Bay Point Billfish Pledges Tournament Proceeds to Charity

Heading into its 26th year, the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament continues to raise the billfish tournament bar by announcing its commitment to donate proceeds from the 2009 tournament to the St. Joe Community Foundation.

Along with proceeds from the event set for July 15-19 at Bay Point Marina, the entire entry fee from the 71st and final boat will go directly to the Foundation. The Invitational’s commitment to the Foundation is a natural evolution for the tournament, which from its inception has been deeply rooted in the Florida Gulf Coast community and has consistently supported local charities.

In 2008, the Invitational added two successful community-focused programs – the Soldier Salute and Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience. Event-goers and participants welcomed the events with open arms, and both events will be expanded for the 2009 tournament. The wonderful reception of these events helped affirm the decision by event organizers to take the tournament’s long-standing commitment to the community a step further by pledging its proceeds to the St. Joe Community Foundation.

“We are absolutely thrilled about the Invitational’s partnership with the St. Joe Foundation,” says Tournament Director Scott Burt. “We have the opportunity to take the success of our tournament and use it to support an organization that has a proven record in helping so many people and organizations in Northwest Florida.”

The St. Joe Community Foundation serves Florida’s Bay, Franklin, Gulf and Walton counties. Since its start in 1999, the non-profit Foundation has given more than $14 million in grants and pledges back to these Northwest Florida communities with a focus on improving quality of life by supporting education, healthcare, conservation and cultural projects. In Bay County alone, the Foundation has sponsored the Aquatics Center, teaching and learning grants, literacy programs, scholarship funds, transportation for disabled adults, Special Olympics athletes, children’s home renovations, arts and nature programs, and most recently the Audubon of Florida’s conservation efforts near St. Andrews Bay. For more information on the St. Joe Community Foundation, visit www.stjcf.com.

Along with its ongoing community efforts, the Bay Point Invitational reigns as the premier social event of the Panama City Beach area with more than 13,000 spectators over the tournament weekend enjoying live entertainment, the Sponsor Village, the Invitational’s World Famous Dock Walk and, of course, the Friday and Saturday night weigh-ins.

New to the 2009 event is the 40/40 Shootout – a separate division within the Invitational geared specifically to smaller competitive fishing boats. The “tournament within the Tournament” will feature 40 boats of 40 feet or less in length fishing for tuna, wahoo and dolphin.

With more than two decades of success under its belt, the Invitational is recognized as one of the most prestigious billfish tournaments along the billfish circuit and continues to make waves. The tournament made history during its 25th anniversary by going full release for all billfish – a significant change that was embraced by participants and spectators alike. In fact, 47 boats vied for nearly $1 million in prize money.
The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is hosted by the St. Joe Company and Bay Point Marina.

For more information, visit www.baypointbillfish.com.

TDC Meeting – Klages, Sea Oats, JBInc, New Board

Bed tax numbers were reported to be up for October, but no percentages or numbers were provided.

Lisa Armbruster presented the preliminary plans for the Sea Oat Planting and Sand Fencing project and encouraged public comment.  The goal is to implement this plan next year after turtle nesting season, and Lisa advised that the funding is already in place.

After a presentation from Walter Klages that emphasized a need to increase international visibility, the board voted to follow staff’s recomendation and approve the contract for the current year including the extra money to start doing occupancy and rate studies.

The board voted to approve the Memo of Understanding with Jennifer Barbee Inc. under the assumption that they could renogotiate the stipulation requiring 1/3 of the budget to be deposited in advance with her firm.  The board agreed they would like no more than 1/6 of the budget to be deposited in advance with JBInc.  It was discussed that Jennifer Barbee Inc has been working on the new spring break site even without a contract.  Andy expressed his concern that $95k was too much for a web site, but the board seemed to disagree.

New officers will be chosen in January and another 6 months was added to all the board member’s term.  Originally, the 2 year appointments were to end in June 2009, but now they will end in January 2010.  I though this was a decision to be made by the County Commission/PCB City Council. ??

The New Year’s Even Ball Drop being held at Pier Park is sponsored by the CVB and will include an 8 foot ball dropped 145 feet from a crane.  Board members are unsure whether, at this point, it will be allowed to smash into the ground on top of a car.

Oh, and don’t forget the special meeting called on the Bed Tax issue on the 17th of December.  I’ll add it to the calendar on the side.

Seahaven Auction – LIVE Action on PCBDaily.com!

That’s right, you heard it.  Live on pcbdaily.com will be the auction details as they unfold on Saturday at Origin in the Towne of Seahaven.

Right now, many anxiously await the time when the auctioneer starts rambling off barely discernable numbers to bring who knows what kind of prices.  Many have criticized the auction process.

I personally have a number in my head that the condos will bring, but I’ll respectfully decline to comment on that at this time.  BUT, feel free to post in the comments what you predict they’ll sell for.

On Saturday, if you can’t make it to the auction, just hang on pcbdaily.com and hit refresh every few minutes for updates.

See you at the auction!

Jazz at Grand Panama

On December 13th beginning at 1:00pm The Village of Grand Panama retailer’s association is hosting An Afternoon of Jazz. The concert will feature famous saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, Panama City’s “On Call Band”, and the Patronis Elementary Christmas Choir.

One of the most sought after jazz saxophonists in America, Jeff Kashiwa made a name for himself as a member of the popular group, The Rippingtons. His music is lightly grooving and mildly soulful.

This proceeds from this event will benefit the Children’s Home Society. General admission tickets are $15.00 and VIP tickets are $30.00, which include special seating and two drink tickets. Tickets can be purchased at The Hangar Men’s Clothing Store and Envy Boutique in The Village of Grand Panama.

“The retail association is excited to host this event featuring Jeff Kashiwa,” said Erica Spivey, event coordinator for An Afternoon of Jazz. “We hope the community will come out and enjoy an afternoon of great live entertainment, shopping, and celebrate this holiday season by supporting the Children’s Home Society.”

Jazz at Grand Panama this weekend

On December 13th beginning at 1:00pm The Village of Grand Panama retailer’s association is hosting An Afternoon of Jazz. The concert will feature famous saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, Panama City’s “On Call Band”, and the Patronis Elementary Christmas Choir.

One of the most sought after jazz saxophonists in America, Jeff Kashiwa made a name for himself as a member of the popular group, The Rippingtons. His music is lightly grooving and mildly soulful.

This proceeds from this event will benefit the Children’s Home Society. General admission tickets are $15.00 and VIP tickets are $30.00, which include special seating and two drink tickets. Tickets can be purchased at The Hangar Men’s Clothing Store and Envy Boutique in The Village of Grand Panama.

“The retail association is excited to host this event featuring Jeff Kashiwa,” said Erica Spivey, event coordinator for An Afternoon of Jazz. “We hope the community will come out and enjoy an afternoon of great live entertainment, shopping, and celebrate this holiday season by supporting the Children’s Home Society.”

Use an Appraisal When Buying or Selling Real Estate

When I became an appraiser I had no idea that my profession would be of such interest to total strangers. The minute someone finds out what I do for a living, the next question is either “What is my house worth?”, “Where should I buy?”, and most recently “Are we at the bottom yet?” The one question I am rarely asked is “Why should I get an appraisal?” Appraisals are becoming multi-purpose real estate tools. In the past, appraisals were viewed as just another step in the purchase process.  Now appraisals serve as guides to help borrowers:

  • Know if a refinance is possible,
  • What price to realistically list a property at,
  • How long it is taking similar properties to sell and at what price they sold for,
  • Determine market rental rate for an investment property.

Anyone can order an appraisal – not just a bank!!  The appraisals completed for an individual contain essentially the same data as an appraisal for a lending institution and are given directly to that individual. Homeowners and potential buyers both should consider ordering an appraisal… why?

  • To avoid paying too much for a property,
  • To find out what their property’s competition sold for,
  • Avoid “under-pricing” their property in order to maximize potential profit,
  • Aggressively price property or negotiate a lower sales price based on prior sales.

Too often I hear “You won’t find a similar property listed for less!!” The problem with this phrase is that a property can be listed for any price – list price does not determine market value. There are some fantastic Realtors in our area that work extremely hard for their clients. However, buyers should not rely solely on an agent to research and organize data to the extent that an appraiser will, as it is not their profession.  In many cases, agents will contact an appraiser prior to listing a property to ensure they are pricing the subject realistically. It is important to note that appraisers are unbiased third party individuals and therefore do not have a vested interest in the outcome of the transaction (be it a purchase or refinance). Appraisers do not create value; rather we report the data from the current market.

Ultimately, an appraisal can serve as an invaluable tool in order to avoid financial ruin. Appraisals can help investors know the potential profit of that duplex they are looking to purchase,  help the first time homebuyer avoid paying too much for their first home, and can help the savvy condo buyer get a fair price along with that perfect gulf view.

Appraisals are not just for purchases/refinances – I have been asked to do appraisals for:

  • Employee Relocations
  • PMI (private mortgage insurance)
  • Estate planning
  • Divorce settlement
  • Tax abatement

I truly think that the housing market will begin to strengthen again – however the speed at which it does and the solidity of the foundation will be a direct result today’s buyers.  These buyers will need to do their homework, know exactly what they are purchasing and what the current market value is – not the anticipated value. Please, who ever your appraiser is, ask questions.  If you feel something was missed – ask your appraiser. If you don’t understand how to read an appraisal, let your appraiser know.  It is our job to build public trust in our profession – which will be a daunting feat based on the downward spiral the real estate market has taken.  The information and data contained within appraisal reports could prove to be invaluable to both the real estate novice as well as the seasoned investor.

I am a Certified Real Property Appraiser working predominately in Bay County with some projects extending west towards Destin and east of the Mexico Beach area. Prior to becoming an appraiser I worked as a mortgage loan underwriter – which has provided me with a unique understanding of both sides of mortgage loan transactions. – Jake

Photos from You – Dolphin, Kite Boarders, Christmas and More

Every week we’ll feature photos from you, the reader, of anything from crowded streets at Pier Park, to finger crabs scurrying across the beach.  They say pictures are worth a thousand words, share your words with pcbdaily.com.  Submit your photos and share your Panama City Beach pictures.

Submitted by Jenny Wilson

Submitted by Tim Nagler

Submitted by Miller & Associates Realty

Submitted by Kerry Hulber

How to sell your home during the Holidays

The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your home at its sparkling best, especially if you follow a few simple tips.

You only have one opportunity to make a first impression; so, of course, this first impression starts as the potential buyer drives up to your home.  Twinkling lights hung neatly on doorways and trees are very attractive and festive, but don’t overdo it.  Less is generally more!  Leave those inflatable lawn displays in the box this year.  Giant bobbing snowmen or Santas on the roof are very cute for the kids, but do nothing to entice buyers to your front door.  Opt for a simple, attractive wreath for your door and perhaps some white lights strategically placed on shrubbery in the yard.

Don’t let your Christmas tree take over the living area.  The smaller the square feet of the home, the fewer decorations you should use.  Keep it simple, not cluttered, with a few decorations and some fresh greenery, like poinsettias and fresh garland.  A larger home can handle more decorations and the décor should be a little more elaborate.  Most importantly, subtle, yet attractive décor allows the potential buyer to see the warmth of your lovely home during the holiday season.

Enhance that special holiday feeling by playing soft, seasonal background music to set the stage for a showing.  Although Jingle Bell Rock and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer may be holiday favorites of yours, soothing music will make that potential buyer think that your home is comfortable and desirable.

Finally, allow the aroma of the holidays to fill your home with delicious scents that make your visitors want to sit at the kitchen table and share a glass of cider.  Bake a cake or cookies before a showing so the savory smell lingers in the air…or simply leave a pot boiling with cider or packaged Christmas spices.  Place cinnamon sticks in an open jar or include them in a decorative design.

Remember, even though there may be fewer buyers actively looking at this time of year, there are still buyers looking.  It only takes one!  Use this opportunity to showcase your home at its festive best…and that’s a wrap.

If you have any questions about Staging for the Season, I’d love to hear from you.  Let’s look forward to a great 2009!

For more information, please contact Sandy at 850-303-1825 or sandythompson10@comcast.net. You can also visit her websites @ http://www.ringthebelles.com and http://www.sandythompsoncondos.com.