Huckabee – Romney's a Big Fat Spender

As droves of people waiting in weaving lines around the interior of Borders Books and Music in Pier Park, Mike Huckabee slowly made his way through “torrential” rain in his tour bus on Highway 98. Adorned with a huge image of himself, Huck’s bus sported his colors of blue and yellow. Team Huck is promoting his new book, Do the Right Thing.

I haven’t actually read the book, but a review I read described that it was more of what not to do, specifically using Mitt Romney’s expensive campaign to non-nomination.

All that perceived profligacy and ineptitude appears to delight Huckabee to no end and few pages in the book pass without a mention of ‘ol Mitt’s mistakes. In fact, Romney appears more in “Do the Right Thing” than any person except Huckabee himself, according to the book’s own index, and about 99.9 percent of Romney’s appearances ain’t pretty, of course. – Jason George

Many came with their already-owned books, many others purchased the book that night. Some were supporters, others still were just there to see a previous (and possible future) presidential candidate.

The buzz was great and the energy high with representatives from all the major local news stations.

Mike was accompanied by two others wearing Team Huck colared shirts that resembled the uniform of a race team.

The book is out, I probably won’t read it, but you can. Do the Right Thing is available at Borders Books and Music.

Enjoy the pictures of the event!

Revenue Enhancement Committee Meeting

Download the agenda here.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 1:00 p.m. Board Room, Visitor
Information Center

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS FROM STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

V. UPDATE ON DESTINATION MARKETING, Mr. Peter Yesawich, YPartnership

VI. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII. ADJOURNMENT

TDC Bed Tax Committee Meeting Agenda for Wednesday

I know, I know, they changed the name to Revenue Enhancement Committee.

Wednesday December 3, 2008, the Revenue Enhancement Committee will meet to further discuss development costs from the strategic plan and get an update on destination marketing from Peter Yesawich from Y partnership.

If you remember from the last Revenue Enhancement Committee, 4 major points were discussed, TDC Marketing and Awareness, Special Events Marketing, Sports Marketing, and Destination Marketing. The estimated costs tagged with everything proposed totaled more than $52 million.

This meeting, I believe we should see a greater explanation into these costs and some greater detail as to what is feasible and what is not.

Download the agenda here.

AGENDA

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 1:00 p.m. Board Room, Visitor
Information Center

I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV. UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS FROM STRATEGIC PLAN, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

V. UPDATE ON DESTINATION MARKETING, Mr. Peter Yesawich, YPartnership

VI. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Black Friday at Pier Park, and cool Rejuvenation Stations

Pier Park Kick-Starts the Official Holiday Shopping Season with EARLY Opening Times, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rejuvenation Stations and more!

Black Friday activities include:

Retailer Offers: Promotional offers from a wide range of retailers will be promoted online at simon.com and at Simon Guest Services locations. The goal is to make consumers aware of the wide range of deals on which they can capitalize this holiday season.
Rejuvenation Stations: Guests at Pier Park can take a break from the action to enjoy a three minute mini-massage provided by Solace Day Spa or Massage Envy, chat with friends, enjoy refreshment or just relax for a few minutes at the Holiday Rejuvenation Stations. The Rejuvenation Stations are located just outside of Solace Day Spa in Town Center and Massage Envy on the Boardwalk. The stations will be available for enjoyment November 28 through December 24.
Special Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: Shoppers won’t want to miss the extravagant and elegant tree-lighting festivities held at Pier Park to launch the holiday season. Mayor Gayle Oberst will light the 20 ft. Christmas tree located in Town Center (across from Old Navy) at 6 p.m. There will be holiday music before and after the lighting.
Santa: The tradition of Santa will continue this season and add to the festive holiday environment.Visit Santa at his holiday home and have your photo taken with St. Nick! Santa photos are located in the Boardwalk area between Smoothie King and Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream.
Parking Convenience: During the holiday season our Pier Park shuttle service sponsored by Baja Grill will be running throughout the property to help shoppers travel across the park and to our parking lots. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of this free service after a long day of shopping!
Gift Wrapping: Drop off your purchases at the Holiday Gift-Wrapping Station, located in Town Center and on the Boardwalk, for professional gift-wrapping service. All proceeds will benefit Arnold High School Athletics. Gift wrapping will be available November 28 through December 21, Thursday through Sunday.
Early Hours: On November 28th Pier Park stores will open at 9 a.m. to allow shoppers an extra hour of shopping time! The following stores will be opening early on November 28, 2008:

12:01 a.m.
- Carters
4 a.m.
- J.C. Penny’s
5 a.m.
- Aeropostale
- Old Navy
5:30 a.m.
- American Eagle
6 a.m.
- Target
7 a.m.
- New York & Co.
- Deja Vu
- Victoria’s Secret
- Yankee Candle
- Nike Factory Store
- Merle Norman Cosmetics
- Bath and Body Works
- Perfumaina
- Ulta Cosmetics
- Coldwater Creek
- Fish Tales
- Accessories on the Boardwalk
- Tatoe Tots
- Chico’s
- Ann Taylor Loft
- Ava Blue Boutique
- No Regrets Stationary & Gifts
- Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
8 a.m.
- Dillard’s
- Hofbrau Beer Garden
- As Seen on T.V.
- Borders
- Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Southern Waters Outfitters
- Polka-Dots Toys & Gifts
- Massage Envy
- BeBo’z
- Shimmering Seas
- Jake at the Beach
- Counts-Oakes Resort Properties
- The Walking Company

Free Movie at The Grande in Pier Park

It’s a Wonderful Life Showing at The Grand Theatre
Film Showing Accompanies Holiday Promotion with Marine Toys for Tots

Panama City Beach, Fla. (November 21, 2008)—The Grand Theatre Pier Park 16 announced it will be showing the classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart in conjunction with the kickoff of their coming holiday promotion called “It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.” The promotion begins November 28, 2008 and will run through December 21, 2008. Joining in the spirit of the season, The Grand is partnering with the local chapter of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. The free showings will take place Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, each at 10:00 a.m. Screenings of this film will be free of charge and open to the public.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Their endeavors were so successful that in 1948 the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots and expanded it into a nationwide campaign in every community where a Marine Reserve Center was located with the objective to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.” In civilian life, Major Bill Hendricks was the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio. This put him in a position to enlist the support of numerous celebrities to promote the efforts of Toys for Tots. Disney designed the original logo and posters. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme composed by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956. Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Tim Allen, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Clint Eastwood, John Glenn, Dean Martin, Billy Ray Cyrus, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart and Ronald Reagan are but a few of the celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote the charitable work of Toys for Tots. In 1983, First Lady Nancy Reagan served as the national spokesperson and First Lady Barbara Bush carried that role in 1992, listing it in her biography as one of her favorite charities.

Southern Theatres, L.L.C. decided to hold this holiday promotion in lieu of their annual Christmas party in New Orleans. George Solomon, Manager of Southern Theatres, L.L.C., said, “In the middle of such tough economic times, we want to give back to the community and offer the same hope found in the message of the film It’s a Wonderful Life. We want to engender a sense of community and belief in the decency of people.” Solomon continued, “This film invites us to remember the truly important and beautiful things in life and that is the sentiment we hope to rekindle by working with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through this promotion ‘It’s a Grand & Wonderful Life.’”

It's a Wonderful Life Playing at the Grande in Pier Park

It’s a Wonderful Life Showing at The Grand Theatre
Film Showing Accompanies Holiday Promotion with Marine Toys for Tots

Seahaven Auction Details

29 Seahaven Condos to be Sold at Absolute Auction on December 13th

For the National Auction Group, one successful project often leads to others. That has been the case in Panama City Beach this year where the company will conduct its third auction on Saturday, December 13th. This one will feature 29 luxurious condominium homes in the Gulf-view Origin at Seahaven community. The auction will be absolute, meaning regardless of price, and bidders will be able to select from 61 condos. The Gadsden, Alabama-based company specializes in the marketing of one-of-a-kind, high-end properties. In two previous Panama City Beach projects this year they sold more than $26 million worth of condos.

The 17-story Origin at Seahaven community is brand new and located near Pier Park. Water views are tantalizing and are close to the most popular beach restaurants, attractions and night spots. All are crafted from the finest materials and with painstaking attention to the smallest details. The wide array of offerings includes studio units as well as spacious one, two and three bedroom units, and one four-bedroom penthouse condo. All have to be seen to fully appreciate.

The Origin tower is one of the first phases of the carefully planned Towne of Seahaven, a 53-acre pedestrian village with 1,400 +/- feet directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Expected facets include hotels, town homes, a town hall and a Main Street marketplace, an events plaza and a water park. In other words, the value of the luxurious condos will surely escalate over the next few years.

All of the condos feature attractive African mahogany two-panel doors; kitchens with Whirlpool appliances, granite and porcelain countertops and custom cabinets; ceiling fans in both the living areas and master bedrooms, and washers and dryers in the two-bedroom and larger units. Included in the purchase are electronics, linens, window treatments, kitchenware, accessories and high speed internet access.

Rental-ready furniture packages are available for purchase.

The list of community amenities is both endless and extraordinarily impressive. Residents and their guests enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, his and her saunas, a theater with stadium seating for 24, a spectacular Zero-Edge swimming pool overlooking the Gulf, a heated and covered spa, observation decks, grilling terraces with built-in commercial grade stainless steel grills and a game room. Origin at Seahaven also features 24-hour security, climate-controlled storage units, high-speed elevators, on-site property management and beautiful tropical landscaping.

“These are truly wonderful condominiums,” said National Auction Group president William Bone. “And being part of the new Towne of Seahaven makes them even more special. This is a remarkable opportunity to bid on spectacular residential fantasies and to purchase an incomparable beach lifestyle.”

These lavish condos are available for viewing daily, by appointment, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 877-636-6550 or 256-547-3434. Bidders will be required to bring $7,500 in personal check, business check or certified funds to bid on the studio units; $10,000 for the one-bedroom units; $12,500 for the two-bedroom condos; $15,000 for the three-bedroom units and $20,000 for the four-bedroom penthouse condos. Closing will be within 30 days. The auction will take place at Origin at Seahaven community which is located at 15100 Front Beach Road.

The National Auction Group (nationalauctiongroup.com), Inc. is the country’s largest seller of private, one-of-a-kind real estate properties such as estates, ranches, farms, commercial properties and recreational facilities. Recognized for its creative and aggressive marketing strategies which are carefully planned, promoted, scheduled and implemented, the National Auction Group’s team of talented professionals is skilled at developing plans of action customized to the needs of each client.

Black Friday? How About Redfish Friday!

As the largest shopping day of the year approaches and the official kick off to the holiday shopping season, Redfish Riviera Outfitters prepares for what they call Redfish Friday.

Friday, November 28th or better known as Black Friday will produce great sales all over the country. In addition, to the great sales, come big crowds at shopping outlets everywhere. Hungry holiday shoppers line outside malls for hours – some at 4:00 AM – to get first shot at these super deals.

Redfish Riviera Outfitters has started its own tradition, as they prepare their anglers and families for what they call, Redfish Friday. For one day only, Redfish Riviera will offer 30% off all of their items online at www.redfishriviera.com. The sale will be from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM only. Be sure to use promotion code: REDFRIDAY at checkout to receive this super discount.

If you are a dedicated redfish angler, know one, just want to be seen with the hottest new fishing apparel around, or you are looking for the greatest deal online, you need to be at www.redfishriviera.com from 6:00 AM to 11:00 Am on Friday, November 28th.

Redfish Riviera Outfitters carries everything from coolers to beach bags, decals, pewter trailer hitch covers & license plates, men’s and women’s apparel, T-shirts, fishing shirts, golf polo’s, sweatshirts, tank tops, hats, visors and more.

Do not miss out on this once a year opportunity! We look forward to helping you out during this shopping season.

Nike Store Opens in Pier Park

Early Bird Specials, Power Hours Shopping Events and Enter to Win Contests Part of Nike’s Grand Opening Events November 21-23

Nike’s newest factory retail location at Pier Park Outlets will open Thursday, November 20 at 9 a.m. Representing the world’s No. 1 athletic brand, the Nike Factory Store offers key assortments in sport inspired and sport applicable footwear, gear and apparel at a great value.

As part of the celebration, Nike will host early bird specials, power hour shopping events and enter to win contests each day for a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

The in store experience is all about celebrating like a champion by providing Nike’s quality performance footwear and apparel at a value price. The store associates assume the role of personal advisor, sounding board and confidante all rolled into one. They will help the consumer select the best product for his or her sport as part of Nike’s “athletes serving athletes” initiative. Several sport categories such as running, training, soccer, basketball and sportswear will be available for men, women and kids at the new Pier Park location, making Nike Factory Store a sports hub for the whole family.

Following the official opening on Thursday, Nike will host grand opening events at the store through Sunday, November 23 all day. Activities will include:

Early Bird Special – Nike will offer a free gift to the first 100 guests each day and a $10 redeemable gift card.
Power Hours Shopping Events – From opening to 1PM each day, shoppers can take advantage of a 30 percent discount off select apparel, footwear and equipment.
Enter to Win – Several lucky shoppers will win a total of $500 in gift cards redeemable in store.

In addition, the Nike Factory Store will celebrate the local community through its “Recognize” program, an initiative that will donate 10 percent of sales on Sunday to a select nonprofit organization.

Florida Home and Condo Sales Up ?24% in September

Florida existing home and condo sales were up in September 24%, the highest year over year increase in almost three years.

A total of 10,817 existing homes sold in the state of Florida in September, that is 2,092 more than sold during September 2007. The last time the state of Florida reported a higher year over year gain was in 2005.

The September sales report from the Florida Association of Realtors shows a 24 percent increase in the sales of existing homes in the state; this represents the sixth month in a row that the sales figure has exceeded its 12-month moving average (average of the previous 12 months). This is a clear sign that the significant price declines that have occurred across the state are leading to a more rapid absorption of the housing inventory.” – Dr. Sean Snaith, economist and director of the University of Central Florida Institute for Economic Competitiveness.

Although the sales are up 24% this year, that increase can largely be attributed to the sharp decline that the housing market suffered at the end of the summer 2007 with the subprime mortgage meltdown. In July of this year, only six more existing homes sold in the state of Florida than did in July 2007.

Florida’s median home price in September was $175,100, down 22% from the same period a year ago, at $224,700. However, September’s median home price is still 10.3% higher than 2003’s number of $158,800.

During the September time period, year over year, existing condo sales experienced an 11% increase, from 2,595 to 2,878. The statewide median condo sales price was $153,800, down from $197,000 in September 2007 or a 22% decrease.

Panama City/Bay County reported 111 total existing home sales for September 2008, down from 117 (5%) homes sold during the same period 2007. Existing condo sales were down 28% September 2008 from 2007, from 67 to 48. The average sold price for Bay Couty was $213,770 in September 2008, down 19% from $264,122 during the same period 2007.

If you take out the top 10 highest priced from both time periods (September 07 and September 08), the average sold price was $193,848 in 2008, down 6.7% from 2007’s number of $207,942.

So, housing prices are still falling, but velocity sales are picking up. I suspect they will continue to pick up, and hopefully that rate will be exponential. As prices continue to fall, more and more people will be able to justify making a purchase.

Source: Florida’s existing home, condo sales increase in September 2008