Month: September 2011

Thunder Beach Custom Bike Show and A Guide to Motorcycle Types

On October 1st, the Best of Thunder Beach Custom Bike Show will be held at Pier Park.  Registration will begin at 10:00am, judging is scheduled for 12:00pm, and the awards presentation will be at 5:00pm.  There is $15,000 in prize money and gift certificates available to winners.

Classes for judging are American Mild, American Wild, Metric Wild, Sportbike Mild, Sportbike Wild, Manufactured Custom, Radical, Bobber, Bagger Mild, Bagger Wild, Trike Mild, Trike Wild, Vintage Stock, Vintage Modified, and Rat.

Description of the different judging classes
  • American: a cruiser using imperial sizes for nuts and bolts
  • Metric: a cruiser using metric nuts and bolts rather than imperial sizes
  • Sportbike: a motorcycle designed for optimal speed and handling characteristics, often with expensive bodywork
  • Manufactured Custom: a motorcycle ordered straight from the manufacturer customized to wants and needs of the owners
  • Radical: a motorcycle typically classified as a chopper, with high handlebars
  • Bobber: a motorcycle with cut down fenders to appear shorter
  • Bagger: a motorcycle equipped with saddlebags and other touring amenities
  • Trike: a three-wheeled motorcycle that has not be dramatically customized
  • Vintage: a motorcycle at least 20 years old
  • Rat: a bike made from several machines and kept on the road using as cheap as possible and painted matt black

Motorcyclists and non-enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the bike show at Pier Park, looking at customization and fine engineering!  Drive safe!

 

MLS Changes Cause Uproar in Realtor Community

Apparently there is some dissension over the change to the new MLS system that has left both sides debating passionately their justification for their position. Recently the Bay County Association of Realtors (BCAR) switched their MLS system from Solid Earth to InnoVia. MLS is short for multiple listing service and is how real estate listings are organized electronically and on the web so people can search through them.

Problems with the new system

Since the new system has been rolled out, many agent and public users have had a variety if complaints.

A local Realtor, Daryle Burkey wrote a blog post and launched an “unofficial poll” to “test the waters of the feelings of the members on things being different”.  He’s clearly in opposition of the change and the post has garnered over 185 comments as of this writing and is growing.

Read the blog post here.

One of the commenters on the blog post, Cowboy Mike said, “The paradox for me as a beta tester of the InnoVia application is the system works like, looks like and feels like 1990s technology.”

Another user and commenter on the blog post, Jessie C said, “A basic premise in software development is testing – not only by the developers but more importantly by the user community. . . It is therefore imperative that a cross section of testers be comprised of all levels of experience.”

Some of the problems that users have been having include:

  • Property search
  • IDX integration
  • Non-user friendly for agents or public
  • Email capabilities
Some say the new system is really a better system

While some are passionate about their stance in opposition of the new MLS system, others are firmly standing their ground that moving to this new system was in the best interest of local Realtors. While some of the arguments against the new system include the BCAR members not having a say in the decision to make the move, supporters are adamant that fair warning and meetings were announced, planned and held.

“Everyone was notified and knew this was coming,” one commenter named Gwen said.  Dana Paramore Dunnigan said, “it’s different, you have to learn it – every time we’ve changed programs there has been people whining but we have to stick with the times.”

Here is a link to the public side of the new MLS system.

One of the supporters of the change, Ron Bigus explains there are several features InnoVia has over Solid Earth, including:

  • Mac OS and all newer Browser compatibility (Firefox, Safari & Chrome)
  • Map searches using range of distance or drawn shapes, with driving directions and routing
  • Multiple sessions of MLS can be open at once

Rosanne Orsini-Dees, the Association Executive of the Bay County Association of Realtors was contacted but didn’t respond for comment.

What are your thoughts on this?

Are you a Realtor?  If you’ve used the new system, what are your thoughts on this?  What about the public side, have you played with the public side of MLS searches?

Family Four Pack Giveaway: Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

Everyone loves a giveaway, right?  It’s been too long!

Coming up next Sunday is the Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales show at the Marina Civic Center.

And we’re giving away Family Four Pack for Lower-Level Loge Seating!  This giveaway is valued at $100!

About the show

Per the website:

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fair Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fair tale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown.

Show times

Date: October 9th, 2011

Time: 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm

Location: Marina Civic Center

How to win tickets

Winning tickets is easy, all you have to do is comment below and share with us your child’s favorite Disney character.  We’ll randomly pick a winner from the comments.  Make sure you put in a valid email address as that’s how we’ll contact you to let you know you’ve won.

How to buy tickets (and get a special PCBDaily discount)

If you are one of those glasses-half-empty people or you just can’t leave attending this event to chances, you can buy tickets right now.

Tickets start at $17 and we’re offering a special discount to PCBDaily readers.  When you buy using this phone number (850-763-4696) and mention the word “BELL” and save $5.00 from total ticket price.  Not valid on Front Row/VIP.  Additional service/handling fees may apply.

This giveaway is only for the 5:30 pm show.

Official rules for the giveaway
  • Each entrant can enter once and only once (we can verify this by ip AND cookies) and must use a valid first name and email address.
  • Contest begins when this post is published and ends on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 5 p.m. CST.
  • We will be doing the drawing regardless of how many people enter.
  • A winner will be chosen at random.  There will be 1 winner total.
  • By entering you are opting in to receive future newsletters and emails from pcbdaily and CYber SYtes and you are opening yourself up to the greatest resource for news and information Panama City Beach has to offer.
  • If you are selected and you do not respond to our email notifying you of winning 48 hours of the contest ending, then we reserve the right to either keep the prize for another giveaway in the future or award the prize to another entrant.
  • The winner must pick up their prize at the PCBDaily office, the address of which will be provided to the contest winner.
  • This giveaway is open to anyone in the continental United States.
  • Read full rules here.

 

This Weekend in PCB – Thunder Beach, Oktoberfest, and Murder Mystery

This coming fall weekend promises to be another full one in Panama City Beach.  The Autumn Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is coming to the beaches from Wednesday till Sunday, Downtown Panama City is celebrating Oktoberfest Friday and Saturday, and there will be a Murder Mystery Cruise.

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally

September 27th – October 2nd

Wednesday will start the Annual Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally, with Kick-off parties at The Sandpiper Beacon Resort, The Shores of Panama, and Pineapple Willies.  (Officially, the rally doesn’t begin till the 28th.)  This year’s event will include Miss Thunder Beach and Mrs. Thunder Beach pageants, poker runs, memorial parades, and a custom bike show.  Please see Thunder Beach website for a detailed listing of this weeks festivities.

Oktoberfest

September 30th-October 1st

Friday and Saturday in the Downtown area of Panama City, the Annual Oktoberfest will transform the area into a quaint village in Germany.  Visitors to the event should expect to see carnival rides, accordions, sausage eating contests,  and more.  As one would expect, there will be plenty of musical stylings, including polka music.  Keeping children busy with rides, clowns, and face-painting the festival will also be occupying adults with a wide selection of beers.  There will be Omm-Pah-Pah concerts and ceremonial keg tapping!

Murder Mystery Cruise

September 30th

This coming Friday evening The Betsy Ann Riverboat Cruise will be hosting a Murder Mystery Cruise.  Taking off at 6:30pm from the Sun Harbor Marina at the base of the Hathway Bridge, The Betsy Ann Riverboat will return at 8:30pm.  The price is $38.95 per person and $26.95 for children 5-12 years old.  The cruise promises to send you back in time to learn the history of steam paddle wheel boats and when the original Hathaway Bridge was built.

Have fun this weekend exploring Panama City Beach and please “look twice- save a life” of a motorcyclist!

 

Action Packed Biker-Friendly Week [Schedule]

The most biker-friendly free rally in the USA is coming to the beaches of Panama City this week: September 28th – October 2nd.  Complete with parties, beauty pageant’s, live music, entertainment, a memorial parade, and thousands of gorgeous motorcycles, this is sure to be a weekend to remember.  Here is a look at some of the events scheduled for this fall’s Thunder Beach!

Kick-Start Party at the Shores of Panama

Starting with the Kick-start Party at the Shores of Panama at 6pm on the 28th, Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally will be in PCB.  The Kick-start party will feature live music from Geneva, and at 7pm the preliminary round of the Miss Thunderbeach 2011 Autumn Rally beauty contest will begin.  There will be a Kick-start After Party at 9pm at Pineapple Willy’s, including free snacks – while they last.  There will be live music from Jacobs, Brock and Brews.

Miss Thunder Beach 2011 Autumn Rally

Throughout the week, ladies 18 and up, will have the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 prize and the title of Miss Thunder Beach 2011 Autumn Rally.  The first preliminary will be held at the Kick-Start Part at 7:00pm on September 28th at Shores of Panama.  The Second round will be held Thursday, September 29th, at 7:00pm at HammerHead Fred’s.  The winner and runner’s-up will be announced at the end of the final round, Friday the 30th at Hooters at 7:00pm.  There will also be a Ms. Thunder Beach competition, Saturday October 1st at the Shoppes at Edgewater.

Poker Runs and The SGT Kevin Kight Memorial Bike Parade

There will be three poker runs: Thursday at Pineapple Willy’s, Friday at Rock’it Lanes, and Saturday at Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar.  Registration for each poker run will be at 12 pm on its respective day.  On Saturday October 1st at 10:00am, the SGT Kevin Kight Memorial Bike Parade will begin at the Southwest corner of R. Jackson Blvd and Middle Beach Road.  The parade will benefit Cops for Kids, and any canned food donations will be given to local food banks.

The Best of Thunder Beach Custom Bike Show

Also on October 1st, will be the Best of Thunder Beach Custom Bike Show held in Pier Park.  Registration will begin at 10:00am, judging is scheduled for 12:00pm, and the aware presentation will be at 5:00pm.  Classes for judging are American Mild, American Wild, Metric Wild, Sportbike Mild, Sportbike Wild, Manufactured Custom, Radical, Bobber, Bagger Mild, Bagger Wild, Trike Mild, Trike Wild, Vintage Stock, Vintage Modified, and Rat. There is $15,000 in prize money and gift certificates available to winners.

The Nick Lee World Burnout Tour and The Ives Brothers Stunt Show

The Nick Lee World Burnout Tour will be making a few appearances to the rally also; with appearances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 12:30pm and 3:30pm at Frank Brown Park.  The Ives Brothers Stunt Show will be at Frank Brown Park those three days at 12:00pm, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm to entertain the crowds as well.

 

A Successful Country Fest Weekend

This past weekend, the “Fun Never Sets” concert series held the two-night Country Fest featuring Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean.  Opening acts were The Randy Rodgers Band, Justin Moore, The Dirt Drifters, and Corey Smith.

Saturday night was estimated to host over 12,000 people, and judging by the screams when asked where everyone was from, most of the attendees were from out of state.  The cheers for Alabama were the loudest, with Georgia a close second.  Gates opened at 6:30pm each night, but had a line through the parking lot by 6:00pm.

At the concert, there were several food choices for concert goers to choose from, including seafood, funnel cakes, gator bites, BBQ, and hot dogs.  There were also T-shirts, vanity items, and cowboy hats available for sale.

Friday’s Show

Friday night, the concerts were focused on appeasing the “Rednecks” in the crowd.  The Randy Rodgers Band warmed up the night, with Justin Moore setting the Redneck tone and getting everyone excited for Miranda Lambert.  Miranda Lambert began her set with Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)” music video, leading into her most female-empowering songs, “Kerosene” and “Gunpowder and Lead”.  She continued to thank her fans for her award at this years Country Music Awards as Female Vocalist of the Year, which she thinks of as a wedding present from her fans – due to hearing the news while on her honeymoon with Blake Shelton.  Miranda ended the concert with a few of her songs of her upcoming album set to launch on November 1st.

Saturday’s Show

The concerts on Saturday night, were still geared toward the “Redneck” audience, but also had a focus on remembering the “good ole days.”  The Dirt Drifters opened the night with a focus on getting their name out there and having a good night.  Corey Smith followed with songs  reminiscing on spring breaks in Panama City, growing up a Redneck, and life as a Georgia native.  The main artist of the evening, Jason Aldean, began his set with a silhouette of himself and played some of his most recent hits, “Big Green Tractor” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”  He focused on making sure the audience was having fun and sharing personal anecdotes.  He ended the evening covering a Kid Rock song “Cowboy,” and with a re-vamped version of his first single “Hicktown.”

Overall Impressions

All in all, Frank Brown Park was a perfect location for the crowd and the stage, hidden away from the road, yet still easily accessible.  Parking and traffic were as organized as a crowd of this size could be.  The security and volunteers were polite to concert-goers and helped them with any questions as quickly as possible when they did not have the specific answer.  The crowd, decked out in cowboy boots, cowboy hats, plaid, and camouflage all seemed to be having a great time and were engaged in the artists. Hopefully, Panama City Beach will see similar events in the future!

*More information will be available about how much revenue the concerts brought to Panama City Beach, and we will get that out as soon as possible.*

Did you go to the concerts? What did you think of them?

Blue Marlin Evades Anglers at Sportfishing Classic

The anglers tried, but the Blue Marlin evaded being caught at this year’s 2nd Annual Panama City Beach Sportfishing Classic.

Nonetheless, last weekend’s Sportfishing Classic was a huge success with 34 boats registered and over 2500 lbs of fish caught.  Varieties included Swordfish, Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin.

The largest Swordfish that was brought in was a monster 225 lbs.

Once the fish were brought in and admitted to the tournament, they became property of the tourney.  And the tourney decided they wanted to cook their new-found property and serve it to the attendees.  Chef Konrad Jochum from Boatyard was grilling up the fresh catches.

Full results

Swordfish

  1. Reel Comfort – Martin Flowers – 225 lbs – won $15,500
  2. Linda Gale – Mark Revell – 120 lbs – won $9,500

Tuna

  1. Committed – John Lee – 87.6 lbs – won $12,500
  2. Salt Crusher – Jason Hines – 85.8 lbs – won $7,500
  3. Salt Crusher – Josh Conyers – 84.8 lbs – won $5,000

Wahoo

  1. Reef Dog – Jake Quave – 89.2 lbs – won $12,500
  2. Iona Louise – Woody Woods – 61.8 lbs – won $7,500
  3. Perseverance – Justin Friez – 47.6 lbs – won $5,000

Dolphin

  1. Cazador – Joey Sostheim – 23.6 lbs – won $12,500
  2. Reel Sorry – Pat Hymel – 18.6 lbs – won $7,500
  3. Sea Ya Later – Brian Beighey – 18 lbs – won $5,000
Pictures

A Zoobilee Time of Year

Looking for inexpensive family fun this weekend? Celebrating Zoobilee 2011, Zoo World admission will only be $1.00 on September 24th and 25th.  Zoobilee is to show appreciation for the community for their continued support, and to serve as a fundraiser for the care of the animals at Zoo World.  Gates will be open at 9:30am, last admittance at 4:30pm, and the Zoo will close at 5:00pm.  There is $3.00 parking at Zoo World, but if you park at Wal-Mart there is free parking and a shuttle.

In addition to enjoying the animals at Zoo World there will be:

  • Pony Rides
  • Picture with a real bull
  • Feed the petting zoo
  • Dunk booth
  • Bungee race
  • Drawings
  • Half price animal photos
  • Snack Bar

Zoo World has been operating in Panama City Beach for nineteen years.  Bring your family out to Zoo World this weekend for family friendly fun at an affordable price!

 

Concert Preview- Country Fest

Country music artists Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean will be coming to Panama City Beach’s Frank Brown Park across from Pier Park this coming weekend.  Miranda Lambert was first introduced to the public through Nashville Star, while Jason Aldean was introduced through his self-titled album.  These concerts are a part of “The Fun Never Sets Fall Concert Series on Panama City Beach” concert series.

Friday night

Friday night’s line up will include Justin Moore and The Randy Rogers Band opening up for Miranda Lambert.  The gates will open at 6:30 pm (or earlier, crossing fingers) and the show is set to begin at 7:30.  They are actually erecting the stage, lighting and sound right now.

Friday night schedule

  • 7:30 PM The Randy Rogers Band
  • 8:10 PM Justin Moore
  • 9:15 PM Miranda Lambert

The Randy Rogers Band is known for:

  • “Tonight’s Not the Night”
  • “Kiss Me in the Dark”
  • “Too Late for Goodbye”
  • “Steal You Away.”
  • Visit the Randy Rogers Band’s website.

Justin Moore is best known for:

  • “Back that thing up”
  • “Backwoods”
  • “Redneck Side”
  • “Small Town USA.”
  • Visit Justin Moore’s website.

Some of Miranda Lambert’s best known songs are:

  • “Kerosene”
  • “The House that Built Me”
  • “White Liar”
  • “Dead Flowers”
  • “Only Prettier”
  • Visit Miranda Lambert’s website.

In addition to these, Lambert has had many more hits and popular songs.

Saturday night

Gates will open at 6:30PM, for The Dirt Drifter’s, Corey Smith, and headline Jason Aldean, with the concert scheduled to start at 7:25pm.

Saturday night schedule :

7:25PM The Dirt Drifters

8:00PM Corey Smith

9:15PM Jason Aldean

Corey Smith is best known for:

  • “If I Could Do it Again”
  • “Twenty-One”
  • “Maybe Next Year”
  • Visit Corey Smith’s website.

The Dirt Drifter’s are known for:

  • “Something Better”
  • “Always a Reason”
  • Visit The Dirt Drifter’s website.

A Few of Jason Aldean’s Singles are:

  • “She’s Country”
  • “Big Green Tractor”
  • “My Kinda Party”
  • “Dirt Road Anthem”
  • “Hicktown”
  • Visit Jason Aldean’s website.

If you’re a fan of music, especially country music, there is no doubt that you’ll enjoy the Country Music Fest this weekend.  If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, visit Ticketmaster or book with local lodging partners!  See you out there!  And don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket!

 

2 PCB Events Make Top 100 in 2012

In the American Bus Association’s 2012 Top 100 Events in North America publication, Panama City Beach’s New Year’s Beach Ball Drop and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival made the Top 100 in the best events in North America (Canada included).  The Beach Ball Drop was actually #2 in East Coast Events!

New Year’s Beach Ball Drop

The first Beach Ball Drop was New Year’s Eve 2008, the same year Pier Park opened.  Before the Beach Ball Drop, there was no singular organized New Year’s event in Panama City Beach.  Since 2008, it’s been a wild success and will continue to be a valued tradition to area tourism-based businesses.  This event brings people from all over the southeast, tourism business all over the beach.

Here are some of the past articles covering this event.

Pier Park Beach Ball Drop Video – 2008

Enormous Turnout for New Year’s Eve at Pier Park – 2009

Pier Park New Year’s Eve Bash a Success [PICS] – 2010

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

2009 marked the first year the Seabreeze Jazz Festival was held in Panama City Beach.  Outgrowing its previous home, Aaron Bessant park was the perfect size and location for this all-weekend event.  Bringing in top Jazz stars like Nick Colionne, George Benson, Eric Darius and tons of others, this event has been known as the premiere jazz event in the Southeast year over year.

For 2011, the attendance numbers were 25% up over 2010 with Aaron Bessant Park being filled to capacity.

Here are some of the past articles covering this event.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival A Swinging Success – 2009

Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Changing PCB’s Image? – 2010

Seabreeze Jazz Festival [PICS] – 2011

Why these events are so successful

If you’ve been to either one of these events, you know first hand how great they are. Before Pier Park, New Year celebrations for many locals was spent banging pots and pans alone at the stroke of midnight.  People from all over the southeast had no where to go.  Now, with Pier Park, and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, people from all around have a large venue, free entertainment, and amazing weather to ring in the new year.  What’s great is that local officials and organizers have given people an excuse to make a small vacation out of this event, boosting bed tax dollars.

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is a high-class, well organized event that brings the best talent in the Jazz community together in one weekend. It’s reason for success is obvious.  They combine wonderful entertainment with great beach, spring weather and an amazing, centrally located venue next to Pier Park.  This event has grown every year, and promises to be better in 2012 than ever before with the hopeful addition of the new amphitheater.

About the American Bus Association and their Top 100 publication

Each spring the ABA organizes a committee of members consisting of motorcoach and tour operators to assemble a top list of events, festivals, celebrations, fairs and commemorative events.  They pick from hundreds to narrow it down to the top 100 events in North America for the following year.

Each year there is a Number One Event in the United States and a Number One Event in Canada.

Other geographically based categories include:

  • The East
    • Southeast
    • Mid-Atlantic
    • East Central
    • New England
  • Central
    • Great Lakes
    • The South
    • The Heartland
  • The West
    • The Rockies
    • Southwest
    • The West
  • Canada

To access the Top 100 Events in North America online, visit their website, Buses.org.

What are your thoughts on these events?  Have you attended them? Will you come to the New Year’s event in December?   Will you be coming to the Jazz Fest?