Pier Park Festivities Schedule for July 4th

Well, it’s almost here, the pinnacle event of every Panama City Beach summer – July 4th weekend. This is a weekend when almost all of Panama City Beach is full to the brim with people from all over the southeast. I’ve been here since 2001 but I can’t hardly remember what July 4th was like before Pier Park. But now that we have it, they’ve held a huge event every year with closed off streets, bands playing, festivities and a huge fireworks show.

All events are taking place on Monday, July 4th at the times listed. Here’s the schedule:

Main Stage

2:00 – 7:00 pm

Enjoy live performances by Almost There, Anthony Orio & the Goodfellers provided by Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 98th Army Band “Crossfire”, and Southeast Navy Band “TGIF”.

9:30 pm

After the fireworks, stick around for a special live performance by Matt Mason.

Bookit.com Beach

2:00 – 5:00 pm

The whole family is invited to the Children’s Crafts & Games at BookIt.com Beach.

Aaron Bessant Park

7:30 pm

The Panama City POPS Orchestra salute our troops and veterans, playing all the great American classics at Aaron Bessant Park.

9:00 p.m.

Join us for a spectacular fireworks simulcast by Clear Channel.

Beach Bus Offers Free Rides Starting July 1

The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is sponsoring free bus rides to tourists and locals alike starting July 1. This recently released poster specifies three easy steps to ride:

Spot the beach bus
Wave to ride (hop on or off wherever you like)
Flip-flop aboard

This free transportation pilot program is being funded by a Transportation Grant and will run from July 1 to September 5 – Labor Day weekend. The route will travel on Front Beach Road from Walmart to the Visitor Information Center on Highway 79.

Here is the poster.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think this will be a big help to those trying to traverse our summer traffic-ridden area? Or do you think the frequent stops will add to the congestion? What do you think the rider experience will be like with people being able to request stops whenever/wherever?

New Walmart in PCB?

A recent traffic study indicates there might be a new Walmart coming to Panama City Beach. The traffic study is said to be standard operating procedure when it comes to putting in a large retailer such as a Walmart. The goal is to get a better understanding of the local traffic, the ingress and egress environment and get a first blush analysis of if this would actually work.

The site that the study is focused around is the parcel of land directly across Powell Adams road from the Pier Park Target. The traffic study explores the addition of a light at that intersection and three full-access driveways.

The current Walmart is located at the crossroads of Front Beach Road, Middle Beach Road and South Thomas Drive. The current location has certainly become an epicenter, if you will, of tourism action. When that Walmart was built, there was nothing around it. Now, just to name a few items, there is a Ripley’s, Wonderworks, Walgreen’s, Backyard Burger, and tons of other places.

The existing location, according to public records, is 223,168 square foot. The new proposed building would be approximately 156,000 square feet – roughly 70% of the size.

What are you thoughts on this? Do you think this would boost the economical vitality of the west end / Pier Park area? Do you think this could damage Target or make it stronger? Do you think this smaller store would have a produce section and finally bring some grocery aspect to a near Pier Park location?

Hands Across the Sand – Local Origins, Worldwide Impact

It was a hot and sunny day in Seaside, Florida. The sky was a brilliant
shade of blue and the beaches were bright white, hosting the most
beautiful Gulf water known to man…and that’s exactly the way Hands
Across the Sand supporters hope it remains.

Dave Rauschkolb started Hands Across the Sand, a movement seeking to
ban near-shore oil drilling around the world. It’s first peaceful
protest was in February of 2010. Little did he know that only two months
later, an explosion on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil platform would cause
the worst spill in US history.

Fourteen months after 205 million gallons of oil and 225,000 tons of
methane spilled in our Gulf, concerned beach lovers around the globe
joined hands today for the third attempt to send the message, “No to
Offshore Oil Drilling – Yes to Clean Energy initiatives”. The act of
holding a neighbor’s hand along their beloved coast for fifteen
minutes is meant to send a signal to leaders both local and around the
world that we need to think very carefully about our choices regarding
energy sources.

Although the turnout did not appear to be what it was at the last event which was
held only 8 weeks after the Deep Water Horizon disaster, those that were
there were as committed as ever to protecting our beaches.
Visit www.handsacrossthesand.com for more information. Here are some
photos from the event.

Russell Fields Pier adds 4 “Convenience” Booths

If you’ve driven by the Russell Field’s Pier in the last couple weeks you’ve probably noticed the four new huts that have gone up at the foot of the pier. The original vision of the Russell Field’s included having a sprawling amenity area, a gather place for visitors to hang out, a place where you can enjoy the sunset and the warm summer breeze. These new huts just add to the convenience of your beachy good times and help make your visit to the pier a little more enjoyable.

Beach Photos

The beach photo hut comes stocked with props and professional photographers that can escort you down to the beach for that perfect beach family portrait. What better way to capture the moment then by posing in front of a high-resolution lens and saying cheese. They have everything you need right there and when you’re done, they hand over a disc with your photos on it. Easy.

They do one photo for $10 and each additional photo is $8.

Convenience Store

Left the sunscreen at home? Need a new hat? They’ve got you covered. Here are some of the items you can find here.

Hair braids and wraps
Hemp necklaces and other beach jewelry
Lip balm
Sun screen
Shades – even those new HD ones
Tons of different hats – sun hats, ball caps, safari hats
Skim boards and boogie boards
Floaties – tubes, rafts, etc.
Beach toys – paddle ball, shovels, buckets, sand-molds, frisbees, etc.
Volley balls and footballs
Beach clothing – sarongs, cover-ups
Beach towels and umbrellas
Batteries
Snacks
Over the counter pain reliever

Airbrush Booth

Seriously, one of the best souvenirs to take home from your beach vacation is an airbrush t-shirt. Airbrush shirts and Panama City Beach have been going hand in hand since the 70’s.

At the Airbrush Station at the foot of Russell Fields Pier they have tons of designs ready to be put on your shirt. Or, if you’re feeling saucy, you can have a custom design commissioned just for you.

Shirts are $7 and the ready-made designs start at $10.

But, shirts are not the only thing they can airbrush. There are tons of other options: hats, shells, license plates, bags, and even baby bibs!

Snack Shack

Not to compete with Hook’d, the Snack Shack has all the little things you wouldn’t expect to find in a restaurant:

Snowcones
Hot dogs (hot diggity dog, salty dog, slaw dog, surf dog)
Boiled peanuts
Cookies
Chips
Sodas
Ice cream
Pretzels

Murder “Rides Again” in PCB

As the sun sets over the water and boats head back to shore, there’s a group of cowboys digging up clues to find out who committed a murder in Texas – only it’s not really Texas and they’re not really cowboys. At the new Sherlock’s Mystery Dinner Theatre in Panama City Beach, talented local actors take to the stage to present a comedic murder mystery entitled “Murder Rides Again.”

When you arrive at Sherlock’s, located next to Captain Anderson’s on Grand Lagoon, various characters in Western wear start hootin’ and hollerin’ to escort you to your table – a table because this murder mystery includes a three-course dinner (prime rib or chicken cordon bleu by Chef Dee’s Catering). Guests are seated at rounds of six stocked with salads, rolls and beverages, and servers bring out a new course after each act. A cash bar is also available if you’re so inclined.

While you take your seat, Sherlock's Mystery Dinner Theatre stage characters weave their way through the tables, interacting with the audience and fellow cast members as a preview of the mystery to come. Don’t be surprised if a sheriff pretends to arrest you or a card shark plays 52-card pick up. In this show – one of many the company plans to produce – the action takes place in Miss Liddy’s Saloon, a bar lined with bottles of root beer, red-checkered card tables and barstools.

The drama begins after the first course. A murder has taken place just before the town’s much-anticipated chili cook-off, leaving an eclectic group of townsfolk – including a big-talking sheriff, his clown of a deputy, a gambler, saloon owner and schoolmarm – to start making accusations amongst themselves. The plot is murky at times, making the actual mystery a bit hard to follow, but the performances are enjoyable and the comedy well-timed. The most popular character of the evening tends to be the sheriff’s sidekick, a bumbling deputy who’s too honest for his own good.

The cast keeps the audience involved by randomly selecting guests to participate in different scenes, and again after the murder by answering questions from each table. Guests collaborate to ask a question of whichever character they choose. The actors respond to each, answering sometimes ridiculously off-topic questions (“how do you spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”) with just-as-ridiculous answers – a highlight of the evening and a showcase of their quick wit. It’d be fun to see a longer improv segment as this is one of the night’s most well-received moments.

As the evening winds down, each guest writes down their accusations and what they believe to be the suspect’s motives. It feels like a real-life game of Clue. The audience’s feedback isn’t gathered before the final scene, but those who guess correctly receive a prize at the conclusion of the show. The three-hour experience comes to a close with dessert and the revealing of the murderer (who, of course, sticks around for a photo op along with the rest of the cast). Whodunit? Well, you’ll have to visit Sherlock’s to find out for yourself.

Sherlock’s plans to introduce other themes throughout the year, so keep an eye on their web site (dinneratsherlocks.com) for details. At $49.95 for adults and $44.95 for children 8 and up, the experience is a bit on the pricey side, but for a three-course dinner and unique entertainment it’s hard to top. Well-behaved kids above 8 are welcome but teens and adults are more likely to enjoy this show. Make your reservations by visiting dinneratsherlocks.com or by calling 850.230.0999.

Beat the Heat: PCB’s Indoor Attractions

When summer heats up and the beach isn’t enough, it’s hard to top air conditioning. Try one of these indoor attractions to beat the heat in PCB this season:

Emerald Coast Mirror Maze

Gear up and duke it out with family and friends in a game of pirate-themed laser tag, where it’s more challenging than you may think to avoid lasers and treasure chests and other people. There are more lasers to be had in Laser Craze, where you’ll dodge a field of neon beams (à la Ocean’s Twelve) in a race to beat your own score. There’s also a twisting mirror maze that incorporates sights and sounds to fool your senses as you try to make your way out. Located in Pier Park next to Buffalo Wild Wings. emeraldcoastmirrormaze.com, 850.230.6249.

Museum of Man in the Sea

Just west of Highway 79 you’ll find the Man in the Sea Museum, a tribute to the early days of diving and underwater activity. The 5,000-square foot museum on Back Beach Road houses recovered treasures, naval equipment, vehicles, habitats and a submarine you can climb in to explore. maninthesea.org, 850.235.4101.

Sherlock’s Mystery Dinner Theatre

Whodunit? The newly opened Sherlock’s on Grand Lagoon offers interactive murder mystery dinners where you’ll help solve the case. Murder Rides Again is the current theme, based on an “hilarious homicide” that takes place in the town of Tumbleweed, Texas. Join the townsfolk for an evening you won’t soon forget! dinneratsherlocks.com, 850.230.0999.

WonderWorks

Go for the exhibits, stay for the ropes course. Of course, there’s also the strangest bike ride you’ll ever take – you and a partner pedal upside-down and around – a bed of nails and a life-sized piano, but by and far the best attraction inside this upside-down house is the three-story ropes course. Near Walmart on Front Beach Road. wonderworkspcb.com, 850.249.7000.

Rock’It Lanes

There’s no shortage of things to do at this sprawling entertainment center. Challenge your friends to a game of bowling (stay late to watch the lanes glow in the dark), take to the rink on a pair of skates, play pool or hit the arcade. On Richard Jackson Blvd in the Shoppes at Edgewater. rockitlanes.com, 850.249.2695.

Condo Sales SOAR 44% This Spring and Summer

We’ve all been wondering how condo sales were going to do this year after last year’s oil spill mess. Well, so far, quarter 2 condo sales are pacing to have an astounding 44% increase over last year. Yes, that’s a 4, paired with an 4 and a percentage sign. Condo sales are up 44% this year over last.

How many condos were sold.

Looking from April 1 through today, there have been 262 condos sold on Panama City Beach according to the Panama City MLS. During the same period in 2010, there were a total of 182 condos sold. Many expected and speculated that sales this year over last would be higher because of the negative effects from the oil spill, but 44% is staggering.

If we take the total number of condos sold, and divide it by the number of days in the period, and multiply it by the number of days left in Q2 2011, then add that number to 262, then at this point, we’re pacing to sell 294 condos for the second quarter period 2011. During Q2 2010 there were 215 condos sold – this would still put us at a 37% increase over last year.

Average price, size and square foot.

Looking closely at the numbers, it’s always fascinating to me to see what people are buying. Here are some averages to soak up.

Average list price: $192,488.95
Average sold price: $179,729.42
Average number of bedrooms: 1.78
Average square footage: 1,122
Average price per square foot: $157.15

Break down of some of the more popular rentals.

Aqua

4 condos sold during period
Average list price: $338,475.00
Average sold price: $303,750.00
Average number of bedrooms: 2
Average square footage: 1,349.00
Average days on market: 426
Average price per square foot: $225.13

Calypso

8 condos sold during period
Average list price: $259,787.38
Average sold price: $244,062.50
Average number of bedrooms: 1.75
Average square footage: 1,138.63
Average days on market: 228.88
Average price per square foot: $214.17

Emerald Beach Resort

5 condos sold during period
Average list price: $182,279.80
Average sold price: $170,100.00
Average number of bedrooms: 1.40
Average square footage: 1,051.60
Average days on market: 174.20
Average price per square foot: $158.86

Tidewater Beach Resort

16 condos sold during period
Average list price: $194,125.06
Average sold price: $185,031.25
Average number of bedrooms: 1.44
Average square footage: 1,028.44
Average days on market: 82.50
Average price per square foot: $178.26

Pricing this year over last year.

The number of condos sold has sky-rocketed, but the price has fallen 13%. I say fallen, but many would choose to use the word “corrected”.

The average price for the period last year was $302,311, and the average price for the period this year is $179,729.

Observations, opinions and summary.

Being the proponent of Panama City Beach that I am, the huge increase in sales numbers is very exciting. The volume of sales is very promising coming out of an economic downturn. People are becoming more confident in their purchasing, they’re taking action in buying up inventory and they’re telling their friends about the great deals they are getting.

The days of buying a condo and generating revenue from rental are back. Condo pricing is getting back to a point where it makes sense to purchase and then rent out. I get calls all the time from people asking me if it makes sense to buy this or that, looking at rental revenues. Most of the properties I manage are booked solid all summer long, with decent rates. More people are wanting to come to the beach this year then any other year before. Just look around you, Panama City Beach has been buzzing like crazy the last couple weeks since summer started.

Good luck, happy buying and ask if you have questions!

Day Trips for Locals

It’s Tuesday in PCB, but it might as well be Saturday. There’s a 45-minute wait at every restaurant, Pier Park is packed and there’s no way you’re going to find a parking spot at a beach access. Summer has officially arrived.

If you’re a local, it’s time to be a tourist – just not in Panama City Beach. Next time you find yourself waiting too long for something you’ve already done 15 times, head back to the car and head out to:

Adventures Unlimited, Milton

Tucked away just north of I-10 above Pensacola, Adventures Unlimited is the place to get away from it all (and have a blast doing it). Soar high over Coldwater Creek on a zip line canopy tour (highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart); take a team out to the ropes course challenge; or go canoeing, kayaking, tubing or fishing. Call ahead to reserve a zip line canopy tour. adventuresunlimited.com, 800.239.6864.

Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna

See Florida — underground! Florida Caverns State Park has the only air-filled cave in the state that is open for public touring. Experience amazing formations and natural air conditioning (the cave is about 65º year-round) as you descend an average of 45 feet below the earth’s surface. There are also several nature trails, including one with a “tunnel cave,” and a swimming hole. Note: no cave tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call ahead to make sure tour spots are available. floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns, 850.482.1228.

Pensacola Lighthouse, Pensacola

History awaits you at the Pensacola Lighthouse, built in 1858 and still in operation today on Pensacola Bay. Climb 150 feet to the top for sweeping views of the bay, Fort Pickens and the naval base. You can also browse the museum store or learn more at a free history lecture. pensacolalighthouse.org, 850.393.1561

National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola

Just across the street from the lighthouse is the spectacular (and free) National Naval Aviation Museum, the world’s largest at nearly 300,000 square feet. Free guided tours are available or you can browse on your own. Don’t miss the World War II section, complete with a full-size replica of the USS Cabot’s aircraft carrier island and flight deck. You can also catch an IMAX movie or put your flying skills to the test in a Top Gun Air Combat Simulator (previously used to train F-14 pilots). navalaviationmuseum.org, 850.452.3604.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Wakulla Springs

At Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, you can take a guided riverboat or glass-bottom boat tour down some of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim in the same waters or stay on terra firma to tour historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, a National Natural Landmark, or visit the old-fashioned soda fountain for a milkshake served from the world’s longest marble countertop. Call ahead for spring conditions to make sure the glass-bottom boat tour will be open when you visit. wakullasprings.org, 850.926.0700.

Air Force Armament Museum, Ft. Walton Beach

Bring your camera and take a self-guided tour of this free museum, with a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring aircraft, bombs, missiles, rockets and interactive displays. Upon arrival you’ll see the fastest plane ever built: the SR-71 Blackbird. afarmamentmuseum.com, 850.651.1808.

Falling Waters State Park, Chipley

Just south of I-10 is Florida’s highest waterfall, a stream of water that cascades 73 feet down an ancient sinkhole bordered by magnolias and ferns. The waterfall changes based on rainwater levels so you may want to call ahead of time to find out what to expect. Other attractions in this 173-acre park include scenic hiking trails, a butterfly garden and a two-acre lake. floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters/default.cfm, 850.638.6130.

Pier Park 4th of July Spectacular

If you did not attend Pier Park’s fourth of July extravaganza last year, it was an exciting, fun-filled, well-organized event. And this year’s extravaganza will be no different.

Pier Park Star Spangled Spectacular starts July 4th with a Veteran’s Dedication 9 a.m. and all Veterans are invited to attend. Children’s crafts and family activities start at 2 p.m at the BookIt Beach. Entertainment stage opens at 2 p.m. featuring Haden: Tootsies House Band, Crossfire: Army Band & Navy Bands.

The Panama City POPS honor troops and veterans 7:30 p.m. at Aaron Bessant Park with a live concert! Followed by Fireworks at 9:00 pm. – Join us for Panama City Beach’s premier fireworks display! Listen to the syncronized music show during the fireworks on 92.5FM WPAP!