Halloween Fun for the Little Ones

There are great options for Halloween this year.

Before heading out the door remember to grab your camera, video camera, flashlight(s), glow sticks, candy bags, an extra tube of face paint and wet wipes. Where would we be without those wet wipes?

‘Malloween’ at Pier Park
From 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31
Bring the kids out for trick or treating, a costume competition, festival maze and special treats.
Sign up at 6 p.m. for the costume contest. There are three age categories, as well “scariest,” “most creative” and “best-all-around” categories. So get out that glue gun and get creative!

Panama City Mall
Let the little ones terrorize the Panama City Mall in their quest for candy.
Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.

Monstrous Halloween Celebration at Rosemary Beach
(Not located in PCB, but just across the bridge for those who live on the West end)
Trick-or-Treat, from 4-6 p.m.
Let the little goblins trick-or-treat in downtown Rosemary Beach. Visit Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashion and Toys and have their Halloween photo taken.
Monster Bash, from 6-8 p.m.
Join the fun at The Summer Kitchen restaurant. Children $5, adults, $10. Cost includes scary food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Two other restaurants, Wild Olives and Cowgirl Kitchen are hosting Halloween specials for the big (21 and older) kids.

‘ZooBoo’ at ZooWorld
From 4:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 1
Free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Probably one of the most anticipated events of the year (at least in my house). What is spookier than trick-or-treating with lions and tigers? Get ready for a wild night of fun.
The costume contest begins at:
6 p.m. = ages 3 and younger
6:15-6:30 p.m. = ages 4-10
6:45 p.m. = ages 11-15
7 p.m. = 16 and older

If I left out your favorite event, please let me know!

Photo credit: Euart by a Creative Commons License.

Photos from You – Ike Sunset, Mexico Beach, and more

Every week we’ll feature photos from you, the reader, of anything from crowded streets at Pier Park, to finger crabs scurrying across the beach. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, share your words with pcbdaily.com. Submit your photos and share your Panama City Beach pictures.

People on the beach at sunset as Hurricane Ike Roars past the panhandle.

Submitted by Kerry Hulber

Tropical Sunset in Mexico Beach

Submitted by Donna Cox

Video of Jason Koertge on the Lee Sullivan Show

I was on the Lee Sullivan Show a few weeks ago, and have gotten the show online. Lee and I discussed the TDC, the Summer White Sale and how IT WASN’T wildly successful, college spring break, sports marketing, bed tax increase, and tons more.

I’ve broken the show down to four videos. Total, it is around 20 minutes.

Segment 1

Segment 2:

Segment 3:

Segment 4:

Be sure to post a comment below!

Boo in Pier Park Pictures

I took the kids to Boo in the Park at Pier Park in Panama City Beach today. The weather has been crumby for the last couple of days, but overnight, everything cleared up and today, was just flat-out gorgeous, we totally live in paradise. Of course, the fact that Pier Park is just so dang beautiful helps a lot too.

They had pumpkin carving today, a pet parade, arts and crafts supported by the Visual Arts Center of Panama City (suppor the arts!), pine-straw bale mazes, bouncey houses, a helicopter display, and tons more. It was a blast, the kids had a blast, everyone was having a blast. And did I say that today was so absolutely beautiful? Man, I love Panama City Beach.

Check the pix.

Buy Now! – But Why?

The real estate market is in the toilet. Or is it? I mean, everything is relative. Everything is subject to interpretation. Right?

Sure, the real estate market is in the toilet. . . for sellers. But for buyers, the real estate market is hotter than a nanny goat in a pepper patch. (nice cliche, huh?)

In every type category, there is a surplus in supply. In Panama City Beach alone, there are 537 lots, 770 single family homes, and 1570 condos active for sale on the Bay County MLS. In many cases prices are half now what they were just 12 months ago.

Velocity is down. In any given category, we have several years of inventory given the current rate of sales. The growing trend of using auctions to dump inventory in indicative of developers realizing that their inventory needs to be liquidated – sometimes, at all costs.

Foreclosures are up. They are higher now than they have ever been, and that’s the same story we’ve been hearing, over and over. In fact, foreclosures this year have been higher year-over-year, each month of 2008.

Negative Nancy, you say? Well, hold the phone, bubba.

This is all to emphasize a point. Right now, it is a buyer’s market. Period.

Now is the time that all the savvy real estate investors have been dreaming of – a time when people are scared to turn down offers in fear of not seeing another one, a time when sellers will pay all closing costs and offer zaney incentives to attract buyers. Now is the time when the buyers get THEIR pick and have an opportunity to actually CASHFLOW a property.

Three years ago, all the smart investors had already left the market, they had taken their winnings and tucked it away. They were waiting for a time like right now to pull that wad back out and throw it at something else. I was talking to an agent buddy of mine the other day and was told that 6 out of the last 8 buyers they closed were cash buyers. Now is the time to buy. Cash is king, but mortgage money is easy to get to also, as long as you can fully qualify. Another buddy of mine financed a second home, 20% down on a 30 year fixed at 6%. Not too shabby.

If you can buy right now, you should be shopping. Real estate is always a long term hold, and there will be tremendous upside to those purchasing property now.

On to the fun part.

Panama City Beach’s 10 Best Deals.

Regency Towers Unit 525 – 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1,456 square feet, priced at $237,500. That’s $163 per square foot! Everything seems to be in order with this condo, and sounds like a real steal. The agent is Diane McKay, and her number is 850-596-1378. She works with Coldwell Banker/Carroll Realty. If you don’t know about Regency Towers, they’ve been working very hard to give the whole place a new face. The place is looking real good.
Long Beach Towers Unit 1-806 – 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,800 square feet priced at $365,900. That is $203 a square foot, wow! This is a bank sale, but could be a real deal. Long Beach is a great complex with a few great pools. Each condo is designed to have maximum beach frontage. This complex is relatively new, built 10 years ago. Also, I can’t forget to mention that this is a lock-off – two rentable units in one! Definite cashflow opportunity. The agent is Patrick Finn with Finn Realty. His digits are 850-368-6700.
302 Carolyn Ave, in Woodlawn. This is a steal at $136,900. With 1,692 square feet, this comes up to $80 a foot! 3 bedroom 2 bath built in 1958. Everything seems to be in ok shape. The agent is Diane McKay (she got two on the list!), her number is 850-596-1378.
Nautilus Cove Unit#?? Not sure of which unit exactly, maybe all of them? This is a four bedroom 3 bath going for $154,900. These are new, just built last year and never been lived in. At 1,492 square feet, that comes up to $103 a foot. They have a fitness center, pool, walking paths, and a closed security gate. They all come with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and ok carpet. You can’t go wrong with the price. The agent is Ronald Lucarz with Pelican. His number is 850-582-5159.
Sterling Reef Condominiums Unit 1505. This is a 2 bedroom 2 bath 1,076 square foot priced at $249,000. That comes up to $231 a square foot. Not too shabby considering how nice these are. The west view from this building is unsurpassed as it is contiguous with over 1,700 feet of dedicated beach that will remain undeveloped. This is a steal. The agent is Karen Ward with Realjoy Properties, and her number is 850-424-3094.
1101 Sawgrass Court #201 in Wild Heron priced at $295,000. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,300 square feet. All I have to say is $226.75/square foot in Wild Heron on Lake Powell. You couldn’t touch one of these for more than twice this a few years ago. I have been in these condos, and they are super nice. The agent is Karen Smith with Beachy Beach Real Estate, her number is 850-527-5651.
121 Manistee Drive on the West End. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,268 square feet priced at $159,900. That’s right, $70 bux a square foot. Built in 1984, this is a true country log cabin fit with a huge porch, beautiful exposed beams, a shed in the back and a good sized lot (wide at 75 feet). It needs a little work, but at $70 a foot, who cares? The agent is Gabriel Stephani with Beachy Beach Real Estate, and his number is 850-814-4640.
409 Liverpool Ave in Tapestry Park. This is a 43×125 foot lot in one of the coolest (I think THE coolest) neighborhoods in Panama City Beach. The architectural style and pedistrian-centered neighborhood layout makes this community a, well, real community. This lot is listed for $55,000. You heard me, $55K. That is half what they were going for a year ago. The agent is Craig Duran with Pelican, and his number is 850-527-0221.
Moondrifter Condo #805. Priced at $199,000, this is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1,050 square foot GULF FRONT condo. Dude, a Gulf Front Condo under $200k! Plus, this is priced nearly $80,000 less than the other two that are listed. The agent is Amanda Corbin with Prudential Shimmering Sands, and her number is 850-832-7447.
Last but not least, the least expensive home in the Glades is a 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,747 square foot home priced at $269,000. That comes up to $153/foot. This home was built in 1996 and features a two car garage. With a screened in pool and new paint inside and out, this home is advertised as “move-in ready.” The agent is Carrie Routt with Keller Williams, and her number is 850-867-5309.

Sorry guys, no pictures. This project was a little more exhausting than I wanted it to be, and I had to get it out.

Red Sky at Night… Sailor's Delight

As the saying goes, “Red sky in the morning… sailor take warning. Red sky at night… sailor’s delight”. Guess this night was a great time for the boys on the boats. Off shore or in the bay and bayous, fishing is excellent in and around PCB this time of year.

Found this really cool tool from Slide.com via my 16 year old (Myspace obsessed) daughter. Best of all it’s free. This is a collage of some of my favorite nature shots from PCB and the surrounding area. Click here to check out my slideshow. Enjoy.

Teddy

PS Kudos to all the nature photographers who are submitting your shots to PCB Daily. Really love the sunsets as evidenced by this post. Great thing about photography is that there are no winners and losers…. anyone and everyone can view and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Baja Grill Grand Opening in Pier Park

Baja Grill will be holding their official Grand Opening this weekend at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. In addition to live entertainment from Friday through Sunday this weekend, Baja will also have specials on food and drinks.

Baja Grille/Pier Park offers a relaxing and warm experience with Southwest and Caribbean influenced menu selections. Known for exceptional dishes with the freshest ingredients, Baja Grille’s menu ranges from oh-so-tasty fruit smoothies to fresh seafood and deliciously grilled steak.

Entertainment Schedule

Chris Godber – Smooth Jazz Saxophonist
Friday, October 24, 2008 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“The Classics with Wayne and Joey” – Singing Duo
Saturday, October 25, 2008 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 2008 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Baja Grill is located in the same shopping block as Panera Bread in Pier Park. Their number is 850-230-6881.

Spring Break MTVu Partnership to be Discussed

At Tuesday’s TDC meeting, on the discussion board is the consideration of a partnership with MTVu again this next spring break season.

I look forward to much discussion this spring break season, and the months preceeding it. The read all about last years spring break season, be sure to read up under the Spring Break category. There was quite a bit of sprited discussion, to say the least.

Without further ado, the agenda:

AGENDA

MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 1:00 p.m. Board Room, Visitor Information
Center

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. DISCUSS & CONSIDER 2009 SPRING BREAK MTVU PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL – Susan Estler, VP Marketing/Janet Ray, Y Partnership

V. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VI. ADJOURNMENT

View pdf

CRA Moving Forward – Construction Update

The Front Beach Road CRA is making great progress with the current project and is planning and preparing for the next segment in the rebuilding of our tourist transportation corridor.

The Beckrich Road project, started in September of 2007 is right on schedule. Just last week traffic was switched to the newly paved portion of the road so that crews can begin the reconstruction of the original treaded path. Part of the process will include bringing it up to grade, repaving and curbing. The entire project, including street-side lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping will be complete by May of 2009.

The next phase of the CRA will be the South Thomas Drive area, including the road that travels past Boardwalk, past Pineapple Willies and dead-ends at Laketown Wharf and Shores of Panama. If you haven’t traveled down this road in a while, then you don’t know just how bad this road really is. This stretch of pavement looks like it was laid during colonial times, probably at least 250 years old – sarcasm.

This particular part of the CRA is unique in that there isn’t enough room to expand the roadway as much as some of the other areas. However, the final product will have two full size traffic lanes, a middle turn lane and a west-bound tram lane that will double as an expanded bike pathway. Sidewalks, lighting and landscaping will be on both sides, and the final product will be beautiful and pedistrian friendly.

The planning is almost complete, and the right of way land is nearly all purchased, but construction funding is yet to be in place. With roughly $10 million in the bank, Ben Faust of DRMP, the engineering firm overseaing the CRA operation, said they still need to raise another $20 million to fund construction and purchase right of way land for the next phase of the CRA that will cover Front Beach Road, from Walmart past Bechrich Road.

“Even in light of the current financial situation, we should still be able to raise the money we need through bond sales,” said Faust. If everything goes as planned, the South Thomas section will be advertised for bid first quarter of 2009 with a prjected start time sometime next summer. Total construction time should be around 24 months.

The next section of the CRA – Front Beach Road, from Walmart past Beckrich should begin construction summer of 2010.

PCB – The Emerald Coast's glorious jewel

It’s no wonder Panama City Beach claims to have the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”. This Gulf Coast jewel stands out among the Emerald shores of Florida’s Panhandle. Locals can tell you that they live in one of the best places in the Sunshine State. First established in 1953 with Phillips Inlet Bridge on the quiet west end, Panama City Beach grew from a sleepy little secret to the vacation hotspot it is today.

As one looks into the history of Panama City Beach, one thing stands clear. The water that kisses the glistening white sand is clean, with several hues of green and blue, and boy is it warm. On a perfect summer day, water temps average a comfy 80 to 84 degrees. A day on one of these beaches is just the ticket for your hurried life.

The beauty of the powdery sand is that it won’t burn your feet. This sand gets its white color from the Appalachian Mountains. Quartz crystals washed down to the coast centuries ago. It’s no wonder this destination has been tagged as “the Beach Lover’s Beach”. This resilient little town shows much promise for the future. Major venues are currently acquiring land for future parks and recreation.

No matter what you’ve heard, Panama City Beach is not just for the college crowd anymore. City planners have given much thought and energy into broadening the beach’s appeal to all age groups for vacation. Although the Spring Break crowd still descends to area, stricter laws and party control have helped to control this month-long revelry. Partiers have also found other areas of Florida to blow off steam. PCB is working hard, and succeeding, in attracting families and all vacationers to this piece of heaven. Many new and exciting venues have come to Panama City Beach, including an amazing outdoor mall called Pier Park. It’s almost a city in itself. This is a guarantee that our area continues to offer more vacation bang for your buck, for years to come.

With over 390 places to curb your appetite, the Panama City Beach area is teaming with endless ways to cure your hunger. Franchise fair is always available, as well as fast food choices. But don’t count out the numerous “mom and pop” establishments that line the three main streets of the city. On Front Beach Road you’ll find several steak and seafood restaurants, along with beachfront dining where you can eat and enjoy the sun setting over the Gulf. There are also sunset dining cruises, which offer entertainment along with great food. The seafood is freshly caught the very day you order. Do plan on many beach walks to burn off the calories you’ll consume while you are here.

For the adventurous thrill seeker, you’ll find the go-cart tracks a fun way to spend the evening. Not in the racing mood? Try your hand at mini golf or the multitude of thrill rides. Slingshots and sky-high bungee rides will make even grown men scream. Even if you don’t ride, they are loads of fun to watch. Carnival type game parks are a way to provide the kids with hours of fun. Shipwreck Island Water Park is a refreshing way to spend your day, without the saltwater. There is also a plethora of moped and electric car rentals for those wanting to leave the car at the resort. Zip around to your heart’s content, but please wear your helmet!

If 365 days of water play, golf and sun worshiping isn’t enough for you, many other attractions await you. The city boasts the brand new Panama City Beach Aquatic Center, ZooWorld, mini golf courses as well as several full golf venues, amazing restaurants, and the new Pier Park for Shopping/Dining/Entertainment. You’ll also not want to miss the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum or Gulf World – where you can play with the dolphins, and so much more.

Speaking of dolphins in all the time I’ve spent in Panama City Beach, there was never a day that went by that I did not see pods of dolphins busy at play. Sometimes just yards away, these delightful mammals also love the warm waters of the Emerald Coast. A day visit to nearby Shell Island, just a ferry ride over from St. Andrews park on the east end, is not to be missed. Bring your lunch, because the inhabitants of this pristine island oasis won’t cook for you. This island is undeveloped and is host to the world’s largest population of bottle-nosed dolphins.

Shelling is an addictive hobby among all visitors and locals alike. When you go, try several spots up and down the beach. Shelling after a storm often yields a treasure chest of finds. Just be sure to take only unoccupied shells and leave some for other collectors and future tenants!

There are plenty of vacation rental accommodations to choose from in Panama City Beach. Whether you desire to rent a private condo unit (each one is decorated differently by their owners), beach house, villa, or hotel, there are plenty of places available from east to west on the beach. The far east side will bring you closer to St. Andrews Park and Aquatic Preserve and Shell Island, from there head west to where the action is, to about the middle area. Don’t worry about things to do; the whole beach has something for everyone. As condominium construction projects complete, this #1 choice of PCB vacationers offer plenty of places to kick off your flip flops, relax and unwind.

As you head west, the beaches become more private and relaxing. The beach on the far west end offers up beautiful Camp Helen, Inlet Beach, Carillon and Lake Powell. For the “Quiet West End” boasts vacationing on near private beaches. It’s like having the beach nearly all to yourself. Great for families, honeymooners and snowbirds, this area is a true GETAWAY! It’s the part of Panama City Beach that makes you say, “Ahhh!” Yet, when you’re ready to go out for a night on the town, jump in your car and a short drive takes you for amazing dining and fun. Some claim PCB to be the next Miami, but one thing stands clear – no matter how swanky we become, we have the old style of beach life in our veins. Take it slow, relax, you’re on beach time now!

For superb beach-loving fun, Panama City Beach has my vote for the #1 Florida vacation mecca in the US. The moderate climate also attracts many northerners to its sun-soaked winters. With an average temperature of 66 degrees in December, and sometimes warmer, it’s no wonder our beach finds more and more snowbirds settling in for good! There are so many new and exciting things that lie in store in Bay County. As a condo owner, I for one, am anxious to make it my permanent home someday.