Category: Pier Park

Pier Park Beach Ball Drop Video

Pier Park’s Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach was a huge success with thousands in attendance from all over the south-eastern United States.  The CVB’s marketing blitz covered our drive-to market while locals attended in droves.

I had a blast there with my buddy Lou shooting the whole event and have actually spent probably 12 hours reviewing and editing to get just over 5 minutes of reliving the New Year’s Eve Party on Panama City Beach.

The original version was about 8 minutes long, but I edited it down to really focus on the action. I hope that this brings back some of the emotion of the night for those of you that were there, and for those that were not there, I hope this depicts what an awesome time it truly was.

I want to thank Pier Park’s Felecia Cook for all the hard work that she and her assistant, Ashley Capps did to pull this great event off.  With the help of the PCB CVB and the local tourism industry, this is sure to be a grand tradition that we will all enjoy for years to come.

Enjoy the video.

View in HD

Huge Country Name Played at Tootsies in Pier Park

010509_jamey_johnsonSinger/songwriter and Grammy nominee, Jamey Johnson played at Tootsies in Pier Park Friday night.  “His guitarist called me at 4 pm and asked if they could play that night,” said Stephen Dibble, “they ended up staying and playing two sets, it was a great night.”

Tootsies Orchid Lounge originated in Nashville, TN and was made popular by their openly encouraging artists to just “stop by” and play a set.  With roots that include country music legends such as Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings, today, it isn’t uncommon for big-name artists to drop in for a “hollar and a swallar.”

With the birth of Pier Park, Tootsies realized the perfect opportunity to expand into a growing area and be a part of a development unlike anything in Northwest Florida.  Pier Park brings tremendous adventure to all those that are wanting to shop, eat, be entertained or take part in an awesome New Year’s Eve party.

The customary norm that has made Tootsies so famous in Nashville has rubbed off on our little location in Panama City Beach with the appearance of Jamey Johnson Friday night.  I can’t say with confidence that he is the first big name that has dropped in, but I can say that he is a high profile and very talented artist.

Currently he is ranked in the top ten on Billboard.com for country songs and is expected to grow in popularity in the coming weeks.  A few weeks back, he appeared on the David Letterman show and has made several “best” lists in 2008 including Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 08, AOL’s Best Album, New York Times Best Album list, DallasNews.com best CD and tons more.

Talking to Stephen, he said that the touring season starts in a couple months and we should expect more artists of this caliber this season.  I’m currently working with Tootsies to keep all of you up to date as to what is happening there.  If you haven’t been, you should check it out.  I was there New Year’s shooting some footage (forthcoming) and it was so packed, we could hardly move.

LIVE VIDEO – Jason from PCBDaily at Pier Park's New Year's Bash

Wednesday, December 31, 2008, we will be broadcasting live video from our camera, through the internet and onto pcbdaily.com, specifically this post, or on the TV page.  We will do a broadcast every hour on the hour starting at 5 pm and going through the night.  We will probably do some shots in between as the action unfolds or as we see fit.  Most of the evening will be played by ear.

I have several guest appearances lined up throughout the night and look forward to having a lot of fun.  If you are planning on being out there, and you see us, flag us down and say hello.

If you can’t be there, watch the night unfold right here on pcbdaily.com.  Below, the live feed will play when we broadcast.  If we don’t come up automatically, you may have to hit the refresh button in the bottom left of the player.

Be safe, have fun, and we’ll see you New Year’s Eve.

http://www.ustream.tv/flash/live/1/404611

Pier Park Ready for New Year's Bash

_mg_7137_2I was out at Pier Park today scoping the grounds for our live production tommorrow for the first ever Panama City Beach New Year’s bash that is being presented by Margaritaville.

Pier Park has done an amazing job of putting together a great party for everyone in Panama City and Panama City Beach to enjoy.  I was talking to Berna-Liza, Sales and Marketing Manager for Margaritaville and remarked that this is the first time Panama City Beach (as long as I’ve been here) has done something like this that the whole community can come together and celebrate this once-a-year holiday.

There will be something for everyone.  If you are a drinker, there will be tons of places to party, if you are a family person, there will be bouncy houses and open areas to play, if you are a loner, there will be tons of people there to keep you company.  I love it, I can’t hardly think about sleeping tonight.

The family time, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, will play host to stilt walkers, face painters and live music playing on the main boardwalk area AND in the open area in front of Bootleg BBQ and Starbucks.  Then, at 9 pm, the countdown party will begin with more live music and prizes given away from the stage in front of the beach ball every 20 minutes.

The beach ball is an illuminated 8 foot ball with the Pier Park logo on it that will be suspended 120 feet in the air.  As midnight approaches, it will be lowered by a winch, ringing in the new year.  At the exact moment the ball hits the ground, fireworks will shoot off on the beach just next to the pier that is currently under construction.

I’ll be there, along with a buddy of mine, Lou Columbus, shooting video, taking pictures and having a grand ‘ol time.

See you at Pier Park!

Top Stories for 2008 on PCBDAILY.COM

2008 has been a monumental year for us at pcbdaily.  We’ve seen super awesome growth, expanded our content base tremendously and have reached out to more people than we had ever expected.

Looking back, the top stories covered good times and bad, with some of the bad times being good for others and some of the good times being bad for some.

4 of the top 10 articles talked about new additions to our area, namely Pier Park and the new Panama City Bay County International Airport (I know, we need a new name, and that will be addressed in 2009).

Walking around the mall, it is sometimes hard to imagine that this time last year, Pier Park’s roads were not even paved yet.  Colorful buildings had been erect for some time, but the mall as a whole was still just under 2 months from opening.  Looking back, it amazes me how quick somethings get done.

The new airport has hit milestones aplenty during 2008.  Just a little over a year ago, the airport groundbreaking ceremony took place.  When 2008 rolled in, the airport was caught in a legal battle with the NRDC and the Fiends of PFN.

In what was expected to draw out for months, the case was totally thrown out on January 25th, clearing the Airport Authority for construction immediately. The case was in many instances described as frivolous, and was not taken seriously by the judge.  Opponents touted the failure of an affirmative vote in a non-binding referendum vote, but were never able to validate the fairness of the actual vote in regards to it being represented to all those affected.

For the new airport, 2008 brought the site from a stumpy, patchy 4,000 acre site to a cleared, grubbed site that is almost completely brought to grade with terminal parking installed, foundation work for the terminal complete, an asphalt-paved runway with some concrete and funding for a full 10,000 foot runway.

As the economy has plunged during 2008, so have real estate prices.  Now, this has been a topic of hot debate on pcbdaily.  I’ve oft been blasted by the Realtor community for spreading “bad news” and not “helping” the market by taking part in the media frenzy of negativity.  However, the reality is, those that are complaining should be putting that energy into finding buyers because now is a great time to buy real estate.

Plunging prices mean good deals for all buyers.  I understand the hesitation and skepticism, but things will not always be this way, and in 10 years, us agents will be doing our homework on baypa.net thinking to ourselves that we should have bought as much as possible back in 2008 and 2009 when prices were so cheap.  3 of the top 10 articles of 2008 were specifically about condo auctions in Panama City Beach.  The Palazzo condo auction story took the cake, trailed by the Ocean Reef Auction and the cancelled Marina Landing auction.  The Seahaven auction actually made it in the top 15 and is only a few weeks old.

The other 3 articles of the top 10 articles of 2008 on pcbdaily have to do with problems at local condos and the condo market as a whole.  Laketown Wharf has been a sore topic for many with the developer being a self-proclaimed Trump with a Drawl – Jerry Wallace.

A largely vacant, 750 condo, elephantine monolith, Laketown Wharf actually had great aspirations, with some possibility of success had it come unto creation mid 2004.  With huge swimming pools, a Balagio-style fountain/light show, a 650-seat live performance theatre, 5 restaurants and 1,000’s of square feet of retail space, it was planned to be almost a small town.

With less than 70 closings, it has been largely regarded as a complete and utter failure, but Laketown Wharf yet has a bright future with Corus stepping in.  2009 should bring something good for that development, hopefully.

Anyway, enough – enjoy the articles and looking back on 2008!

10.) Marina Landing Auction – CANCELED

9.) New Airport is on Schedule – Construction Update

8.) 35 Condos Sold at Ocean Reef Auction

7.) Pier Park – Margaritaville Grand Opening in Panama City Beach (video)

6.) Construction Update – New Panama City Bay County International Airport

5.) 50 Palazzo Condos Sold at Auction on Panama City Beach

4.) Problems at Nautilus Cove Condominiums?

3). Panama City Beach Condo Market Analysis After The Palazzo Auction

2.) Pier Park Grand Opening was a Smash Hit

1.) Laketown Wharf Busts, Leaves Developer Crying

Black Friday at Pier Park, and cool Rejuvenation Stations

Pier Park Kick-Starts the Official Holiday Shopping Season with EARLY Opening Times, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rejuvenation Stations and more!

Black Friday activities include:

  • Retailer Offers:  Promotional offers from a wide range of retailers will be promoted online at simon.com and at Simon Guest Services locations. The goal is to make consumers aware of the wide range of deals on which they can capitalize this holiday season.
  • Rejuvenation Stations: Guests at Pier Park can take a break from the action to enjoy a three minute mini-massage provided by Solace Day Spa or Massage Envy, chat with friends, enjoy refreshment or just relax for a few minutes at the Holiday Rejuvenation Stations. The Rejuvenation Stations are located just outside of Solace Day Spa in Town Center and Massage Envy on the Boardwalk. The stations will be available for enjoyment November 28 through December 24.
  • Special Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Shoppers won’t want to miss the extravagant and elegant tree-lighting festivities held at Pier Park to launch the holiday season. Mayor Gayle Oberst will light the 20 ft. Christmas tree located in Town Center (across from Old Navy) at 6 p.m. There will be holiday music before and after the lighting.
  • Santa: The tradition of Santa will continue this season and add to the festive holiday environment.Visit Santa at his holiday home and have your photo taken with St. Nick! Santa photos are located in the Boardwalk area between Smoothie King and Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream.
  • Parking Convenience: During the holiday season our Pier Park shuttle service sponsored by Baja Grill will be running throughout the property to help shoppers travel across the park and to our parking lots. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of this free service after a long day of shopping!
  • Gift Wrapping: Drop off your purchases at the Holiday Gift-Wrapping Station, located in Town Center and on the Boardwalk, for professional gift-wrapping service. All proceeds will benefit Arnold High School Athletics. Gift wrapping will be available November 28 through December 21, Thursday through Sunday.
  • Early Hours: On November 28th Pier Park stores will open at 9 a.m. to allow shoppers an extra hour of shopping time! The following stores will be opening early on November 28, 2008:
  • 12:01 a.m.
    • Carters
  • 4 a.m.
    • J.C. Penny’s
  • 5 a.m.
    • Aeropostale
    • Old Navy
  • 5:30 a.m.
    • American Eagle
  • 6 a.m.
    • Target
  • 7 a.m.
    • New York & Co.
    • Deja Vu
    • Victoria’s Secret
    • Yankee Candle
    • Nike Factory Store
    • Merle Norman Cosmetics
    • Bath and Body Works
    • Perfumaina
    • Ulta Cosmetics
    • Coldwater Creek
    • Fish Tales
    • Accessories on the Boardwalk
    • Tatoe Tots
    • Chico’s
    • Ann Taylor Loft
    • Ava Blue Boutique
    • No Regrets Stationary & Gifts
    • Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
  • 8 a.m.
    • Dillard’s
    • Hofbrau Beer Garden
    • As Seen on T.V.
    • Borders
    • Ron Jon Surf Shop
    • Southern Waters Outfitters
    • Polka-Dots Toys & Gifts
    • Massage Envy
    • BeBo’z
    • Shimmering Seas
    • Jake at the Beach
    • Counts-Oakes Resort Properties
    • The Walking Company

Free Movie at The Grande in Pier Park

It’s a Wonderful Life Showing at The Grand Theatre
Film Showing Accompanies Holiday Promotion with Marine Toys for Tots

Panama City Beach, Fla. (November 21, 2008)—The Grand Theatre Pier Park 16 announced it will be showing the classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart in conjunction with the kickoff of their coming holiday promotion called “It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.” The promotion begins November 28, 2008 and will run through December 21, 2008. Joining in the spirit of the season, The Grand is partnering with the local chapter of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. The free showings will take place Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, each at 10:00 a.m.  Screenings of this film will be free of charge and open to the public.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Their endeavors were so successful that in 1948 the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots and expanded it into a nationwide campaign in every community where a Marine Reserve Center was located with the objective to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.” In civilian life, Major Bill Hendricks was the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio. This put him in a position to enlist the support of numerous celebrities to promote the efforts of Toys for Tots. Disney designed the original logo and posters. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme composed by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956. Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Tim Allen, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Clint Eastwood, John Glenn, Dean Martin, Billy Ray Cyrus, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart and Ronald Reagan are but a few of the celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote the charitable work of Toys for Tots. In 1983, First Lady Nancy Reagan served as the national spokesperson and First Lady Barbara Bush carried that role in 1992, listing it in her biography as one of her favorite charities.

Southern Theatres, L.L.C. decided to hold this holiday promotion in lieu of their annual Christmas party in New Orleans. George Solomon, Manager of Southern Theatres, L.L.C., said, “In the middle of such tough economic times, we want to give back to the community and offer the same hope found in the message of the film It’s a Wonderful Life. We want to engender a sense of community and belief in the decency of people.” Solomon continued, “This film invites us to remember the truly important and beautiful things in life and that is the sentiment we hope to rekindle by working with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through this promotion ‘It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.’”

Nike Store Opens in Pier Park

Early Bird Specials, Power Hours Shopping Events and Enter to Win Contests Part of Nike’s Grand Opening Events November 21-23

Nike’s newest factory retail location at Pier Park Outlets will open Thursday, November 20 at 9 a.m.  Representing the world’s No. 1 athletic brand, the Nike Factory Store offers key assortments in sport inspired and sport applicable footwear, gear and apparel at a great value.

As part of the celebration, Nike will host early bird specials, power hour shopping events and enter to win contests each day for a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

The in store experience is all about celebrating like a champion by providing Nike’s quality performance footwear and apparel at a value price. The store associates assume the role of personal advisor, sounding board and confidante all rolled into one. They will help the consumer select the best product for his or her sport as part of Nike’s “athletes serving athletes” initiative. Several sport categories such as running, training, soccer, basketball and sportswear will be available for men, women and kids at the new Pier Park location, making Nike Factory Store a sports hub for the whole family.

Following the official opening on Thursday, Nike will host grand opening events at the store through Sunday, November 23 all day. Activities will include:

  • Early Bird Special – Nike will offer a free gift to the first 100 guests each day and a $10 redeemable gift card.
  • Power Hours Shopping Events – From opening to 1PM each day, shoppers can take advantage of a 30 percent discount off select apparel, footwear and equipment.
  • Enter to Win – Several lucky shoppers will win a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

In addition, the Nike Factory Store will celebrate the local community through its “Recognize” program, an initiative that will donate 10 percent of sales on Sunday to a select nonprofit organization. 

Huge Hole in Sidewalk at Pier Park

With 24 peices of art and over 15 artists, the Emerald Coast Street Painting Festival (aka Madonnaro 2008) held at Pier Park in Panama city Beach this weekend was a huge success.  There were artists from as far as California, but most were local to our area.

Signature artist, Tracy Stum returned this year to share her interactive talent with the crowds that often surrounded her performance.  I say performance, because all weekend, the artists could be viewed creating their work.  I have to say, it was one of the coolest events I’ve been to all year.  The energy of being outside, with beautiful weather all weekend, with all the people was amazing.

This was her second year to come to Bay County for this event.  Last year she did a painting of the Dalai Lama that actually looked like she was sitting next to him.  This year, she did a Alice in Wonderland piece where it actually looked like there was a huge hole in the ground with colorful cartoon mushrooms planted in the bottom.  The caps looked as though they were level with the pavement, it was amazing.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2267878&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

Madonnaro 2008 – Street Painting Festival in Panama City Beach from Jason Koertge on Vimeo.

Jeanie Burns did a painting of a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk.  The detail was amazing, regardless of the rough and pitted surface.  The colors were vivid and the effect was amazing.

Ellen Killough, from the Visual Arts Center, painted a recreation of Lord Frederic Leighton’s Fisherman and the Siren.  The detail was amazing, the colors perfect, and the size was actually quite enormous.

Other paintings included an excavation site, beautiful parrots with an azalea, a portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, and the logo from the Panama City Beach Seafood Wine and Music Festival just to name a few.