Dunkin Donuts Opens Wednesday

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The highly anticipated maker of sweet round treats is all set to open this week as even today, excited teenagers train and eat donuts.  Dunkin Donuts on Panama City Beach has been under construction for a couple months, but “in the works for two years,” said owner, Bo Rivard.

Dunkin Donuts opens on Wedesday at 5 am serving all their donut and coffee goodness.

Located at the new Publix Shopping plaza at the intersection of R Jackson Blvd (formerly Bechrich Road) and Back Beach Road, the building is fresh and new and the donuts will be even fresher.

7 Ways for PCB to Get Ready for the New Airport

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Brand New Name:
This is a big one.  What’s in a name?  Everything.  A name identifies what something is and can convey the magnitude of its existence.  Panama City-Bay County International Airport just isn’t going to cut it for a 10,000 foot 4,000 acre international airport capable of receiving the largest of passenger jets from anywhere in the world.  We need a name that conveys a much larger representation.  Suggestions here on Pcbdaily have included Sunshine State International Airport, Emerald Coast International Airport, Florida International Airport, Gulf of Mexico International Airport, and Southern U.S. Intercontinental Airport.  Several readers in a previous post emphasized their favor towards Emerald Coast International Airport.  This name will literally be in front of millions, and the first impression that is imminent needs to be great.

Better Sense of Arrival on Highway 79:
What is the first thing fliers will see when they are driving down to our beautiful snow-white sand beaches?  A newly widened road with power lines and no landscaping; snore.  We need to excite them with a fantastic sense of arrival, a road adorned with huge, gorgeous palm trees, lush green grass, sidewalks, curbs, street lights, and underground utilities.  Put simply, it needs to look just like Beckrich , ‘er’uh’ R. Jackson Blvd.  This is another one of those “first-impression” things that we can’t afford to screw up.  I know that “officials” will say that there is a reason that we are doing the CRA in the order that it’s being done, but we need to find a way to change it up.  Highway 79 needs to be top priority, then next Front Beach Road needs to be addressed.

Improve Front Beach Road First:
It was remarked in another post’s comments that more emphasis needs to be placed on Front Beach Road’s improvements than on the improvements of the north/south corridors.  This is so true, tourists spend most of their time driving on Back Beach Road and Front Beach Road and very little time on the roads taking them in between.  Why did we spend money improving Churchwell, then Beckrich first?  Now we’re moving onto south and north Thomas Drive?  I know these areas needed improvements, badly, but we need to focus on what is more responsible regarding servicing our number one customers, tourists.  They don’t care what Beckrich looks like, they don’t EVER drive on Churchwell , but they see (and remark to me all the time, frankly) the ugly power lines and crave sidewalks to accent their stay with a little recreation.  This needs to be addressed NOW.

We’ve Got to Reintroduce Ourselves to the World:
Known as the redneck riviera and the spring break capital of the world (I don’t even want to dignify those titles with capital letters) we’ve got to totally re-introduce ourselves to the world.  Comments that came out of recent focus group sessions that took place in Atlanta discussing Panama City Beach were very revealing.  100% of the people in attendance had traveled to Panama City Beach, yet we were given the least favorable rating when compared to neighboring destinations.  Quoting a commenter, Bryan Durta, explaining remarks of some of the focus group attendees, “Negative comments included tacky, kinda like being at a bar with a bunch of drunks, dirty, rednecky, party city, too honky-tonky, and lots of cigarette butts on the beach.”  We need people to not only think of us as a classy destination that they’d want to come back to in a heart beat, but a classy destination that they’d recommend to their friends just as quick.  How do we do this?  We do this through innovative PR and Marketing efforts, much of which is much under way – bravo Jennifer Barbee Inc. and the CVB Marketing Team.

We Need a Year-round Destination
Every year businesses across the beach close down to save on expenses because the cost of operating exceeds the money they make during the winter season.  In Panama City Beach, we need to create more things for winter travelers to do so as to attract some of that shoulder-season money.  Right now, there are quite a few events that bolster weekend traffic during a time in which long weekends are king, but we need more.  And, they have to be good, real good.  We’re doing great, but we need to do better.  Events like the Panama City Beach Seafood Music and Wine Festival and Pier Park’s New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop have been immensely successful in the past, and will continue to bring people to our beaches year after year.  In addition, we need to better market to our winter-traveling retired friends.  We need to be sure that we have promotional materials created speaking directly to them and ensure they know we exist.

Transportation Sector:
In order for us to prepare for all the new people that will be traveling to our little slice of paradise, we need to centralize our transit system and educate our “transportation representatives”, aka cab-drivers.  We need a standardized licensing and education system to be sure that the first people that our tourists spend time with are not only knowledgeable, but that they are courteous as well.  In addition, in order to ensure a pleasurable experience, we need to be sure that the cab cars are of consistent quality and that the first impression of our new visitors is great enough to keep them coming back for years to come.

Standardized Hospitality Training
Here we go on the training thing again, but it is just so important.  Who is the first person you see when you check into your resort on vacation?  The person working the front desk.  So, if that person is grouchy, or doesn’t speak English or is just plain rude – how will that set the stage for your vacation?  I wouldn’t feel happy, and neither would many tourists.  The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach’s Edgewater Beach Resort teamed up with Gulf Coast Community College last fall to create a 20 hour training course that provides the hospitality and tourism businesses in our community with a consistent industry wide training program to increase customer service standards and the customer’s experience while visiting our destination.  This not only ensures that the people meeting our visitors are trained in how to interact with them, but that they are interacting in a quality that is consistent all down the beach.

Miracle League Field Christened by a Bunch of Winners

It was a perfect day for baseball as several Bay County youths were able to play ball at the new Miracle League Field in Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach.

The organization is still putting plans together for the season, so if you know any youths in Bay County between the ages of 3 and 19 who may be interested in playing in the Miracle League, please visit their website . The Miracle League also needs “Buddies” who work with the players on the field to win the game!

Several local dignitaries were there, including Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst, state Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna,  and Bay County Commissioners.  Kudos to the leaders of Bay County who contributed to making this project come to life.

The Onion of Arts in Panama City Beach

Let’s play a word association game. It’s simple, I say a phrase and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind. Okay, ready? The phrase is: “Panama City Beach”. What was the first thing that popped into your head? Let me take a stab at this. Was it any of the following: beaches, emerald beaches, sugar sand, party, pier park, parasailing, or golf? Was I close? Maybe, maybe not, but let me tell you what I am sure that it wasn’t: culture, theatre, arts. When one thinks of Panama City Beach, the last thing thought about is any cultural events.

Right across the Hathaway Bridge we have Panama City, which has been named one of “America’s 100 Best Small Art Towns”. At BayArts.org, you can see all the supporters and events that are listed. Although the organization encompasses all of Bay County, except for the library on schools, there is not one of the groups listed that has it residence on the beach. Which begs the question, “What does the beach have to offer to the arts?”. Well, there is an onion of art here, and one must peel that onion to uncover its gems.

Since my interest in the arts mostly lay in ballet, I would like to share a gem that we have right here on the beach. We have a local ballet company, The Willis Ballet, that is run by Dr. Peggy Willis-Aarnio. It is a professional dance school, I do not want to get into the programs that are offered there when ballet classes are offered at other local schools.  I want to focus on what is different.  Dr. Willis-Aarnio, taught at Texas Tech for 31 years, and is currently a Professor Emeritus of that University. She is a leading international authority on the Classical Ballet Teaching Method. She is the Director of the Willis Ballet, and a choreographer whose productions have aired on PBS and has performed in England before Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.  She is the Director of the Willis Conservatory of Classical Ballet and most importantly a Teacher of Teachers.

Dr. Willis-Aarnio will be hosting the 13th Annual International Teacher’s Congress and Student Workshop in July 2009. This is not only special because Dr. Willis-Aanrio will be sharing her extensive knowlege in Classical Ballet to aspiring ballet teachers from around the country. It is additionally special because Galina Panova will be teacing a class during the workshop to students participating in the Teacher’s Congress.

If you are one of the many who says, “Who is Galina Panova?”, don’t feel bad. Many would not recognize her name, but you should recognize some of the names of famous ballet dansuers (male equivelanet to ballerina), since she has partnered with some of the greats of the 20th century, including Valery Panov, her husband; Mikhail Baryshnikov; Fernando Bujones; and Rudolf Nureyev. George Balanchine, artistic director of the New York City Ballet, cast her in the Broadway musical “On Your Toes,” which he choreographed. Panova did a straight run of over 500 performances which is unprecidented.

This treasure is being brought to Panama City Beach to teach a Variations Class during the Teacher’s Workshop. It would be an honor for any serious ballet teacher or student to attend. So yes, there is art on Panama City Beach, and I will continue to hunt out these rare gems and report them to you.  If you are aware of any events, please feel free to contact me, and we can peel the arts onion together.

Pet of The Week – Friends of Bay County Animal Rescue

smudge-2This week’s pet of the week is Smudge, an fun-loving Terrier mix.

Smudge was a tiny girl to start and has grown into an adorable little fuzzy faced Terrier Mix who just wants lots of love and has high energy.  She is very sweet and loves to sit with you, but is also rambunctious and full of spirit and very playful.  Smudge will snack on raw carrots and play with her toys, and will also wait until she is let outside to use the potty.

She would love a forever home that had a fenced yard and lots of room for her to run and play, and where her family would spend time with her.

You may see more about her at http://friendsofbcac.rescuegroups.com.

VIDEO: PCB Gets A Main Attraction Back Better Than Ever

Right about now all Panama City Beach residents should shout, “Finally!” then collectively sigh. By the 4th of July, Panama City Beach will have the long-awaited Dan Russell Pier re-construction completed, its platform opened, designed to be light-years better and safer than its predecessor.

For those who don’t know much about the new city pier, here is a quick recap: The 8 million dollar structure (the cost for both the county and city piers) was funded by Fema after the previous pier was severely damaged in a hurricane. Designed by Baskerville Donovan, the city pier will extend out over the gulf a lengthy 1500 feet, 29 feet longer than the old pier. The pier stands 8 feet higher than its predecessor and wider at 17 feet. A super-structure, the pier is built to withstand hurricanes of all kinds. Six hundred pound bolted blowout panels line the platform that, when met with storm surge and winds, relieve the pressure on the structure by releasing the panels to safely drift onshore to later be reset. The previous structure also had a T shape at its head. Baskerville Donovan designed the new pier with a much larger head shaped in a rectangle. The rectangular area has a dual purpose of form and function as it accommodates more gazers and fishermen while providing additional protection during storm surge. What may be surprising to some, the pier is turtle friendly. Track lighting embedded into the stone frame, runs down the pier from end to end, eliminating the need for canopy lighting.

Along the Front Beach Road, the pier’s best asset won’t be open until the spring. At nearly 300 feet wide, a boardwalk will be added that could make the pier, coupled with Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s new downtown area. This boardwalk, conformed to potential new form-based design regulations will make room for a ticket booth, a 62ft wide restaurant, a tackle and bait store, public bathrooms and a large outdoor area with umbrella seating for those seeking stellar views. This area will, most likely, wear the same beachy-guise as Pier Park seeming to extend the popular mall to the shore.

Parking for the new pier will line along the roadside and additional overflow parking will be across the street just west of Pier Park’s entrance. Costs will be $6.00 for entrance for fishing and $2.00 for individuals. Senior citizens, military and disabled will receive 50% discounts. Year long passes will be sold for $180.00.

The pier reopening will be heralded by a stunning 4th of July fireworks display, the perfect kickoff to welcoming back a pier that’s been sorely missed.

6 New Things in Pier Park this Summer

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1 – Big Top Treats

Nestled on the festival grounds of Pier Park in Panama City Beach, two local Realtors are opening a Seaside-esque Airstream (silver bullet) snack shack coming fully stocked with everything you need to keep you cool in the summer sun.  With everything from packaged ice creams to sodas to funnel fries and pretzels, Big Top Treats is sure to keep you feeling super cool.  Expansion is already in the plans for the future of this new addition with it to morph into a full restaurant sometime in the next year.

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2 – The Miracle Strip Carousel

Resurrected from the Original Miracle Strip Amusement Park, Teddy and Jenny Meeks brought an old memory factory back to life and put it center stage in Panama City Beach’s most popular place to hang, Pier Park.  An original 1960’s Herschel Carousel, this ride was built to last.  Swarms of people have literally come out of the wood-work to relive memories and create new ones with friends and family alike.  Rides are $3 or you can get an all day pass for $5.

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3 – Hawaiian Snow Cones

With three locations, you can’t miss the opportunity to savor some super sweet flavored crushed ice.  Notoriously overpriced, these syrup drenched cones are always worth it, and if you’re a parent, you know how much your kids just have to have one.  Located across from Tootsies, close to the Starbucks and Henna tattoo place, and across from Old Navy, you can’t miss their cute little carts.

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4 – Repiccis Italian Ice

What’s the difference between Italian Ice and Snow Cones you say?  Well, actually not much.  However, Italian Ice tends to be “shaved”, whereas Snow Cones are more ground to a snow-like texture.  And, the typical flavors tend to vary.  Situated in front of and ran by Popcorn Kingdom, this Italian ice stand offers fruit flavors from mango to orange to lemon and is sure to quench your thirst in our crazy humid and hot weather.

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5 – Tropical Beach Knick-Knack Shack

Ok, so I made up the name, but the place is for real.  Located right in front of As Seen on TV and Blender, Roger and his wife sell all sorts of hand-made-by-them knick knacks that would feel perfectly at home in your garden or around your home.  With tons of really cute stuff from palm tree signs that rest upon wood “posts” to Tiki Signs, if you are looking for some cute beachy stuff, this is the place to go.

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6 – Little Tiny Turtles and Hermit Crabs

If you are here on vacation looking for that perfect pet, pick yourself up a tiny little turtle or a hermit crab.  These little guys are so cute, and come with their own little habitat for $27.  I personally wish these guys were in their natural environment instead of available for purchase, but if you promise to be very nice, you can go buy one.

Pcbdaily Survey Results: 1 in 4 readers makes $130k a year + Did you win?

Well, the Pcbdaily survey went better than expected with over 150 responses.  This is the first of many (we hope), and it was very insightful as to who the readers of Pcbdaily really are.

As a little incentive to answer a few questions, we said we’d give away a $50 gift card to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. I actually did the drawing this morning in my lush garden on video, so if you want to see if you won, watch the video!

The survey results are below.

Here are the results:

Are you a business owner?
Answer Count
Small business – 1 to 20 employees 50 (32%)
Medium business – 21 to 100 employees 4 (3%)
I work for someone. 104 (66%)

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Are you a man or a woman?
Answer Count
Woman 82 (52%)
Man 75 (48%)

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In what age group are you?
Answer Count
18 – 24 7 (4%)
45 – 54 52 (33%)
55 and older 39 (25%)
25 – 34 31 (20%)
35 – 44 28 (18%)

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What’s the highest level of education that you’ve completed?
Answer Count
Undergraduate School (Bachelors) 49 (31%)
High School 47 (30%)
Junior College (Associates Degree) 35 (22%)
Graduate School (Masters) 24 (15%)
Doctorate 2 (1%)

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What is your total annual household income?
Answer Count
$20,000 – $34,000 4 (3%)
$130,000 and up 39 (25%)
$81,000 – $100,000 31 (20%)
$35,000 – $50,000 23 (15%)
$66,000 – $80,000 23 (15%)
$100,000 – $130,000 21 (13%)
$51,000 – $65,000 14 (9%)
$0 to $19,000 1 (1%)

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What is your current marital status?
Answer Count
Single 37 (24%)
Married 120 (76%)

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How often do you travel to Panama City Beach?
Answer Count
I live here. 86 (55%)
1 – 2 times per year 23 (15%)
3 – 5 times per year 21 (13%)
10 or more times per year 17 (11%)
6 – 9 times per year 10 (6%)

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Do you own real estate in Panama City Beach?
Answer Count
No, I do not own real estate in PCB 68 (43%)
Townhome 6 (4%)
Home 52 (33%)
Condo 31 (20%)

Could This Be Love? TDC: Fall Marketing Preview

During Tuesday’s TDC Marketing Committee meeting concerning Fall/Winter marketing efforts, one of the most memorable, albeit most chuckle-inducing, comments came from Jack Bishop, who said, “selling Panama City Beach in the Fall is like selling swimsuits to Eskimos.” Well, while that statement has been true in the past, if the marketing committee and Y-partnership have their way, Eskimos everywhere might want to start shopping for sandals.

The phrase that stole the short meeting was a simple and catchy, “”Fall in Love Again with Panama City Beach,” a phrase unveiled by Peter Yesawich of Y Partnership which could provide a solid character for Panama City Beach’s spotty Fall Season. The romantic phrase may seem a bit transparent initially, but the idea behind it, as explained by Yesawich, is to target adult couples aged 45-64 who, once the kids have gone back to school, are looking for a reason to vacation. Based on Y Partnership’s research, 58% of leisure travelers took a trip with their spouses (no children) and did so most frequently during fall. He believes it’s possible to encourage that market by showcasing the many things to “love” about getting away to Panama City Beach.

This phrase’s lure hides within its applicability: create lots of small, festive events and tie in private sector business into one theme; i.e “Fall In Love with Shopping at Pier Park or Fall In Love with the Seafood Wine and Music Festival,” and all of a sudden you have mettle, a framework for which ideas can be attached. Yesawich’s plan is to apply the love theme as a seasonal draw similar to South Walton’s Autumn Tides promotion where a season’s worth of events are empowered by uniting them all under the same theme. Judging by South Walton’s success, it’s pretty a good idea.

The idea instantly became popular among the marketing committee and the meeting attendees. Even Mr. Buddy Wilkes found the love theme intriguing saying, “ ‘Fall in Love again’ may be the way to invite people to come see the new [Panama City] Beach and fall in love with it all over again. It’s easily applicable to other events.” Easy application to events, package deals and the hugely under-appreciated wedding market is what gives the theme life; the question remains as to what will make it work? The answer may not be as easily accepted.

Mr. Yesawich’s theme is merely a spring board idea. For the idea to take off, businesses locally have to buy into it collectively. Within the theme, condos, hotels and attractions are encouraged to promote couples and feature promotional rates and incentives to potential tourists.  If everyone gets on that spring board and actually get out and promote it, the theme has a real chance of lifting off. This idea isn’t necessarily something that will boost fall business over one season, but could, over time, create a bit of a buzz for future seasons. If you can imagine a season filled with street festivals, outdoor concerts, wine tastings, music and art shows coupled with the seasonally low rates tied in to packages for couples, it all seems, from the onset, like a can’t-miss deal. But, its a long way from done.

The marketing committee plans to reconvene in 2 weeks to talk media, costs and coordination of what could be a truly successful attempt at generating fall business.

As Dan Rowe put it, “We must provide [potential tourists] a compelling invitation.” Is there a better invitation than good ol’ fashioned romance? You be the judge.