Now, Back to Regularly Scheduled Bashing

Notes from Today’s TDC Meeting

Bed Taxes are up $117,000 thanks to back-taxes being collected.
The Circus by the Sea is more than likely coming back. Maybe it will draw more crowds next year.
The CVB has a new interactive marketing manager coming on board.
Rowe distributed estimates of costs of strategic plan proposals to board. I’ll be asking for copies of those to post here soon.
Mayor Gayle Oberst explained that Panama City Beach could not use bed taxes to fund lifeguards. As one Marketing Committee member told me later, it’s a good thing we’re smarter than Walton county on that issue. I have a lifeguard manifesto brewing; I’m sure it’ll come out any day now.
The TDC’s market research firm, Klages, is up for contract renewal, and the board showed concern that the 2008 results were not worth the investment. Tabled. Marketing Research, tabled.

Now to the juicy stuff…

Spring Break is heating up quickly… Spring Break funding was tabled after Dan Rowe requested approval on the MTVu plan ($150K CVB, $100K co-op).

Chairman Andy Phillips and Marketing Committee Chairman Buddy Wilkes questioned whether the co-op could really raise $100K. Mr. Rowe believes so; however lodging leaders stepped up quickly and said that because of the exclusive booking deal MTVu has with Student City, they would not participate in that co-op.

Board member Mike Bennett suggests the funding should go into a different Spring Break program. Dan Rowe suggested that if it’s not MTVu, then put the money in something other than Spring Break. Jack Bishop said the Klages report proved the CVB should invest the $150,000 into Spring Break. (It’s getting good!)

Folks in the audience suggested that only the Boardwalk benefited from the 2008 Spring Break plan. (It’s really getting good!)

There was a hint that there may be another Spring Break community workshop. The marketing committee will address the issue before the next TDC meeting on November 6. (Don’t you think this is going to get good!?)

And More Utter Disregard for the Special Event Policy

The Board unanimously approved 2009 funding for the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine, & Music Festival. Wow. Wasn’t even on the agenda.

Special Event Side Note – Do you realize that 3.25 million dollars worth of lodging has to be brought in to raise $65K in bed taxes?

If PCBSWMF would have reported the need for $65,000 invested in the infrastructure at Frank Brown Park for next year’s event, that would be different. PCBSWMF Promoter Jack Bishop stated that the event could not serve 30,000 attendees as reported by previous promoters. Hopefully PCBSWMF will use all $65K to improve the infrastructure. We’ll see.

Speaking of we’ll see, we’ll see the full PCBSWMF report next month. Hopefully that report will include exactly how and where the 2008 TDC investment was spent.

In the meantime, we sure would like to have other promoters comment here with your thoughts on the TDC’s Special Events “Policy.”

If I misinterpreted anyone’s comments from today’s meeting, please email me at lancaster.kirk@gmail.com, or even better yet, clarify your message right here in the comments section.

New Airport Terminal Ready for Construction

As reported by NewPCAirport.com.

Construction of the new airport remains ahead of schedule – with only 36% of the time allotted on the heavy civil construction portion of the contract used, the project is currently 46% complete.

Walbridge, the company slated to build the terminal building and all support buildings is scheduled to be on site by October 20.

Preparation of the terminal building pad is complete and it is ready for construction to begin. Walbridge is just waiting on the Notice to Proceed from the Airport Authority Board which is expected on October 15, 2008.

The project is moving forward on all fronts. Currently:

The stabilized sub grad for the terminal parking lot area is complete, the curbing for the lot is ongoing and the limerock base is nearly 60% complete.

Curbing on the loop road is ongoing.

The General Aviation area access road is being final graded.

The flight line storm sewer is 85% complete.

On Runway 16-34, the asphalt base layer was scheduled to start going down on October 10, 2008. Concrete paving on the runway is expected to begin on November 11, 2008.

The earthwork on Taxiway D is 97% complete, with the stabilized sub grade 65% complete. The limerock base is nearing 50% completion. Asphalt paving is anticipated to start October 10, 2008.

The security fence around the perimeter of the airport is 46% complete.

Earthwork on the perimeter road is nearing 85% completion and the stabilization of the sub grade is ongoing.

Beazer Homes Completes First Model at Whisper Dunes

Showing every confidence in the Panama City Beach housing market, top-10 national homebuilder Beazer Homes has announced the grand opening this weekend of its signature model homes at Whisper Dunes, a new master-planned community just one-half mile from the Gulf.

With prices beginning in the $170,000s, Whisper Dunes is located on 78 acres on West Back Beach Road, five minutes from Pier Park and just 3 miles west of HWY 79. Grand Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17.

One and two-car garages are available and all homes are three bedrooms with 2½ baths, with some floor plans having an owner’s suite on the first floor.

Beazer has kept and aggressive construction schedule since beginning the project in April and expects the first homes to be ready for move-in within the next six weeks, according to Matt Brandman, president of Beazer’s Northwest Florida Division. Designed for both permanent and seasonal buyers, the first phase will include 44 homes and once complete, Whisper Dunes will include 156 town homes and 222 single family attached villas ranging in size from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

Brandman said the response by Realtors to the development has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in its affordability and amenities. In comparing square footage and proximity to the beach, he noted that a monthly mortgage payment in an entry level Whisper Dunes home would be comparable to what a renter pays.

“Beazer is bullish on Panama City Beach and we believe this area of the state will be a large growth corridor for business and commerce, creating the need for developments like Whisper Dunes and other future Beazer communities. While others may be putting the reins on new construction during challenging market conditions, we have put Whisper Dunes on the fast track, realizing that for those who have good credit and the right down payment this is a great time to buy a new home,” said Brandman.

Geared toward those who want maintenance-free living close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities and entertainment, Whisper Dunes residents also will enjoy a cabana, swimming pool and network of walking trails, some of which are expected to be completed in November.

“West Back Beach Road is booming and it’s exciting to see this corridor evolve,” said Brandman. “We look forward to bringing the Beazer commitment of providing superior quality and value, along with customer and community support to Panama City Beach.”

Beazer pulled out all the stops in designing and decorating its two Whisper Dunes model town homes, Brandman said. Each was designed using protocols of the company’s trademark SMARTDESIGN® process, which ensures Beazer’s planning design team maximizes the space, functionality and livability of each home design.

Whisper Dunes is Beazer’s first venture into Panama City Beach and its second project in Northwest Florida where it is building homes in Tallahassee’s SouthWood community. As in SouthWood, Beazer purchased the land for Whisper Dunes from the St. Joe Company.

The entry to Whisper Dunes has been designed as a welcoming enclave, with a roundabout circling a lighthouse-style monument and boulevard lined with palm trees. Southern coastal architectural-style homes in pastel yellow, blue and green color schemes have been selected carefully to reflect the look of the region.

For more information, visit Beazer.com/whisper.

Kudos to TDC

I complain often about the results of TDC efforts, but I will say that the new strategic plan is a great accomplishment for Dan Rowe & Co. As long as we achieve all 4 initiatives as a destination, I don’t care how we get there.

Everyone who cares about tourism should download this plan, learn it, share it and live it. The county must work together to help the TDC / CVB execute the plan.

One way to help execute the plan is to give your ideas how to achieve the 4 initiatives. This website is one of the new ways that a community can get together and share their ideas. If you are a tourist industry leader, please let us know how you would execute different parts of the plan.

TDC Narrows Pool Down to Three Website Companies

Friday, during a special workshop the TDC’s Interactive Committee, Marty McDaniel and Buddy Wilkes, whittled the 6 companies that submitted Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) down to their top three.

The six companies that submitted RFQ’s are as follows:

Simple View Inc.
Jennifer Barbee Inc.
Miles Media
Cyber Sytes
The 543 Group
Ypartnership

Susan Estler, VP of Marketing for the CVB recommended Simple View, Jennifer Barbee, and Miles Media as the top three that had the capability and capacity to handle the interactive needs of Panama City Beach.

According to Ms. Estler, Simple View had excellent references. All of their existing clients were extremely satisfied with their performance, and to date, Simple View has yet to lose a client. Their client list spans from Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Scottsdale, Park City, and tons more. One of the more important issues discussed was the database that will be amassed with this new interactive initiative, and Simple View assured us that the database that is created using our initiatives will, indeed, be ours (well, the CVB’s). This is a huge issue with our current agency, Miles Media, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

Second on Ms. Estler’s recommendation list was Jennifer Barbee, Inc. Jennifer Barbee is a newly formed interactive marketing agency that comes from very well developed roots. Jennifer’s position was secured in this list because of her background with USDM, who is considered somewhat the industry standard in interactive marketing. The database issue is not existent as the data amassed will belong to the CVB. As an added bonus, Barbee uses the same database system as the CVB, further easing the movement of data from the agency to the CVB. Her experience and work portfolio is in line with what the CVB is looking for, in fact, so much so, that the only reason she is in second is because of her company being in its infancy.

The third on the list was Miles Media. Miles Media is the current interactive agency holding the reigns of the CVB web site, VisitPanamaCityBeach.com, and there are several issues with this relationship, with the major issue being who controls the database. Marty McDaniel and Buddy Wilkes both agreed that in the past, Miles Media has been very uncooperative in sharing the database that the Panama City Beach CVB marketing efforts has generated. That is to say, they will not let us have the database that, essentially, we paid for through our marketing efforts that they deployed. Miles Media’s excuse is that all of the user data that all of their campaigns generates is shared with the Visit Florida database and that once it enters that database, it belongs to that “domain”, and can’t be given out to individual clients. I would agree, that the Panama City Beach CVB should not be given access to a database that includes data from campaigns or efforts that are other than their own, however (and this is a big however), there is no reason why Miles Media can’t distinguish the difference between “our” data and the data of someone else’s marketing efforts. Further more, if they are submitting the data to some “master” database, then there is no reason that they can’t duplicate “our” data so as to keep it segregated. If they can’t, I would submit that that is their problem, not ours, and they just need to figure it out. As the contact database administrator of over 750,000 contacts, I can assure you that if I told the principles of my company that I can’t distinguish the difference between different databases within the database, I would have been fired a long time ago.

There are nifty things called computers and programs that allow people to do cool things like organize data however you want, need, or desire to based on whatever you want.

As indicated by the committee members, the database issue in the past with Miles Media has been unsolvable. The committee felt that moving forward, Miles Media would continue to be unwilling to change their approach on this issue. The committee members decided that it would be prudent to ask the question up front whether Miles Media would be willing to share with the Panama City Beach CVB the database their marketing efforts generate, and if the answer was still no, they would be moved to position 4, and have virtually no chance on continuing to be the interactive agency of record. At this point, Cyber Sytes would replace Miles Media in position and move to position three.

You don’t have to be told that it was decided that Cyber Sytes would be in position four. It was agreed upon by all present that Cyber Sytes has a very talented team and in the last two years, they have made very positive movement by way of bringing on talented graphics arts staff and have grown professionally and artistically. They have become virtually THE web design firm in Bay County, and have been recognized for this. However, the committee agreed, they just didn’t think Cyber Sytes was “ready” for the CVB.

The process moving forward will include a special meeting to be called sometime in between next Wednesday’s meeting (agenda forthcoming) and the next scheduled meeting to hear presentations from the top two agency picks, Simple View, Inc., and Jennifer Barbee, Inc.

I will, of course, be covering these meetings, so stay tuned.

Steel Dirt – New Publix Taking Shape

Growing from a field of dirt, a steel and concrete structure is forming the shape of the future of Publix on Back Beach Road. With the hot summer months over, the crews are thankful to have the bulk of their work during what is arguably one of the best times of year in Panama City Beach.

With the thriving commercial development on Back Beach Road, especially around the area of Beckrich and Alf Coleman, it would seem the area is preparing itself for an influx of new visitors by way of condo rentals, vacation rentals, or new home purchasers in Panama City Beach. St. Joe is certainly ambitious in their prospective development at the end of Beckrich. The Breakfast Point subdivision promised to bring thousands of new homes to our area when there are people here to fill them.

The new 5400 square foot Publix will be replacing the old 4500 square foot grocery located at the corner of Beckrich and Middle Beach Road. The look will be similar to the new Publix on Thomas Drive and the Publix right next to Sandestin.

In addition to the new Publix, a much needed Office Depot will be opening a store in this new shopping complex.

Construction time is around 9 months and the new store should be open by summer 2009.

Airport Moves Forward on Terminal, saves $10 mil

The Panama City – Bay County International Airport Authority has approved the design and construction of the terminal building at its new airport now under construction in West Bay.

The new terminal design includes several improvements and cost saving measures planned to keep the project on budget.

At the request of the Airport Authority Board, the general contractor, Walbridge, worked with the airport’s architect (HNTB), engineer (PBS&J) and construction manager (KBR) to identify cost savings in order to bring the cost of the terminal building within budget.

Through value-engineering, the construction team was successful in lowering the cost by $9.8 million to $58.8 million.

The new terminal will be 125,000 square feet and have 7 gates. The airport aims to have the first LEED certified Terminal Building in the nation, with a state-of-the art storm water management system, extensive use of sustainable materials and a landscaping plan that will not require supplemental irrigation.

“From the beginning of this project we have been focused on two things. First, we want to build a world-class facility capable of serving our region for decades to come with more flights and lower fares. And second, we are closely managing this project to ensure our community gets the best value for every dollar we spend,” said Joe Tannehill, Airport Authority chairman.

“We challenged the decision team to identify cost savings while improving the overall design of the terminal. I’m proud to say they delivered,” said Tannehill.

Last month, the Airport Authority announced its intentions to construct a 10,000-foot main runway, subject to obtaining necessary permits and approvals. The Authority also had approved a thicker runway and centerline lighting to accommodate a 10,000 foot runway.

Construction of the $318 million state-of-the-art airport began in January 2008 and is now nearly three months ahead of schedule. The runway has been graded and paving is scheduled to begin in early October, four months ahead of schedule.

The new commercial airport, the first built in the United States since the mid-1990s, is scheduled to open in May 2010.

Tons of People + Festival = Good Time

The parking lot was packed, being filled by a line of cars wrapped all the way up Pier Park Drive next to Palmetto Trace. The parking attendants looked exhausted from waving their flashlights and talking to drivers at 9 pm. There were still people pouring in when I left tonight.

Looking at license plates on the way out, every other car was from either Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The draw looked healthy, and so far, without seeing any actual numbers, the attendance looked good.

Between Beach Bouncers, carnival rides/attractions, funnel cakes, and cotton candy, there was plenty to keep the kids busy. With roaming clowns and people passing out candy, every kid was singing of gum drops and cherry planes.

At the opposite side of the camp, a band rocked the main stage with common covers such as Foxy Lady and Sweet Home Alabama. Opening for the main act, the growing crowd was being pumped up for .38 Special.

We didn’t get to try any of the endless varieties of food, but I’m sure most, if not all, was good. Vendors ranged from Beef ‘o Brady’s to Boatyard. Shopping was abound in plenty with anything from really cool hanging chairs to little wooden figurines just a quick negotiation away from a comfortable place on your mantle.

The party was definitely hoppin tonight, and will continue to entertain thousands tomorrow. The gates open at 11 am with stilt walkers, balloon artists, face painters, sand sculpting, Hands on Art, live kid’s concerts, Gallagher’s Gymnastics presentations and much, much more.

Full schedule of events for Saturday, October 11th at the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival

Gates Open – 11a – Marketplace, food, Family Fun Days activities, amusements, all open
Family Fun Days 11a-3p – Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters, Bouncer Village, Sand Sculpting, Hands on Art by Visual Arts Center, live kids concerts, Gallaghers Gymnastics presentations, and more
Lunch With Sponge Bob – 11:30am-12:30pm – Coca Cola Tent (dining tent) $5 per child up to 12 years old, $8 per person 13+ (includes Pizza & Coca-Cola)
Steve’s Kazoo Krew Band – 11a-12:30pm – Coca Cola Stage (dining tent)
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience Band – 12:30p-1:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Half Price Temp Tattoos @ Tat Shack – 12:30p-1:30pm – KIDS VILLAGE
Sand Sculpting for Kids with master Sand Sculptor Mark Flynn – 1:30-2:30p – KIDS VILLAGE
On-Call Jazz Band – 1:30pm-4pm – Coca-Cola Stage (dining tent)
Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team performance – 2:30pm – Colonial Bank Stage in KIDS VILLAGE
Chef Exhibition – Chef of Reggae J’s – 3pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Grand Wine Tastings – 4p-6p – Wine Garden @ Chef & Wine Tent
De Lions of Jah Reggae Band – 4p-6:30pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Chef Exhibtion – Chef Conrad of Boatyard – 4pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Chef Exhibition – Chef Paul of Firefly – 5pm – Chef & Wine Tent
Panhandle Star Competition Top 5 finalists – 6:30pm-7:30pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience – 7:30p-8:45pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)
Blues Traveler – 9pm-11pm – Clear Channel Stage (mainstage)

Runway Paving Started at New Airport

Construction of the airport continues to proceed several months ahead of schedule with nearly 45% of the heavy civil construction portion of the job complete with only 35% of the time used.

The project is still about 3 months ahead of schedule.

There are currently 203 workers and 138 pieces of equipment on site.

Asphalt paving on Taxiway D is started on Monday, October 6, 2008.

Asphalt paving on the north end of Runway 34-16 is expected to begin on Thursday, October 9, 2008.

The earthwork in the General Aviation area is 99% complete.

The utility package for the airport property will be finished and released the beginning of the week of October 13, 2008.

The mandatory pre-bid meeting for the utility package is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m. at the current airport. Bid packages are due to the Airport Authority Office by Friday, October 31, at 1:00 p.m.

Sea Urchins and Seaweed

I happened upon this scene one day while exploring Shell Island with the kids. Sea Urchin “shells” are the extremely fragile exoskeleton of the spiny urchins that remain after the urchin dies. These break easily with the slightest pressure. To have so many washed up unbroken and in horizontal line was simply amazing.

Photo Description: Interwoven with seagrass, the urchins shells aligned along the bayside shore of Shell Island.

Visit my photoblog Sand between Your Toes to see more nature photos of Panama City Beach and the Emerald coast.

Teddy Meeks