Around The Bend: Washington County Upcoming Events

Be it that we live in a vacation destination, there are times when we, the residents of Paradise, need to getaway for a while. What better place than a few miles up the road to our neighbor Washington County. The Washington County CVB has asked PCBDaily to showcase their events to Panama City Beach residents and we’re honored to oblige. Washington County is a beautiful, quiet area that has much more to offer than most, including myself, realize. So here are the events for remainder of the year. As these events come up, we will post them again and hope you’ll take a mini-vacation up to Washington County to enjoy them.

Washington County Event Calendar

August 2009

Wausau Fun Day & Possum Festival August 1st
Spanish Trail Playhouse presents “School House Rock Live!” – August 13-15th

September 2009

Chipley Woman’s Club Bridal Extravaganza – September 20th

October 2009

Legends & Lore in the Fall Festival – October 9-10th
Pulling for Education – October 10th
Seacrest Wolf Preserve’s “Howl-O-Ween” – October 23-25th
Downtown Chipley’s Fall Harvest Festival – October 31st

November 2009

Outdoor/Recreation Expo – November 21-22nd

December 2009

Downtown Chipley’s Christmas Festival (Parade & Artist Market) – December 5th

For more information on these events, Please stop by www.VisitWashingtonCountyFL.com

Record Crowds but No Blue Marlins at Bay Point Billfish Invitational

Drawing record numbers, the 2009 Bay Point Billfish Invitational brought everything except Big Blue herself. Last year, the tournament went to an all catch-and-release for Blue Marlin, changing the way it had always been done. This year, they went back to the good ‘ol method of what you catch, you bring in to weigh, except this year, nobody caught any Blue’s, just the blues.

“We had 67 boats registered this year,” said Tournament Director Scott Burt, “I would have liked more, but 67 is a great number considering the state of the economy. We have salesman, developers, hotel owners, I mean, what industry hasn’t been hit?”

As I was running around taking pictures and taking notes, it was commented to me that they may have to shut the gates down. At around 8:30, there were so many people in the “spectator” area that one couldn’t move through it, posing somewhat of a threat, actually. Not 20 minutes later, there was an announcement by Scott Rossman, the MC of the event as he was talking to all the people in TV land, live about the tourney, that if they were planning on coming out, that they wouldn’t be able to get in as they closed the gates to all guests. Scott Burt, Tournament Director, told me that this was only the third time in the history of the event that they had to do this.

Not exactly record-weight fish were brought in, but a few walked away with pocketfuls of cash, including Peter Bos of Destin, who brought in the winning Tuna weighing in at 119.5 lbs, netting him over $36,000. The evening was relatively uneventful literally until the last 20 minutes of weigh-in when the first and second place Tuna were brought in along with the first place Dolphin. At one point, the channel feeing into the marina was congested with millions of dollars worth of yachts ancey to get their weigh-on.

Seas were a little rougher than had been forecasted and many of the anglers had said that most of their trip at sea was accompanied by rain and cloudy weather. Was this the cause of not only fewer fish, but smaller fish as well? Were the giants looming too deep to find this year? Well at least one thing’s for certain, many records still remain unbroken.

Final numbers:

Invitational – Saturday July 18, 2009

Tuna

Peter Bos, Legendary – 119.5 lbs
Paul Murdoch, Team Charles 50 – 90.3 lbs
Jared Roberts, Mollie – 51.3 lbs

Wahoo

Grant Nicholson, Life is Good – 33 lbs
Peggy Ann Hudson, Iona Louise – 20.3 lbs

Dolphin

August Redding, Dream Wake II – 32.1 lbs
Grant Nicholson, Life is Good – 27.5 lbs
Mark Griffin, Britney Jean – 26.3 lbs

40/40 Shootout Tournament – Friday July 17, 2009

Wahoo

Monty Ferrell, Just One More – 29 lbs
Collins White, The Dirty 38 – 21.0 lbs
Rick Thompson, Frig It – 23.5 lbs

Tuna

Mark Crone, A-Loan Again – 56.1 lbs

Dolphin

Monty Ferrel, Just One More – 20.5 lbs
Jeremy Sprenkle, Wideopen – 24.0 lbs
Mark Datelle, Wideopen – 23.8 lbs

Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience

Team Osprey – 10.1
Team Cast-A-Way – 6.8
Team Adios – 5.1
Team Reel Fun – 7.7
Team Premier – 6.0
Team Cool Breeze – 4.0
Team B&T – 42.9
Team Boxfull – 4.2
Team Floridaze – 7.5
Team Fishbones – 8.7
Team JOE – 10.5
Team Southern Dawn – 4.7

Bay Point Invitational Tournament Schedule

Kicking off this week, the Bay Point Billfish Invitational Fishing Tournament is back and with it, the Weighed Blue Marlin category returns as the most popular category of the tournament for both anglers and spectators alike. With more than 10,000 spectators expected, vendors everywhere and boats everywhere, this year will truly be a year to remember.

The tournament has already kicked off Wednesday with a special trip for two combat-wounded U.S. service members for the second annual Soldier Salute. According to a press release today:

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Deane Messex and Sergeant Philip Gonzales were joined by local Bay Point resident and retired Army officer Dean Resch for a day of fishing in the Gulf on the 74’ Viking Game On courtesy of Galati Yacht Sales and the Washington, DC based Freedom Alliance.

The highlight of the fishing trip was when SSG Messex landed a 62.9-pound cobia! In the evening, the soldiers and their families enjoyed dining on their catch but the best part for the soldiers was knowing that their service and sacrifice is appreciated by grateful Americans.74-foot Viking Game One with veterans aboard.

Yachts have been arriving since yesterday for registration today with the official tournament kick-off to fire off tonight at 10 pm by the ceremonial Flare Gun start at the mouth of St. Andrews Pass.

You can keep an eye here for updates on the tournament, or you can mosey on over to www.baypointbillfish.com.

Tournament schedule below. Cast away!

Thursday July 16

4:00pm	Jet Flyover – Kicking Off the Opening of the 2009 Bay Point Invitational is a Jet Flyover from Tyndall Air Force Base!
5:30pm–8:00pm	Tournament Team Optional Entry continues in the foyer of the Bay Point Marriott.
5:00pm–11:00pm	Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
5:30pm–6:00pm	PRIVATE – Mandatory Captain’s Meeting (Invitational & 40/40) located at the Bay Point Marriott on the Grand Lagoon Deck. Shuttles provided from Bay Point Marina.
6:00pm–8:15pm	PRIVATE – Kick-Off Party in the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Bay Point Marriott, sponsored by Ample Energy. Live music, great food and drink, silent auction and door prizes. Shuttles provided from Bay Point Marina.
5:30pm–9:00pm	Rock Lobster performs LIVE on the Clear Channel Entertainment Stage.
9:00pm–9:30pm	Opening Ceremonies. Presenting of the Arms and Colors by the J.R. Arnold Navy ROTC Honor Guards and sSinging of the Star Spangle Banner by Neysa Wilkins.
9:30pm	Traditional Firing of the Bay Point Cannon and our spectacular Boat Parade.
10:00pm	Official Start of the Tournament signaled by a Flare Gun start at the mouth of St. Andrews Pass.
10pm–11:30pm	Nashville’s Rising Star, Singer and Songwriter Joanna Smith performs LIVE on the Clear Channel Entertainment Stage.
11:30pm	Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon!

Friday July 17th

11:30am–4:45pm	Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience
4:45pm–5:45pm	WEIGH-IN—KIDS Can’t Miss Weigh-Ins for the Al Hubbard Kids!
5:00pm	Meet Miss Billfish, Jessie Lee!
5:00pm–11:00pm	Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
6:00pm–11:00pm	PRIVATE – VIP/Sponsor Area opens adjacent to the Weigh-In area sponsored by MTU and Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison.
6:00pm–10:00pm	WEIGH-IN—40/40 Scales officially open and Weigh-Ins begin for the new 40/40 Shootout
6:00pm–11:00pm	WEIGH-IN—INVITATIONAL Weigh-Ins for the Billfish Invitational … and the possible return of Big Blue!
11:00pm–Closing	Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon!

Saturday July 18th

5:00pm	Meet Miss Billfish, Jessie Lee!
5:00pm–11:00pm	Festival on the Docks! Boat Show, Tournament Village, Taste of the Town, Artist Colony, Great Music and Kid’s Play Area.
6:00pm–11:00pm	PRIVATE – VIP/Sponsor Area opens adjacent to the Weigh-In area sponsored by MTU and Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison.
6:00pm–10:00pm	THE BIG SHOW! Weigh-Ins begin for the Bay Point Invitational. Release Videos and instant results posted on the Big Screen
7:00pm–10:00pm	LIVE Telecast of the Weigh-Ins on WJHG MY 7 and LIVE Webcast on WJHG.com.
11:00pm–Closing	Keep the Party going at Lime’s Bayside Grill and Restaurant on the Grand Lagoon.

Recap: Panama City Beach's Best 4th of July Ever

The title is obviously difficult to quantify, but as a lifelong resident of our great city, I can say without a doubt, that I’ve not experienced a better 4^th of July on this beach before.

All week long you sensed the buzz. On Thursday afternoon you felt it. By Friday morning rumblings became a full-on stampede, all leading up to a Saturday 4^th of July that, at least in one writer’s opinion, was Panama City Beach’s greatest Independence Day event ever.

It was a hot, very hot, but beautiful weekend perfect for beach lovers who showed up in droves. From end to end, Panama City Beach was packed with tourists. Hotels and Condos were sold out, restaurants stayed on waits, attractions were packed to the door and if you were brave enough to step foot into Walmart, you had no doubts as to the overwhelming surge of business.

The Veteran’s Memorial was rededicated at Pier Park where several Vets saluted the flag and prayed for soldiers currently protecting our country. Throughout the day there were concerts, contests and all sorts of food and fun to be had.

At sunset, the real show began. From Grand Lagoon down to Pier Park, Panama City Beach tourists and locals were witnesses to a stunning celebration. Night skies came to life, and Pier Park put on one of the most amazing fireworks displays I’ve ever seen. It was awesome.

I hope that this weekend’s events were not just benchmarks for future events, but a precursor to what Panama City Beach can expect in the years to come.

New Pier's Open, Fireworks set to go off tonight!

Having been under construction for the better part of 18 months, the new City Pier, Russell-Fields Pier is open for business. The new 1,500 foot pier, located right across from Pier Park opened at first light yesterday to a line of fisher-persons ready to catch anything from Bonita to King Mackeral to sharks. One onlooker said they spotted a 6 footer lurking around the pilings waiting for a stray crippled fish to gobble up.

I won’t go into too many details on the pier, as we’ve covered that, but I will say that it is long, very awesome, and super great to have it back. I promise, I won’t neglect you new pier, I promise I’ll visit you often!

If you want to fish, the cost is $6 per person, but if you just want to walk out, the cost is $2 with kids 6 and under getting in for free. The pier is open today, but will close sometime right after sunset for the fireworks display.

I was out there yesterday and they were getting all the fireworks set up, arranging the firing tubes in neat rowes. “The layout is perfect and the setup is just right,” said “Yankee” Scot Fischer, one of the “technicians” setting up the array of explosives. He was commenting on the rows of “blow-out” panels that are unique to this particular design of the pier. They seemed to be the perfect width. I’ll have more pictures next week of the setup as I’ll be back out there today.

Remember Our Veterans on Independence Day

Sometimes, amid all the celebration, bar-b-ques and fireworks, we forget what July 4th is all about – declaring our independance from Great Britain and the establishment of the greatest country on earth. With great cause we celebrate our freedom and liberties, and we are given a chance to come together with the one thing everyone in this country has in common – we live in the good ‘ol US of A.

Saturday, our Veterans will be remembered at the Veteran’s Memorial located in Aaron Bessant Park. It will be a time to remember those that gave all they had to protect our freedoms and those that served our country. The Veterans Memorial Ceremony will take place at 4 pm and will be honored by contributors such as Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst, Richard Jackson, and Mary Carmaichal. Also expected is Panama City Beach’s former Mayor, Lee Sullivan and County commissioner Mike Thomas.

Chaplain Hickenlooper will give the invocation, Marsha Rockhill from teh Saint Andrew School will seing the National Anthem, and Cmdr John Duncan and the Sea Cadets will be the Color Guard. The Military Order of the Purpole Heart is the wreath giver and will be presented to Debbie to place by Dan Laurita, the President of the Veteran’s Council.

There will also be a Tyndall flyover at 5 pm.

Fireworks on Grand Lagoon for the 4th of July!

Restaurant owners and Marinas come together to make history on historic Grand Lagoon.

July 4, 2009 Panama City Beach, FL: Capt. Anderson’s restaurant, Boatyard restaurant, The Treasure Ship restaurant, Lighthouse Marina and Pirates Cover Marina are reaching deep in their pockets to celebrate the 4^th of July in spectacular fashion on Grand Lagoon. “We’re making a little history on this historic old Lagoon,” said Sparky Sparkman, co-owner of Boatyard restaurant, “We have hired an awesome pyrotechnic group from Tennessee, Pyro Shows, Inc; these guys are going to put on an amazing show!” (www.pyroshows.com)

According to Lansden E. Hill, Jr., President and CEO of Pyro Shows, Inc., the Grand Lagoon fireworks show will begin at approximately 8:30pm.

“It’s going to be better than going to Disney,” according to Lisa Todd of the Treasure Ship, “I wish we had it back when I was a kid. Can you imagine? Especially here at the Ship – we’ve got pirates running around a big wooden ship, face painting going on – and then you add fireworks to the picture! Amazing!”

Steve Counts, of Counts Real Estate Group said, “Grand Lagoon is the perfect place for a fireworks show. I don’t know why we waited so long to do it! You’ve got the three marinas… Treasure Island Marina, Pirate’s Cove Marina and Lighthouse Marina… and the best restaurants on the beach lining the lagoon, with docks all the way around. There’s plenty of parking and tons of places for people to watch the show.”

“We’ve been here on the lagoon since 1967, and there’s never been a fireworks show on the 4^th,” reported Yonnie Patrons of Capt. Anderson’s restaurant. “When we had the kick off for Grand Lagoon National Tournament last year, we got a taste of what it could be when Bill Spann did the fireworks for that event, and we’ve all been talking about it ever since … how nice it would be to have fireworks for the 4^th. A lot of planning, a lot of work, and a lot of money has gone into it, and we’re all very excited about it. It’s been a lot of fun working with all our neighbors here on the lagoon to make it happen, too. I think this show will be the closest you can get to the actual fireworks action, and I really believe it will become the number one fireworks celebration in Northwest Florida – so, a lot of people are looking forward to being a part of history; they can say they were there the first time the FIRST 4^th of July fireworks lit up the sky over Grand Lagoon!”

“The fireworks will be launched from a platform at the center of the lagoon, so you have a spectacular 360 degree view. You can watch from a waterfront table at Capt. Anderson’s… or pick a seat, upstairs or down, at the Boatyard… I think our friends at The Treasure Ship may have the most spectacular views… they’ve got Hooks dockside, the Main Dining Room with those incredible floor to ceiling windows and, then, they have the very top of the ship – you can see the whole lagoon from up there,” Toni Davis of Boatyard explained, “Of course, we’ve got great views from Boatyard, too! We don’t usually do reservations at Boatyard, but we’ve had so many requests for waterfront tables on the 4^thsince the word got out about the fireworks. But, you don’t need a reservation to find a great spot on the docks to watch the show – or, you can come by boat.”

Get Out and Run For The Redfish

On December 5, 2009 runners from across the Southeast will participate in the inaugural Run for the Redfish, a combined half marathon, 5k run and kids fun run will be held at Pier Park. A portion of the proceeds for event will benefit the Coast Conservation Association (CCA).

The run will begin at the Front Beach Road entrance to Pier Park and continue down Front Beach Road, looping back to end at Margaritaville. Margaritville will host the post race celebration and awards ceremony. Shotgun start to the race will be at 8am for the half marathon and 8:30am for the 5k. All runners of the half marathon and 5k will receive a Run for the Redfish long sleeve T-shirt as part of their participation.

Race committee member Joe Edgecombe said, “As an avid runner in Bay County, I’m excited to help bring a running event of this caliber to our area. The Run for the Redfish has all the bells and whistles; a certified course, professional timing, a professional race day photographer to capture the moment, and a venue that is above all the rest. Panama City Beach, the Tourism Development Council, The Resort Collection, Pier Park, Margaritaville and a team of dedicated individuals have made this a destination event! The best location and the most “bang for the bucks’ road race in the entire region!”

The Run for the Redfish is not only a new and exciting event for Panama City Beach, but will bring awareness to the Coastal Conservation Association who works to protect our unique waterways and coastlines which are the habitat of the Redfish.

Race sponsors include Redfish Riviera Outfitters, Pier Park, The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, seepcb.com, the Bay County Tourist Development Council, Beach TV, and Maragritaville. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information on the run or registration visit www.runfortheredfish.com. Runners can register for the race online or at local retailers; there will be no registration the day of the event. Registration forms and payment can be mailed to PO Box 9927 Panama City Beach, Fl 32417.

Pier Park's Star Spangled Fourth of July Spectacular Schedule

Last year Pier Park’s 4th of July celebration set the standard for Panama City Beach events. This year’s show plans to set that bar a little higher. Coupled with the opening of the new Panama City Beach pier, this event should be one to remember. Here is the show schedule.

12 – 9 P.M. on SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009

STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR AT PIER PARK
Family fun includes free concerts, fun and fireworks!

WHAT: Pier Park invites you to its Star Spangled Spectacular on Saturday, July 4! Mayor Oberst will kick off the festivities, followed by an exciting F-15 flyover.

The day of family fun includes friendly competitions for patriotic pet costume, golf cart decorating and sidewalk chalk art contests, with awards presented to each winner.

The Family Activity Tent sponsored by GAC will be open from 12 – 7 p.m. near the carousel. There will be lots of family fun to be had by all. There will also be a Crafts and Coloring Tent sponsored by Regions Bank.

Several bands will be spread throughout the property during the day, with country music star Mark Chesnutt headlining at Aaron Bessant Park at 7:30 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display at dark after the Mark Chesnutt concert.

COST: Free and open to the public

WHEN: Saturday, July 4 from 12 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Pier Park
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Free Fishing Seminar: June 27th

Sunjammers Watersports is holding a FREE fishing seminar on Saturday June 27th.

Whether you’ve been fishing since you could hold a rig or still have trouble figuring out when and what lure or bait to use, you should stop by the free fishing seminar hosted by Sunjammers Watersports. This seminar is a family friendly clinic on all there is to know about fishing from tying knots to casting nets. It’s open to the public and totally free, so grab your pole and tackle box and head out to Sunjammers Watersports.

Seminar will run from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Clinic schedule
10:00 – 10:45 knot and rigging.
11:00- 11:45 cast net throwing.
12:00 – 12:30 picking out your gear.
12:45- 2:00 working lures to catch trout and reds.

Sunjammers Watersports is located 315 N Hwy 79 Panama City Beach, Florida 32413. For more information on the clinic call 850) 235-2281.