Deep-Sea & Bay Fishing Tournament is coming to Capt. Anderson’s Marina the last weekend of October.
They are calling it the Lionfish Dive Tournament, officially it is the inaugural “Lion Tamer Spearfishing Tournament” and will be held in conjunction with the PCB Seafood & Music Festival: UNwineD 2012 Saturday, Oct 27, 2012.
Categories Include:
Tuna (any)/ Dolphin / Wahoo / King Mackerel
Red Grouper / Gag Grouper / Amberjack / Beeliners (Vermilion Snapper) / White Snapper (Red Porgy)
Speckled Trout / Flounder / Spanish Mackerel / Blue Fish / Pompano / Sheepshead
Lionfish / Red Grouper / Gag Grouper / Amberjack
*Lionfish will be “wild cards”, each one to count as 1 lb towards fish of diver’s choice*
Tournament Entry Fees (excluding trip cost):
– Head Boats – ONLY $5.00 for each angler
– Private Charter Boats – ONLY $25.00 per Boat up to 6 anglers, $5.00 for each extra head
– Divers –ONLY $5.00 for each diver
Tickets will be on sale until 1pm CST and must be purchased PRIOR to fishing or diving (on your honor!)
There are rules for the tournament that we will not go into here, other than the official tournament begins at 5 am central time, regardless of your departure time, and that there is a MANDATORY safety briefing required of participants on 10-24-12 at 7PM on the Lady Anderson.
For a more detailed list of rules, please contact Lady Anderson’s Marina, 850- 234 -3435.
There will be a FWC Tent to educate locals about the lionfish species and how it is disrupting our local ecosystem.
Candy Hansard of the Emerald Coast Reef Association will be demonstrating how to safely handle the Lionfish, and the Boatyard Restaurant will grill them so we can all have a taste of this beautiful delicacy!
Capt. Anderson’s Marina , “Where the Fish are always biting and the Kids are always smiling” is located at 5550 N. Lagoon Dr. in Panama City Beach.
For more event listings like these or to submit your own event, go to www. carpediem365.net and after the fun is over…make sure you share your BIG CATCHES with PCB Daily!
Have you ever met anyone with Down Syndrome? If it wasn’t for the work of the Special Olympics or the warm-hearted cheerleader on GLEE would you even know what it looked like?
I think many of us would agree that fear comes from the unknown and being in small town USA, we are insulated from a lot of unknowns, like genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, we don’t understand.
But did you know here in Bay County there are as many as 7 new families with children born with Down Syndrome?
On a national level one in every 733 babies in the United States is born with it, making it the most common genetic condition. About 6,000 babies are born with Down’s in the U.S every year.
But how would you know that? I didn’t until I spoke to a couple mother’s whose lives were affected….for the better, by the way. One woman, Shannon, whose family frequently visits our beaches, and hopes to call it home some day, shared with me about her experience very candidly.
Shannon’s son Lucas on our Beaches
After giving birth she looked at her baby Lucas, who is now the absolute light unto her path, and she knew before the doctor told her. She was terrified, she broke down into a “crying, snotty mess” she said. She realized that as a mother, one of her primal fears were ignited, something was “wrong” with her baby. But “wrong” turned out to be just “right” and the biggest blessing of her and her husband’s lifetime.
After the hormonal rush of pregnancy had subsided and she was able to reflect on her gutteral reaction she concluded most of her horror was based on pure ignorance. She had never met anyone with Down Syndrome before, she didn’t know anything about it, how was she going to take care of our baby? Isn’t that every mother’s fear that we will not somehow be equipped, i.e, good enough to take care of our children?
As I spoke with Shannon and she shared her story, her candor touched me, I thanked her for it. She simply said…”you know, your story is your story.”
Those words hit me in the face and I hope they leave a mark on yours. Your story is your story and it can be as sad or scary or beautiful as you want it to be. But before it is written, when it is still in the beginning and you don’t know what is going to happen…it can be pretty scary.
But it doesn’t have to be, you can reach out and find people to talk to, learn more about Aspergers and Autism and Down Syndrome and all of those things that terrify us because we don’t know any better. For Shannon, she read the blog by Kelle Hampton, a mother she not only connected to, but made her realize what an amazing gift she had been given.
Thankfully there are organizations that raise awareness of these issues that affect so many of new mother’s today. October happens to be Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
If you want to learn more about Down Syndrome and have a fun, family friendly day outside, you are in luck for this Saturday, October 20th is the Annual Buddy Walk put on by Acton Up with Downs at Aaron Bessant Park next to Pier Park.
There will be lots to do at this event..Music…Food..
Children’s games and crafts…entertainment for all! Dr. Shane of WPAP will be the MC and the Parrots Club will play music. Prosperity Bank will be keep our bellies full with hot dogs and hamburgers for all.
To find out more about this event, go to http://www.actonupwithdowns.org/ or just show up at Aaron Bessant Park this Saturday, October 20th at 9 am.
As one local parent put it….”Come out and learn more about people with Down Syndrome…and find out that we are all more alike than different.”
The event co-hosted by Beachy Beach Real Estate and Cerulean Interiors unites local artists and craftsmen to share their gifts and “celebrate” art, including its’ power to improve the lives of others. The event will be located in front of the aforementioned businesses at 22600 Panama City Beach Parkway on the West End of Panama City Beach, just a little bit east of Publix at Carillon.
Co-host, Roy Calvin Eure, Jr , owner of Cerulean Interiors , an artist in his own right, says “ as a member of the local business community, I think it is important we encourage the creation of art and it’s power as a vehicle for social change. “
When asked why she was involved with Celebrate the Arts, Karen Smith, Broker of Beachy Beach Real Estate said , “we just try help people with the gifts we are given…when you are blessed, you are called to bless others. Beach Care Services helps people directly, Roy and I want to be a part of that.”
Celebrate the Arts (CTA) will feature artists and craftsmen from a variety of disciplines, from jewelry to woodworking to photography. CTA will also feature live music, door prizes and special giveaways and activities for kids, including a booth just for them hosted by the Beachy Beach Kids Club.
This family friendly event is FREE to attend, but participants are encouraged to bring their pocket books, as all the artists are donating a portion of their profits to Beach Care Services and this year the first ever CTA event T-shirt will be available for sale with all profits going to Aaron Nichols, a local resident and Bay High graduate whose near fatal car accident five years ago left him and his family in dire need of financial help.
This year at the event, there will be an additional booth selling the CTA logo shirt and Beachy Beach merchandise, with all profits going to the Aaron Nichols fund to help him purchase much needed medical equipment to help him learn how to walk again. Many residents may know Aaron’s father, Gary Nichols who teaches music at Breakfast Point Academy. To learn more about getting Aaron back on his feet, visit http://www.giveforward.com/aaronnichols
In addition, if you cannot come to the event but you would like to help in some way, whether it be an item donation, volunteer or whatever your heart moves you please reach out to the Panama City Beach location of the Beachy Beach Real Estate office at 850 233 4351 or email Tammy@beachybeachy.com or Britt@beachybeach.com. To find out more about the event please visit the facebook page, www.facebook.com/celebratetheartspcb. Beach Care Services, who epitomizes their slogan of “Locals helping Locals” are also on Facebook if you would like to learn more about them. Thanks to the generous support of businesses like Pineapple Willy’s and successful fundraisers like last month’s Duck Races, Beach Care Services has been able to help a large number of local families in need in our area.
If you haven’t planned your trip to the beach for Columbus Day weekend, then get your bags packed, check out our condo rental availability calendar and fill up the tank. This weekend is the second annual Pirates of the High Seas Festival and will adorn Panama City Beach with pirates, a beach ball drop and parades.
Schedule of events
All events below will take place in Pier Park unless noted otherwise.
Friday October 5th
Pirate and Wench (Adults) Costume Contest (6:00 p.m.)
Aspiring pirates and lasses can show off their high seas style.
Pet Costume Contest (6:20 p.m.)
Scruffy scallywags, pampered pooches and feathered friends take the stage to display their pirate garb in a chance to capture the bounty.
Second Line Parade (7:00 p.m.)
Mardi Gras style parade
Beach Ball Drop (8:00 p.m.)
More than 8,000 inflated beach balls will create a sea of excitement as they fall from the sky onto Pier Park Drive.
Saturday October 6
Run for the Treasure (7:30 a.m.)
Landlubbers will stretch their legs at pirate-themed Fun Run, 5K and Half Marathon hosted by Girl’s Inc. of Bay County at Aaron Bessant Park.
Children’s Costume Contest, Treasure Hunt, Activities on BookIt.com Beach and Face Painting (12 noon)
Exciting activities and live music on the main stage presented just for petite pirates.
Lookout for pirates in the Gulf of Mexico (4:00 p.m.)
The Midnight Princess and Sea Dragon ships sail the waters of the Gulf, battling to lay siege on the city.
Pirates Raid Panama City Beach City Pier (4:30 p.m.)
Anchored offshore, the pirates invade City Pier seeking the keys to the city, followed by a children’s pirate parade. All costumed children are welcome to join the march.
Pirate Parade (6:30 p.m.)
Royal pirates from the Krewe of Dominique Youx strut the streets alongside winners of costume contests and street performers to the Circle for music.
Dueling Fireworks Show (8:00 p.m.)
Battle of the High Seas between County and City Piers as a mysterious pirate ship arrives offshore.
One of everyone’s favorite local animal attractions is having their annual ZooBilee festival this weekend and they’re inviting all to come at a discounted admission rate. With kid’s admission normally $10, the $1 admission this weekend at ZooWorld is an amazing deal for you to take the family and enjoy a day at the zoo.
If you missed the opportunity to volunteer the last time at ZooWorld, you have another shot! Read about it here.
Details about the event.
ZooBilee is an annual event where ZooWorld opens up their doors for a discounted rate to invite the public to see their amazing animal friends and raise money to help care for them.
Date: September 29 and 30
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
Location: 9008 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32407
Cost for admission: $1 per person
VIP parking is available onsite for $3, but it will fill up extremely fast and very early, so plan on parking at Super Walmart and taking the free Kincaid shuttle bus.
And as if seeing some of these great animals wasn’t enough fun, ZooWorld will be holding raffles, will offer photo ops with some of the animals, they’ll have pony rides, food concessions and more!
More about ZooWorld
ZooWorld is a 501(C)(3) non-profit educational facility that is open to the public daily. Home to over 260 animals including exotic and endangered species, they are supported through public donations and programs.
Some of the varieties of animals they’re home to include tigers, wolfs, leopards, lions, monkeys, bears and snakes, just to name a few.
ZooWorld is open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Sunday except on Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Remember when we did that awesome service project at ZooWorld a few months back? We had an amazing turnout with over 75 people showing up to help. If you missed your chance then, there’s another opportunity to serve this weekend at this great local attraction
ZooBilee is this weekend and ZooWorld is looking for a few dozen caring people to come help out with the extremely large crowd of people that attends this annual event.
Time and details of the event.
Date: September 29 and 30
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
Location: 9008 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 32407
Cost for admission: $1 per person
Some of the areas that volunteers will be working include parking, dunking booth, food concessions, security, raffles, etc.
There are three shifts: 9 am to 1:30 pm, 12 pm to 5 pm and all-day.
Who to contact if interested.
These events are amazing and super fun to volunteer at. Service is one of the best ways to help your community and it feels great too!
If you’re interested, just get in touch with Stephanie at 850-230-4839. The sooner the better.
Every year the thought of Lobster Fest makes my mouth water, and every year it comes and goes bringing smiles, fun and full bellies. The 23rd annual Lobster Fest is this weekend behind the ever famously popular Schooners.
Here’s all the details (Press Release)
Panama City Beach, FL – Every year in September, Schooners, The Last Local Beach Club, hosts the largest 4 day Lobster Festival & Tournament in Florida. This year the 23rd Annual Lobster Festival will be held September 13, 14, 15 & 16th.
Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament has always been a local favorite, but now as the festival continues to grow in popularity, there is an effort to attract visitors from all over the South East to come and enjoy the festivities and take advantage of Panama City’s beautiful beaches and seafood.
Divers from all over the country will compete in a variety of lobster categories including Spiny Lobster, Big 6 and Shovelnose, with an opportunity to win cash and prizes totaling over $10,000. Weigh-ins will be from 3-6pm on Saturday and Noon-3pm on Sunday.
There will be a “mini” lobster feast served on Saturday, with the famous traditional Lobster Feast beginning at Noon on Sunday. A special Schooners menu has been developed for all the fresh local lobster that will be harvested by the divers.
The festivities will kick off on Thursday with live entertainment on the beach and the Schooners main stage.
From kids to grandparents, Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament is four days of non-stop fun – and, although the Lobsters are at the heart of it – it’s a lot more than just that.
On the beach there will be a giant Lobster Festival sand sculpture – one of the biggest in the Southeast as well as a sand sculpting competition on Saturday for enthusiastic amateurs competing for cash and prizes.
Live entertainment starts Thursday with Solshine performing on the Beach Stage followed by Arizona on the Main Stage. Friday afternoon DJ Dave Tracy spins dance music from the Beach Stage with Arizona performing again on the Main Stage. Saturday, The Barry Fish Band will start the afternoon entertainment followed by Cool Rayz on the Beach Stage and then Arizona on the Main Stage. Sunday the Cool Rayz preforms on the Beach Stage, followed by the famous Swingin Medallions.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two local youth oriented charities; Florida Aquatic & Marine Institute (FAMI) and the Toys for Kids Foundation.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. FEAST tickets are $25 each
A hurricane can change your life forever, and no one knows that more than Shane Johns, local musician who is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana.
So this Saturday he is going to use the other powerful force of nature he has…..his music…. to help bring people together on Saturday for he victims of Hurricane Isaac. When I saw his level of enthusiasm and compassion about his fellow Gulf Coast residents….well, I had to share it with you.
The family friendly event will have something all ages including raffle prizes, snow cones, and a bounce house for the little ones. The fun begins at 11 am on Saturday and doesn’t end until closing time.
There will be live, original music by Shane Johns, Faust, DJ Fatt and other guests.
Guests are encouraged to bring much needed items such as:
Non-perishable goods
Clothing
Cat and Dog food
If you are moved to help or maybe you can not go on Saturday but you would like to contribute in some way….call Celeste Sphar 850-303-5602.
I had heard of Shane before, but didn’t know a lot about him, so after he shared the event information for our wonderful PCB Daily readers, I asked him if he could answer a few questions and quench my curiosity.
Our little Q and A is below for those of you that are curious like me.
Q: Ok, so I know you have been a solo artist for many years but who have you been working with lately?
A: I have been performing with a trio called Lounge Act recently and while we work with featured artists as well, our main line up is myself, Shane Johns: Guitar, Vocals: Jordan Faust: Vocals, Guitar: Chris Peralta: Bass and Vocal. Jordan was born and raised in Panama City Beach. Chris was born and raised in Miami, while I was born in Atlanta but grew up in New Orleans. But we all have the same mission to bring original music to Panama City Beach.
Q:For those of us that are not familiar with your music, could you tell us about the style?
A: Our style is acoustic based alternative rock and beach rap but we do not have a specific genre, our music can go from jazz to blues to rock to rap.
Q: What inspired you to help Hurricane Isaac victims?
A: Being from New Orleans, I have close friends there and other coastal parts in Louisiana, they are like family. I was around for Katrina and Gustav and dealt with its’ aftermath.
Q: Have you done a benefit like this before?
A: Yes, I have performed for many relief benefits in the past. I enjoy performing with the purpose (sic) of helping people in need.
Q: So refresh us again , when are you playing on Saturday?
I found Shane to be a gracious young artist and am looking forward to seeing what he does in the future. He performs a lot locally in Panama City Beach and the tri-state area. You can hear his music on Reverbnation or check Faust out on Youtube.
If you can not make it to C-level this Saturday and want to help his Hurricane Isaac Relief Efforts, call Celeste Spar at 850-303-5602.
July 4th is this Wednesday and in celebration of our country’s independence, there are a variety of fireworks displays to enjoy along the beaches of Panama City Beach. Every year we’ve watched our local celebration grow as Pier Park has opened and more and more people flock to our beaches to commemorate the independence of our country. And beginning last year, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau responded to the public’s request and sponsored fireworks displays at three different areas along our beaches: Russell Fields Pier (at Pier Park), M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier) and Grand Lagoon.
Fireworks Display Locations and Event Schedule
This year, the fireworks display will be at three different locations, simultaneously.
Along with the fireworks display, there is always a huge celebration at Pier Park.
Schedule
9:00 a.m. Veterans Celebration at the Veteran’s Memorial Park (adjacent to Aaron Bessant Park) Chairs will be provided for Vets and Families for the Morning Service.
7:30 p.m. POPS Performance in Aaron Bessant Park — Bring your chairs, blankets and all the children.
9:00 p.m. Three Fireworks Shows all along the Gulf. — City Pier, County Pier and Grand Lagoon.
History of Independence Day
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
Though formal sponsorship opportunities have closed, Anchorage is still looking for businesses and individuals that want to contribute to runner’s grab bags.
Each participant will receive a race T-shirt, along with a bag full of goodies from local vendors. If you would like to donate an item for the grab bags whether it’s a restaurant coupon or a koozie, please contact Brooke at 850 763 7102.
If you are not a business, but a resident that would like to enjoy the sunshine on race day, Anchorage encourages you to come out and cheer on your friends if you are not participating yourself. Or if you want, you can sign up as late as right before the race on Saturday, June 23rd. The race doesn’t start until 8 am, but get there earlier, around 630 am and you can still participate. And don’t forget, the family fun run is super relaxed, so bring your stroller and your puppy….it is for the WHOLE family, four legs and all.
If you are unable to come this year, Anchorage Children’s Home would appreciate your support in other ways. Development director, Brooke Bullard explained to me that although eventually they would like this event to be a viable fundraising vehicle, that is not their sole intent.
“We do special events like this, not for fundraising, but for friend-raising.“
She added, “because the more friends we have the more people can benefit from our programs and services in our community. “
And that community she is speaking of???? Well, it is a lot bigger than you think. I did not realize how long and deep and wide it was until I sat down and visited with Brooke this Monday afternoon.
Anchorage Children’s Home serves our 6 county area, more specifically: Bay, Gulf, Jackson, Calhoun, Washington, and Holmes
Computer room for residents to learn basic skills and work on school work
A lot of PCB residents do not realize that two of their very successful programs Hannah’s house and The Bridge Transitional Living Program are located on Panama City Beach. Brooke shared proudly with me, “we just had three kids from that program graduate high school last week.” Brooke like many involved in the organization, believe that the participants just need the right resources to be empowered and guided to make the choices they need to improve their situation. “We are a hand UP, not a hand OUT”, Brooke continued. And sometimes that “hand up” is all they need to see the light at the end of the tunnel and get that cap and gown.
A couple weeks ago when I told you about the event they were having I told you that Anchorage served homelesss and at risk youth in our area, but what does that even mean?
I have to be honest, until I went to Anchorage this past week, I myself had a very cloudy understanding. But basically, Anchorage is about giving kids who have now where else to go, a safe place to go. It is a 24 hour shelter that is often the transitional home when children are removed from their homes because of a dangerous situation or while they are waiting to be place with a foster family, which this area is short on, by the way.
But more than a shelter, they provide FREE services, that many families do not even know about, including counseling and other intervention services for parents who are having a hard time with their teenager’s defiant, truant, other wise risky behavior.
But their biggest means to success outside of their Mobile Outreach program, counseling programs, Hidle House, Hannah’s House, The Bridge….. YOU.
While these program are funded by grants, every year they come up for renewal. Without the help of area residents and friends, through their Annual Giving Program, they are in danger of being cut every year. Anchorage just started a new facebook page, while you are on Pinterest reading the funny ecards and checking out skinny recipes…..why not throw a “like’ their way?
But even better….turn your “like” into a “love”…….schedule a tour of one of their facilities with a friend or your co-workers so you can see first hand the amazing strides this organziation has taken since its inception. If you would like to schedule a tour or make a donation you can call Brooke at 850 763 7102 or you can also visit their website.If you would like to make “in kind” donation, they also would appreciate that.
Items needed right now:
Travel Sized Toiletries (save your your bottles while travelling!)
Non Perishable food times for the Mobile Out Reach team (pop up lids, granola bars, water bottles, etc)
Socks, flip fops, undergarments especially for girls/young women (size 3 to 5)
Now I know at least a few of you have a couple of those mini Shampoos from the Holiday Inn or The Marriott in your bathroom drawer somewhere, right?
Beachy Beach Real Estate on the West End of Panama City Beach ( Just East of Publix) will be setting up a collection box for you to bring some of these donation items and will transport them to Anchorage on your behalf. If your heart moves you to help this wonderful organization in another way….please call Brooke Bullard, Developement Director right away at 850 763 7102 or shoot her an email: bbullard@anchoragechildrenshome.org
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