sq ft) NOW OPEN

• AT&T

• Borders Books and Music NOW OPEN

• The Grand Movie Theatre NOW OPEN

• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville NOW OPEN

• The Fresh Market
• Old Navy NOW OPEN

• Long Horn Steakhouse NOW OPEN

• Olive Garden

• Panera Bread NOW OPEN

• ULTA Cosmetics NOW OPEN

• Aeropostale NOW OPEN

• American Eagle NOW OPEN

• Ann Taylor Loft NOW OPEN

• Alltel Wireless NOW OPEN

• A.M Cafe’ Accessories on the Boardwalk NOW OPEN

• As Seen on TV & More NOW OPEN

• Back Porch Seafood House NOW OPEN

• Baja Café

• Bath and Body Works NOW OPEN

• Beach Scene NOW OPEN

• BeBo’z NOW OPEN

• Blender A Fusion Clothing Store NOW OPEN

• Blue Door Boutique

• Bootleg BBQ NOW OPEN

• Buffalo Wild Wings NOW OPEN

• Cache NOW OPEN

• Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe NOW OPEN

• Candymaker Candy Stores NOW OPEN

• Carlyle & Co. NOW OPEN

• Carter’s Children Apparel

• Chico’s

• Claire’s NOW OPEN

• Coastal Living

• Coldwater Creek NOW OPEN

• Cost Cutters

• Del Sol NOW OPEN

• Emerald Coast Photography NOW OPEN

• The Eye Gallery

• Famous Footwear

• Fish Tales - Glass Art Gallery NOW OPEN

• Five Guy’s Famous Burgers and Fries NOW OPEN

• Footprints Coastal Décor

• GameStop NOW OPEN

• GNC NOW OPEN

• Great American Cookie Co./Pretzel Time

• Guglielmo’s Italian Grill NOW OPEN

• Guy Harvey’s Grill

• Hana Japan

• Hofbrau Beer Garden NOW OPEN

• Hollister NOW OPEN

• Irene and Co. Resort Wear and Boutique NOW OPEN

• Jake at the Beach Life is Good Genuine Neighborhood Store NOW OPEN

• Jos. A Bank NOW OPEN

• Journey’s

• Justice NOW OPEN

• Kay Jewelers NOW OPEN

• Kilwin’s Chocolate NOW OPEN

• Lane Bryant/Cacique NOW OPEN

• Lid’s

• Marble Slab Creamery NOW OPEN

• Massage Envy NOW OPEN

• Maurices

• Merle Norman Cosmetics NOW OPEN

• Mermaids Trading Company NOW OPEN

• Motherhood Maternity NOW OPEN

• Nails So Happy

• New York & Company NOW OPEN

• No Regrets Stationery and Gift Boutique NOW OPEN

• Pac Sun

• Paint N’ Place

• Paradise Found

• Payless Shoes NOW OPEN

• Peace Frogs Apparel NOW OPEN

• Perfumania NOW OPEN

• Popcorn Kingdom

• Quizno’s Sub NOW OPEN

• Rack Room Shoes NOW OPEN

• Red Brick Pizza NOW OPEN

• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

• Reggae J’s Island Grill

• Regions Bank

• Rocky’s Cheesesteaks

• Ron Jon Surf Shop NOW OPEN

• Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gifts

• Smoothie King NOW OPEN

• Solace Day Spa Salon and Aveda Concept Store NOW OPEN

• Southern Water Outfitters NOW OPEN

• Starbucks NOW OPEN

• Sunglass Hut NOW OPEN
• Sunglass World NOW OPEN

• SUNSIGHTS by Solstice NOW OPEN

• Tatoe Tots Children’s Clothing NOW OPEN

• Tilly’s NOW OPEN

• Things Remembered

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge NOW OPEN

• Trader Tom’s Shells and Gifts NOW OPEN

• Tran Fashions NOW OPEN

• Verizon NOW OPEN

• Victoria’s Secret NOW OPEN

• The Walking Co. NOW OPEN

• Yankee Candle NOW OPEN

• Zales Jewelers NOW OPEN

Let us know which store is your favorite and why!

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Panama City Beach - Condo Auction 6.26.08

jerryeyler — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:24:40 +0000

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Looking for a condo on the the Bay wilh a dock to park your boat? Here is an opportunity to consider. Marina Landing is not unlike many of the deluxe condominium projects that blossomed in Panama City Beach in the pre-Katrina construction boom.

The 87 units in the 16-story high-rise at the foot of the west end of the Hathaway Bridge were designed and built with quality in mind: tiled entryways and living rooms, granite kitchen countertops and stainless steel appliances, window walls with spectacular water views and spacious balconies. Buyers even have the option to lease a boat slip at a 41-slip marina on the property with access to West Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Unfortunately, Marina Landing units went on sale at the time the area condo market went into a deep freeze, and sales have been poor, developer Wes Burnham said this week. When first offered last summer, prices ranged from $534,500 for a two-bedroom unit up to $917,000 for a three-bedroom end unit. Penthouse units on the 15th and 16th floors ranged from $764,000 to $2.09 million.

Burnham said a number of prospective buyers backed out of their sales, and only several dozen units have gone to closing.

So, Burnham and colleagues Wally Nall and Bob Reich have decided to bring in a nationally prominent auction firm to sell the condos to the highest bidder. The auction will be held June 26 at Marina Landing with no minimum bid required. Burnham added that if the auction sparks a large enough response, he might expand the pool of condo units on the auction block from 25 to as many as 55.

“There are going to be some bargains,” said William Bone, president of National Auction Group. “There are no minimum bids and no reserve (prices). The auctioneer will say, ‘What is my bid,’ and the audience will decide.”

The upcoming sale marks the second major real estate auction in Panama City Beach in three months. In March, the estate of the late developer Charles Faircloth held a one-day auction for more than 150 Faircloth properties in Bay County, most on the Beach.

Given current economic conditions, real estate auctions have become popular among developers as a sales tool, Bone said.

“We have a long history of successful (auction) projects,” he said. Last month, the company successfully sold off a number of resort condos in Gulf Shores, Ala., for $13 million.

Needed to participate

The June 26 auction will be open to the public, but those wishing to participate must register in advance and bring secure deposits on the day of the event, Bone said.

For two-bedroom, two-bath condos, the buyer must provide 10 percent down with $25,000 per condo being in certified funds, personal or company check. For three-bedroom, three-bath condos, the requirement is 10 percent down with $35,000 per unit being in certified funds, personal or company check. Closing on all sales must occur in 30 days.

A pre-sale inspection will occur beginning Thursday, with properties available for viewing daily by appointment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Broker participation is welcome, subject to certain guidelines, he added. Those interested can call (800) 650-0882.

Bone said he expects a good turnout based on recent auctions his firm has conducted, but admitted a national advertising campaign for the Marina Landing sale has not yet sparked strong interest from international investors or even “people in Atlanta.”

“Most of our calls are coming from the Panama City area,” Bone said. “It’s not often you get to buy something good at your own price.”

Burnham said he and his partners are confident the auction will bring in buyers.

“Using the auction process to attract qualified purchasers to a property is gaining in popularity,” he said. “We’re excited and optimistic about the upcoming event.”

Condo auction at a glance

@ What: Auction of 25 Marina Landing waterfront condominiums by National Auction Group Inc.

@ Where: 6422 W. U.S. 98, Panama City Beach

@ When: 1 p.m. June 26. Registration begins at 10 a.m.

@ Details: Call (800) 473-2292 or visit the Web site at www.national-auction.com

Hope You have the high bid!

http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com

Panama City Beach - Opening Night Circus By The Sea

jerryeyler — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:52:57 +0000

Circus opening night show

Where: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

When: Thursday June 12, 2008. Ticket office opens 6 p.m.; show begins 7 p.m.

Cost: Discount tickets are $15 for all ages this one night and can be purchased online at www.circusbythesea.com or at the box office the night of the show. Free commemorative Circus by the Sea T-shirts will be included with all tickets purchased today.

Regular performances

When: Monday through Saturday beginning Friday and running through Aug. 2; special matinee performances will be held July 4-5. Ticket office opens 6 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m.

Cost: Regular admission is $24 for adults, $16 for children (ages 4-16) and free for children under 4 years old.

Circus day camp

What: A weekly day camp at Circus by the Sea for children ages 7-12; they will learn to perform various basic circus performance skills, including balancing acts, juggling and even flying high on the trapeze.

When: Runs Monday through Thursday each week beginning June 23 with last session beginning July 28.

Cost: $285 per week per child (includes daily snack). To download a registration form for Circus Camp, go to www.circusbythesea.com/registration.pdf.

Have Fun!!

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Panama City Beach - The Grand Lagoon Fishing Tournament

jerryeyler — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:57:47 +0000

The Grand Lagoon National America’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament will be held August 20-24, 2008. The Grand Lagoon National consists of eight competitive divisions which are Big Game, Offshore, Inshore, Flats, Party Boat, Charter Boat, Kayak and Dive. This is an open-door tournament that will allow both experienced professionals and family enthusiasts to compete to win over $1 million in cash prizes. The tournament appeals to all types of saltwater anglers. The Big Game division is sure to attract million dollar yachts and seasoned professional competitors hunting for the elusive giant Blue Marlin, Swordfish and Tuna. On the other end of the fishing spectrum, hundreds of kayak fishermen will paddle their way to glory. Marinas on the Grand Lagoon hold several fishing records, one being the State of Florida record for the largest Blue Marlin in 2001 that weighed in at 1,046 pounds.

The four day event includes plenty of activities onshore, including food and beverage booths from local restaurants such as Capt. Anderson’s, Boatyard, and The Treasure Ship, dock walks to view all the beautiful yachts, parades, firework displays and national recording artists Daryle Singletary and Billy Currington on Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23.

Bill Spann, who founded and served as Chairman for twenty-three years on the Bay Point Annual Billfish Invitational, will serve as tournament Chair for the Grand Lagoon National America’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Spann said he believes the event will be successful enough in the first year to make a good contribution to local charities and to establish a tournament that will be here for years to come. For registration and event information visit the Web site www.grandlagoonnational.com. Sponsored by: Boatyard, Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market, Half Hitch Tackle, Lady Anderson, Treasure Island Marina, Capt. Anderson Marina, The Treasure Ship, Lighthouse Marina, Pirate’s Cove Marina, Coastal Community Bank, Edgewater Beach Resort, Majestic Beach Towers, En Soleil, Long Beach Resorts, Emerald Beach Resort and Spa, Marina Landing, FOX News 94.5 WFLA, 92.5 WPAP, SUNNY 98.5, Buffalo Rock Beverages & Food Services, Jack Daniel’s, SEE Panama City and Beaches, Costa Del Mar, Shimano, Grease Pro, Panama Jack, Bay Lincoln Mercury Dodge Hyundai, Bacardi, Coors Light, Heineken, Diver’s Den, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison and Panama City LIVING Magazine.

Hope you catch the big one!

http://www.bestpanamacitybeachcondo.com