This month, Miracle Strip at Pier Park is opening to bring back all the great memories of Panama City Beach’s most beloved attraction. The rides are in place and soon, Pier Park will be roaring with screams and delight. At PCBDaily.com, we want to give you an opportunity to hit the park this year as often as you like by giving away an annual pass.
Tell us one of your best memories from the old Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Did you have your first date under the lights, maybe took a summer job working Dante’s Inferno or just had a great time with friends? Whatever your memory, post a comment below and WIN.
The winning annual pass includes a special “buddy pass” that allows the annual pass holder to get a free arm band for their “buddy” to ride with them for the day. This works great for children who need parents to ride with them or are older and want to bring a friend when they come.
Our staff will pick the top 10 best stories and the winner will be randomly chosen. The announcement of the winner will be made two weeks from now in our March 23rd newsletter.
Miracle Strip at Pier Park opens this Saturday, March 6th. So go out and have a blast!
For more information on Miracle Strip at Pier Park go to: www.miracle-strip.com. Giveaway rules can be viewed here.
PCBDaily 
My 3 kids are so excited for the park to open!
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My greatest memory of Miracle Strip was when I was about 10 years old. I cant say it was my best memory but it is surely my most memorable one. My Mom took myself and my 2 younger sisters for a day of fun. All was good until my Mom talked us into getting on the Farris Wheel. First of all I dont like heights but what could go wrong when you are with your Mom? Everything! My Mom loved the Farris Wheel and her not knowing how scared I was, decided she would rock our seat back and forth to make it more fun for us. NOT. I got so sick and as we were coming down from the top-I threw up everywhere in the seat and below us. It was horrible and I have NEVER been back on a Farris Wheel again and I am now 36 years old. I loved Miracle Strip and was sad to see it go as I now have 2 children and my little boy never got to go before it closed. I am happy to see it coming back.
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I didn’t live here when the old strip was open, but from hearing from everyone else it was the place to be. Hope Im able to win so I can take my 2 yr son there all year long.
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Does this park have the same acreage, same rides, same ambiance as the original?
No? Then don’t expect the same memories.
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Joe, you’re such a bummer. Go get a latte.
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I am new to Panama City Beach and have no memories yet! However, my family and I are so excited about the new developments, new airport, and the future of PCB. We are looking forward to bringing my three small grandchildren to Miracle Park so they can make some memories about “Grandma’s Park” that they will keep into their adulthood and pass on to their children.
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what’s more enjoyable than watching your family laugh and giggle on the world’s most beautiful beaches. those are the memories i have of miracle strip. i love that pier park has taken the amusement park and made it what it is today. a ferris wheel on the beach again, awesome!!!
Tanya
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How many rides will they have at Pier Park?
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IT WAS SO GREAT THEN AND IT IS GREAT TO SEE THAT THE MEMORIES WILL LIVE ON. I LOVED THE MERRY-GO ROUND AND PLAN TO VISIT IT NOW, TOO.
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My oldest is a teenager now, but I remember when they were little. Their eyes would light up at all the lights and games. They were too small to ride almost everything, but they still remember our visist vividly. I had to ‘squeeze’ myself into the mini Ferris Wheel because they wanted to ride something soooo bad, but were just a bit afraid. They are so excited to get the park back!
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My best memory of the park was riding the ‘Swings’ that went around and around, faster and faster! I’m so glad the park is coming back!
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I miss the Log Flume! I loved the thrill of a roller coaster, and fun of getting splashed!!!
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I loved it when my parents took me to the park when I was little. Now I’m 13, and can’t wait to be able to go to the park and ride the ‘big rides’!!!
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My daughter worked at Miracle Strip one summer, I remember getting on one ride with her that would take you way up high, stop for about 10 seconds and then drop you. We both loved how beautiful the beach looked at night from up there! I hope to be able to share some of my old Miracle Strip memories with her daughter, when I take her to Pier Park’s Miracle Strip.
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Too many to count. Going with my parents as a small child, the excitement of driving down to the Beach (all the way from Chipley!) with my friends once I had my driver’s license, going there on dates in high school, taking my own kids there when they were little. The roller coaster was always my favorite ride. Can’t wait to take my grandchildren!
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Miracle Strip is a several generation event for the family. Both of my daughters were practically raised at MSAP, as we call it. Now my eldest daughter has started raising her family and the baby is already three. She has already spent many hours last year riding the Merry Go Round at Pier Park. It brought back so many memories for ol’ Dad and the girls. The baby fell in love with the ride last fall. When it got to cold for her in January she said the horses went to the barn to stay warm. It was very believable for her when we rode by in the Park and the carousel was being dismantled to be moved. Now that its warming up we’ll tell her the horses are out of the barn and back at work.
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THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS! Family is very excited.
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OLDIES BUD GOODIES! BRING BACK THOSE “GOOD OLD” DAYS
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I have so many fond memories of the park. Growing up in Parker, we were close enough to go often, but far enough away to feel like it was “someplace else”. My first real summer job was busboy for the Deen,s and the Butchikas’ in the summer of ’74 when I turned 16 and got my license and could drive myself to “The Strip”. Spent graduation on the beach in ’76 from high school and ’79 from GCCC. Spring and summer of ’79 I turned 21. I worked as a lifeguard at the State Park and a waiter at the old Howard Johnson at the “Miracle Mile” (now Boardwalk). Getting ready to go off to FSU in the fall. It was magical in so many ways.
But it was the summer of ’69 that I recall riding down Front Beach Road in front of the Amusement Park, in the back seat of my uncle Bobby’s Chevelle SS 396. Bright yellow with a black racing stripe. Me and my little brother Craig and my 2 cousins, Louis and terry from Mobile, who came every summer to go deep sea fishing and then a night out on “The Strip”. My brother and I looked forward to this annual event because our parents didn’t get too excited about staying up late, driving across town on a hot summer Saturday night just to get into the crowded traffic and throw away money like the tourists. We had to get up go to Church early the next morning.
We had just completed the amusement park experience and all that that entailed, and had “rolled the balls” for hours at the Skee Ball concession and traded out tickets for souveniers.
We were making our way down Front Beach road, bumper to bumper style, and my uncle was getting a little irritated with the crowd and the traffic. He was also a little annoyed with the four boys, aged 6-11 yelling, squealin’, and generally living it up in the back seat when something or somebody caused a back-up and prompted my uncle to utter the famous words that were often repeated, even unto this day, whenever we would reminesce about our yearly pilgramage.
A usually vary calm man of very few words exclaimed, ” Now a I know why they call it the “Miracle Strip’, he exclaimed to my aunt in the “bucket seat” on the passenger side of the muscle car. “It’s a miracle if you can ever get outta the damn place!”. And we all laughed hysterically and memory was born that lasted a lifetime.
Thanks for letting me share this hokie old memory that is only special to those who were there so long ago.
John Newberry, Jr.
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Periodically, Blind Date, an entertaining show on Fox Reality Channel, features a couple meeting and going on a date during Spring Break in Panama City Beach. It is severely dated in that it shows them riding rides at the original Miracle Strip. It is always fun to view this episode as it surely brings back fond memories. But then I grew up going to Myrtle Beach and remember the Pavilion as it used to be…
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My fondest memory was how totally unafraid I was on the roller coaster, and how much I miss that feeling.
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I lived in NJ growing up going to the ‘shore’ so never made it to PCB, but my husband did and has many fond memories of the rides he wants to share with our son and would love to take him, but it’s just not in our budget this year to purchase an annual pass. I hope we are the winners!
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Where to start? I have so many good memories at Miracle Strip. We went every summer going up. It was my favorite part of Vacation. We would get there shortly past opening and stay till closing. The Starliner was my first roller coaster…I would ride it time and time again. My favorite memory of Miracle Strip is when we got my grandmother to ride a roller coaster. we always said ride the roller coaster, ride the roller coaster….answer was always no. One year we asked her and she said okay. Nothing like your 65 year old grandmother riding a roller coaster with you! Many fond memories….I hated to see it go but THANK YOU for bringing back a part of it! I would love to have a annual pass!
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Being old and brave enough to ride the rides without getting sick and then we made the mistake of getting on the little harmless looking bullet, woah let just say all the fancy lemonade in the world from MSAP couldnt make a person feel better!! It used to be the place to work, play and hang out at! Sad to have seen it go but glad it is being slightly revived!! I know i would enjoy taking my son there for years to come!!!!!
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Retired Air force, I’ve lived in PC since 1982. Over the years, My son and daughter had many good times at MSAP. As he grew older, my son pratrically lived there on weekends durng the summer. We Love the Water Park too. But most of all he loved fishing at the City Pier. In fact I got a condo on the beach so he could go fishning, he lives there during Cobia season, or he did unitl they tore down the old Pier. What luck, just about the time my condo was ready they tore the old Pier down, well it’s back, bigget and better than ever. With Prier Park it’ even better.
I look forward to many days on the beach, at the pier, with Pier Park and the Amusement Rides its so much better. It brings back many happy memories and will provide many more in the years ahead for me and My family. Many more to come!
I was sorry my grandaughter ( seven ) didn’t get to experience all the fun at MSPA. She loves the Beach. I’ve taken her to Pier Park to ride the MSAP Merry-go-round, she loves it too. We’ll be there tomorrow for the Grand Opening. See you there!
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I have been vacationing at PCB for about 35 years with my family. We are from Indiana. My parents retired here about 15 years ago. My best memory is one year when we were there for the week on vacation, and went to miacle strip, there was a guy riding the roller coaster trying to get into the geniuss book of world records for the longest non stop ride. I got in line and rode with him at least 10 times. I don’t know if he did it or not but he was there for a very long time. I remember he was trying to sleep on the ride at one time,which was impossible 🙂 I remember the one of the drinking fountains was inside a lions head mouth. It is sad to see it abondoned and look forward to now taking my 9 year old to starts some new memories for her.
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Awesome, can hardly wait to checvk it out.
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I am so happy that whoever are the ones responsible for this had the vision and tenacity to see it through. They obviously knew what a catastrophe it was to lose Miracle Strip. It was a unique and heartwarming place to go to and just so much fun. The rides were fabulous, but also the shows put on by the locals were precious and entertaining. I’m sure our beach and Bay County leaders now realize that there are some things money just can’t buy or replace and Miracle Strip was one of them. We do not need more condos, we need more places like Miracle Strip park, the old Petticoat Junction, Shipwreck Island etc. Another suggestion is a roller skating rink on one of the empty lots on the gulf…something like the old HangOut. Remember, people come here for a vacation, which means something different than what they have and do back home. You can go almost anywhere now and rent a luxurious condominum, but fun things to do right on the beach at an affordable rate….priceless! Glad to also see things like Wonder Works, Shubee and Ripley’s here. Keep up the good work Panama City Beach!
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My best memories would be riding the Starliner with my good friend David Derrick, having my picture made in the photo booth and then going to watch the teenagers dance at the Hangout (early 1960’s).
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My best memories were the first time I took my Granddaughter to the park. At first she screamed on all the rides, then cried. After that she kept wanting to go back again and a again. We are happy that is opening up again.
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More than a memory, this more of an ‘oh what a feeling’ type deal. Circa, late 70’s, I’m 47 now, heading to Miracle Strip, walking…no matter where you stayed, that’s just how we traveled, hoofing it. And nobody complained, the farther we had to walk the better. Miracle Strip was more of an experience than just a place to go. Riding the Starliner with you hands over your head, the sound of the wheels clickity clacking along the track and man that thing would fly! Nothing else to compare it to those days, the Starliner was it! Hit a few games, grab a corn dog, take in a couple of ‘little’ rides, go make some crazy pictures in the picture booth…4 little black and whites on a strip…best pictures ever! Go ride the log flume, hands up again! And yes, holding hands and kissing your first girlfriend. That’s Miracle Strip! A full blown night of sights, sounds, smells, and experiences like no other. Thanks for bringing back simpler times!
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can not wait for the fun…am so excited to let the kids have fun with a tradition of yesteryear..
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I have vacationed here for many years before moving here two years ago. I have many fond memories of taking my daughter now almost 40 to Miracle strip. Would love for my grandkids to ride the same rides their mom rode when she was young!
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We have been staying at Panama City Beach since our kids were months old. We enjoyed and spent alot of time at Miracle Strip. Twenty four years later with a 24 year old, 21 year old and a 16 year old we still love “our” favorite vacation location. Now comes the next generation. We have a 2 year old and 8 month old grandsons, both of them having been to Panama City Beach. The beach, the gulf and swimming pool will be their entertainment until our chance for Miracle Strip. Pier Park is nice and Panama City Beach Is back. Thank You
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I would have to say that one of my best memories from miracle strip was when i was in high school. A couple of friends and i went one weekend and one ride scared most of us half to death. I dont remember what exact ride it was.It puts you way up in the air and spins , and spins and spins! anyways.. one girl was screaming stop , stop, stop. Of course it didnt! As she was screaming “stop” everything that was in her pockets starting flying everywhere ( phone, camera, money, ect). Then she began to throw up. I can safely say that was one of the worst nights of her life, but we had a lot of good laughs afterwars!
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I have many wonderful memories of The Miracle Strip. That was always one of the highlights of our annual beach trip to Panama City. We would anxiously stand and wait to ride the roller coaster and log ride and then run jump back in line to ride again! We were very sad to hear that they were closing down the park. 😦 There are many other memories there at the haunted mansion and spider to name just a couple. I am happy to hear that some of these rides will be coming back to Pier Park to bring back the old tradition! 🙂
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I have been going to PC Beach since the mid 50’s and always went to the Miracle Strip every time to enjoy the rides and games. The farris wheel to the roller coaster and the arcade were great times. It was something I always looked forward to at PCB, then it was gone. Now the MSAP is back and my kids, grandkids and I have the opportunity to enjoy this all over again. Thank you for bringing it back!
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I’m glad they’re bringing back parts of the original park – it’ll never be the Miracle Strip it once was, but you have to start somewhere…. and, kids coming for the first time will have their own memories of this Miracle Strip! Best wishes to MSAP!!!
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Its all about cost, I was disapointed with the rides they had for the Pier Park New Years Eve Party. Between $5.00 and $10.00 per ride. Take a couple of kids and you could buy passes for Disney World just as cheap. I hope they don’t plan on charging $10.00 to climb rock wall. Pier Park should pay for at least of portion of these cost. Parents are spending money while the kids are playing.
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Our family has been the number one fan of Miracle Strip since we first discovered Panama City Beach on our three daughter’s Spring Break in the mid 80’s. We had a little pop-up camper and were at a campground in Santa Rosa over Easter. We got the best spot in the place – closest to the ocean. A storm rolled in overnight, but we were tied down good. When we awoke the next morning everyone had cleared out but us…and it was still pouring rain. We got a newspaper and it showed clearing to the east so we packed up and headed east. When we got as far as Panama City Beach, the sun greeted us brightly, so we set up camp in the nearest campground – St. Andrews State Park. Fell in love with Panama City Beach, and have been coming here ever since. We loved the sugar white beaches, but the highlight for the girls was always Miracle Strip. “Can we go again tomorrow? When can we go again? Let’s go RIGHT NOW, CAN WE???!” Miracle Strip was the main focus of their excitement during these annual vacations. Now they are all grown up with children of their own. They LOVED riding the Merry Go Round at Pier Park last year and I CANNOT WAIT to introduce my 10 grandchildren to the NEW Miracle Strip this April during the grandchildren’s Spring Break. We have rented 3 condos (sold the camper long, long ago) close to Pier Park. I have no doubt that Miracle Strip will become a tradition for THEIR families for many years to come. Thank you for bringing back such wonderful memories!
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Wow I have so many memories of the Miracle Strip. My family was military and Panama City beach was our home away from home. We lives overseas and somehow always made it to Panama city for a few weeks every August. The miracle strip was always a top hot spot. Me and my brothers and cousins looked forward to that night every year, sometimes even 2 nights if the parents were feeling generous. I can still smell the cave of the abomidable snowman and remember laughing at his hairy mole while waiting in line. I remember seeing all of the gum stuck to the walls while waiting in line at Dante’s inferno haha!!! I was NOT a contributor. I have so many pictures of my whole family on the swings too all with smiles. We went every summer for over 15 years. My parents still have a place there but without the miracle strip it just hasn’t been the same. I am now pregnant with my first child and hope to have some great fun back at the miracle strip like my now all grown up family used to have. Thanks for bringing it back.
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I have only lived in PCB for over a year so I dont have any memories of Miracle Strip but what about the memories I will be making when my grandchildren come down to visit. My husband and I will soon have our 10th grandchild in June. This past summer when any of the grandkids came down we took them to Pier Park to ride the carousel and train. We cant wait for them to see the new rides at Pier Park. So even though I cant give you memories from the past its the memories we will be making and sharing with our grandchildren that make it so special.
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My fondest memory of Miracle Strip is 2 weeks before they closed down. Myself, my husband, and our 2 daughters visited the park and rode every ride, tasted every food and beverage, and watched every show we could in that day. My favorite ride was the one that slowly carried you up 20 or so stories and dropped you in an instant. My husband was less than thrilled with that ride, so I rode without him the next 6 times. As for my girls, they loved sampling all of the “fair” foods and riding the rides. We ended the evening with the girls riding the carousel. The picture that stands out in my mind is of the huge smiles on their faces each time they circled around! It was a bitter sweet time. We were so excited to be there and so disappointed to see the magick end. I look forward to new memories at the new Miracle Strip and hope to see it grow each year.
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I do not have any memories becuase I am a new owner at PCB (2 years) However, if I won this pass I would give it to a friend living in Panama City . He is raising his two year old twin daughters with his mom and dad. I would love to be able to give this to them.
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Wow. A chance for my youngest and my granddaughter to have memories of the Miracle Strip. I think that’s going to be great! I was afraid that there wasn’t going to be anything to remember. As the mom of a 29 year old and a 5 year old, I would love to have the opportunity to show the youngest the things that his older brother got to see as a kid. The five year old and his 8 year old niece watched as they brought now the old castle at Middle Beach and Front Beach. They thought the castle was the coolest looking thing they had ever seen and I had the hardest time explaining why it had to come down. They have also seen pictures of the “old” Miracle Strip and had the opportunity to see some of the abandoned rides before they were removed from the old site. I would love to be able to show them that what’s old, can be new again. Personally, I hope the old snowman ride is put back into action. It was my favorite……glenda
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Perhaps my favorite memory of MSAP was the last summer it was open. I bought season passes for my two grandchildren — we went almost every day during the month they were visiting me from Tennessee — me, sitting out most of the rides, watching them having the time of their lives. It was a magical time for all of us. They are now 19 and 14 but have talked about that summer and MSAP many times since. A season pass would be nice once more.
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During the summer break, I worked down the street at a dune buggy rental. I walked to Miracle Strip on my lunch break and rode the roller coaster almost every day! Loved it…
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I remember one of my first trip there in the 60’s, a friend and I were allowed to go on the ferris wheel without an adult, the person running the ferris wheel stopped the ride with us at the very top and my friend asked what I thought would happen if she dropped her Icee over the side, she did and it hit a bald man on top of the head. Needless to say, we were taken off of the ride rather quickly and our parents summoned!
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Being a Panama City, FL native; I have too many memories of Miracle Strip Amusement Park to pick out only one. With that being said; I loved the old rickety feeling roller coaster the most of all. It seemed much rougher than much more modern roller coasters; so much so that I wondered if people with false teeth were able to keep them in during the ride each time! LOL The addition of the log flume ride was a huge event back in the day. Dante’s Inferno was always fun even if it was a bit cheesy in my opinion. The ferris wheel always revealed a view of traffic and the shoreline. We met lots of tourists there and had a ton of fun each year. I am glad some of the rides will be open again for all to enjoy!
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I had such good times when I was a little girl at Miracle Strip. I wished my kids could have enjoyed it as much as I did ,But maybe my grandkids can now .
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