Feinberg Addresses Panama City Oil Spill Claims Concerns

This is the first article discussing the townhall meeting that occurred Wednesday, January 19th with Ken Feinberg. [Read Your 3 Options for BP Claims Payments]

Ken Feinberg was greeted by an ocean of people that were directly and indirectly effected by the BP oil spill disaster this past summer in a public townhall meeting this morning. The meeting was held in the conference ballroom at Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach. With literally hundreds in attendance the sign up sheet for questions filled up quickly.

Continue reading “Feinberg Addresses Panama City Oil Spill Claims Concerns” →

Weekend Events – Seafood Fest, Beach Blanket Party, Micky’s Rockin’ Show

Celebrate Columbus Day weekend! An extra day of fun; you’ll need it to fit in all the fun we’ve got going on here in Panama City Beach right now! Food, fun, music, shows for the whole family! We have tons of great stuff happening here, along with great weather – this will be an amazing weekend at the beach in Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Seafood Wine and Music Festival

If Panama City Beach’s signature event wasn’t enough – FREE wine tastings are being featured, vintages from all over the world! Celebrity Chefs, antiques, art, Emerald Coast Cruizin’ sneak peek car show, entertainment including LYNYRD SKYNYRD, R. E. O. Speedwagon, Lorrie Morgan, The Bellamy Brothers and The Little River Band! The event is all weekend, starting Friday night and capping off an amazing weekend on Sunday with the main headliner band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. For a full schedule for this event, click here.

Check after the break for a full listing of this weekend’s events.

Continue reading “Weekend Events – Seafood Fest, Beach Blanket Party, Micky’s Rockin’ Show” →

Edgewater Beach Resort Earns Top Industry Professional Designation

Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc., the management company for The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, recently joined the elite group of community association management companies who have earned the Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) designation from the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc., is one of only 140 management companies nationwide who have earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association field.

Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc., manages a total of 1664 condominium units, including 53 commercial units. The accreditation process took more than two months to complete. “This was a great exercise for our staff; the accreditation process is indepth and challenges you to look at the way you operate,” said Mike Wray, vice president of association management.

CAI is a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. Some 57 million Americans live in the nation’s estimated 286,000 association-governed communities.

To earn the AAMC distinction, management companies need three years of experience in community association management and at least 50 percent of their managers must have earned professional designations. Edgewater Management has over 25 years of experience and has two Professional Community Association Managers (PCAMs) on staff. The PCAM credential is the highest CAI designation that can be earned by an individual manager.

Professional managers provide administrative, operational, and managerial counsel to community association boards. They typically are responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel, and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions.

CAI has more than 55 state, regional, and local chapters and more than 28,000 members, which include community association volunteer leaders, community managers, management companies, and businesses that provide products and services to communities.

Wear Your Best Hat: March of Dimes, A Night Through The Looking Glass

Wear your best hat, because this is an event that you and your guests will be talking about for a long time.

This August 29 enjoy an evening of fine dining and entertainment while benefiting the March of Dimes’ mission of preventing health defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The evening, presented by 5th Gear Creative Group and Magnum Property Management begins with a three-course meal and wine hosted by a participating restaurant.

“Enjoy a night filled with a three-course dinner from one of the area’s premier restaurants followed by an amazing party at Edgewater Beach Resort. The party will have dancing, food, drinks, entertainment and wonderful prizes. One lucky person will walk away as the winner of a 1-carat diamond donated by Coins and Bouillon Reserves. Join us for hedgehog golf, martini bar, music by Jim Lawson, and lots of other fun activities. Your table purchase allows you to choose the restaurant (first come-first choice) where your party of 10 will have a wonderful three-course meal and three bottles of wine. Then you move on to Edgewater where the fun really begins! You will walk through the looking glass and enter a fantasy world based on the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland. Desserts, fun drinks, martini glasses filled with diamonds, Wii Golf, a hat contest, and other activities. But, the best part is you are helping to save babies by supporting the Bay County March of Dimes. Gather your friends, associates, or employees, put on your fanciest hat and enjoy the evening!”

Participating Restaurants include:

Schooner’s

Boatyard

Breaker’s

Angelina’s

Spinnaker Cantina

Triple J’s

Calypso’s

Carrabba’s

Ferrucci Ristorante

For more information please go to http://www.lookingglasspc.com. To purchase a table email Kim Tatum ktatum@marchofdimes.com or call 850-785-6460

“Happiness is…” Increased Business at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc., the agency of record for The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, recently designed a new website for Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, a signature property of The Resort Collection. The website launched May 11, 2009 unveiling a fresh image with rich photography, enhanced graphics, clean design, easy navigation and a wealth of information encased within a branding message of “Happiness.” A short two months since the website went live, there has been a 42% increase in site traffic and 33% increase in online reservation bookings compared with the prior two months.

“Everyone needs to hear some good news and know that all is not doom and gloom,” said Lisa Burwell, president and founder of Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising. “Cornerstone’s vice president of creative services, Bob Brown, did an outstanding job crafting this beautiful site along with the rest of the Cornerstone and Resort Collection team. This surge of business for Edgewater serves as a reminder that an investment in image pays off even in hard times.”

Paul Wohlford, vice president of sales and marketing for The Resort Collection, said, “We are thrilled about the results we are experiencing and glad to see that our guests find the new site to be as helpful and refreshing as we do.” He added that the branding message, “Happiness is…” communicates that now, more than ever, people need to take a break from the stresses of daily life and enjoy themselves on a vacation and is part of the marketing terminology, “deservability.”

One Beach, Two Extreme Events

This past weekend Panama City Beach enjoyed two very unique and extreme events; the Gulf Coast Triathlon and the Paragliders Beach Blast. Competitors and tourists from countries all over the world came down for the events hosted on the “World’s Most Beautiful Beach.”

For the fourth consecutive time, Mike Neill, hailing from British Columbia, Canada, won the Gulf Coast Triathlon, on this occasion enduring 85 degree heat to turn in a time of 4:06:33. Fellow Canadian, Ben Cotter, finished second 7 minutes off pace with a time of 4:13:58. The first local male to cross the finish line was David Shearon with a time of 4:37:17, a time good enough to land him 12^th overall. Caroline Smith of Mandeville, LA won for the women with a time of 4:43:29 followed not far behind by Gabriela Loskotova from the Czech Republic with a time of 4:47:48. The first local female to cross the finish line was Helen Libby from Lynn Haven, who, like her fellow local top finisher, finished 12^th with a time of 5:08:24.

If you were out cheering on the racers you might’ve noticed the perfect blue sky dotted with colorful gliding chutes. Edgewater Beach Resort hosted the Beach Blast, a showcase of the world’s most talented Paragliders. For those who don’t know, Paragliding is a recreational and competitive flying sport where a Paraglider, in a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft, sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing and takes to the air using air pressure and a motorized fan to pilot. Nearly a hundred of these Paragliding pilots from all over the world owned the Panama City Beach skies. It was quite a site to see. Even beach-lovers, amazed by the flying chutes, got a chance to fly as the pilots gave tandem rides to onlookers, strapping them in and flying them over the beach and shoreline.

In one weekend we saw running, swimming, biking and flying. I guess that just about covers all the bases and summer hasn’t even started yet.

More Beach Blast Pictures

Business Expo at Edgwater Draws Big Crowds

Job seekers and business owners alike came from all over teh Panama City Beach area to brush shoulders and talk about the future. Businesses in attednance ranged from Neves Media and ViaMedia to Musgrove Flowershop and Beach Scene.

“The economy is bad and I’m just looking for a job,” said one attendee. Although most businesses in attendance weren’t there to “hire”, many locals came hopeful for an opportunity to again bring home the bacon.

“Do you know why everyone here is just here for the free stuff,” one local busines asked me. “Is it more than usual,” I asked. Their answer was without hesitation, yes.

Just about anything could be seen on the show floor. A man, who after blowing up a 6 foot baloon, stuffed himself inside it, stuck only his head out and presumed to dance around. Girls where spotted wearing anything from brown bags, boxes and even bikinis, spelling of sun tan lotion – everyone goaled at promoting their business.

“We had around 2,000 people come through Business Expo yesterday. 103 businesses exhibited, which is 25% up from our last Expo in 2007 (Superheroes). Everyone loved it, from the Green Room which showcased the “green” side of Bay County with recycling, green and sustainable practices, nature, and eco-excursions, to the booths and costumes decked out with “The Nature of Business” theme, to the Green Entertainment (Todd Herendeen and his band) to Edgewater’s “Global Cooler” martinis! Most of the Exhibitors gave away prizes including massive gift baskets, facials and cosmetic procedures, several months of free storage units, T-shirts, teddy bears, portraits, kayak and canoe trips, and even a Hobie kayak! The event was deemed a huge success and everyone had a really good time.” – Marta Rose

I was talking to Noel at Cyber Sytes and he was telling me these events are big for them because it gives them another opportunity to promote business to business and network with other local business owners. Hmm, looks like PCBDaily should’ve had a booth there. Maybe next year?

They Came, They Saw, They Skimmed

This weekend, near perfect weather and the top skimmers from around the world converged on the beach behind Edgewater Beach Resort to compete in the 11th annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam contest. Onlookers in the hundreds, some enthusiasts of the sport, others just enjoying the extreme event, watched the likes of Morgan Just, Corbin Dull, Patrick Hunt, Anthony Cox, Derek Shenton and others shred ebbing surf up and down the beach. Efforts from Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop on Panama City Beach, Zap, Skim USA, Global Surf Industries, Surftech and others filled the beach with activities and free giveaways.

This year’s event had big expectations and boy did it live up to them. The skimming was absolutely amazing. Awesome rides were skimmed by several triggering gasps and waves of applause from those taking in the competition from the shore. Next to the event was the UCA cheer camp competition, which carried over, filling the beach with over 5,000 people.

Heats were broken into skill level and age. One of the highlights from the earlier brackets was Anna Prophet, a local female skimmer, who shredded lines all over the place making skim history advancing to the semi-pro finals of the competition and landing in the top 5. But for hundreds in attendance under the perfect weather conditions, the anticipation continued to grow awaiting the pro-level skimmers.

I was among those anxiously waiting and I have to say, there was no disappointment. Those guys are good—real good.

Here is the video Jason made from footage shot Friday. He has tons more footage from Saturday’s event that will be published later in the week.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4206737&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam from Jason Koertge on Vimeo.

Corbin Dull, a local pro skimmer, won the Zap Pro/Am competition, blistering waves left and right. Other notables was another Panama City Beach local, Lance Richardson, who placed third overall and probably got the most air out of all the contestants. Alex Hood placed fifth overall and had a stunning show. Other awesome performers included, John Ackerman, Blake Tyre and last years champion Mogan Just.

On top of all the great pro skimmers, lots of local amateur skimmers showed their stuff during the free skim. All over the beach, kids and adults of all ages had a blast skimming themselves crazy and watching one heck of a show.

Skimming the History:

I read up on the history of the sport and learned that Skimboarding dates back to the late 1920’s when lifeguards skimmed on pieces of wood. Evolution of the sports has skimboarding as one of the most high-tech water sports anywhere. The boards used by professional skimboarders are built using technology adapted from aerospace to attain maximum lightness, buoyancy, and rocker (which is the curve on the board from one end to the other). In fact, the board used by the average skimboarder is far more technologically advanced than that of the average surfer.

If you’re interested in learning more go here or stop by Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop where you can learn the basics and take a board out for a test run.

Edited: I have to give a shout out to our good buddy Arlene Froeming. Thanks to her and her generosity in loaning me a sweet telephoto lens, we had the ability to produce some stunning close-ups. She does some freelance photography and can be found here. – Jason

Skim Jam on the Beach – Friday

Friday at the Edgwater Beach Resort, the 11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam Competition got off to an energetic start with professional skimmers and otherwise shredding the break at the shores behind tower 3. Entrants registered for the competition to take begin this morning and some of the pros were out showing off their talent.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4206737&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1
11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam from Jason Koertge on Vimeo.

The 11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam is taking place in Panama City Beach this weekend at the Edgewater Beach Resort.

Two Great Events This Weekend in Panama City Beach – Video!

This weekend, if you aren’t down here in Panama City Beach, you ought to be, or come down tomorrow. There are two really classy events that are HUGE happening and the weather is slated to be perfect.

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival kicks off a weekend of jazz and excitement with a meet and greet with the performing artists at Borders Books and Music tomorrow at 3 pm. Artists scheduled to appear include Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, Shilts, Matt Marshak, and Jackeim Joyner. Fans will get the chance to meet the artists and get autographs, then enjoy a special sneak peek performance from each artist.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4188287&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1
PCBDaily.com – Seabreeze and Skim Jam from Jason Koertge on Vimeo.

This weekend there are some very awesome events happening in Panama City Beach. Between the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Pier Park and the 11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Competition that will be at Edgewater Beach Resort, you need to be down here to see all the action.

That night, performances will begin at the Pier Park Amphitheater at 6 pm and will go past 10:30 pm. The schedule will pick right back up Saturday and Sunday morning at 10 am and play all day long both days.

The 11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam Competition is hosted at Edgewater Beach Resort this year with the action starting Friday morning with a Skim Camp all day with Morgan Just from Laguna Beach California. Just was the Skim USA 2008 Champion.

Total Event Schedule for This Weekend:

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

Friday, April 17

3 p.m. Meet and Greet at Border Books and Music in Pier Park

(Gates open at 5 p.m.)

6 – 7:45 p.m. Urban Jazz Coalition

8:30 p.m. Smooth Jazz All-Star Jam

10:30 p.m. Jazz Under the Stars Party

With Urban Jazz Coalition and friends

(Pier Park Special Club Location)

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

Saturday, April 18

(Gates open at 9 a.m. – VIP early entry at 8:30 a.m.)

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Althea Rene

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eric Darius

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. The Seabreeze Groove Project

Featuring Four 80 East, Shilts and Matt Marshak

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Joyce Cooling

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Will Downing

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wayman Tisdale

9:30 p.m. Jazz Under the Stars Party

With Four 80 East, Shilts, Matt Marshak and friends

(Pier Park Special Club Location)

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

Sunday, April 19

(Gates open at 9 a.m. – VIP early entry at 8:30 a.m.)

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Jones and Company

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Roman Street

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Brian Simpson / Nils / Jackiem Joyner

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Warren Hill

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Nick Colionne

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Boney James

11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Skim Jam Competition

Friday April 17th (Day 1)
– Mr. Surf’s & ZAP’s OPEN Expression Session: Noon Pre-skim meet (sound check) at Edgewater Beach resort on the beach.

– Global Surf Industries & Surf Tech Surf & Stand-up Paddle Board Demo & Regatta

– Come meet all the pros & fellow skimmers (pre-check-in)

Saturday April 18th (Day 2) SKIM COMPETITION

– 11h Annual Zap Pro/Am Spring Skim Jam 8:30a-4p

– Global Surf Industries & Surf Tech Surf & Stand-Up paddle Board Demo

– Panama Jack’s Lil’ Sandiggers Treasure Hunt 1p

– Other family fun-filled activities on the beach

– Location: Edgewater Beach Resort on the beach

Sunday April 19th (Day 3)

– Church On The Beach: a Sunday morning non-denominational Praise & Worship Service 7:30a-8:30a

– 11th Annual Zap Pro/Am Spring Skim Jam FINALS 9:00a-?

– Other family fun-filled activities on the beach

– AWARDS CEREMONY: Location: Edgewater Beach Resort on the beach