Ford Ironman Florida Takes the Beach

The 13th Annual Ford Ironman Florida will be held this weekend in Panama City Beach. Over 2,500 athletes from around the world area ready to compete in this year’s event, many hoping to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

About Ironman Triathlons

There are over 30 sanctioned events throughout the world, as well as Ironman 70.3’s or Half-Ironman events. Ironmans are one of the long-distance series organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC). The first Ironman was held in February 1978, fifteen men began the race and twelve completed it. With no marketing, in 1979 when the race was held again, fifty participants gathered to compete. (Only fifteen competed due to harsh weather conditions.) It is often said that “there is no such thing as an easy Ironman” and also that “just finishing is a victory.”

About the Ford Ironman Florida

The Ford Ironman Florida includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. The 2.4-mile swim will consist of two laps in a rectangular shape out into the Gulf Coast after a mass-start. The bike lap will start at the Boardwalk Beach Resort on Front Beach Road and heading toward Highway 79, to Highway 20 and 77, and ending back at the Boardwalk Beach Resort. Finally, the run, which is one of the flattest on the Ironman circuit, will start at the Boardwalk Beach Resort and wind its way to St. Andrews Park. After St. Andrews Park, runners will make their way back to the Boardwalk Beach Resort to repeat the course again. There will be water, nutritional bars, nutritional gels, and fruit available to athletes throughout the bike and run sections of the event.

There are 65 spots available for athletes who qualify from this event in the Ironman World Championship on October 13, 2012 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Last year’s first place time was 8 hours 15 minutes and 59 seconds. There will be a total professional prize purse of $25,000 this year.

Event Day Schedule

6:50 a.m.- Pro Start

7 a.m.- Age Group Start

12 a.m.- Race Officially Ends

Good Luck to those entered in the triathlon!

Relax and UNwineD This Weekend

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and The Tourism Development Council are bringing us “UNwineD: Vines and Steins” this weekend, a festival to celebrate local wines, craft beers, and cuisine as part of the “Taste of The Beach 2011.” The event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Education Foundation.

There will be over 120 wines, 60 craft beers, food from 20 restaurants, and local musicians playing throughout the evening. Alton Brown, host of “Good Eats” and “Iron Chef America,” will be in attendance. Brown will be explaining how to pair the beverages with foods, as well as hosting a cooking demonstration. Weekend passes are available for $80 online.

Schedule of Events

Friday, November 4th 6pm-9pm – Pier Park

For $40, you can purchase a ticket to taste the wines and beers as well as culinary samplings from the area. Wander the streets of Pier Park while listening to local musicians and tastes of the coast.

Saturday, November 5th 6pm- Wyndham Bay Point Resort

Alton Brown’s cooking demonstration will be at 7:30pm, and is expected to last 90 minutes. He will also be signing his book (available at the event). There will also be samples of food from Executive Chef Julio Lucero prepared with a collection of beer and wines. This evening’s events will be $50.

Relax, Enjoy, and UNwineD!

No-Shave November Has Officially Begun

Whether you’re growing a beard or a mustache, November is the month to support men’s health. Growing in popularity this month-long event raises funds and awareness for men’s health.

Movember

Movember takes over “the month formerly known as November” encouraging men to sign up online, clean shaven. Throughout the month they shape and trim their mustaches into various styles. Funds raised throughout Movember address men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that typically affect men. Men who participate, Mo Bros, become walking billboards for men’s health and cancers. Mo Bros also fundraise throughout the month, many reflecting on a family member’s battle with prostate cancer.

The Movember movement began in Australia and has spread across the world, raising over $174 million. There have been over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sisters registered throughout the history of the event. The amount raised in 2010 was double that of the fundraising dollars in 2009, reaching over $80 million. $7.5 million of that total was raised in the United States from over 64,500 people.

Where exactly does the money go? 13 percent of the money raised is used for administrative costs, while 4 percent is retained by Movember to cover future advertisements and to retain the long-term goals. 83% of the money collected is donated! The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG each receive 35%, and the remaining 13% of funds are donated to Movember’s awareness and education programs.

More information is available online at Movember.

Thank you for growing a mustache gentlemen! Are you going to participate?

Conservation Park’s Ribbon Cutting

Yesterday, October 27th, Conservation Park held its official ribbon cutting ceremony. The park has been in planning for ten years, and is now a reality for those in and visiting PCB. Walkers, bicyclists, park rangers, firefighter, police, donators, and those behind the project were all out to celebrate the new park in Panama City Beach! Bay County’s Chamber of Commerce and Panama City Beach’s Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon, as this was a joint effort between the two.

What is Conservation Park?

With over 3,000 acres near Panama City Beach Parkway and Highway 79, Conservation Park is now home to “Gayle’s Trails,” bridges, eight boardwalks, picnic areas, and an outdoor classroom. The boardwalks curve around the trees that were already there so that none needed to be removed for the paths. Trails and bike paths are over 22 miles long in total. There are hopes to extend the trails to St. Andrews and Camp Helen in the future. The park is not only intended to serve as a place for recreation and outdoor fun, but to help recharge the wetlands in the area.

The park is in connection with a wastewater treatment plant nearby, where the water will be distributed through fourteen stations into the wetlands. This water distribution will help to keep West Bay clean. Approximately 18 million gallons of wastewater will be sent to the park each day, so that it can naturally be filtered back into the water cycle.

Celebrating the New Park

Saturday, October 29th, a family fun day will be held at the park to celebrate its opening. Starting at 8am, there will be a family fun run (a 10K, 5K, and one mile) followed by giveaways and hotdogs/hamburgers for lunch. (Lunch will be served from 12-2pm) The park is located at the end of Griffin Drive, past Business Commerce Park.

Stop by and look at the new trails and outdoor recreational area!

Here are some pictures of the ribbon cutting and the park:

An Update on the PC Dream

The semi-pro basketball team coming to town,The Panama City Dream, held another round of tryouts this past weekend.

The team will consist of 12 men, and with two spots currently filled. Seven men were invited back after trying out this weekend, and the coach is prepared to sign three who were not in attendance this weekend. The Dream are also looking for more women to join the 10-member dance team which will cheer on the Dream at the games. More information about future tryouts and signings is available at their website.

The season is expected to begin December 4th and tickets are already available online. Tickets will be $8 in advance, and $10 at the door for the 15 home games in the December-March season. Season passes are also available for $100. The PC Dream is still looking for a permanent location for games.

Are you excited about the new team in Panama City?

Here are some pictures from tryouts:

A Fun-filled Fall Weekend at the Beach

The cooler weather is rolling in, but it isn’t stopping the events in Panama City Beach! Here is a look at some of the events around town this weekend:

Marshalls Grand Opening

October 27, 2011- Pier Park

Marshalls, where you should “never pay full price for fabulous,” is ready to open its doors this Thursday! Marshalls shops year round to provide brand names and popular fashions at low price. Pier Park will be it’s newest home.

Margaritaville’s Coast is Clear Locals Party

October 27, 2011- Margaritaville, Pier Park

Celebrating the end of summer and peak season, Margaritaville is hosting an event for the PCB locals. Enjoy live music, drink specials, $5 food specials, prize giveaways,and get your Locals VIP Card! From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, prizes will be given away each hour, including one pair of tickets to see Jimmy Buffet live in concert! Thank-you Margaritaville for celebrating the locals!

Gulf Coast Chiropractic & Rehab’s Ladies Night of Indulgence Fall Luau

October 27, 2011- Gulf Coast Chiropractic and Rehab

From 5:30-7:30 pm, ladies are invited to indulge in complimentary drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, free massage, and entertainment. This is a free event from Gulf Coast Chiropractic and Rehab which will include skin care product demos, jewelry, self-spray tanning, hair feathers, art, pilates, health and wellness, microdermabrasion treatments, yoga, orthotic testing, and more. All for free, so ladies- don’t miss this event!

Conservation Park Grand Opening

October 29, 2011- Conservation Park

It’s opening day at Conservation Park and promises to be a day full of fun! Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served from 12pm-2pm, along with giveaways and other fun activities. A 10K, 5K, and 1 mile family fun run will start at 8am to commemorate the event. More information about the run is available here. The premise behind this park is to reclaim wetlands that were altered through tree-farming practices. Many trails and bike paths wil run through the property, as well as a wood-framed porch for park guests. Enjoy a day in the Florida outdoors!

Have a safe and fun weekend getting massages, shopping at Marshalls, eating at Margaritaville, and walking around Conservation park!

Trick or Treat at the Beach

Halloween Weekend is here! Panama City Beach is full of events to help you celebrate the holiday weekend right.

Scarecrow Festival

October 28-29th, 2011- Oaks by the Bay Park

Scarecrows will be decorating the streets of St. Andrews State Park for the 3rd Annual Scarecrow Festival. Many places compete based on pumpkin carving, but St. Andrews competes with Scarecrow customizing- make sure you check out this unique festival! There will also be trick-or-treating and events for the whole family! Detailed information is available at the St. Andrews website.

Boo at the Beach

October 28-29th,2011- Pier Park

Pier Park will be hosting family friendly Halloween fun from 10am-12pm, with face painting, pumpkin carving, spooky stories, and a children’s costume contest! Take your kids to the promo area across from Starbucks and enjoy the kid-friendly fun!

Halloween at Schooners

October 28th, 2011- Schooners

Enter to win a costume contest, with a first place prize of $300. A total of $600 in cash and prizes will be given out at the 2011 Halloween Bash! Costume pre-judging starts at 8pm with the contest and awards at midnight. Phar Fletcher will performing during the party. The outside of Schooners will be decked out in full spookiness, but the inside promises to be even scarier for this Halloween party!

ZooBoo

October 29th, 2011- ZooWorld

Dress up and bring a big candy bag to ZooWorld this weekend for trick-or-treating. From 5pm-8pm there will be trick-or-treating throughout the park and costume contests for children under age 15.

Toys for Kids Annual Halloween Bash

October 29th, 2011- Spinnaker Beach Club

Spinnaker will be hosting the Annual Toys for Kids Annual Halloween Bash, raising money for the Toys for Kids Foundation. This year’s theme is “Scary Tales.” Doors will open at 8pm, with at $10 cover for those 21 and up and a $20 cover for those under age 21. Over $1500 in cash and prizes will be given away and recipients including those participating in the costume contest. Judging for the contest will begin at 11:45pm and finals will be at 12:45am. Celebrating Halloween and raising money for local children, sounds like fun for a great cause!

Young Frankenstein

October 31st, 2011- Marina Civic Center

For $50 you can see the re-imagining of Dr. Frankenstein, buy tickets here! Directed by award-winning director MelBrooks in 1974 this black and white film ranks in the top 50 comedies of all time. Don’t miss your chance to see this film in theaters!

No matter how you choose to celebrate this Halloween, be safe and enjoy the holiday!

Relay for Life Kick-Off Begins the 2012 Fundraising Season

Time to kick-off the 2012 fundraising season for the American Cancer Society! Panama City Beach’s Relay for Life will hold the event Kick-off on October 24th from 6pm-8pm at the Palm’s Conference Center. The actual Relay for Life date is set for April 13th, 2012 at J.R. Arnold High School from 6pm till 12pm on April 14th.

What is Relay for Life?

Relay for Life is the fundraising arm of the American Cancer Society, raising money for research and services for survivors and the caregivers as they undergo treatment. Relay for Life is a sixteen hour event (lengths of events will vary) where the community gathers to celebrate the survivors of cancer, their battle and their caregivers support, to remember those who have lost their fights against cancer, and to fight back against this disease. It’s a family friendly event designed to pull the community together for a cause.

Where does the Relay for Life Money go? (partial list)

Hope Lodges
Road to Recovery
Look Good… Feel Better
Reach to Recovery
College Scholarships

You can learn more about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society online.

What happens at kick-off?

Kicking off this years Relay for Life events: there will be a survivor to speak about the impact of Relay for Life on her journey with cancer, computers to allow you to sign up a team or as a survivor, information about team captain meetings, and most importantly excitement! Kick-off starts off the fundraising for the year officially, with excitement and determination for the day cancer is cured in mind. Kick-off provides the community with all of the information needed to start a team, fundraise individually, or sign-up as a survivor or caregiver.

The committee is currently recruiting teams to help in the fight against cancer! You can sign-up or donate at the Relay for Life Panama City Beach page, and you can register survivors there also! If you’d like to stay up to date on events for this Relay for Life, you can also follow them on Facebook.

Back Beach Near Pier Park Drops to 45MPH

The recent drop in speed limit on Back Beach Road near Pier Park stirred up a lot of discussion on our Facebook wall, and we’d like to hear more thoughts on the speed change from 55mph to 45mph.

Why?

From Hills Road to Colina Circle, the speed limit has been changed from 55mph to 45mph. These changes were due to the amount of traffic, accidents, and the struggle for cars to pull out of Pier Park safely. The decrease was also inspired by the recent number of tragedies in the area in past months. One thing to consider is that the area will soon be seeing a Wal-Mart.

Community Feelings

While it’s too early to tell how people feel about the change, it seems that opinions are split. Those who live in the neighborhoods around Pier Park seem to lean in favor of the lowered speed limit, while those who pass through see it as ineffective. A common standpoint seems to be that the change isn’t going to be fun, but if it keeps people safer – then it’s a necessary one.

That being said, how do you feel about the speed limit being lowered to 45mph around Pier Park?

Getting Ready for Halloween in PCB

Several events this weekend are geared to stir up some Halloween-focused excitement!

Haunted House

October 21-22, 222 East Beach Drive

For only $7, you can enter the Jaycee’s annual haunted house! The Jaycee’s is a young professionals group in the Panama City area. The haunted house is open from 7pm till close each Friday and Saturday night. Proceeds from the haunted house go to local charities.

Haunted Trail and Pumpkin Patch

October 21-22, The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida

For the twelfth year in a row, the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida brings you the Haunted Trail and Pumpkin Patch! Event admission will be $5 per person between the hours of 4:00pm and 10:00pm. The trail has been re-vamped from previous years and is fun for children age 7 and up. For children under age 7, there is a peak-a-boo trick-or-treat adventure featuring characters from favorite children’s stories.

The pumpkin patch will have games, crafts, and a haunted homestead full of non-scary experiments. There will also be a costume contest each night at 5pm, including a group category. Detailed information about this event is available online.

Howl-O-Ween

October 22-23, Seacrest Wolf Preserve

At 9:30am on the 22nd, the 10th Annual Howl-O-Ween begins at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve. Tours will start every 1 1/2 hours beginning at 10am each day. There will also be hayrides beginning at 10:30am and a hayride to a campfire at 6:45pm. There will be a haunted hayride, not recommended for children, after the campfire. The campfire will include a flute concert from Marcia Johnson and her stories of the Choctaw Tribe. Her concert can also be heard at noon. Dog-o-ween costume contests will have sign ups from 10am till 2pm, with judging beginning at 3pm. On Sunday, the last hayride will be at 4:00pm.

More information is available at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve website.

We will post more Halloween events as they occur, Happy Hauntings this weekend! To view non-Halloween events in Panama City Beach this weekend, please click here.