Coastal Vision 3000 Bought by FRLA

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced today the acquisition of Coastal Vision 3000, a private, non-profit tourism and economic development group in Northwest Florida. Coastal Vision’s executive director Mel Ponder will lead the transition to FRLA over the coming months.

“The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to work with and compliment the efforts of Coastal Vision 3000,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “This merger will allow for greater marketing and branding efforts, and growing the economic development of Northwest Florida through the hospitality and tourism industries, one of the state’s main economic engines,” she continued.
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St. Andrew’s Seafood and Pirate Fest – Join the Fun!

Amid all of the concerns regarding the oil spill and after the fire at the beloved Treasure Ship, it’s time we indulged in some good old-fashioned local fun to lift our spirits. How lucky, then, that this weekend is the annual St. Andrew’s Seafood and Pirate Fest – one of Panama City’s most exciting festivals! Continue reading “St. Andrew’s Seafood and Pirate Fest – Join the Fun!” →

TDC: We’re Open For For Business, But Prepared For Worst Case Scenario

On Tuesday, Mark Bowen, Chief of Emergency Services, accompanied by Lieutenant Caskey of the Coast Guard, met with the TDC and CVB to discuss plans of action in the event that the oil spill hit Panama City Beach’s shores. Chief Bowen answered questions and concerns from the board as well as from audience members in the attempt to reinforce the message that there is no impact on Panama City Beach, we’re open for business and that we are preparing diligently for that day if it comes.

The plans to manage the consequences of the event, if it happens, will consist of a booming strategy, a beach protection plan and finally, if needed, a comprehensive disposal plan of oils and any contaminated soils and sand. Continue reading “TDC: We’re Open For For Business, But Prepared For Worst Case Scenario” →

Deep Horizon Oil Spill – Panama City Beach Update – NO OIL HERE

Putting all opinions aside (educated or not =) ), the growing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a serious concern for Bay County and the beaches of Panama City Beach. Rather than force you to read through this whole post just to find out what you are really wanting to know, I’ll save you a bit of time. More information is below if you want it, otherwise:

As of right now, there IS NO OIL on or near the beaches of Panama City Beach. In addition, as of right now, we are not within the “area of uncertainty” with no expectation of oil hitting our shores – today.

Check after the break for resources on how to track the spill, what Bay County is doing to prepare and what will happen if we do enter the “area of uncertainty”.

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2010 EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour Kicks off Saturday

The 2010 EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is coming to your beach-side town featuring the top “Poster” athletes and free agents. The EVP pre party lets you see your placement and meet the nice staff of the EVP Tour. The EVP Awards Party from 8pm – ? will be giving out the purse as well as some ice cold beer and wine. Teams from Hermosa Beach, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Seattle, Detroit, Miami Beach, St. Louis, Racine, Naples Long Island and many more. 2009 top players Mark Paaluhi, Wayne Scott, Kim Whitney, and “players of the year” Mike Dauernhiem. Come join EVP Staff Carlos Jimenez, Craig Lenniger, Ross Balling and Alex Rausch. The best one day event on the planet.

For more information please head over to: http://evptour.com/articleView.asp?ID=30

TDC/CVB AGENDA: Oil Spill Plan of Action

If you’ve been worried about what the oil spill could do to our summer economy, this Tuesday the TDC and CVB will discuss a plan of action on how to continue on promoting the area. If gears are switched on any of the original plans, this meeting could have a significant impact on your own summer marketing plans.

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
9:00 a.m.
Council Room, Beach City Hall

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

A. Invocation
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Approve Minutes From April 13, 2010 Continue reading “TDC/CVB AGENDA: Oil Spill Plan of Action” →

Optimisim On PCB: Jason Koertge

For those of you who do not know Jason Koertge, he is the creator of PCBDaily.com and one of the areas most innovative business leaders. What you may not know about Jason is that he is not a native of Panama City Beach which provides him a unique perspective on our great city as both an outsider and one who has studied the beach’s in and outs in order to tell it’s story through PCBDaily.

We sat down with Jason and asked him about his optimistic views about Panama City Beach.

1. How has Panama City Beach changed since you’ve become a resident?

When I first moved here in 2001, I barely knew Panama City Beach existed. Still in college, and only coming to “the beach” on weekends, I had no idea of the economic potential or what the pending real estate boom was about to do to the area. Continue reading “Optimisim On PCB: Jason Koertge” →

Rates Ease – Oil Spill Effects

Mortgage rates have fallen back to some of their lowest levels of the year as investors have been returning to the U.S. bond market as continued worry over the debt problems facing Europe’s so-called PIIGS – Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, Greece and Spain- have caused a move away from risk to the relative safety of Treasury debt. Greece has been the biggest concern after Standard and Poors cut the nation’s debt quality rating to junk status. Failure by the EU member countries, all of whom are facing debt concerns of their own, to craft a viable bailout plan for Greece has fueled fears that the global economy may be facing long-term repercussions from deficits as a whole. Mortgage rates always seem to come out a winner when the economic news is bad and this week has been no exception. The benchmark thirty-year, fixed-rate stands right at 5.00% with no points and the fifteen-year is just under 4.50% at 4.375% with no points. Continue reading “Rates Ease – Oil Spill Effects” →

Vote NOW – Pick the best Business Expo Video

Two weeks ago the Panama City Beach’s Chamber of Commerce Business Expo raised the roof under the big top at Boardwalk Beach Resort. This fantastic event showcased all the best businesses this area has to offer and threw in a little fun with a circus theme. Mimes, jugglers, dancers and clowns were found wandering the creative booths that had everything from live performances to free peanuts.

Click the read more to hear about the contest and watch the videos.

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Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill – Public Information Meeting TODAY

There will be a meeting today, May 4, at 4:30 PM (previously scheduled at 2:00), at the Okaloosa County School District Administrative Building 120 Lowery Street S.E. in Fort Walton Beach with representatives from the DEP, BP, the US Coast Guard, Okaloosa County, and other officials. This meeting is being held to answer as many of your questions as possible. Please plan to attend for any information you need concerning the oil spill.

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