Get Your Phone Fit for Summer

Is your phone fit for summer? Concerts are back on at Pier Park, it’s bike riding weather at Conservation Park and the beach is calling our name, so who wants to be carrying their charger with them everywhere?

All this talk about getting bikini ready and what not I figured I would get my phone ready for the beach too. So I headed over to Sunjammers Watersports, where we filmed the last episode of The Beach Show and plundered through their phone accessories.

When the weather gets warm like this again, I want to be OUTSIDE! Only problem, is being in sales and marketing, I am constantly on my phone…emailing, texting, facebooking and because of that, my phone is always DYING!

So last time I was in Sunjammers I happened to mention this to owner Brad Stephens and he showed me this nifty little thing called a Mophie Juice Pack, and I fell in love.

Alright, so I did not fall in love all it once, but this is what I liked about it:

Mophie Juice Pack Perks

(cool stuff that matters to girls)

1. It is multi-functional, it has a protective case to combat the constant drops and dark recesses of my purse AND it has a battery pack

so your phone stays charged.

2. It is easier to clean that my OtterBox, which seems to attract make-up.

3. Oddly enough, the extra weight from the battery pack, makes me more aware of it and I swear I don’t drop it as much.

4. And my favorite…it is actually EASY to take on and off, so no breaking your nails or looking for a sharp object to pry it open like the Life Case.

So after Brad hooked me up with the Mophie Case I needed, with pink on it of course, I remembered my tendency to drop my phone in bodies of water…and the washing machine etc. Like you haven’t put your Iphone on the spin cycle?

So after my love affair with the Mophie Juice Pack simmered down, I found one of those cool AquaPac covers that keep your phone, tablet, you name it, dry and sand free. So now I am all set for the sunshine and my phone is beach ready!

What about you? Do you have any cool phone accessories good for summertime activities? If you do, please SHARE with your fellow PCB Daily friends, we want to hear about it!

Laketown Wharf to Undergo $10 Million Renovation

Looks like they’re trying to breathe some more life into Laketown Wharf. I have history with this resort and have always thought it was a fantastically interesting place. The developer certainly went big when it was developed and I’ve always thought it had huge potential.

There are several pools, the condos are large and quite nice and most of them have wonderful views of the gulf.

The renovations include adding new amenities including a grocery store and deli, leasing center, redecorated hotel lobby, conference/meeting rooms, business center, new pool and boardwalk furniture, family zone, owners’ lounge and arcade. Additional renovations include expanding the deck, adding new fountains and landscaping, opening the lake to the public and more. Plus, area residents and visitors should be on the lookout for Laketown Wharf turtles that will be coming to town soon. The project is expected to be completed by June 2013.

Full press release.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL (March 12, 2013) – Laketown Wharf, currently offering short- and long-term vacation rentals in the heart of Panama City Beach, FL, will undergo a $10 million renovation, adding new amenities including a grocery store and deli, leasing center, redecorated hotel lobby, conference/meeting rooms, business center, new pool and boardwalk furniture, family zone, owners’ lounge and arcade. Additional renovations include expanding the deck, adding new fountains and landscaping, opening the lake to the public and more. Plus, area residents and visitors should be on the lookout for Laketown Wharf turtles that will be coming to town soon. The project is expected to be completed by June 2013.

“The renovations at Laketown Wharf will make this a premier property in the area,” says Wade Hundley, CEO of ST Residential. “There’s no better investment than beach property and these upgrades are greatly increasing its value.”

The renovations at Laketown Wharf coincide with city improvements in the area, further increasing the investment opportunity in this incredible property. Laketown Wharf already boasts the area’s most comprehensive set of amenities with five pools, including one zero-entry pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, a 10th floor rooftop pool and an island pool secluded in the middle of a private lake, along with a spectacular nightly fountain and water show.

With spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, sweeping views and convenient beach access, Laketown Wharf offers all the elements of a great vacation home with the casual luxury and convenience of a resort. Additional resort amenities include 52,000 square-feet of lakefront boardwalk, a fully-equipped fitness center, covered parking and kids’ playground along with the sugar-white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. All hotel rooms are fully furnished and professionally decorated featuring 32″ flat screen TVs and high-speed internet. Every balcony faces the water, offering spectacular views of the Gulf, lake and golf course. And, with a playground overlooking the lake and seasonal kids’ programming through Kidz Club, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy at Laketown Wharf. Kidz Club offers a variety of activities for children ages four through 12 including a nightly drop off program, “dive-in” movies, crafts, games, poolside activities and more.

Whether it’s for a quick getaway or a lengthy stay, Laketown Wharf makes an unforgettable beach vacation attainable with great pricing and specials throughout the year. Weekly stays begin at just $500 for a one-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that sleeps up to four people; $700 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that sleeps up to six people; and $900 for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo that sleeps up to eight people.

Nightly rates vary throughout the season and great deals and specials are often available. With a one-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that sleeps up to four people beginning at just $109 per night; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that sleeps up to six people beginning at $129 per night; and a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo that sleeps up to eight people beginning at just $149 per night, Laketown Wharf is ideal for a quick escape to the beach.

Apartments are also available for rent, with leases ranging from seven to 18 months. One-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments start at $935 per month; two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments start at $1,195 per month; and three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartments start at $1,495 per month. Rent includes cable with HBO, trash and quarterly pest control services. Military discounts are available.

New retail space on the property will also be available for lease soon.

Take a Sunset Cruise with the PCB Chamber April 11th

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce prides itself on being different. Not only have they created a new movement in small business networking and development, but they are always looking for ways to improve. Next month, they are taking their new signature Idea Camp, aboard a 52′ foot Catamaran with Paradise Adventures.

Thursday, April 11th from 5 to 8 pm, all are invited, as space allows to join the PCB Chamber of Commerce for a “Sunset Think-Tank” as they take Idea Camp on the open water.

For more information about this event or to RSVP, as space is limited, call the PCB Chamber at 850-235-1159 or email: marta@pcbeach.org.

Panama City Beach Chamber members may attend for FREE, the cost for non-members is $20. Guests will gather at Paradise Adventures and fellowship together and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 6, with the boat departing a few minutes before 6 pm and arriving back at 8 pm. There will also be light eats and a cash bar aboard the boat.

IdeaCamp, as started a few months ago, thanks to the generous support of Southwest Airlines, is an interactive think tank with focused networking and an ‘ideashare’ of great business dialogue. Last month, PCB Chamber members and friends convened at G.foley’s in Panama City for a night of sharing, learning, and networking.

“When IdeaCamp was created last fall, our initial goal was simple,” says IdeaWorks Chairman David Balmer, “We wanted guests to ‘walk away with more ideas for their business than they had when they arrived.’” The IdeaWorks Committee has already reached that goal, and has additionally created a unique networking event to inspire business connections and deepen those relationships. “The diversity of guests and speakers, who talk on a variety of business and leadership related topics, is what keeps this event interesting, fun and relevant,” says Balmer.

For a little taste of last month’s Idea Camp at G.foley’s, check out one of these video clips below.

This fun, interactive event is made possible by not only the folks at Paradise Adventures, but other generous sponsors such as: Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts, North Florida Financial, Dr. Myra Ancelet Reed and with food by Runaway Caribbean Grill.

Next Idea Camp is March 21st!

Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce invites you to Idea Camp #3 on Thursday, March

21, 2013 at G. Foley’s Restaurant at 3212 23rd Street in Panama City, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This

IdeaCamp is presented by Southwest Airlines and sponsored by North Florida Financial and

Macetech Securities. Cost to attend is free for Beach Chamber members; $20 for non-members. The

Chamber is still signing up speakers. For more information and to RSVP, call the Beach Chamber at

(850) 235-1159.

IdeaCamp is an interactive think tank with focused networking and an ‘ideashare’ of great

business dialogue. On February 26, the diverse crowd at Kingfish Restaurant & Sushi Bar inside Bay

Point Wyndham, mostly members of the local business community, enjoyed the second IdeaCamp

event. “When IdeaCamp was created last fall, our initial goal was simple,” says IdeaWorks

Chairman David Balmer, “We wanted guests to ‘walk away with more ideas for their business than

they had when they arrived.’” The IdeaWorks Committee has already reached that goal, and has

additionally created a unique networking event to inspire business connections and deepen those

relationships. “The diversity of guests and speakers, who talk on a variety of business and leadership-

related topics, is what keeps this event interesting, fun and relevant,” says Balmer.

Topics for March 21 include: “Hovering on the Edge of Technology Commercialization” by

Dr. Stephen Dunnivant from Gulf Coast State College; “If Les Miserables Leaves New York at 8 PM

EST” by Jennifer Jones from Bay Arts Alliance; “The Perfect Website Homepage” by Cebo

Campbell from Novel Avenue Creative; “Top Ten Ways to Improve Collections” by Michael Pak

from Transworld Systems; and “How I Use Email Marketing to Create Hundreds of Customer

Interactions in One Day” by Jason Koertge from PCB Luxury Properties.

Pier Park Walmart Grand Opening March 13th

In my sneak peak last week, I showed you the new Pier Park Walmart was getting super close to completion. They had inventory in stock and staff in place and everyone was charged for the grand opening. Yesterday the date was announced and they’ll ring in the new location next Wednesday, March 13, right in the middle of one of the biggest spring break weeks in Panama City Beach.

We just talked about the sales floor being about the same size as the “beach” Walmart, and with all the jobs it opened up, it’s sure to be a good economic driver for the area. And as commented in our previous article, it’s certainly the most aesthetically pleasing Walmart I’ve ever seen.

Press release.

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., March 7, 2013 – Residents of Panama City Beach are invited to the new Walmart store, which opens on Wednesday, March 13, at U.S. Highway 98 and Powell Adams Road. The grand opening is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., and the store will open to the public immediately following the grand-opening ceremony. Conveniently located at Pier Park, the new store brings approximately 200 new jobs to the area and opportunities for savings for customers. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We are delighted to have another Walmart superstore in our city,” said Mayor Gayle Oberst. “The design and location will help it to become a focal point as growth continues on the Panama City Beach Parkway. Walmart has been a great community partner in supporting our library and other aspects of community development and activities in the past and we look forward to years of working together.”

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 13

Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Grand-Opening Events

Customers are encouraged to come to the store on grand-opening day to take advantage of a wide variety of events and promotions. The grand-opening celebration events include product samplings and giveaways from Australian Gold, Borden, Coca-Cola, Vita Coco, Community Coffee, Coppertone, Frito-Lay, Krispy Kreme, Lewis Bear Company, MillerCoors, Nabisco, and character appearances by Elsie the Cow, Cracker Jack and the Oreo Cookie. The Jack Link’s Truck will also be on site. All events are family-friendly, free and open to the public.

“Our associates are enthusiastic and look forward to serving the Panama City Beach community and providing everyday low prices and convenience,” said store manager Jennifer Ross. “We invite local residents to come see their new Supercenter at Pier Park and enjoy product samples and giveaways on grand opening day and throughout the following week.”

Customer Convenience and Wide Product Selection

By combining general merchandise and a full line of groceries in one convenient location, the store offers Panama City Beach shoppers the convenience of one-stop shopping close to home.

The new store features a wide assortment of quality, value priced merchandise, including:

Family apparel
Health and beauty aids
Electronics
Toys
Lawn and garden items
Jewelry
Automotive products
Home furnishings
Hardware
Sporting goods
Pet supplies
Housewares

The grocery area will include a wide selection of fresh produce, including organic products and a gluten-free section. Other features include a full bakery, meat and dairy products, dry goods and staples, beverages, a deli, frozen foods, canned and packaged goods, baking items and household supplies.

The pharmacy will offer a full range of products and services to support the health and wellness of customers and their families. The pharmacy team can answer questions and offer health and wellness solutions. They can also assist customers who wish to transfer their prescriptions to Walmart. The pharmacy is conveniently located at the front of the store next to the Walmart.com services department.

This store features many energy-saving elements, part of Walmart’s overall efforts to reduce the total amount of energy used in stores and other operations. These features include LED lights in signage, freezer cases and the parking lot. This technology uses about 50 percent less energy than traditional lighting.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, over $4,500 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will be presented to local organizations at the grand opening. Organizations receiving grants include Covenant Hospice, Inc., Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Junior League of Panama City, Inc., Panama City Beach Library Foundation, Inc. and Surfside Middle School.

Healthier Food and “Great For You”

Walmart made a major commitment to make food healthier and healthier food more affordable, ensuring families won’t have to choose between a product that is good for them and one they can afford. Steps in the healthier food initiative include:

Reformulate thousands of packaged food items by 2015 by reducing sodium and added sugars and removing all remaining industrially produced trans fats.
Make healthier choices more affordable by providing savings on fresh produce and reducing the price premium on “better-for-you” items.
Provide solutions to address food deserts by bringing stores in underserved communities.
Increase charitable support for nutrition programs that help educate consumers about healthier food solutions and choices.

The “Great For You” icon appears on select Great Value and Marketside products as well as fresh and packaged fruits and vegetables. The icon was developed to help customers easily identify nutritious food options so they can make healthier eating choices for themselves and their families. For more information, visit corporate.walmart.com/healthier-food.

Walmart.com Services

Walmart.com services will be available at the store’s entrance. In addition to a digital photo processing lab, the store will also offer two services for customers who shop online. Site-to-Store is a free service that allows customers to ship online orders from http://www.walmart.com free to any Walmart store for pickup. Pick Up Today is a free service that allows customers to order store items online and pick them up at their local Walmart store that same day (or the next day if items are ordered after 6 p.m. local time).

Pay With Cash

All Walmart stores and Walmart Neighborhood Markets participate in the “Pay With Cash” program. This allows customers to order online at Walmart.com and pay for the items with cash at all stores in the U.S. Walmart is the first major retailer to offer online purchases without the need for banking services or a credit, debit or prepaid card.

Economic Impact Includes Approximately 200 New Jobs

The new Panama City Beach Pier Park Walmart will employ approximately 200 associates, according to Ross. The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Florida is approximately $12.81 per hour. * Eligible full- and part-time associates at Walmart are able to take advantage of many employment benefits, including a wide variety of health-care plans, 401(k) participation, discounts, membership at Sam’s Club and the opportunity to purchase stock. Nearly 75 percent of the company’s managers began their Walmart careers as hourly associates.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 200 million customers and members visit our more than 10,600 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2012 sales of approximately $444 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Powell Adams Road Traffic Light Activated.

In a press release this week, the City of Panama City Beach announced the new traffic light at the intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway, or Back Beach Road and Powell Adams Road has been activated. This light comes with the improvement of the Powell Adams Roadway (update forthcoming) that was a product of the Pier Park Walmart development and it’s projected resulting traffic increase in the area.

The light comes after years of traffic stress in the area and a recent speed limit drop from 55 mph to 45 mph. If you remember, there have been a number of car accidents at this intersection over the years with at least one reported fatality.

The light is activated, but the roadway isn’t fully open as they are finishing up the pavement work on Powell Adams, which is projected to be complete soon.

Press release.

City of Panama City Beach – Motorists traveling Powell Adams Road will encounter the newly activated traffic signal at Starfish Street beginning Thursday March 7, 2013. The City will activate the new traffic signal around 10 am. This new signal is part of the Powell Adams Road Reconstruction Project.

Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through the newly signalized intersection.

Shoney’s in Pier Park is OPEN and it’s Delicious!

If you’re been looking for a fresh pick for your next breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s a new kid on the block in Pier Park in West Panama City Beach. Shoney’s in Pier Park opened yesterday with their grand opening to take place next week. Today I had the opportunity to have a sit-down with one of their market leaders for lunch after a conversation with their CEO this morning.

Lunch was delicious, and their cordiality has been second to none. If they run their business half as well as they’ve treated me, they’ll be very successful indeed.

First Impressions.

Ya know, I have to admit, with what little I knew about Shoney’s, I wasn’t particularly excited about one coming here. It’s not that I was unexcited, there just wasn’t any emotion at all.

But, since this is PCBDaily, and there’s an obligation to report on (if nothing else) something new, I figured I owed it to you; and them. My request for more information was interestingly responded to.

I was first called by the new Marketing Director of Pier Park, who told me someone from Shoney’s would be calling me. The next day I received a call from the Shoney’s Director of Marketing who said he was going to set up a call for me with the CEO. Reassuring him that a conversation with the CEO wasn’t necessary, it was insisted upon.

This morning I was connected with David Davoudpour, the CEO, who was just a flat-out nice guy. We had a great conversation for a few minutes and parted ways.

I texted the DOM for Shoney’s asking him if I could stop by for lunch and was treated to lunch by another senior staff member who spent more time with me than I do with any of my minions.

This morning, the CEO told me that they spend time and energy in community involvement, and I continued to feel that resounded over and over. Over the years, I’ve been treated to lunch, I’ve been given favors in hopes of a favorable word and the like, but they just made me feel good.

And I can tell you, they left a lifetime impression on me. And I’ll have no hesitation seeking them out when we travel or when we’re going out here locally.

This Shoney’s is different.

Naturally, when you see a larger brand enter into a market for the first time in a while, or if they open a new location, you’d expect them to try some things differently. This is no different.

The Shoney’s in Panama City Beach is doing a few things differently, but they’re staying true to the heritage their CEO emphasized to me this morning: that they offer “good value, family American dining.”

Some of the things they’re doing differently here include having a full steakhouse menu, full bar (beer and liquor), completely different ambiance, they have a Hometown Cafe (espresso, latte and mocha), and they have outside patio seating (that seats 60).

And another huge difference, and I mean huge in the literal sense, is that this is the largest Shoney’s they have, ringing in around 7,200 square feet.

The food and the prices.

When asked this morning what he thought Shoney’s was best known for, David Davoudpour told me “value, and fresh, quality food.” Rob, the representative that met me for lunch told me all the ingredients are fresh, nothing comes in frozen, and pointed to my onion rings stating they are all hand battered from fresh cut onions.

I have to admit, when Red Robin came in (right across the street), I was excited to try them, but I was disappointed in their price-point. I have a hard time taking my whole family there for less than $100. Remember, I have 5 kids.

When I was looking at the menu, I was impressed at the low cost of the items. It’s hard going out to eat around here without spending a fortune.

Davoudpour told me this morning that I had to try the burgers. So for lunch, I had an All American Burger, and was asked at the time of order whether I wanted pink or no pink. I chose pink and I was not let down. The burger was moist and tender, the bun was fantastic and the “fix ins” were perfect. The burger was perfectly adorned and it really was absolutely delicious.

As a side I got onion rings, and they were amazing as well.

My meal, with the water I ordered, would have been $6.99 plus tax. Not a bad lunch.

So, where are they?

Remember that Cantina Mexican restaurant across from Red Robin? They shut down and Shoney’s filled in their spot. They’ve spend the last couple months building and the inside looks great. They’ve filled it out nicely and they have plenty of room for professional groups (hello IdeaCamp) and private parties.

So, Shoney’s in Panama City Beach in Pier Park. Try it. It’s fantastic and totally receives the PCBDaily’s Stamp of Approval.

Head to Idea Camp this Tuesday Night!

Some people were good at sitting still at school.

They could look at the teacher patiently and listen until it was their turn to talk.

And then there was those of us who couldn’t wait to jump in or had a hard time fighting the urge to go someplace else in our heads…..

If you can relate….you need to join the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and attend IDEA CAMP this upcoming Tuesday night, February 26th at 5:30 pm at the Kingfish Restaurant and Sushi Bar inside the Wyndham at Bay Point.

If you are someone who needs to be engaged….then you need to come to IDEA CAMP!

This IDEA CAMP is not your typical sit down and listen kind of event, it is anything BUT that.

It is a fast paced, high energy sharing of ideas with a handful of speakers who are small business leaders just like yourself.

This is an informal event with an opportunity for learning and a little bit of networking in a more casual, intimate setting.

And the best part, because it is being built around the concept of “doing things differently”, it is an event that is a live, organic thing, changing and growing, just like its’ participants.

PCB Daily founder and owner of Panama City Beach Luxury Properties Jason Koertge spoke at the inaugural IDEA CAMP and will be facilitating at this event.

My mother and Beachy Beach Real Estate Broker, Karen Smith will also be speaking this time, on the topic she seems to own…ENTHUSIASM. I am pretty sure the woman could find a way to get excited about towel lint.

If you want some of that enthusiasm then you need to come to IDEA CAMP! Also speaking will be Kandi Gardiner, Michael Mace, Zachary Dickerson and more.

Idea Camp events are made possible because of the support of Southwest Airlines with Tuesday’s event locally sponsored by North Florida Financial and Emerald HR Solutions, Inc and of course, Kingfish Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Bay Point.

The first event they gave away airline tickets, this time, word is they have a gong. No long-winded speakers allowed here!

Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Members attend for FREE and guests may attend for only $20.

Participants enjoy a two hour program with interactive learning, networking, light appetizers and one drink ticket,…oh and a chance at the gong.

If you can not make this event, mark your calendars for Thursday March 21st and get ready to share, learn, and network at G.Foley’s in Panama City for next month’s IDEA CAMP.

For more information, email Marta Rose: marta@pcbeachchamber.org.

Healthy Souls Yoga Fundraiser starts Saturday for Aaron Nichols

Healthy Souls Yoga program at Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Panama City Beach kicks off a month long fundraiser for the Aaron Nichols Medical Equipment Fund this Saturday, January 5th!

The Yoga meet up this weekend welcomes all experience levels and is slotted for 800 to 930 am. There is only a $5 minimum suggested donation, but you can give what you desire. This will be one of the first classes this month with 100 percent of the profits going to aid the Aaron Nichols family to purchase medical equipment he desperately needs.

Those of you that do not already know, many area businesses have already been hard at work raising money for Aaron in response to this past November’s Celebrate the Arts, in hopes to help with a piece of equipment called the RT300,

The RT300 is believed to make a dramatic difference in his recovery and pave the way to get him walking again after the car accident in 2007 left him completely dependent up on others. The equipment costs over $20,000, and they are about a third of a way there. Every little bit helps though and with the compassion of folks like this, his goal is looking more and more achievable.

If you can not make this Saturday’s Yoga Session and Meet Up, no worries, the Healthy Souls group will be raising money for Aaron ALL MONTH LONG, with many classes to choose from:

Mondays at 5:45 pm

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 am

All classes are open to men and women and no experience is needed. Classes meet in the Youth/CR Building of Woodlawn United Methodist Church (across from Arnold Highschool) at 219 N. Alf Coleman Road.

The program makes available community yoga mats , along with blocks and straps. However, if you have your own, you are encouraged to bring it.

Certified Yoga Instructors Laurie Olshefski, Judy Christian and Sandy Beitz hope that you stretch your body and lift your spirit! Their program is definately Yoga on A Mission, with a 100 percent of class donations going to local community missions, whether it be a family in need or a donation to organizations like Beach Care Services.

For more information, contact Judy at jchristian58@comcast.net or visit them on Facebook: Healthy Souls at Woodlawn.

You may go to www.meetup.com/pcyoga to register for Saturday’s class.

Harley-Davidson Panama City Beach Ground Breaking

For years the Harley Davidson Panama City Beach sign has waited quietly for it’s purpose. And after 5 Thunderbeach rally’s since it’s gone up, today was what many called an historic groundbreaking event. With a fairly large crowd, tons of shiny bikes and a huge open field, Harley Davidson of Panama City Beach is officially under construction.

Development timetable.

With the groundbreaking today, technically construction has started, but the entire dealership site has already been cleared, graded and prepped for development. The 5 acre site will be home to a 38,000 square foot Harley Davidson dealership that will sell hundreds of bikes a year and even have their own training course and course track.

In the next couple weeks expect to begin to see a foundation take shape and walls go up with a projected (weather permitting) completion mid to late spring 2013. Their goal is to be open and ready for business by the spring Thunderbeach Rally.

About the dealership [Press Release].

This dealership is going to be huge, tipping the scales at over 38,000 square feet. A large showroom floor will feature the newest Harley-Davidsons as well as a large selection of used bikes including Harleys and all other makes and of motorcycles. The Motorclothes department will feature a wide variety of clothing for all from fashionable t-shirts to functional riding gear including helmets, gloves, and leather jackets. Other items will also be available such as jewelry, glassware, HD home decor and plenty of other Harley-Davidson themed items.

For those riders who want to add a little something extra to their motorcycle, the full service Parts and Accessories department will be standing by to help. Chrome Consultants can help add a little or a lot of shine while the Fit Shop will help guests choose the right handlebars, seats and other accessories to ensure their bike is the perfect fit for them. From taillight to LED Head Lights and everything in between, Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories will be available to keep your Harley looking good and running smooth.

If your bike needs some major repair work or just an oil change, the full service department will take care of you. With 6 service bays and a complete detail area, the factory-trained technicians treat your bike just as the would their own. Expertise in their field and a passion for riding means the techs will have you and your Harley roaring down the road in no time at all.

If you don’t know how to ride, no problem. The dealership will offer motorcycle-riding lessons through Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge Course. The motorcycles are provided for the course and a training room and certified riding range s on site. Our coaches are experienced, knowledgable and patient and will teach all the skills needed to become a safe rider. When you pass the course, you will be able to pick up your motorcycle endorsement from the DMV. If you need to brush up on your skills, classes for the experienced rider will also be available.

The fishing village themed building ties into the coastal community and is an inviting place for guests to buy a Harley, shop for MOtorclothes, have their bike serviced or just hang out. The motorcycle dealership features a guest lounge complete with complementary soft drinks, popcorn and cookies. Guests will be encouraged to relax, shoot a game of pool or play some darts.

Location

The dealership is located on the 5 acre parcel immediately to the east of the Palmetto Trace subdivision, at the intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (US 98 or Back Beach Road) and N Gulf Blvd on the northwest corner. The dealership entrance will be off of Gulf Blvd.

Map link

Pictures, site plans and renderings.

One of the coolest media kits I’ve received came in the form of a nifty usb thumb drive silicon bracelet with Harley-Davidson branding on it. They provided the site plan, rendering and the building floorplan.