Category: General

Scallops Tonight!

A release from Friends of St. Andrew Bay:

The Friends of St. Andrew Bay (FSAB) and the Resource Management Association (RMA) will host Dr. Steve Geiger of the Florida Marine Institute as he presents “Status of Bay Scallops (Argopecten irradians)  in Florida West Coast Waters.”  Dr. Geiger’s presentation will address his research on the trends and status of the Florida Bay Scallop population along our shores, and factors that may be affecting our scallop population.   Dr. Geiger will also discuss scallop restoration conducted over the last three years in St. Andrew Bay, Pine Island Sound, and Tampa Bay.

Dr. Geiger, an Associate Research Scientist in the Marine Fisheries Research section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is in charge of monitoring the shellfish population along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His work focuses on shellfish monitoring and restoration, primarily with scallops, hard clams, and oysters.  Ongoing projects regarding scallops include an annual survey of bay scallop abundance, bay scallop restoration, and surveys of the distribution of offshore calico scallops.

Dr. Geiger’s presentation will be held on Thursday, September 25, at 6:30 PM, at the Gulf Coast Community College Student Union East Conference Center. For more information, contact Jim Barkuloo at the RMA at 763-1820 or, FSAB at 215-5590.

Alvin at Tapestry Park Movies Friday

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL (September 9, 2008) – Join Tapestry Park as we welcome the fall with the final installment of Tapestry Park Cinema on Friday, September 26th. This month’s feature film brings three singing chipmunks to the giant 16-foot screen in Savannah Park. Tapestry Park Cinema will also be offering a cash-only concession stand.

Tapestry Park began hosting this four-part event series in June and has seen tremendous support from the community at large. Tapestry Park is currently seeking local businesses interested in sponsoring Tapestry Park Cinema, and other community events, in 2009. The Tapestry Park community hopes to host this event and add additional educational/cultural events that promote a community atmosphere, and is looking for partners to allow family-friendly events to continue into the future. To inquire about event sponsorships at Tapestry Park, please contact Adam Shiland by calling 850.428.0825.

“Everyone who has taken part in our events have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences,” said Mark Tanney, the developer of Tapestry Park. “I know that there are businesses in the area that see the benefit of supporting these programs and in return they will receive tremendous exposure to our guests.”

The final screening will begin at 8:00 p.m.; however, guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot on the lawn. The cash-only concession stand will feature popcorn, sodas, juices and bottled water. Tapestry Park will be collecting pop tabs from all sodas purchased at the event. All collected tabs will be dropped off at the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida to support their Pop Tab Program.

For more information on Tapestry Park, visit the community online at tapestrypark.com or call us at 850.234.3339. Tapestry Park is located on Clara Avenue, between Hutchinson Boulevard and Hwy 98, in the heart of Panama City Beach. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Savannah Park.

Zoobilee at Zoo World

The drop in humidity and the diminished crowds make early Fall one of the best times of the year to experience the Emerald Coast‘s festivals and other special events. A perennial favorite of children and adults alike, Zoo World’s Zoobilee 2008 is coming up on September 27 and 28. Zoo World has staged the event for over a decade, with last year’s attendance counts coming in at over 8,000 visitors for the weekend. With admission for the event set a mere one dollar per visitor once again, Zoobilee promises to be a hit this year as well.

As in years past, a visit to Zoobilee promises to be a day of fun for the whole family. Visitors will find numerous special attractions, including a dunking booth, and prize giveaways throughout the day. Visitors may also purchase raffle tickets in drawings for various valuable prizes donated by local businesses. Although its famous animal shows will not take place during Zoobilee, the park has promised that many of the animals will be available throughout the event for posing with visitors for photographs.

Now in its sixteenth year of operation, Zoo World is a zoological and botanical conservatory housing over 200 exotic and, in many cases, endangered animals on over seven acres of lush vegetation. ZooWorld is an active member of the (UZA) United Zoological Association, and is also an active participant in the (SSP) species survival plan program. It is perhaps best known for its big cats and delightful shows featuring talented exotic birds. However, Zoo World is also home to a large variety of animals, including primates, giraffes, reptiles, and amphibians. Those visitors in search of a closer encounter can enjoy a petting zoo as well.

Zoo World is open year round and is always in need of both donations and volunteers. Interested parties who choose to donate their time can work as either Animal Keeper Volunteers or Gardener Volunteers, but in either case must be at least eighteen years old and in good physical condition. In order to participate, volunteers need to contact the park at least twenty-four hours in advance in order to be matched up for training with the correct Zoo World professionals.

One of the best things about a visit to Zoo World is that it offers parents a unique opportunity to help their children make connections between what they see on their favorite television shows like Nickelodeon’s “Go, Diego Go!” and their own lives. Over twenty million viewers a month tune in to watch Diego and his sister, Alicia, rescue various exotic animals, many of which can be found at our own Zoo World. The Spectacled Bear, Kinkajou, and Scarlet Macaw are just a few. Furthermore, an interest in exotic animals and their environments can have ramifications far beyond childhood.

In July 2008 Science Daily published an articled discussing a scientific study of children’s perceptions of tropical rain forest environments. “Turner and colleagues found that children’s awareness of rainforest biodiversity is highly developed, with the majority of the children depicting a rainforest with a diverse animal fauna, even though most have presumably never visited a rainforest. This knowledge of the natural world is crucial for inspiring and recruiting the next generation of naturalists and conservationists.” Children seem to have a natural affinity for animals and parks like Zoo World allow them to connect to nature by being in the presence of animals normally only seen in the wild.

As captivating as photographs and videotaped encounters can be, they cannot compare to the experience of being in close proximity to such fascinating creatures. It is often difficult in today’s high tech world for parents and caregivers to compete with television and videogames for their children’s attention, but special events like Zoobilee can at least help to level the playing field by providing a vibrant and memorable experience to treasure for years to come.

Zoo World is located at 9008 Front Beach Road. The gates open at 9:00 AM with the last admission at 4:30 PM. The park will close at 5:00. Free parking is available at the Super Walmart parking lot and free shuttle service will be provided from nine until five. Zoo World will provide free parking for handicapped drivers, all other drivers must pay a three dollar charge.

More can be learned about Zoo World at www.ZooWorldPCB.net.

Redfish Riviera = Cool Sport, Great Stuff

A couple buddies of mine, Paul Wohlford and Steve Bailey, started RedFishRiviera.com.  I’ve helped them get their internet presence off the ground, but they are doing a phenomenal job at launching awesome product and educating the community about red fishing.  Check out the press release below and support them by visiting their website, RedFishRiviera.com and buying a cool shirt!

NEW FLATS FISHING OUTFITTER PLAYS ON NICKNAME OF REGION
‘Redfish Riviera’ established to promote growing sport

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL (September 22, 2008) —Two local fishing enthusiasts decided to pair their love of redfishing with the growing popularity of the sport by launching a new company, Redfish Riviera, Inc.  The outfitters dedicated to the sport of redfishing, created by Paul Wohlford and Steve Bailey, sells a wide range of apparel and specialty items to sportsmen and families.  In addition, the company educates consumers about the sport of redfishing, provides information about redfish tournaments and locations, and connects anglers with one another.

The name plays on a well-know nickname for the gulf coast region as the “Redneck Riviera”.  Wohlford, president of the company, said the idea was born during a Tourist Development Council meeting when they were discussing upcoming Redfish tournament sponsorship opportunities.  Steve Bailey, CEO of the company, and Wohlford trademarked the name, and Redfish Riviera, Inc. became official in April 2008.

“Since then, we have been approached to cast the name on restaurants and lodges,” said Wohlford of the popular name.  “I don’t know where the applications will go in the future.  We are focused on growing the company at this point, and expanding our reach to retailers, outfitters, marinas and resorts across the southeast. The early results have exceeded our expectations. Maybe that’s because redfishing is the fastest growing segment of sports fishing, and is said to be approaching bass fishing in terms of popularity.”

The Redfish Riviera spans the shores of Brownsville, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast of Florida, up to Surf City, NC.

The sport has gained popularity in recent years and has spawned into a sportsman’s ‘must do’.  According to the Inshore Fishing Association’s website “inshore fisheries have flourished much quicker than anyone could have imagined since the banning of netting”.  The redfish or red drum has become one of the most sought after fish on the Gulf and Atlantic shores.

“It has really grown into a household name to sportsmen throughout the country,” says Bailey.  “It is a very eco and family friendly sport, too.  With fuel prices the way they are, this is not the kind of fishing you have to run offshore 70 miles to do.  It’s all inshore, and state laws regulate fishermen to size and bag limit. Redfish are a very protected species.”

Primarily an inshore fish, the average redfish weighs from 6 to 12 pounds, but can weigh up to 50 pounds. Redfish are a bottom-feeding, schooling species common along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. Typically located on flats, redfish can also be caught in reefs, bays and marshes. They live in shallow water and can be recognized by a dark spot on the tail.  They became trendy as a food fish after being offered as blackened redfish in New Orleans restaurants and became popular as a game fish as more former bass anglers got turned on to inshore saltwater fishing.

Redfish Riviera, Inc. has already grabbed the attention of major networks and tournament organizers in their short time of existence.  Wohlford and Bailey recently accepted an invite to join a crew of the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup Pro-Am Team.  They will partner with a Redfish Cup Professional Angler and fish the flats of Pensacola in the Pro-Am Tournament. The event is being televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Outdoors. Bailey said they are thrilled to have the opportunity to promote their new company on a national platform.  “We’ll see where it takes us,” said Bailey. “It’s a great opportunity for us and we are excited to be part of it.”

Redfish Riviera, Inc. promotes the major redfish tours and their tournaments.  They also sponsor a team, Team Redfish Riviera, who recently claimed a top 10 finish at the IFA Redfish Tournament presented by Cabela’s in Navarre Beach, FL.

“Down the road we hope to expand by offering guide services, restaurant and accommodation partners, as well as introducing redfishing to new anglers” said Wohlford.  “Really, with the way this sport is growing, the possibilities are endless.” For more information on Redfish Riviera, to view tournament schedules or to purchase merchandise visit www.redfishriviera.com.

Let Dogs on the Beach

Picking one area on the beach for our dogs to roam and play is ridiculous – not everyone lives near the City Pier.  Yes, it is better than before when they weren’t allowed at all and the penalty was a $200 fine, but designating them to just one area is still a problem and needs a better solution.  Recently they’ve been given freedom to roam the beach access across from Pier Park, but I want to see all of our 27+ miles of beach open to our four-legged friends.

One argument may be that letting dogs on the beach will create a number of problems – from dog poop on the beach that’s not thrown away, to frightened or allergic beach-goers that may find the dogs to be a nuisance.  These are all petty excuses for not inviting all kinds to a public place.  For the dog poop issue, I’d argue that it is not hardly as hazardous as walking over all the the litter left behind or nearly as disgusting as a forgotten dirty diaper.  Dog owners aren’t the only ones slacking in the “get some cooth” department.  If this were the reason for keeping dogs off the beach, it is certainly a lame one.  We certainly couldn’t fine those bringing their babies to the beach or anything else that would cause litter.  There are trash cans for these problems and we can only leave it to the people to decide how clean its kept.

If our dogs are being kept off the beach due to protecting the few who might be afraid, then they should think about two things.  Remember the beach is long and wide – move away just as you would if you didn’t like crowds of people at the beach.  Or wait until the dog passes you – sure enough the dog is there to roam and play, not to stay in one spot, sunbathing on a towel.  Knowing a few dogs myself, they don’t usually stay too long and tend not to go the beach during the prime hours most others do.  I’ve found they like early morning or after sundown due to the heat.

So if your opposed to the idea of having our four fury-pawed friends put their paw prints in the sand, I suggest you change your mind or come up with a real reason they should remain off.

I’m grateful for the little beach access given, but I won’t be satisfied until they’re allowed the entire beach, until I don’t have to drive my dogs miles down to enjoy the beach side, or until I can use the beach access close to my house and walk my dogs over.

See Me on TV!

Former Panama City Beach Mayor Lee Sullivan has been gracious enough to invite me on his weekly News View Show aired on WPGX every weekday evening at 9 pm.

Last Tuesday he had the current Panama City Beach Mayor, Gayle Oberst, on the show discussing beach tourism, the local economy, the TDC efforts, and the bed tax, just to name a few.

Today, when I’m on, we’ll be discussing all the fun stuff we cover on pcbdaily.com.

Be sure to join us for 30 minutes of fun and “attitude”!

Again, it airs at 9 pm on WPGX.  I have Dish Network so the channel for me is 28.  I hope you get a chance to see it, and hopefully I won’t look like a fool!

Gas Gouging – RIP OFF

So, yesterday, on the way out of town, my wife and I filled up for $3.63 a gallon.  That is a stupid high price (I refuse to be conditioned!), but that’s where we are, right?  $100 a barrel.

Well, in light of the current situation in the Gulf with hurricane Ike and all, the supply of gas in our area has temporarily been affected.  This morning we drove around to a few gas stations and the ones that still had gas left were priced at $3.95/gallon for regular.  Thinking it was insane to see the price jump 33 cents overnight just because of a little supply problem, we decided to keep looking.  I refused to pay $3.95 a gallon, just on principle.

Well, our trusty Tom Thumb gas stations, as usual, can be relied upon.  Out of the two that I went to, one was out of gas, but the other was still priced at $3.63 a gallon.  I could have kissed the manager for being honest when others were being greedy.

PCBDaily gets a facelift

In case you didn’t notice, we’ve got a who new look.  We’ve been growing by leaps and bounds and it was time to clean everything up and refresh the look.

There are several new features that will make your visit here at pcbdaily more enjoyable:

ACLU – Penetration of the Bible Belt

This isn’t exactly breaking news,nor is it new that the ACLU is in the headlines. But,the long-common religious and spiritual traditions often found in official proceedings in many local public forums is subject to the scrutinizing eye of the American Civil Liberties Union

If you are a left wing radical apposed to prayer in a public forum or even PDR (public display of religion), jump ship now because you are bound to be offended. Maybe I’ll be offended by you being offended.

Coming from Big City Dallas, even back in 2001, prayer had long been banned from public events such as graduation ceremonies or public meetings. Even though I wasn’t as religious as I am now, I found great comfort when a prayer was said at the opening of my graduation ceremony in 2004. Even as recently as the ground-breaking of the new Airport a prayer was heard at the opening of the ceremony. I continue to find great comfort that amidst the much local and political turmoil and opposition, we all still seem to agree that this country was founded on the very freedom that we would never have had if it were not for the good graces from our Heavenly Father above.

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