Black Friday at Pier Park, and cool Rejuvenation Stations

Pier Park Kick-Starts the Official Holiday Shopping Season with EARLY Opening Times, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rejuvenation Stations and more!

Black Friday activities include:

Retailer Offers: Promotional offers from a wide range of retailers will be promoted online at simon.com and at Simon Guest Services locations. The goal is to make consumers aware of the wide range of deals on which they can capitalize this holiday season.
Rejuvenation Stations: Guests at Pier Park can take a break from the action to enjoy a three minute mini-massage provided by Solace Day Spa or Massage Envy, chat with friends, enjoy refreshment or just relax for a few minutes at the Holiday Rejuvenation Stations. The Rejuvenation Stations are located just outside of Solace Day Spa in Town Center and Massage Envy on the Boardwalk. The stations will be available for enjoyment November 28 through December 24.
Special Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Shoppers won’t want to miss the extravagant and elegant tree-lighting festivities held at Pier Park to launch the holiday season. Mayor Gayle Oberst will light the 20 ft. Christmas tree located in Town Center (across from Old Navy) at 6 p.m. There will be holiday music before and after the lighting.
Santa: The tradition of Santa will continue this season and add to the festive holiday environment.Visit Santa at his holiday home and have your photo taken with St. Nick! Santa photos are located in the Boardwalk area between Smoothie King and Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream.
Parking Convenience: During the holiday season our Pier Park shuttle service sponsored by Baja Grill will be running throughout the property to help shoppers travel across the park and to our parking lots. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of this free service after a long day of shopping!
Gift Wrapping: Drop off your purchases at the Holiday Gift-Wrapping Station, located in Town Center and on the Boardwalk, for professional gift-wrapping service. All proceeds will benefit Arnold High School Athletics. Gift wrapping will be available November 28 through December 21, Thursday through Sunday.
Early Hours: On November 28th Pier Park stores will open at 9 a.m. to allow shoppers an extra hour of shopping time! The following stores will be opening early on November 28, 2008:

12:01 a.m.
- Carters
4 a.m.
- J.C. Penny’s
5 a.m.
- Aeropostale
- Old Navy
5:30 a.m.
- American Eagle
6 a.m.
- Target
7 a.m.
- New York & Co.
- Deja Vu
- Victoria’s Secret
- Yankee Candle
- Nike Factory Store
- Merle Norman Cosmetics
- Bath and Body Works
- Perfumaina
- Ulta Cosmetics
- Coldwater Creek
- Fish Tales
- Accessories on the Boardwalk
- Tatoe Tots
- Chico’s
- Ann Taylor Loft
- Ava Blue Boutique
- No Regrets Stationary & Gifts
- Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
8 a.m.
- Dillard’s
- Hofbrau Beer Garden
- As Seen on T.V.
- Borders
- Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Southern Waters Outfitters
- Polka-Dots Toys & Gifts
- Massage Envy
- BeBo’z
- Shimmering Seas
- Jake at the Beach
- Counts-Oakes Resort Properties
- The Walking Company

Happy Thanksgiving, we're taking off this week.

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope this season finds you well, and the troubled economy is allowing you to still afford that big turkey. We’re so loaded, we’re going out to eat. 🙂

I’ve got a couple of good stories coming up, but frankly, I just don’t feel like working any more today – I’m going home to hang with the fam.

If you start itching for Panama City Beach News and Information, take this time to go over some of our past content by browsing the categories across the top of the page.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ps. I may be back on Friday, or I may take the rest of the week off and return on Monday, haven’t decided yet. Have fun, be safe, share waves, and spend time with those you love most!

PCBDaily.com Launches New Features, becomes more cool.

We’ve added some new features to enhance the awesomeness of pcbdaily.com:

The Calendar – I don’t have to tell you why this is cool, but I will anyway. It would only make sense that something like this would be on pcbdaily, I mean, afterall, we are awesome (there’s that word again). The calendar is located in the sidebar, we can show as many months at a time as we wish, but we will usually only show one. Now, of course is the exception, showing two, with so much happening in December. In the future, we’ll have everything we can think of marked. If you have something you want to add to the calendar, email jason at jason(at)pcbdaily.com.
The Classifieds – Several have asked for a feature that they can post jobs, things for sale, services, things for rent, etc. We never could compete with the Craig’s List’s out there, but this could be a good place to list your Panama City Beach specific stuff.
Social Links – in the side bar, below the two square advertising blocks are five links to our various social networking sites:

Flickr is yahoo’s online photo sharing site. We like to run our pictures through here because it gets them in front of thousands of others searching for Panama City Beach related pictures. We actually just recently went back to hosting our pictures with them, so not everything is there, but there is quite a bit. We have always beleived that a huge part of covering the Panama City Beach area is taking lots of pictures. Using the web to share information, creates limitless possibilities at how much information we can share. At any given time, you can click this link and browse all our pictures at all the events we attend.

Brightkite is a location based social networking site. Users have the capability to ‘check-in’ at different locations via text message and send in pictures via email that are posted imediately with a caption. Although we haven’t used the ‘check-in’ feature much, the taking pictures on the mobile phone and emailing them in is actually quite cool. If we around town and see something new, we can snap off a shot and send it in with a quick caption. Of course, it is tied to our Twitter account, so if you are following us there, then you’ll be notified of updates as they come through.

Twitter is sort of like mini blogging, with built in capability for instant notification. Users can ‘follow’ us on Twitter and receive instant notification (depending on your mobility settings) on new content that is posted. In addition to that sweet feature, we can post brief updates (140 characters or less) via mobile phone. This is espcially useful if we are at an auction, TDC meeting or anything else live updates would prove useful at. Many of you have enjoyed my live TDC updates in the past.

Facebook is the social networking site everyone is using. You can connect with us, with our friends, and share. You can see live updates, view pictures and video, see our friends, chat with people and us, and write on our wall. Chances are you are already on Facebook, join us!

Vimeo is, in our opinion, the best video sharing site out there. Youtube has great coverage, but it also has a lot of garbage. We got tired of displayed youtube videos on the site, and frequently seeing videos of half naked drunks partying on the beach being offered after our videos. Plus, Vimeo allows us to use HD video, which is obviously better. All of our videos are in HD, and Vimeo allows us to share them that way, sweet! You can check this page to see all our videos.

Please take a few to enjoy our social networking sites, and enjoy!

Free Movie at The Grande in Pier Park

It’s a Wonderful Life Showing at The Grand Theatre
Film Showing Accompanies Holiday Promotion with Marine Toys for Tots

Panama City Beach, Fla. (November 21, 2008)—The Grand Theatre Pier Park 16 announced it will be showing the classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart in conjunction with the kickoff of their coming holiday promotion called “It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.” The promotion begins November 28, 2008 and will run through December 21, 2008. Joining in the spirit of the season, The Grand is partnering with the local chapter of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. The free showings will take place Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, each at 10:00 a.m. Screenings of this film will be free of charge and open to the public.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Their endeavors were so successful that in 1948 the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots and expanded it into a nationwide campaign in every community where a Marine Reserve Center was located with the objective to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.” In civilian life, Major Bill Hendricks was the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio. This put him in a position to enlist the support of numerous celebrities to promote the efforts of Toys for Tots. Disney designed the original logo and posters. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme composed by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956. Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Tim Allen, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Clint Eastwood, John Glenn, Dean Martin, Billy Ray Cyrus, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart and Ronald Reagan are but a few of the celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote the charitable work of Toys for Tots. In 1983, First Lady Nancy Reagan served as the national spokesperson and First Lady Barbara Bush carried that role in 1992, listing it in her biography as one of her favorite charities.

Southern Theatres, L.L.C. decided to hold this holiday promotion in lieu of their annual Christmas party in New Orleans. George Solomon, Manager of Southern Theatres, L.L.C., said, “In the middle of such tough economic times, we want to give back to the community and offer the same hope found in the message of the film It’s a Wonderful Life. We want to engender a sense of community and belief in the decency of people.” Solomon continued, “This film invites us to remember the truly important and beautiful things in life and that is the sentiment we hope to rekindle by working with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through this promotion ‘It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.’”

It's a Wonderful Life Playing at the Grande in Pier Park

It’s a Wonderful Life Showing at The Grand Theatre
Film Showing Accompanies Holiday Promotion with Marine Toys for Tots

Seahaven Auction Details

29 Seahaven Condos to be Sold at Absolute Auction on December 13th

For the National Auction Group, one successful project often leads to others. That has been the case in Panama City Beach this year where the company will conduct its third auction on Saturday, December 13th. This one will feature 29 luxurious condominium homes in the Gulf-view Origin at Seahaven community. The auction will be absolute, meaning regardless of price, and bidders will be able to select from 61 condos. The Gadsden, Alabama-based company specializes in the marketing of one-of-a-kind, high-end properties. In two previous Panama City Beach projects this year they sold more than $26 million worth of condos.

The 17-story Origin at Seahaven community is brand new and located near Pier Park. Water views are tantalizing and are close to the most popular beach restaurants, attractions and night spots. All are crafted from the finest materials and with painstaking attention to the smallest details. The wide array of offerings includes studio units as well as spacious one, two and three bedroom units, and one four-bedroom penthouse condo. All have to be seen to fully appreciate.

The Origin tower is one of the first phases of the carefully planned Towne of Seahaven, a 53-acre pedestrian village with 1,400 +/- feet directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Expected facets include hotels, town homes, a town hall and a Main Street marketplace, an events plaza and a water park. In other words, the value of the luxurious condos will surely escalate over the next few years.

All of the condos feature attractive African mahogany two-panel doors; kitchens with Whirlpool appliances, granite and porcelain countertops and custom cabinets; ceiling fans in both the living areas and master bedrooms, and washers and dryers in the two-bedroom and larger units. Included in the purchase are electronics, linens, window treatments, kitchenware, accessories and high speed internet access.

Rental-ready furniture packages are available for purchase.

The list of community amenities is both endless and extraordinarily impressive. Residents and their guests enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, his and her saunas, a theater with stadium seating for 24, a spectacular Zero-Edge swimming pool overlooking the Gulf, a heated and covered spa, observation decks, grilling terraces with built-in commercial grade stainless steel grills and a game room. Origin at Seahaven also features 24-hour security, climate-controlled storage units, high-speed elevators, on-site property management and beautiful tropical landscaping.

“These are truly wonderful condominiums,” said National Auction Group president William Bone. “And being part of the new Towne of Seahaven makes them even more special. This is a remarkable opportunity to bid on spectacular residential fantasies and to purchase an incomparable beach lifestyle.”

These lavish condos are available for viewing daily, by appointment, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 877-636-6550 or 256-547-3434. Bidders will be required to bring $7,500 in personal check, business check or certified funds to bid on the studio units; $10,000 for the one-bedroom units; $12,500 for the two-bedroom condos; $15,000 for the three-bedroom units and $20,000 for the four-bedroom penthouse condos. Closing will be within 30 days. The auction will take place at Origin at Seahaven community which is located at 15100 Front Beach Road.

The National Auction Group (nationalauctiongroup.com), Inc. is the country’s largest seller of private, one-of-a-kind real estate properties such as estates, ranches, farms, commercial properties and recreational facilities. Recognized for its creative and aggressive marketing strategies which are carefully planned, promoted, scheduled and implemented, the National Auction Group’s team of talented professionals is skilled at developing plans of action customized to the needs of each client.

Airport Construction Video Update

The new Panama City Bay County International Airport is flying along with more than 50% of the total work complete and only 40% of the total alotted time used. This places the hard working teams on site about 3 months ahead of schedule.

Anticipation grows daily as the whole site is in a constant state of change. I was up there Thursday of last week and it looks totally different from the way it looked just 60 short days ago.

I could tell you more, but you’ll just have to watch the video.

View in HD

Black Friday? How About Redfish Friday!

As the largest shopping day of the year approaches and the official kick off to the holiday shopping season, Redfish Riviera Outfitters prepares for what they call Redfish Friday.

Friday, November 28th or better known as Black Friday will produce great sales all over the country. In addition, to the great sales, come big crowds at shopping outlets everywhere. Hungry holiday shoppers line outside malls for hours – some at 4:00 AM – to get first shot at these super deals.

Redfish Riviera Outfitters has started its own tradition, as they prepare their anglers and families for what they call, Redfish Friday. For one day only, Redfish Riviera will offer 30% off all of their items online at www.redfishriviera.com. The sale will be from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM only. Be sure to use promotion code: REDFRIDAY at checkout to receive this super discount.

If you are a dedicated redfish angler, know one, just want to be seen with the hottest new fishing apparel around, or you are looking for the greatest deal online, you need to be at www.redfishriviera.com from 6:00 AM to 11:00 Am on Friday, November 28th.

Redfish Riviera Outfitters carries everything from coolers to beach bags, decals, pewter trailer hitch covers & license plates, men’s and women’s apparel, T-shirts, fishing shirts, golf polo’s, sweatshirts, tank tops, hats, visors and more.

Do not miss out on this once a year opportunity! We look forward to helping you out during this shopping season.

Laketown Wharf – Corus Bank bracing for money outflow

I’ve had some dialogue with a Corus Investor who has been kind enough to keep me updated with what Corus is up to regarding Laketown Wharf. Below is the most recent update:

1) They suspended payment of interest on $404m of debentures (type of bond). This is the only debt that Corus (holding company) has, other than deposits. The rules of the debenture allow this for up to 20 quarters. The holders of the debentures cannot be too happy. This was done to preserve cash for operations. No big deal unless you need the interest and own the debentures.

2) They disclosed that they formally applied to TARP funds from the Treasury. If granted, they will issue preferred stock to US Treasury at 5% for 5 years. I DO NOT think they would have applied if there was any chance of rejection. This may also force a merger of Corus with another bank, but I put that at less than 5% odds because the Glickman family owns half the bank and they are not going to be too happy taking orders from anyone.

One of the Glickman wives sold about 20% of her shares. No big deal. the proceeds were enough to buy her a $30k car. She’d probably going to use the proceeds for a divorce! Her spouse owns about 6 million shares.

Nike Store Opens in Pier Park

Early Bird Specials, Power Hours Shopping Events and Enter to Win Contests Part of Nike’s Grand Opening Events November 21-23

Nike’s newest factory retail location at Pier Park Outlets will open Thursday, November 20 at 9 a.m. Representing the world’s No. 1 athletic brand, the Nike Factory Store offers key assortments in sport inspired and sport applicable footwear, gear and apparel at a great value.

As part of the celebration, Nike will host early bird specials, power hour shopping events and enter to win contests each day for a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

The in store experience is all about celebrating like a champion by providing Nike’s quality performance footwear and apparel at a value price. The store associates assume the role of personal advisor, sounding board and confidante all rolled into one. They will help the consumer select the best product for his or her sport as part of Nike’s “athletes serving athletes” initiative. Several sport categories such as running, training, soccer, basketball and sportswear will be available for men, women and kids at the new Pier Park location, making Nike Factory Store a sports hub for the whole family.

Following the official opening on Thursday, Nike will host grand opening events at the store through Sunday, November 23 all day. Activities will include:

Early Bird Special – Nike will offer a free gift to the first 100 guests each day and a $10 redeemable gift card.
Power Hours Shopping Events – From opening to 1PM each day, shoppers can take advantage of a 30 percent discount off select apparel, footwear and equipment.
Enter to Win – Several lucky shoppers will win a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

In addition, the Nike Factory Store will celebrate the local community through its “Recognize” program, an initiative that will donate 10 percent of sales on Sunday to a select nonprofit organization.