Tag: panama city beach

Hosting kids is “A Day at the Beach” for Oaseas Resorts

In keeping with its mission of reaching out and offering assistance throughout the year to area shelters and organizations, Oaseas Resorts is hosting “A Day at the Beach.” On Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the condominium and rental management company will entertain a group of children from the non-profit tutoring program, ASAP (After School Assistance Program), at Cabana Cay, one of seven high quality-to-upscale properties Oaseas Resorts represents. Through its summer camp program, ASAP provides morning tutoring and recreational activities to 60 children from two locations (Pana Villa and Glenwood).

“This is in keeping with our charitable giving efforts to the community,” says Oaseas Resorts founder Annie Holcombe, vice president of business development and marketing. “Our focus is on women’s and children’s issues and homeless issues.”

A tropical paradise
With its tropical atmosphere, Cabana Cay is an idyllic resort for “A Day at the Beach.” Multi-level pools cascade from one to another and flow toward a refreshing mushroom-style fountain. Two whirlpool tubs, overlooking the pool and shaded beneath palm fronds, offer a relaxing soak. A lavish 17,785-square-foot deck surrounds the pool, providing plenty of space to stretch out and catch the rays.

For some Bay County children, Oaseas Resorts’ chaperoned “A Day at the Beach” will be the first time they have been to the beach or even swimming.

“We want the children to come and enjoy the cool pool and a cookout,” says Holcombe, who requested that all property managers who have the time plan on participating in the event. “We really want the children have a wonderful time.”

The After School Assistance Program (ASAP) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 tutoring program that uses mentoring, drug education and role models to effect learning improvements and lifestyle changes. Established in the Pana Villa Apartments in June, 1993, and in the Massalina Housing Complex in August, 1995, its target age range is from six to 16 years old. Basic goals are to place children in a positive, supervised environment during the hours most prone to juvenile crime and violence. Children learn basic life skills, get help with their homework and receive drug awareness and resistance education by Panama City Police Officers, as well as behavior education by counselors provided by Children’s Home Society and Florida Therapy. Volunteers spend time, one-on-one and in group settings, to provide mentoring to the children.

Oaseas Resorts is a condominium and rental management company in Panama City Beach, Florida, that represents only the finest in accommodations, both in value and location. With experience ranging from large upscale projects to smaller high quality projects and with a team of seasoned executives, the company brings a keen understanding to current trends and market changes to offer clients the best of services in a fast-paced and ever-changing economy. Dynamic and creative, Oaseas Resorts chooses to manage properties along the Gulf Coast that are unique and provide first class experiences to owners and guests alike. To learn more about Oaseas Resorts and its properties, visit http://www.oaseasresorts.com or call 1-850-249-0109 or 1-877-808-4323

New Airport 65% Complete

On Tuesday, July 28th, Panama City Airport Board met to discuss current financial activities, award bids for NAV AID and exterior signage, but the topic that dominated the short meeting was the airport relocation process, specifically how close to “on schedule” work at the new site edged.

An airport construction representative with KBR said the new airport construction was 65% complete, with most the projects ahead of schedule, only a few, albeit an important few, lagged slightly behind.

Stormwater ponds are 90% complete and the utilities 63% complete Gulf Power awaiting a DEP clearance. Water and sewer is over 90% complete. The terminal is 44% complete and is currently two weeks behind schedule as well as the control tower. Cargo maintenance is ahead of schedule and the roof is nearly completed at 90%. The representative said, “Although a few projects are behind schedule we are working hard to maintain the May completion date. The building’s getting dried in…the baggage handling system will run down to the wire. But we are confident in the original commitment.”

In related news, the bid for the NAV AID package was awarded to High Power for $1,728,800 with an additional $331,000 for center line lighting. The bid for Exterior Lighting was awarded to local company, Bell Sings, for just over $691,000.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-07-28

The Madness That Is Krystal Burger: A Personal Experience

img_0502There are times when a very little story can suddenly become big news. Case in point, the newly opened Krystal Burger on Hutchison Blvd: where so many cars and people gravitated you’d think they were giving away burgers for free or someone glimpsed the Virgin Mary in a chilli cheese pup.

While you may not be a fan of the tiny, tasty burgers, it has become apparent that a lot of people are. In my lifetime, I’ve never witnessed the type of spectacle I saw at Krystals. First of all, it was nearly impossible to get into the parking lot as traffic on Hutchison trying to turn in was backed up severely. Once I got into the place, I noticed one uniformed police officer managing traffic and I thought, “at the height of the tourist season you’re managing drive thru traffic at Krystal burger?” It was then that I realized he was not the only badge-wearing fellow on drive-thru detail; there were in fact four, yes four, fully-armed police officers monitoring traffic at Krystals. Stunned, was I.

img_0498After I passed the first officer, I saw that the drive-thru itself was very strange, split in two by orange cones, a route reminiscent of a line at the Disney World Magic Mountain, as it wrapped around the building twice, whipping 360 degrees just to get to that all important intercom order stop. The process proved surprisingly quick and I made the first turn, then the second, the third and reached the intercom feeling a bit like a nascar racer. I was greeted by a woman at the intercom. I told the lady I wanted 4 of those savory burgers. Her voice, delightful in a rather raucous scene, told me my total and said, “it’ll be my pleasure to serve you at the first window.” When I drove up to that first window and it slid opened, half a dozen workers in light blue shirts, still obviously new to the system, tried hurriedly to get my order out. The whole process took about twenty-minutes–twenty minutes worth of armed guards, high-traffic and an amusement park drive-thru all for a soft, flavorful bite of a burger many have ached to finally get their hands on. And as you are reading this, you are probably asking yourself, “was it at least worth it?”

The answer is a simple, contented, muffled-by-a-mouth-full-of-burger, “definitely.”

Send Us Your Events and Deals – We'll Put The Word Out

Everyday on PCBDaily.com and SeePCB.com, I’ve receive loads of emails from tourists who want to know what’s happening when; big events, small giveaways–whatever, they want to know and we want to make sure they see what you’ve got going on Panama City Beach.

Let us help you get the word out. All you have to do is email your event to me, cebo@toocreative, or Jason jason@pcbdaily, and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you have something as big as a city-wide festival or something as small as a two-for-one special, drop us a line and we’ll publish that information on seepcb.com, on the facebook fan page, give it a few tweets and, if it’s a weekend event or special, we’ll run it in our new “Weekend Wednesday” column detailing what’s happening every weekend on Panama City Beach. Even if that event is months away, send it to us and we’ll place it on our online calendar for everyone to see. When the date nears, we’ll post an article. All you have to do is send us the info.

No event or special is too big or too small.

New Library Ahead of Schedule

img_0158Panama City Beach has been itching to get into its new, state of the art library and the wait may be shorter than expected.

If you’ve ventured down Hutchison Blvd. you’ve noticed that in a short period of time, the entire frame of the building is erect, giving gawkers the full scope of what the new facility will look like. And that’s not all. Already the plumbing and sewage are in place and the groundwork for the electrical is ready as well.

Groundbreaking on the new library was in April with a completion date set tentatively for February 2010. At this pace, however, that date could be moved up. In fact, Charles Lewis, Director of Construction Operations at the Construct Two Group called that tentative date “more than enough time.”

On Tuesday plans to set the walls are in place. After speaking with an onsite worker, I learned that the once the walls are up the process will accelerate making the date even sooner still. For those who are excited about the new library, you can start practicing your library card picture poses.

City Continues Steps in the Green Direction

If you had not known already, back in March the City of Panama City started a cooking oil recycling program as a part of its Green Initiative.

Basically, the programs works like this: anyone can stop by one of 9 Green Recycling Stations, look for the hard-to-miss neon green shelves, pick up an empty container from the top shelf and fill it with your used “Plant Based Cooking Oil”. All you have to do then is just bring the container back with your used oil and place it on the bottom shelf. You may also bring your used oil in the original container. The oil is collected by the city, which is then converted into Bio-Diesel Fuel and used in city vehicles reducing the city’s expense for diesel fuel. Already, Panama City has produced hundreds of gallons of bio-diesel fuel. This program benefits everyone by providing an easy way to dispose of used oil while keeping cooking oil out of sewer systems. And the bio-diesel fuel is much better for the environment as it significantly reduces engine exhaust emissions.

After seeing this program in action, my immediate reaction was, “what is the beach doing to conserve energy and move in the green direction?”

As of today, Panama City Beach has but two recycling drop off sites for the entire city; one at Pete Edwards field and another on the West End on San Vincent Street, both of which are surprisingly secluded. Such was the case with Panama City, although they have more recycle stations, but local businesses helped out, allowing the city to use their space for pickup and drop offs.

With as many restaurants as there are on Panama City Beach, having a system like this could greatly benefit the city. In fact, as city budget talks continue, having a bio-diesel fuel program could reduce some expenses at little cost.

If Panama City Beach increases the number of recycle drop offs, say by two, put them in less obscure places and provide incentives like a cooking oil recycling program, people would be more inclined to participate. I know I would.

Panama City Beach can become a much greener place, all that’s needed is a little initiative.

If you are interested in taking your used cooking oil, Panama City dropoff/pickup locations are:

Behind the Old Bay County Library next to City Hall.
Texaco Station Jenks & 23rd St Intersection
Texaco Station Harrison Ave & Hwy 231 Intersection
Texaco Station at the Curve on Thomas Dr. PC Beach
Texaco Station at 1138 Beck Ave in St. Andrews
College Texaco Station on 15th St near G.C.C.C
Bay County Health Department on 11th Street
Rege Helletts Auto Body 2014 W.23rd St
Panama Generator & Alternator on 11th St

City Budget Talks Looming

Panama City Beach officials will meet at city hall for a workshop aimed at framing the budget for 2010. While these are somewhat preliminary workshops, it is apparent that hard economic times, which have disturbed budgets everywhere, will muddle Panama City Beach’s budget as well.

As it stands, draft projections for the 2010 city budget forecast recreation expenditures to increase from $2,563,803 to $3,509,428, nearly $1 million. The new library, which broke ground back in April, will cause library expenditures to increase from $889,010 to $1,675,950. On top of that, law enforcement expenditures will increase from $5,301,011 to $5,888,759 more than $500,000. But the plus side to that is police officers will finally get the upgrade in patrol cars which were delayed last year. And as the economy continues to turn around as well as the completion of the new airport, Panama City Beach tourism should see a significant increase amplifying the need for well-equipped officers.

The city’s contingency fund, by the end of the 2010 fiscal year will take an estimated $2.2 million dip.

These continuing workshops should help city officials stamp out what will be a tough budget to manage.

Did you win 5 tickets to the Rockwell Exhibit?

In promotion of the exhibit at the Visual Arts Center, Kevin Rivoli’s In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America, we’re giving away 20 tickets.  We did a drawing today, and we’re doing one more next week.

There are two ways to win.

  1. Sign up for the newsletter – If you aren’t already signed up for the pcbdaily weekly newsletter, you can sign up now and your name will be entered for a chance to win 5 tickets ($50 value) to see the exhibit.
  2. Fan our Facebook Page – If you are already signed up for the newsletter, “fan” our Facebook Fan Page for a chance to win.  The newsletter drawing will only be from those NEW subscribers, but the Facebook drawing will be from ALL our fans.

Did you win this week?  Watch the video to find out!

Click here for more information on the exhibit.

Our Beach Erosion – 12 Answers to the Latest Project

As part of keeping our beaches the way they are, large and wide, the Tourist Development Council is making an investment that will help sustain the millions in beach renourishment spent in years past and help beautify our white sand.  A huge aid in keeping the sand in place is vegetation and Lisa Armbruster with the Beach Renourishment efforts has a plan to plant our beach with fresh vegetation, and she’s starting this fall.

Q. How much of the beach will receive new vegetation?
A. Nearly all of the beach from Pinnacle Port to St. Andrews State Park (but not including the park) has vegetation proposed. Areas that do not have vegetation proposed are those areas undergoing apparent redevelopment, although if those property owners wish to have vegetation installed, they will be included.

Q. Approximately how many plants will be planted?
A. Approximately 1.5-1.7 million plants.

Q. Will there be plants other than sea oats planted?
A. The bid documents define that 70% of the vegetation will be sea oats, and 15% will be dune panic grass; the other three species suggested are beach elder (5%), sea purslane (5%), and beach morning glory (5%) – although, notably, the bid documents offer that the bidder may propose a substitute for one of the three smaller quantity plants.

Q. What is the expected cost of the entire project?
A. The cost estimate (and I stress estimate) is $1.5 to 2.0 million.

Q. Where will the funds for the project be appropriated from?
A. The funding will come from the Third Cent bed tax (dedicated beach nourishment fund). We also have a state match already secured in a grant, so approximately 28.5% will be paid by the state.

Q. What is the objective, meaning, are there areas that have historical erosion points that this will prevent or reduce the erosion?
A. The planting project will enhance the existing dune system, and in some areas, lack of existing dune system, and over time should help build up dunes along the landward portions of the Panama City Beach beaches; this serves as additional protection from storms to upland structures and infrastructure and complements the beach nourishment activities completed for the beaches.

Q. When will bids go out for the project?
A. End of July or early August.

Q. Who is expecting to bid, meaning, landscape architects?  contractors?
A. The bidders should be capable of handling the work/size of the project.

Q. When is actual work expected to begin?
A. Until we get the bids in, including their proposed schedules, we can’t say for sure. It is expected to start by winter of this year and be complete by early spring.

Q. How long will the work take place?
A. Again, until we see proposed schedules, we don’t know. At this point, the bid documents give the bidder 165 days to complete the work from the time the contract is awarded. A portion of this time will likely be devoted to growing the plants, so folks wouldn’t see work being done on the beach, although the project would be moving forward.

Q. Will there be anything in place to keep beach goers off the new plants?
A. The project includes post and rope fencing along the seaward edge of the planting for the entire length of the project, and includes perpendicular post and rope fencing through the approximately 100 public accesses on the beach. Also, signs will be placed within the planting areas indicating that folks should keep out of the vegetation. This post and rope fencing also speaks a little to your question below regarding aesthetics.

Q. Will the plants be planted in a pattern to help be aesthetically pleasing?
A. The planting pattern has been designed by our coastal engineering firm, Coastal Planning & Engineering, based on the existing topography of the beach; the planting should blend in nicely with the existing beach and vegetation.