Frank Brown Smoking Ban a Message to Thunder Beach?

This September the Thunder Beach Rally will again vibrate the streets of Panama City Beach to mixed emotions. While many love the three-day event and tour from venue to venue on bikes others loathe the event and consider it, at the least, an unnecessary scourge on Panama City Beach’s reputation. No board on Panama City Beach has had an opinion on the matter allowing the event to proceed. But recent considerations on a potential ban could be speaking, albeit very quietly, its position.

Take yourself back a few months to the Spring Bike Rally on Panama City Beach. There were a number of venues stretching from Ms. Newby’s to Pier Park. But it was Frank Brown Park who saw the majority of bikers. If you were to visit the venue hours after the event was over, you probably would not have known anything of consequence had happened. There were a few bits of trash here and there and the occasional bandana; nothing particularly startling. But, if you were to take a closer look, there was residue that could not be missed. Everywhere, throughout the entire field at Frank Brown Park, there were thousands and thousands of cigarette butts.

To that point, Panama City Beach City Council is considering banning smoking from the park entirely. Now, it goes without saying that not every biker smokes and certainly others such as parents of softball and soccer players will be affected by the ban. Still, part of the draw for using Frank Brown Park as a venue for the leather-clad event is its open-air “field” mentality. Such restrictions would severely change that identity. The council plans to discuss the ban further early next month, just in time for the Fall Bike Rally.

5 Reasons to be Excited About the Fall Season

Along with many beach residents, I have spent the whole of summer’s slow decline anxiously anticipating the Fall Season. I love the cool weather, the colors and the ripples of pumpkin spice in the air. In my opinion, fall is Panama City Beach’s very best season, transforming our town from a hot, tourist-filled circus to a quiet and festive jewel of home for anyone who lives in this great city. There are a number of reasons to be excited about the season from something as simple as less traffic in the streets to traditions as beloved as Halloween and Thanksgiving. But, in Panama City Beach there are even more reasons to get excited about the season to come; here are 5 of them

Fall Art Show September 18 – 20 – Pier Park

If you like art and enjoy seeing totally unique creations, the Fall Art Show will be an exciting place for you this fall. Throughout Pier Park you’ll see artwork on display and being created various artists. While you’re there enjoy Pier Park’s great restaurants and shopping.

Thunder Beach Fall Rally – September 24 – 27

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly on Panama City Beach and the fall event may very well be the best of its kind during the season. Bikers, vendors and exhibitors from around the country descend on Panama City Beach, Florida for Panama City Beach Bike Week and locals get to ride into all the fun. They share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and to experience a scenic ride on The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches!

Taste of the Beach – November 6 – Pier Park

Wine enthusiasts and aficionados, gourmets and gourmands, philanthropists and successful friends will combine talents and passions to create an unparalleled 4 day gala at the “Taste of THE Beach-Wine.Dine.Donate”. This 4-day extravaganza will be held in the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, also referred to as THE Beach

This fabulous venue will hit Panama City Beach with an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Pier Park restaurants.

Oktoberfest – October 2 – 4 – Downtown Panama City

The Annual Oktoberfest transforms quaint downtown Panama City into a bustling German-style village. From accordion players to carnival rides and sausage eating contests, this Uber-Strassen-Fest has it all. Large food tents are concentrated near the bandstand.

Food enthusiasts will be serenaded by local musicians of a variety of styles, so practice your polka. Oktoberfest offers plenty to keep the little ones busy, while the adults savor a huge selection of beer. Carnival rides, face-painting, clowns and other family activities are part of the fun. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the event, from the ceremonial tapping of the kegs to the Oom-Pah-Pah band concerts.

Seafood Wine and Music Festival – October 9 -11 – Frank Brown Park

If this event doesn’t get you excited about the season, nothing will. Panama City Beach’s signature Festival will be held during Columbus Day weekend and could be the most fun you will have all year.

Enjoy fantastic entertainment including performances by country singer and Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough, the legendary Styx, plus John Anderson and Grand Funk Railroad. Sample delicious culinary treats and fine wines from around the world, and take part in fun activities for the whole family.

Honorable Mentions: EVP Pro Tour Labor Day Festival – September 5 – 6, Jazz by the Bay – October 16 -17, Holly Fair – November 12 – 15, Iron Man Triathlon – November 7, Emerald Coast Cruzin Car Show – November 9 – 14

So How's that TDC Website and Summer Marketing Campaign Performing?

Six months ago, the community, businesses and, well, anyone who has a vested interest in Panama City Beach waited with bated breath for the unveiling of the new marketing campaign bent on rebranding Panama City Beach. Loads of marketing dollars were spent in an unprecedented effort, at least for PCB, that included big time cable TV buys, a $50,000 video competition, social media networking, microblogging and print buys all aimed at guiding potential PCB vacationers to the new and improved Panama City Beach website. So, how did it do? If I may, allow me to send the first congratulatory pat on the back to the TDC and marketing committee for a job well done.

Unlike most destinations, based on a recent Klages report, Panama City Beach is doing well. While all around the state 2009 hotel occupancy and ADR have dropped considerably since 2008, Panama City Beach has managed to keep itself in the black ink. In fact, 2008’s total economic impact for Panama City Beach spring quarter yielded 247 million whereas the 2009 numbers surged to 261 million. The total amount of visitors for the spring quarter increased as well. But let’s look at some actual recent numbers.

Tourist Development Tax Collections

PCB June – Down 4.5%

2008 – $1,223,300
2009 – $1,167,681

PCB YTD – Up 1.6%

2008 – $4,091,591
2009- $4,158,268

Unique visitors to the website http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

April visitors – 44,277
May visitors – 64,753
June visitors – 91,932
July visitors – 93,693

Social Marketing (Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers, Registered Users)

April – 9,624
May – 14,266
June – 24,694
July – 35,198

March – May Visitor Sentiments

Satisfaction
2008 – 88.5%
2009 – 89.9

Intent to Return
2008 – 69.6
2009 – 76.9

Refer to a Friend
2008 – 70.7
2009 – 72.8

Occupancy and Visitation

March – 62.6 % Occupancy – 711,660 Visitor Days
April – 46.2% Occupancy – 482,560 Visitor Days
May – 49.2% Occupancy – 562, 002 Visitor Days
Quarter – 52.7% Occupancy – 1,756,222 Visitor Days

Judging by these numbers, one can very easily see the impact of the campaign. It must be considered that these numbers are during a recession and a severe lag in travel. Similar destinations are not seeing the type of visitation Panama City Beach has seen evidenced by the article in the New York Times that referenced Panama City Beach.

While there was debate about how much money to spend and where to spend it, what cannot be debated is the campaign’s overall success. Note to the TDC: Keep up the good work guys.

Klages Report: PCB Doing Better Than the Rest of the State

In Tuesday’s TDC meeting the thin audience listened in on a comprehensive presentation of the Klages Group’s spring report. The report, drawing data from 8500 units across Panama City Beach and interviewing around 800 or so people for the months of March, April and May, included hard data from average daily rates, visitor profiles and a survey of behavioral and motivational aspects of visitors. As it stated, Panama City Beach’s total economic impact over the aforementioned months yielded $261,385,914.00, up from last year’s $247 mil. While some numbers were down, like overall occupancy down 1.2%, ADR was up about a dollar from 2008 and the number of nights stayed went up nearly 7%. In our primary market of the Southeast, Panama City Beach saw a huge increase visitation up 27% while the Midwest dropped slightly in 2009 from 2008’s 94,800 visits to 91,400. One particularly interesting drop was the European market which saw a decline from 6.7% to 3.9%; a steep drop that leaves room for improvement. Dr. Klages, who presented the report, expressed the potential for the European market was strong with the new airport coming on line. Overall, Panama City Beach saw a large increase of visitors during spring, jumping from 2008’s 282,200 visitors to 2009’s 302,000 visitors.

Comparably, the rest of the state did not fare as well. In the most recent Smith Travel report, quoted in the Klages report, cities like Naples saw occupancy drop 15% and ADR drop nearly 8%. Miami saw a 9.5% drop in occupancy and an 11.2% decline in ADR. This trend was seen all over the state in destinations like Orlando, Sarasota and Clearwater. Overall, the state of Florida saw a 5.4% drop in occupancy and an 11 drop in ADR.

Other data shown in the report drew concern and disbelief from the board. The report stated that during spring Panama City Beach had an 89.9% approval rating as well as nearly 70% of visitors during spring were families or couples with only just over 10% visitors reported as singles. Mr. Buddy Wilkes acknowledged the incredulity saying, “I have some concerns about these numbers.” Dr. Klages did address the concerns stating that the interviewed could not be younger than 18 or in a state of intoxication.

Most surprising was that the tone of the Klages report proved far different than the recent Y Partnership focus groups. While Klages data showed Panama City Beach as a friendly, beautiful and prosperous community, Y Partnership’s focus group painted Panama City Beach as an underwhelming destination below the quality of nearby destinations like Destin and Gulf Shores. Still, in both reports, Panama City Beach was shown to be doing economically better than most communities throughout the state. Mayor Oberst underscored that point saying, “I think we have a lot to be thankful for.”

5 Scenarios on Why PCB Needs Hospitality Training by Jan. 1 2010

What may distinguish Panama City Beach from larger, more prominent, vacation destinations isn’t what you may think. It isn’t the clientele, because let’s face it; the same people who visit Orlando and New Orleans visit Panama City Beach. It’s not necessarily our ignominious moniker as the “Redneck Riviera,” because even a place like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where such a label may seem a tad more appropriate, has avoided such branding. In fact, what may be keeping Panama City Beach from realizing its full potential as a vacation destination to rival any, is a very simple thing we’ve all taken for granted; standardized hospitality training. The very truth in the statement is evidenced by how many people, as they read this, scoff at the idea.

While you think Panama City Beach is doing just fine in its ability to be a hospitable, obliging place for all vacationers your own “Southern Manners” may be what’s blinding you from the truth. The reality is, as city Panama City Beach is not professionally hospitable. As far as true, professionally operated hospitality goes, Panama City Beach could be schooled by places like Orlando and Gatlinburg. Don’t believe me? Below are five scenarios that, although fictionally composed, can be witnessed happening all over the beach. After reading them, ask yourself do we need the training.

Restaurant Scenario:

During peak season, several families wait outside a restaurant where the wait has reached over an hour. It is the height of summer and the heat index is in the triple digits. There are no available seats in the restaurants interior and all unseated patrons must wait outside where chairs are extremely limited and the heat is rising off the pavement in waves. During their wait no hostesses come out to check on them, from the restaurant manager they receive no updates on wait time and no complimentary refreshments are provided in the extreme heat. When one of the fathers, whose two-year old daughter is drenched with sweat in the blistering heat, approaches the teenage, untrained hostess regarding remaining wait time the hostess sighs with annoyance and says, “Sir, the wait time is 45 minutes and you’ve only waited 30. We can’t seat you until seats are available. We’ll buzz you when its time.”

Hotel Scenario:

During the midnight shift, two young girls, one twelve and the other sixteen, rush the front desk counter of their hotel obviously frightened and out of breath. The older of them, panting and shaking, says to the desk clerk, “We saw a huge bug in our room.”
The other girl chimed in, “It was giant; bigger than my thumb and black!”
“And it could fly!”
The desk clerk, an older woman, chuckled softly and replied,”It’s just a palmetto bug. They’re everywhere this time of year. Where are your parents?”
The older girl answered, “They went to dinner and we ordered pizza. The bug landed in our food.”
“Well,” the clerk said. “Those bugs ain’t gonna do you no harm. They just looking for a place to get out of the weather.” She reached behind the desk and grabbed a can of bug spray. “We don’t have maintenance on staff right now so take this with you. If you see him again, give him a shot of this and I promise you won’t see him again.”

Transportation Scenario:

A family, excited to be in Panama City Beach for their annual vacation, have problems with the car rental at the airport and decide to hail a taxi. The taxi stops. When the man opens the door for his wife, the cab billows with cigarette smoke. Inside, the cab still smells like Spring Break puke. The man says to his wife and two children, “Don’t worry. We’ll get to the hotel and the fun starts.”
After driving silently for a few miles, they cross Hathaway Bridge and see the beautiful water for the first time. The kids are blown away by the colors of the gulf and the ships coasting the calm water. The man says to the cabbie, “We’ve never been to Panama City Beach. This place is beautiful. Tell me a little about it.”
The driver answers, “It’s busy and crowded. But from what I hear there’s a lot to do.”
“Like what?” The man asks. “Where’s a good place to take the kids for dinner?”
“Umm, there are lots of places. You’ll see all that once you get to your hotel.”
“But c’mon, as a local, you’ve got to know a few good spots. Any places you’d suggest?”
“Nope. Ask the front desk clerk at your hotel.”

Law Enforcement Scenario:

A big name celebrity is brought to Panama City Beach for a one night only concert. Since there is no venue to house such an event, the concert is held on the beach. Law Enforcement has a plan in place to accommodate up to 10,000 – 12,000 occupants on the beach and roadside parking. None of the local businesses are knowledgeable about this plan because, but based on the projected number, law enforcement should be able to handle the influx.

The concert sees nearly 30,000 people, far above the anticipated number. Roadsides are crammed with cars causing major traffic jams and potentially dangerous situations. Bathrooms, water fountains and other necessary items for a concert of such a magnitude were not readily available. When the concert ends, the 30,000 people at once hit the streets and overwhelm the businesses and law enforcement. Open canisters, kids hanging out windows, speeding cars and other illegal circumstances cannot be properly policed. Local business parking lots are littered with people and trash and the traffic is backed up for hours. Police have to close roads in order to manipulate the traffic.

A local couple is trying to get home in all the madness. Their home is on one of the closed streets. When the couple asks the police officer if they can cut through to get to their home and out of the crazy scene, the officer ignores them and they have to sit through a 2 hour traffic loop just to get home.

Nightlife Scenario:

A man in a bar accidentally bumps into a woman, causing her to spill her drink onto her dress. The woman, slightly inebriated, screams at the man who tries desperately to apologize. After only a few moments, the woman’s boyfriend walks up, his eyes dancing around with drunkenness.

The boyfriend shoves the other man into a crowd of people causing a ruckus at the bar. The bartender calls for the bouncers, who show up and grab both men. The boyfriend tries to fight off the bouncer causing the bouncers to become more aggressive. The man, who is still attempting to be apologetic and explain to the bouncer his mistake, is put in a chokehold and dragged out of the bar; his night on Panama City Beach ruined.

These are but scenarios that represent real life scenes on Panama City Beach. The lack of hospitality training not only hinders businesses and their employees from handling these situations properly, but often encourages the situations by the utter unprofessionalism. By simply adding accessible Standardized training (which should be relatively easy with the new bay county chapter of the FRLA) Panama City Beach could change everything about its moniker and its clientele by setting the example.

You may be raised how to be polite contributing members of society, but no one is raised to be hospitable and professional: for that you need training.

AGENDA: CVB/TDC Board Meeting – Spring 2009 Klages Report

We finally get to see the new Klages report regarding Spring 2009. This meeting will be somewhat of an appetizer for the upcoming community forum on the Spring Break topic of marketing and overall community opinion.

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
9:00 a.m.
Council Room, PCB City Hall

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

A. Invocation
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Approve Minutes From July 8, 2009, and July 14, 2009

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V. PRESENTATIONS

A. Spring 2009 Visitor Profile, Dr. Walter Klages, The Klages Group

VI. BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A. Discuss and Consider for Approval CVB/TDC Financial Statements Dated May 31, 2009, and June 30, 2009, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

B. Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #90732, Invoice #90733, Invoice #90734, Invoice #90735, and Invoice #90748, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

C. Discuss and Consider for Approval Allocating $2,000 from the 3rd Cent Trust Fund to Florida Beaches and Shores Preservation Association for the Purpose of Filing an Amicus Brief in the U.S. Supreme Court Case of “Stop the Beach Renourishment v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Walton County/City of Destin,” Mr. Doug Sale, Legal Counsel

VII. BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Update on Marketing Activities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing

VIII. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

X. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

XI. ADJOURNMENT

To download the Agenda please click here.

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

5 things to Expect (& Not Expect) at the Spring Break Community Forum

As you may know, on August 19th the TDC and CVB will have a community forum to discuss Panama City Beach Spring Break and whether or not marketing funds should be allocated to bolster the annual raucous event. Now, no doubt some of you are rolling your eyes, others are chomping at the bit to bequeath their 2 cents, but after reading many of the comments left after my recent post, I thought it might be a good idea to preface the forum with some possible expectations. The Spring Break topic is the single most polarizing concern on the minds of residents and business owners and often conversations on the topic kindle contentious emotions. To date, all conversations have ended in dialectal stalemates. And it should be noted, the purpose of the forum isn’t to promote or to undermine any particular argument, but is an attempt to find a middle ground in all this. So, what should we expect?

Civility (Hopefully):

Spring break makes people act crazy…and that’s not just the kiddies coming down for college. Residents get crazy just talking about how breakers destroy everything in their wake. The emotions are so deep-seeded on that topic, that simple conversations can become very, very contentious. It is important that the topic be seen from both sides. Yes, business owners make lots of money and yes, residents are uncomfortable in their own homes. Both perspectives are valid. But losing your cool in a public forum won’t solve any problems. So keep it cool and civil.

Long-Winded Comments:

No time limits or rules of order will keep people from squeezing every last drop out of their point. But those of you who plan to unleash their carefully written dissertation on why spring break is demonic or why we need spring break economically, trust me, mostly it’s been heard before. The focus of the forum should not be on your spring break experience, good or bad, but on trying to inch our way towards the middle of the road.

Passionate Arguments:

I am a huge proponent of individuals being passionate about something. And, to some degree, public forums are supposed to encourage how people truly feel about a topic. These ideals, on which you passionately stand, will on some occasions become full-blown arguments. This is to be expected. It is important, however, that we try to be respectful. If someone breaks down into tears while speaking their view, see it for what it’s worth. I’ve personally witnessed this happen and several audience members rolled their eyes in disdain. This is a topic people do feel very passionate about and as inclusive members in the “community” forum, we should be respectful.

Don’t Expect Answers:

This forum is not meant to stamp out any and all inquiries with answers. In fact, it is the opposite of a Q and A. This forum is for local businessmen and women, residents and even some vacationers to voice their opinion to our governing body. It is a place to speak and to listen. Don’t expect to leave knowing one way or another how everything will turn out because in the end there will not be a spring break final solution. It is more likely you’ll leave with more questions than answers.

Don’t Expect The End of Spring Break:

No matter if every single person in the forum is against spring break, the truth of the matter is, spring break won’t end tomorrow. In fact, spring break won’t ever “end” because as long as Panama City Beach exists the breakers will come. No matter how you dress it up, no matter how you tone it down, we all must understand that putting money into spring break or putting money into a campaign to eradicate it won’t change it much either way. Consider spring break the vacation roach, if you will. It will keep coming back, be it with college kids, families or something different entirely, we just have to figure out a way to live with it the best way we can.

The community forum will be held Wednesday August 19th at City Hall.

Beach Chamber’s Green Leadership Committee To Hold Beach Clean-Up Day

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce “Green Committee” is organizing a Beach Clean-Up event on Wednesday, August 12th at 6:00 pm at the Russell Fields City Pier area of Panama City Beach. Your participation in the event – or support with getting the word out – is greatly appreciated. “Please help keep our beaches beautiful!” pleads Green Leadership Chairperson Pam George, Marketing Director of Gulf World Marine Park. “By picking up a piece of trash every day you really CAN make a difference.”

Please consider joining in the effort along with your co-workers, family, friends and children:

When: Wednesday, August 12th, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Russell Fields Pier area of Panama City Beach
*Parking will be available behind Ron Jon’s Surf Shop.

Trash Bags will be provided. For more information call the Beach Chamber at (850) 235-1159.

Oaseas Resorts Has You Covered with SPF 99 – Sale Protection Factor

Book any Oaseas Resorts property now for $99 and protect yourself and your wallet from higher rates. Come to Panama City Beach in August or September and stay at any one Oaseas Resorts’ six locations for a budget-friendly $99 a night. Don’t go to the beach without your SPF 99; make your reservations by August 9, 2009, by calling Oaseas Resorts Vacation Specialists at 1-877-808-4323.

Superlative vacation is savings value
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Oaseas Resorts SPF 99
Rates are $99 per room per night based on room type available and apply to stays in August and September. Reservations must be made by August 9, 2009. Not valid on holiday weekends. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Call Oaseas Resorts Vacation Specialists at 1-877-808-4323 and book your SPF 99. Click here for more information:
http://www.oaseasresorts.com/beach-vacation-specials.html
http://www.oaseasresorts.com

A Little About Oaseas Resorts
Oaseas Resorts, a condominium and rental management company with properties from Panama City Beach to South Walton Beach, represents only the finest in accommodations, both in value and location. Offering a complete vacation destination experience, Oaseas Resorts comprises properties of various sizes and for all budgets, many of them overlooking the Gulf. Oaseas Resorts underscores its commitment to customers by providing on-site management so guests always receive personal service and someone to take care of them and by partnering with watersports recreation services, restaurants and area attractions. To learn more about Oaseas Resorts and its properties, visit http://www.oaseasresorts.com or call 1-877-808-4323.