Pier Park North Land Clearing has Begun!

Driving down Back Beach Road (Panama City Beach Parkway or US 98) last week you could smell the fresh scent of pine in the air as logging crews harvested the pine forrest located where the new Pier Park North mall will be located. In fact, by Wednesday, most of the trees were gone and crews are expected to begin de-stumping the ground this week.

Here is a panoramic shot of the site as of Wednesday, November 28, 2012.

Having just reported on the [so far] up to date list of stores coming to the development, we’ve had quite a few chime in on their suggestions on the stores that should be included in this development. There was some initial speculation in the recent past on whether this development was even a reality. Of course, with the buzz of Pier Park North, began the buzz of a new Walmart in Panama City Beach that is getting nearer to completion every day. Some commenters have confirmed that it is indeed going to be a Super Walmart.

What do you think of the new Walmart development and the development of Pier Park North?

CONFIRMED List of Stores for Pier Park North [REPORT]

The list of stores slated for Pier Park North is small but seems to be growing very quickly cites an anonymous source. There has been a lot of speculation as to what stores are coming and it has been confirmed as to which ones are definite and which ones are in the works.

Here are some of our past articles about Pier Park North.

Confirmed list of stores.

Here is a full size plat map.

Working on LOI:

America’S Best
Aspen Dental
Best Buy
Cato
Family Christian
Hibachi Cafe
Logan’S Roadhouse
Mattress Firm
Newt’S Cafe
Orange Leaf
Sally Beauty
Wine World

Working On Lease:

Bed Bath & Beyond
Great Clips
Kirkland’S
Maharaja’S Jewelers
Men’S Warehouse
Petco
Pier 1
Ross
Shoe Carnival

Leases Signed:

Dicks
Lee Nails & Spa
Michaels
Rooms To Go

Proposed:

Chili’s
Leslie’s Pool

Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Structure is UP

In this third and final installment of construction updates in the Pier Park general area in Panama City Beach, the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater has raised its hand and remarked that its structure is up and the roof is in place. Having been under construction for just a short period, you can actually see the final product as its come up from the ashes of the previous structure commonly referred to as “The Claw.”

For a recount of all the features this new amphitheater will have, click here.

Pictures.

In this shot you can see the entire front front of the new Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater. If you’re down here, I highly recommend walking over to check it out in person. It’s really quite large and very exciting!

This shot was taken from the back right (southwest) of the building. Behind those already-colored walls will be the dressing rooms and admin office. The large opening in the center under the peak of the roof structure will be where the hangar doors are that will be able to be opened.

This is a closer look at the large opening directly behind the stage. For scale, you can see the man in the middle by the boards leaning on the scaffolding. I’d assume he’s an average height. The structure really is quite tall.

This shot is from the southeast side of the building. The large opening in the middle of the shot on the easterly facing wall is where the tractor trailers could pull up and load/unload.

This gives you a better view of the loading/unloading area.

This is the new restroom facility behind the existing facility

This is a shot from the very back of the venue grounds. Directly behind me and to the right is the bathroom facilities. You can see from this shot that this will be a very sweet and grandly improved venue. So exciting!!!

Powell Adams Road CRA Treatment Begun (Pier Park)

The new road way that’s accompanying the new Walmart is beginning to materialize. If you remember, concurrent with the new Walmart in Panama City Beach next to Pier Park, Powell Adams road is getting the same treatment as the CRA reconstructed roadways found elsewhere on the beach. Wow, that was a mouthful.

The new roadway will be four lanes with a curbed median and a traffic signal at the Pamama City Beach Parkway (Back Beach Road) intersection. There will be sidewalks, street lights and all underground utilities.

To get an example of what we can expect this to look like upon completion, click here.

This will be an exceptionally nice additional entrance experience for Pier Park.

Pictures.

I know it doesn’t seem like much to look at now, but what you do see is the beginnings of something that will be very beautiful. If you’ve seen what they’ve done in the other CRA areas, you know this will be a much needed transformation of a very heavily used road right next to what some have begun to call “downtown Panama City Beach.”

Over the coming months, the vantage point of which these photos were taken will change dramatically.

To the right of this shot is the Walmart building, and to the left is Target. That roadway on the left is the existing Powell Adams roadway.

This shot is facing south with Walmart to the left and Target to the right.

Emerald Coast Cruizin is Movin’

For the last few years, the popular winter hotrod event, Emerald Coast Cruizin has been held at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. After years of traversing the grassy fields, the event promoters have decided to move the event to a more central location and a venue that may make it easier for the low riders to move about. 🙂

This year the Emerald Coast Cruizin event will be held gulf front at the old Miracle Strip property and Grand Panama Beach Resort.

Emerald Coast Cruizin will also have more than 125 top name automotive vendors, a giant swap meet, car corral, special shows and live bands. Attendees bringing their own hot rods to the show can enter to win a $10,000 giveaway.

The eighth annual Emerald Coast Cruizin will be on November 8 through Saturday November 10.

Prices for spectators are $10 per day for adults; kids 12 and under are free. A three day pass is $20 per person. For additional information and complete schedule, call (662) 587-9572 or visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com

And if you need a place to stay, check out our Panama City Beach vacation rentals.

Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival – UNwineD 2012

The Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival is this weekend, and while it’s not necessarily a replacement for the Seafood Wine and Music Festival of year’s past, it’s a wonderful substitue. This year’s event is decorated with amazing seafood, great music and a brand new venue, Captain Anderson’s Marina.

Full event schedule

Thursday, October 25, 2012

5:00pm – Fishing & Diving Tournament Totals Weigh-In Board will be UNVEILED showing 1st Place Artwork from PCB Elementary School Art Contest Winners @ Capt. Anderson’s Marina

6:00 – 8:00pm – PCB Seafood & Music Festival VIP (only) “Reception” at Boatyard Restaurant Sky Deck

8:30 – 10:00pm – PCB Seafood & Music Festival VIP (only) “BMI Songwriter Harbor Dessert Cruise” aboard the Lady Anderson Dining Yacht

10:00pm – 2:00am – “Late Night Hang” at Boatyard Restaurant and Marina Cantina w/BMI Songwriter performances (FREE admittance, food and drink a-la-carte)

Friday, October 26, 2012

12:00pm – 4th Annual Al Hubbard Kids Bay Fishing Tournament “Honoree Kid’s Fishing” (only) Lunch for kids provided by Marina Cantina. Kids, Chaperones & Volunteers Depart at 1:00 from Capt. Anderson’s Marina on the North Star. For more information go to: http://www.facebook.com/AlHubbardKidsFishingExperience

12:00 – 3:00pm – LoCash Cowboys “Beach Party” at Boardwalk Beach Resort

1:00 – 4:00pm – “Grand Lagoon, Shell Island & Dolphin Encounter – Sightseeing Cruise” on Capt. Anderson III. Tickets http://www.captandersonsmarina.com or at Marina $20.00/$10.00

4:00pm – 2:00am – FREE Shuttle Buses(Coastal Coaches) to Festival begin from FREE Parking lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina and 4) St. Andrew’s State Park from – 4:00-11:00pm (entrance fee will be waived for Seafood Festival-goers)

4:00 – 10:00pm – Water Shuttle $2.00 fee (Shark Bite Amphibian Tours) from FREE Parking Lots at 1) Treasure Island Marina and 2) Pirates Cove

4:45pm – “Blessing of the Fleet” waterside @ Capt. Anderson’s Marina – ALL BOATS WELCOME~!

5:00 – 10:00pm – Festival Site OPEN – FREE Entry

5:00pm – Al Hubbard Kids Bay Fishing Tournament “Honoree Kid’s Fishing” trip returns – North Star dock. Weigh-in at Tournament Totals Board – Lady Anderson dock

5:00 – 6:30pm – “Sunset & Seabreeze Cruise” – Lady Anderson dining yacht with dance band Seabreeze and featuring BMI Songwriter Geoff McBride. Wine tasting and upscale appetizer buffet included. Reservations are required, space is limited. Tickets $39.00/$35.00/$27.00 Capt. Anderson’s Marina 850-234-3435 or online at http://www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com

Luxury Lounge – Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, Craft Beer & Wine, FRESH GULF SEAFOOD served by TOP Bay County Restaurants (Boatyard, Marina Cantina, Firefly, G. Foleys, Uncle Ernie’s, Capt. Anderson’s, Dee’s Hangout, Margaritaville, Fatty Patty’s) Admittance Price $10.00 includes keepsake glass w/a-la-carte food purchases (Food & Drink priced at $10.00 or less)

5:00-8:00pm – VIP PASS access to the Luxury Lounge -for a truly “luxurious” experience, $50 per night or $80 for a two-night pass which includes: *FREE food and wine tastings, *stage front seat for BMI Music Entertainment, *Reserved parking at Wyndham Bay Point w/shuttle both ways. For ticket purchase go to http://www.PCBSeafoodFestival.com or call 850-235-1159

Festival Vendor Village – (food & retail vendors) Prices will be posted on site

Bay County Fishing Heritage Tent – “Old Salts” Storytelling, Kid’s History Scavenger Hunt (w/prizes), Pictures w/Educational and Historical displays, St. Andrew’s State Park- FREE

Kidz Zone & Activities – Blue Crab Races, Fighting Chair Pull, Face Painting, Beach Bouncers, Glow Lights, Sandcastle Building, and more – ALL FREE

FWC Tent – Lionfish Exhibition, Education and Tasting – ALL FREE

Bill Cramer Chevrolet car, Legendary Marina boat, & Holiday on Wheels RV show

Dinner specials at Capt. Anderson’s, Boatyard & Marina Cantina

BMI Songwriter performances on community stage:

5:00 – Adam Craig & Cole Swindell

6:00 – Dylan Altman & Jim McCormick

7:00 – Scotty Emerick

8:00 – HEADLINER – LoCash Cowboys

5:15 -6:30pm – “Grand Lagoon & Dolphin Encounter – Sightseeing Cruise” on Capt. Anderson III. Tickets available http://www.captandersonsmarina.com or at Marina $12.00/$6.00

5:30pm – “FRESH GULF SEAFOOD Landing” w/Shrimp & Grouper Boats @ Lady Anderson dockside

10:00pm – Festival Site CLOSED, Last Water Shuttle to Treasure Island Marina and Pirates Cove

11:00pm – Parking Lot CLOSED at St. Andrew’s State Park

10:00pm – 2:00am – BMI Late Night Hang w/BMI Songwriter Performances:

Marina Cantina

10:00 pm – Abigail Rose

11:00 pm – Brandon Kinney & Brent Cobb

Boatyard Restaurant

10:00 pm – Blue Mother Tupelo

11:00 pm – Geoff McBride

12:30 am – Tyler Reeve Late Night Jam

2:00am Last Shuttle departs Boatyard Restaurant for FREE Parking Lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Calling all old salts, new salts, (even slightly salty) Fishers & Divers to take part in one of these awesome opportunities to have FUN with your friends, introduce a whole new generation of KIDS to fishing and at the same time raise money for local Bay County Charities! Ticket proceeds go to the Al Hubbard Kid’s Fishing Experience: Anchorage Children’s Home, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Boys & Girls Club (Next year will also include Girls, Inc!)

***************Tournament Entry Tickets ONLY $5.00 ea*****************

NOW AVAILABLE at Capt. Anderson’s Marina TICKET OFFICE – sold until 12:00 pm Sat. You MUST purchase tournament ticket BEFORE you leave the dock – angler’s honor~!

5:00am – 5:00pm – 1st Annual Capt. Anderson’s Marina Lionfish “Lion-Tamer” DIVE Tournament – (Private Charter Boats Available at Capt. Anderson’s Marina or check with your local Dive Center) Divers will be donating the lionfish to FWC Tent on Festival Site for the purpose of promoting the elimination of them in our ecosystem and exhibiting how to handle them properly and then cook deliciously – come by for a taste! All other fish may be kept by angler after weigh-in. Dive Categories: Lionfish* / Red Grouper / Gag Grouper / Amberjack *Lionfish will be “wild cards”, each one to count as 1 lb towards fish of diver’s choice*

5:00am – 6:00pm – Deep Sea & Bay Fishing Tournament – (Head Boats/Private Charter Boats/Your Boat) – All fish may be kept by angler after weigh-in. Categories: TROLLING: Tuna (any)/ Dolphin / Wahoo / King Mackerel, BAY: Speckled Trout / Flounder / Spanish Mackerel / Blue Fish / Pompano / Sheepshead, BOTTOM: Red Grouper / Gag Grouper / Amberjack / Beeliners (Vermilion Snapper) / White Snapper (Red Porgy)

5:00am – 5:00pm – Star Queen (Head Boat) “12 HR Deep Sea Fishing” $90.00 (price includes gear, bait, tax & fishing license)

7:00am-5:00pm – Capt. Anderson (Head Boat) “10 HR Deep Sea Fishing” $75.00 (price includes gear, bait, tax & fishing license)

9:00am – 3:00pm – Gemini Queen (Head Boat) “6 HR Deep Sea Fishing” $60.00 (price includes gear, bait, tax & fishing license)

10:00am – 2:00am – FREE Shuttle Buses(Coastal Coaches) to Festival begin from FREE Parking lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina and 4) St. Andrew’s State Park from 10:00am-11:00pm (entrance fee will be waived for Seafood Festival-goers)

10:00am – 10:00pm – Water Shuttle $2.00 fee (Shark Bite Amphibian Tours) from FREE Parking Lots at 1) Treasure Island Marina and 2) Pirates Cove

10:30am – 12:00pm – FREE “Kid’s Dockside Bay Fishing Experience” – meet at Tournament Totals Board

12:00pm NOON – Festival Site OPEN – FREE Entry

Opening Ceremonies on Community Stage including: Welcome & Introductions, Opening Prayer, Presentation of Colors by USN Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem

12:00 – 10:00pm – Luxury Lounge – Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, Craft Beer & Wine, FRESH GULF SEAFOOD served by TOP Bay County Restaurants (Boatyard, Marina Cantina, Firefly, G. Foleys, Uncle Ernie’s, Capt. Anderson’s, Dee’s Hangout, Margaritaville, Fatty Patty’s) Admittance Price $10.00 includes keepsake glass w/a-la-carte food purchases (Food & Drink priced at $10.00 or less)

Festival Vendor Village – (food & retail vendors) Prices will be posted on site

Bay County Fishing Heritage Tent – “Old Salts” Storytelling, Kid’s History Scavenger Hunt (w/prizes), Pictures w/Educational and Historical displays, St. Andrew’s State Park-FREE

Kidz Zone & Activities – Blue Crab Races, Fighting Chair Pull, Face Painting, Beach Bouncers, Glow Lights, Sandcastle Building, and more – ALL FREE

FWC Tent – Lionfish Exhibition, Education and Tasting – ALL FREE

Bill Cramer Chevrolet car, Legendary Marina boat, Holiday on Wheels RV Show

BMI Songwriters & Community Stage Performances:

12:30 – Abigail Rose

1:15 – Local Performances, Family Activities & Art Contest Winners

5:00 – Brandon Kinney & Brent Cobb

6:00 – Blue Mother Tupelo

7:00 – Charlie Worsham

8:00 – HEADLINER – Jeffrey Steele Band

2:30 – 4:00pm – FREE “Kid’s Dockside Bay Fishing Experience” – meet at Tournament Totals Board

5:00 – 6:30pm – “Sunsets & Sea Breeze Cruise” – Lady Anderson dining yacht with dance band Seabreeze and featuring BMI Songwriters Aaron Barker & Bridgett Tatum. Wine tasting and upscale appetizer buffet included. Reservations are required, space is limited. Tickets $39.00/$35.00/$27.00 Capt. Anderson’s Marina 850-234-3435 or online at http://www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com

5:00pm – Lionfish “Lion-Tamer” DIVE Tournament – Final Weigh-In @ Tournament Totals Board

5:00-8:00pm – VIP PASS access to the Luxury Lounge -for a truly “luxurious” experience, $50 per night or $80 for a two-night pass which includes: *FREE food and wine tastings, *stage front seating for BMI Music Entertainment, *Reserved parking at Wyndham Bay Point w/shuttle both ways. For ticket purchase go to http://www.PCBSeafoodFestival.com or call 850-235-1159

5:00-8:00pm – Luxury Lounge – Ice Carving Demonstrations

Dinner specials at Capt. Anderson’s, Boatyard & Marina Cantina

5:15 -6:30pm – “Grand Lagoon & Dolphin Encounter – Sightseeing Cruise” on Capt. Anderson III. Tickets available http://www.captandersonsmarina.com or at Marina $12.00/$6.00

6:00pm – Deep Sea & Bay Fishing Tournament- Final Weigh-In @ Tournament Totals Board

6:45 – FISH & DIVE TOURNAMENT WINNERS – ANNOUNCED ON COMMUNITY STAGE

10:00pm – Festival Site CLOSED, Last Water Shuttle to Treasure Island Marina and Pirates Cove

11:00pm – Parking Lot CLOSED at St. Andrew’s State Park

10:00pm – 2:00am – BMI Late Night Hang w/BMI Songwriter Performances:

Boatyard Restaurant

10:00 pm – Scotty Emerick, Dylan Altman & Jim McCormick

11:00 pm – Geoff McBride

12:30 am – Tyler Reeve Late Night Jam

Marina Cantina

10:00 pm – Cole Swindell & Adam Craig

11:00 pm – Charlie Worsham & Brent Cobb

2:00am Last Shuttle departs Boatyard Restaurant for FREE Parking Lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina

Sunday, October 28, 2012

11:00am – 3:00pm – Brunch with BMI Songwriters at Boatyard Restaurant, BMI Open Mic Performances

Parking and Shuttle Recap

FRI :: 4:00pm – 2:00am FREE Shuttle Buses (Coastal Coaches) to Seafood Festival from FREE Parking lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina and 4) St. Andrew’s State Park from 4:00-11:00pm (entrance fee will be waived for Seafood Festival-goers)

FRI :: 4:00 – 10:00pm Water Shuttle $2.00 fee (Shark Bite Amphibian Tours) from FREE Parking Lots at 1) Treasure Island Marina and 2) Pirates Cove

SAT :: 10:00am – 2am FREE Shuttle Buses (Coastal Coaches) to Festival from FREE Parking lots at 1) Corner 98 & Thomas 2) Treasure Island Marina 3) Pirates Cove Marina and 4) St. Andrew’s State Park from 4:00-11:00pm (entrance fee will be waived for Seafood Festival-goers)

SAT :: 4:00 – 10:00pm Water Shuttle $2.00 fee (Shark Bite Amphibian Tours) from FREE Parking Lots at 1) Treasure Island Marina and 2) Pirates Cove

For additional information about the Luxury Lounge, VIP Access, or Custom Coach Shuttle and BMI Music Schedule contact PCB Chamber at 850-235-1159 or visit pcbseafoodfestival.com

For additional information on the Water Events, Fishing & Diving Tournaments and Lady Anderson Dining Yacht cruises, Capt. Anderson’s Marina at 850-234-3435, 800-874-2415 or visit CaptAndersonsMarina.com

Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Construction Update

Very few things excite me as much as new construction in Panama City Beach. You know I love dreaming of the future and any sort of growth is a sign of prosperity and success. The improvements happening at Aaron Bessant Park are really beginning to take shape. So far the construction of the new amphitheater is giving it some shape and the new restroom facilities are coming out of the ground. They’ve also began grading the field preparing for the soccer fields.

As you roll through the pictures of the construction update, you can reference the layout schematics to get some bearing on what is where.

Amphitheater schematics

On the west side of the amphitheater there will be the dressing room area. This will provide an area for the performers to prepare and rest. There are actually two separate dressing rooms, each with their own full bathroom and a green room. In addition, on that side of the amphitheater there is an administrative office for support staff and secured storage.

On the east side of the amphitheater is the loading and storage area. There is an opening that is large enough and at the right height for a semi truck trailer to pull right up and off load equipment. In addition, there is a large amount of storage area.

Construction update photos

Taken from the east side (facing west), this shot looks at the side of the structure. To the right in this image would be the audience.

This is a closer shot of the east side of the structure. The larger opening in the middle will be the garage bay door where performers will be able to pull their trailer up to for loading and unloading. Immediately behind that wall will be storage.

This is taken from the front of the structure with the audience placement behind me. This shows the right or west side of the building and the stage area.

This is again, the west side of the structure.

Pirates of the High Seas Festival THIS WEEKEND

If you haven’t planned your trip to the beach for Columbus Day weekend, then get your bags packed, check out our condo rental availability calendar and fill up the tank. This weekend is the second annual Pirates of the High Seas Festival and will adorn Panama City Beach with pirates, a beach ball drop and parades.

Schedule of events

All events below will take place in Pier Park unless noted otherwise.

Friday October 5th

Pirate and Wench (Adults) Costume Contest (6:00 p.m.)
Aspiring pirates and lasses can show off their high seas style.
Pet Costume Contest (6:20 p.m.)
Scruffy scallywags, pampered pooches and feathered friends take the stage to display their pirate garb in a chance to capture the bounty.
Second Line Parade (7:00 p.m.)
Mardi Gras style parade
Beach Ball Drop (8:00 p.m.)
More than 8,000 inflated beach balls will create a sea of excitement as they fall from the sky onto Pier Park Drive.

Saturday October 6

Run for the Treasure (7:30 a.m.)
Landlubbers will stretch their legs at pirate-themed Fun Run, 5K and Half Marathon hosted by Girl’s Inc. of Bay County at Aaron Bessant Park.
Children’s Costume Contest, Treasure Hunt, Activities on BookIt.com Beach and Face Painting (12 noon)
Exciting activities and live music on the main stage presented just for petite pirates.
Lookout for pirates in the Gulf of Mexico (4:00 p.m.)
The Midnight Princess and Sea Dragon ships sail the waters of the Gulf, battling to lay siege on the city.
Pirates Raid Panama City Beach City Pier (4:30 p.m.)
Anchored offshore, the pirates invade City Pier seeking the keys to the city, followed by a children’s pirate parade. All costumed children are welcome to join the march.
Pirate Parade (6:30 p.m.)
Royal pirates from the Krewe of Dominique Youx strut the streets alongside winners of costume contests and street performers to the Circle for music.
Dueling Fireworks Show (8:00 p.m.)
Battle of the High Seas between County and City Piers as a mysterious pirate ship arrives offshore.

Torrential Downpour in Panama City Beach

The last two weeks have been amazing with sunny days, blue skies and mid-80 degree weather. But the forecast today includes torrential rain and heavy wind.

Waking up to very tropical-like conditions, the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, with drops flying almost horizontal. There are high wind advisories with gusts over 30 mph and high surf advisories with 6’+ waves and rip currents.

Driving into work today, my van was bucked side to side from the wind and I could hear the rain beating at my side windows even as I was traveling at over 45 mph. At points I had to slow down to a near crawl because visibility was do limited.

Today’s a very rainy day at the beach but tomorrow the sun will be back and should stay with us through this Columbus Day weekend. So go see a movie, go shopping or go play in the rain.

Holy Sanctuary Secret – The Beach Show’s Amazing Homes This Week

Holy cow, this week on The Beach Show we have some really amazing homes in a super secret and super charming area, Sanctuary Beach. This area was originally envisioned as a high-end coastal craftsman community and some of the homes that were developed are on the foreclosure block at drop-dead amazing prices.

You have to check out these homes.