Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-03-10

Juliann bennett giving the tdc board an earful – Photo: http://bkite.com/05myN #
Juliann bennett says the tdc needs to be paying to keep the beach clean. “You raised the collection tax and said you would keep it clean” #
Andy is showing pictures of trash all over the beach. Its really quite disgusting. #
Andy phillips says that the trash on our beach during spring break is a shear disregard for the environment. #
In new beach cleaning program, they’ll rake the sand every week during peak season and right before and after july 4th wknd #
Russ smith said that they are having surge in reservations for avp pro volleyball tourney #
Off to the TDC meeting. Interested to hear all about the new bed tax and how it will be used. stay tuned for live tweets! #
Uuggh. Sleepy. Time change gets me every year. #
@ShipWreckIsland I’m your newest fan. Become a fan of pcbdaily – companies.to/panamacitybeach in reply to ShipWreckIsland #
Just totally redesigned the pcbdaily newsletter. be sure to sign up! http://tinyurl.com/cbej8z #
No mosquitos yet, but plenty of noseeums. #
Going to frank brown park for baseball game. Heard it is a mosquito pit. Wife says she’s getting eaten aive #
with warm 76 dgre weather, the sun is out and spring breakers are sure to be having a good time. I’ll be at the boardwalk taking pix later. #
I started editing the footage of the runway paving video. Should be done tomorrow. #
Foggy morning. Still adjusting to the time change. Off to the gym. #
Front beach road is getting a new surface east of walmart – Photo: http://bkite.com/05ksP #
@amyers breakfast point is the name of the piece of land behind it on the bay. Not sure where the original name came from. #
@DustinBryson let you in when? today? maybe I should try again. Typically new restaurants/shops welcome free press. I hear their great. in reply to DustinBryson #
@StefBarron bootleg rocks. Josh the owner-just a great guy. #
@eightfifty yea, I worked right through my time. When I called the manager basically said sorry charlie. Not sure about that guy. #
@knutlinke everyone seemed to have lavela on their lips. Miss newbys seems to be a favorite #
@amyers don’t disagree with you. There was some debate when they decided to name the school BP. Many thought it sounded snooty #
Going home. Too old for this. Past my bedtime. Look for hi rez pix soon #
Just leaving lavela. Glad I don’t live like this. Kids everywhere. And many of them are scary looking #
No action at boardwalk, but is that normal at night? I wouldn’t know. #
Security just approached me on top of laketownwharf garage. Asked if I was a spring breaker contemplating a jump. “Taking pitchas” #
Hardly any cars over here. Must be “clubin” – Photo: http://bkite.com/05ic6 #
Some girl just walked by me on front beach road and said that it was illegal to be taking pictures. She must not be in college #
Strip is busy, but not packed. – Photo: http://bkite.com/05i9s #
Beach police hidden, watching over the streets of panama city beach – Photo: http://bkite.com/05i87 #
Just saw beach police making kids poor out beer on side of front beach road. #
alright, you caught me. I’m testing out a new notification system for social links. #
Over 1.8 million kids are on spring break this week nation wide. We will see 10’s of thousands of them in Panama City Beach. #
today was the second largest spring break check in day of the season. next saturday will be the largest. #
getting ready to go check the spring break action at boardwalk in panama city beach #
alright, now I’m leaving to check out the spring break action at the boardwalk beach resort in panama city beach, look for twitpics! #
What a great day to be outside. I love panama city beach – Photo: http://bkite.com/05gFu #
Beautiful day to be outside. 67 right now. Going to frank brown park to play bocce ball. #
Mmmm. Oh yea, five guys – Photo: http://bkite.com/05fIW #
check out our vimeo channel at http://vimeo.com/pcbdaily for videos of the new airport and panama city beach #
@eightfifty did you go to RR today? I had an invite, but an appt got in the way and they couldn’t reschedule me! in reply to eightfifty #
@inSocialMedia thanks for the follow #
@lou1492 I have to agree Lou! This is not what outsiders need to be seeing! in reply to lou1492 #
Man o man, 70’s and sunny weather outside in panama city beach. I bet the spring breakers are happy now! #
@jasoncrouch thanks for the follow! #
#tropigal thanks for the follow! #
totally researching on all the possibilities of Twitter. I’m constantly amazed at how many different ways it can be used. #
@IronWorksMag thanks so much for the follow! #
@guykawasaki Wow, Guy, thanks so much for the follow! The Art of the Start will be here Monday, looking forward to the read. #
@Mike_Dillard Thanks so much for the follow! #
I love working in my pj’s! Trying to knock out a custom web site for a client tonight. 2 hours until bedtime, then up and at ’em again at 5 #
Juat got out of my appt, no boardwalk today, maybe tomorrow? #
I’m at regency towers. Their pool is a steamy 85 degrees today. Man is the weather nice. 66 outside. #
Headed out to an appointment, then going to stop by boardwalk and check the action! #
Twitter Dance! http://tinyurl.com/99cmpl #
Check out pictures of Beach Tennis on Panama City Beach: http://tinyurl.com/buynq7 #
@espivey who’s he? in reply to espivey #
@espivey I love roadtrips! my fam and I just took one two weekends ago. have a great trip in reply to espivey #
@MichaelEck thanks for the follow bro! #
clean & jerk today http://tinyurl.com/dkce25 off to the gym! #
Back to work! #
@jerryeyler check pcbdaily for video of this. I actually have footage of the paving process on my comp that I need to make into a video #
@TakinPitchas I’ve got that feeling right now. It has been pumping through my veins all week. #
@dannyintampa I’d be interested to know how you occupied the whole day on twitter. I’m sure I could learn something! #
off to bed! #
Working on something totally new for our area. What is it? I’m sure you’d like to know! #
mmmm, cup cakes. I love working at home. Thanks Ash! #
http://twitpic.com/1uksi – Panama city beach beach tennis rules #
http://twitpic.com/1uj3m – Beach tennis on panama city beach at sharkeys #
Beach tennis is “far easier to learn regular tennis.” #
http://twitpic.com/1uhx0 – At sharkys to meet with pcb sand sports and beach tennis #
Heading over to sharkys to talk beach tennis. Skies are deep blue and the temp is 60 in panama city beach #
You just can’t replace working while listening to some 90’s grunge rock. Too bad it doesn’t work the time. #
@Celephias thanks for the follow! #
@tlmpcb thanks for the follow! #
49 degrees outside and getting warmer. come on sun, warm up our beaches! #
Be sure to check out Grills gone Wild 2 at Frank Brown Park on Sat 3/14. Benefits the new Miracle League Baseball Field #
Dude, I’m off to bed. Right On! #
@knutlinke You’re not kiddin’. It is supposed to warm up as the week moves on. Getting tired of this 40’s and 50’s crap. in reply to knutlinke #
dude, what’s up with the chilly weather in panama city beach this past week? We need warm weather for the spring breakers #
Adding apps like a crazy foo in facebook. And Tweeting from it too! #

AVP Press Conference – 2009 AVP Crocs Pro Beach Volleyball Touney

Tuesday March 10th, AVP (stands for Association of Volleyball Players for you cheeky ones) will be holding a press conference announcing its first-ever Spring Break event, the 2009 AVP Crocs Tour Panama City Open, as well as its exciting new partnership with Seahaven and Sharky’s Beachfront Resturant. A light lunch will be provided.

Attending will be top VP athlete Nick Lucena. In 2008, Lucena and partner Sean Scott finished the season as one of the Tour’s highest-ranked teams. He is a Florida native and played volleyball collegiately at Florida State University. He will be competing in the 2009 Panama City Beach Open.

“We are excited to bring the AVP to Spring Break for the very first time,” said Leonard Armato, CEO and Commissioner of AVP Pro Beach Volleyball. “The biggest beach party in the country is the perfect atmosphere in which to kick off our 2009 season.” – A recent press release.

The press conference will be held at Origin in The Towne of Seahaven at 12 noon on the Observation Deck. I’m not sure if they mean the 15th floor observation deck, and if so, which side, but I would assume the “public” side. Either way, however, I’m sure the person at the front desk will know where to direct you.

I should be there.

Redfish Riviera – Monthly Fishing Report

The month of March can be hit or miss for weather but can be very exciting for inshore or offshore fishing. If you are headed out into the blue water, do not forget to check the weather before heading out. The Gulf can turn into a washing machine without notice and turn a great day on the water into a nightmare.

Keep in mind that Black / Gag Grouper season is closed until March 31st and Red Grouper is closed until March 15th. AJ’s are the hot bottom bite. They can be caught in about 80 feet of water over wrecks. In addition to the AJ bite, you are sure to have fun with the triggerfish and beeliners this month. Please check you FWC regulations prior to your trip for updates.

Going to troll or pole the flats? A slow reel is the key – flats fish aren’t fond of cold water. Some trout may be caught on the flats but you will find the majority of the catch to take place in deep holes of 10 to 15 feet, around structure / docks, around canals and inlets. I find that a jerkbait on a 1/4 oz jighead or live shrimp is the ticket.

The bays are covered up with bluefish. The blues will hit anything thrown their way. Also, Sheephead are in the bay around docks and in the pass around the jetties. The best way to catch these sheephead is to rig with a light leader and small circle hook. I have found it favorable to scrape barnacles off pilings and docks then start fishing with sand fleas. If the sheephead see your line your done!

snapp-2 Redfish are being caught in bayous on oyster beds and docks. Some smaller reds are making their way to the flats but the bigger reds are still in deeper water. Just throw a 4 inch Berkley Gulp or live pinfish around docks and the jetties. I suggest – if you are fishing in the pass, fish the outgoing tide, a one ounce SPRO jig and hang on – look for diving birds, as those big bulls are lurking below. There have been some reports of slot reds being caught on the flats using top water plugs.

The Dan Russell Pier is currently closed for construction. The Pier is scheduled to re-open Summer of 2010.

TOURNAMENT NEWS

100_4111-300x228 Melvin and Buffington Brave the Storm to Win Emerald Coast Redfish Club’s First Series Event 20+ knot winds, thunderstorms, and a tornado watch made for horrific fishing conditions as Panama City Beach hosted the first stop on the Emerald Coast Redfish Club’s Tour. Jason Melvin and Brian Buffington found a way to capture the win and emerge as the Tour’s first leaders of the season.

“The weather was a concern on Friday before the event,” said Team Redfish Riviera’s Captain, Daniel Snapp. The weather folks were calling for 20+ knot winds, seas 6 to 8 feet and protected waters rough all day Friday and at 4:00 am Saturday morning – they were right!

Taking everything in consideration, the first event of the year, severe weather conditions and a new location at Bay Point Marina in Panama City Beach – the tournament ended up a huge success, said Tournament Director, Mike Schweppe. We ended up launching 32 of the 33 boats expected for the event.

Team Redfish Riviera, presented by Southern Peanut Producers and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, listed two teams for this event. However, the boat captained by Sean Fields ran into early engine problems and left he and his partner, Co-Owner of Team Redfish Riviera, Steve Bailey on the dock. “I am very disappointed,” uttered Captain Fields. We will be back and will give our sponsors, Redfish Riviera, Southern Peanut Producers and Margaritaville something to rave about. Team Redfish Riviera, captained by Daniel Snapp brought in one fish to give them a top ten finish.

Team Redfish Riviera, presented by Southern Peanut Producers and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville look on as their fish is weighed for a top ten finish.

Topping off the event was a second place finish by the 2008 IFA Gulf Coast Division Champion, Fred Myers and his partner Pete Turner. For more information and official results, please visit http://www.theredfishclub.com. The next event is scheduled for March 28th in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Airport Update – Pictures of the Terminal Progress

The terminal at the new Panama City Airport located in West Bay in Bay County is moving along at a swift pace. The percentage complete is just under 20% with all the pilings in place and the second floor structure being formed right now.

Construction of the terminal will last for the duration of the project.

Source: newpcairport.com

My Night of Spring Break

As the first night of spring break for many has rolled in, many are here enjoying our beaches. I would think it safe to say that most are here to remain completely inebriated for the duration of their stay, but I have to remember that they pump tons of money into our area. But it doesn’t mean that I have to like how they do it.

The streets weren’t as packed as I had expected, but perhaps everyone was in the “club.” There were a good number of kids walking up and down the “strip”, yelling cat-calls at the ladies and profanities at the guys. I was flicked off at least twice in my travels down the main thoroughfares for doing nothing other than driving by – lovely representation for the college crowd. It would seem that a few bad apples sure can leave a nasty and lasting taste.

The night scene isn’t really my thing.

Starting tomorrow, the beach will be alive and crawling with college-age kids doing anything from playing beach tennis to doing whatever they have going on down at The Boardwalk Beach Resort. This week, there will be over 1.8 million kids out on spring break, making it the second largest spring break of the season. Next week there will be over 2.1 million out on spring break.

I’ll be out from time to time next week capturing all the activity, look forward to the updates.

Courtesy of Tripsmarter.com, below is a list of schools out on spring break this week (be warned, it’s like a million rows long):

March 9-13, 2009 (Mon-Fri)
College / University	Enrollment
Alabama A&M University	6,047
Albion College	1,970
Albright College	1,650
Alcorn State University	3,668
American University	9,749
Appalachian State University	15,117
Arizona State University	64,394
Army, West Point	4,000
Aurora University	6,000
Austin Peay State University	9,192
Baldwin-Wallace College	4,260
Ball State University	20,113
Baylor University	13,886
Belmont University	4,765
Bentley College	5,557
Bowling Green State University	22,882
Brock University, Canada	12,889
Bryn Mawr College	1,799
Bucknell University	3,555
Butler University	8,367
Campbell University	10,471
Carroll College	3,292
Claflin University	1,800
College of Mount St. Joseph	2,300
College of William and Mary	7,709
College of Wooster	1,827
Colorado State University-Pueblo	3,951
Columbus State University	7,593
Concordia University, Saint Paul	2,069
Connecticut College	1,910
Covenant College	1,007
Creighton University	6,992
Dalton State College	4,532
Daytona Beach Community College	32,088
Duke University	12,991
East Carolina University	25,990
East Tennessee State University	13,389
Eastern Kentucky University	15,839
Emerson College	3,800
Emory & Henry College	981
Ferris State University	13,000
Florida Memorial University	1,867
Florida State University	41,575
George Mason University	30,332
Georgetown University	14,148
Gonzaga University	6,503
Hampton University	5,117
Hastings College of the Law	1,300
Hendrix College	1,095
IUPU, Fort Wayne	4,927
Illinois State University	20,757
Indiana State University	10,568
James Madison University	17,918
Kennesaw State University	20,603
Lamar State College	2,000
Lamar State College at Port Arthur	3,000
Lewis and Clark Community College	20,252
Liberty University	14,438
Longwood University	4,479
Loyola Marymount University	8,972
Macon State College	6,464
Malone College	2,385
Marquette University	11,548
Miami University (OH)	20,126
Michigan State University	46,045
Minnesota State University	13,841
Monmouth College	1,360
Morehouse College	2,933
Northeastern University	20,605
Northern Illinois University	25,313
Northern VA Community College	60,000
Notre Dame de Namur University	1,600
Occidental College	1,839
Old Dominion University	21,625
Pellissippi State Technical Community College	7,001
Penn State University	83,721
Purdue University North Central	3,724
Queens University	13,500
Quinnipiac University	7,400
Radford University	9,552
Saint John’s University	20,346
Saint Joseph’s University	7,542
Sam Houston State University	16,416
Simmons College	4,700
Southern Illinois University Carbondale	20,983
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	13,449
Southern Methodist University	10,901
St. Louis University	11,823
St. Mary’s College	1,871
Stephen F. Austin State University	10,822
Syracuse University	19,082
Temple University	34,218
Tennessee State University	8,748
Thomas More College	1,416
Texas State University	28,132
Université de Montréal	55,791
University Laval	28,902
University of Central Florida	48,497
University of Detroit Mercy	5,600
University of Florida	49,693
University of Georgia	33,831
University of Memphis	20,000
University of North Carolina	28,136
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	11,840
University of Notre Dame	11,603
University of Pittsburgh	27,020
University of South Carolina	27,390
University of South Dakota	11,582
University of Southern Indiana	10,040
University of Tampa	5,600
University of Tennessee at Martin	6,504
University of Toledo	19,706
University of West Florida	10,358
Utah State University	17,027
Valencia Community College	51,551
Virginia Tech	29,898
Weber State University	18,300
Western Kentucky University	19,215
Wilmington College	11,500
Yale University	11,398
Youngstown State University	11,803
TOTAL	1,834,258

New Publix, Office Depot, Dunkin Donuts almost ready

Only months away from opening, the new Publix, Office Depot, Dunkin Donuts and other soon to be announced businesses at the intersection of Beckrich and Back Beach Road are nearing completion more every day. Scheduled to open late spring, the front of the main building structures are almost done and looking nice.

The curb work is in and the ground prepped for paving, which should happen in the next couple of weeks.

St. Joe releases new Golf memberships in Wild Heron

When St. Joe purchased the Sharkstooth club house, tennis and beach club the community was all a buzz about the change in memberships. At that time the only way to get a full golf membership was to either buy a home that had an existing membership through transfer and purchase or to buy an approved St. Joe property. That was not received very well by the community since many home owners assumed this was a privilege that would always be afforded to them.

Fast forward and now St. Joe is now offering several golf, tennis and beach club memberships to Wild Heron owners as well as those that would purchase property in the community. As a past club member and owner in Wild Heron I believe this is a great idea for the health of the community. As a Realtor I have had several people that have wanted to buy a particular piece of property and without a membership possibility that was less attractive. I will tell you that the golf course is great, the community is one of a kind and the neighbors are second to none.

Please click here for more information about the membership offerings and remember to call your favorite Realtor to check out Wild Heron and if you do not have a favorite Realtor I would love to help you. Karen Smith with Beachy Beach Real Estate at 850-527-5651.

TDC Meeting – To Discuss Bed Tax Collection Allocation

On the agenda for the regularly scheduled TDC/CVB combined meeting for Tuesday, March 10 at 9 am is an update on the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, and the review of allocation for the Tourism Bed Tax Collection. Hmm, I wonder what that means.

You can download the agenda here. Or, you can view it below:

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:00 a.m. Council Room, PCB City Hall

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation
B.    Pledge of Allegiance
C.    Approve Minutes From the February 10, 2009, and February 16, 2009 Meetings

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

IV. UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V. PRESENTATIONS

A. Update on AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Ms. Alison Shapiro, PR Manager, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour

VI. BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A. Discuss and Consider for Approval Financial Statements Dated January 31, 2009, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
B. Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #90214, Invoice #90220, and Invoice #90267, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VII. BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Review of Allocation of the Tourist Development Tax, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VIII. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

X. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

XI. ADJOURNMENT

PCB Sand Sports Offers Free Introduction to Beach Tennis

PCB Sand Sports in partnership with Beach Tennis USA will be hosting the first annual Sharkys Beach Tennis Doubles on Saturday March 14th.

This is a FREE tournament to introduce the sport of Beach Tennis to the community and provide local FUN between the Spring Break week.
Did we say Free! Yes this is a benefit to the locals to come out and play during the transition day of Spring Break and have some fun.
If you currently play Tennis or have never played any Tennis at all come out and try it at Sharkys on the Beach.

Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and play will begin at 11:00. The first 16 teams to register will receive a “free” Beach Tennis t-shirt.
The tournament will be double elimination or pool play depending on the number of teams as we begin to promote and introduce this “new fun” sport to the community.
We are going to provide the first place team with a dinner for two coupon to Sharkys.

Come out and watch the Beach Tennis tournaments through March 18th daily to see the College vs. College competition.
Or just come out to pick up a few tips from the Pros since leagues will begin at Sharkys In May for Beach Tennis.

This is a great family sport and is growing rapidly worldwide.

For more information email beachresearch@yahoo.com or call 850-769-4802.

Resort Collection Offers Sweet Family Spring Packages

Families Enjoy Two Nights’ Stay Free!

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach announced special offers to families who want to enjoy Panama City Beach during their spring vacation. Every year, thousands of families come from near and far to enjoy all of the attractions the city holds on the world’s most beautiful beaches. This spring, families who book a five-night stay with The Resort Collection, which includes six luxurious resort properties, will receive two additional nights for free.

The sparkling emerald waters, sugar-white sands and bright sunshine make this area a perfect place to swim in the warm gulf waters, build sandcastles or fly kites with the whole family. Guests of The Resort Collection have access to beach rentals and services for Jet Skis, banana boat rides, parasailing and more located on the gulf.

Beyond the beauty, relaxation and fun of the beach, Panama City Beach has many more family-fun activities to explore. The 20-acre tropical-themed Shipwreck Island Waterpark, with its 500,000-gallon Ocean Motion Wave Pool, and numerous other attractions provide hours of fun for the whole family to enjoy. If families feel like taking a break from the water, they can visit the 1.1 million-square-foot open-air family entertainment complex, Pier Park. Because The Resort Collection is Pier Park’s accommodations partner, guests of The Resort Collection can show their room key at various shops and restaurants to receive special discounts. Whether guests are looking to shop major national retail stores and private boutiques or dine at festive restaurants like Margaritaville, they will find what they’re looking for at the beautifully landscaped mall with colorful Caribbean architecture. Located at the epicenter of Pier Park is The Grand Theatre 16 showing all the latest feature films. The Grand is now offering Super Saver Tuesdays where all seats, all day every Tuesday are only $5, making it a fun, affordable outing for the whole family. For the more curious adventurers, Ripley’s Believe It or Not boasts a prime location on Panama City Beach for exploring the most interesting and quirky wonders on the planet.

“We are proud to welcome families from all over the world to enjoy paradise on our shores in our luxury accommodations,” said vice president of sales and marketing for The Resort Collection Paul Wohlford. “I know families who book with us will create great memories that will last for years to come.”

Panama City Beach, Florida has all the natural and man-made amenities to create the perfect family getaway and The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach has the perfect offer to make it a fun, affordable and stress-free vacation. Family Spring Vacation offers are based on availability.

For information on The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, or to book reservations, call (866)-203-1164 or visit http://www.resortspcbeach.com.