PCBDaily LIVE VIDEO at Pier Park for New Year's Eve Bash

That’s right, you read correctly. We’re moving on up in this world. We will be broadcasting live from Pier Park in Panama City Beach on New Year’s Eve.

So, if you have nothing else to do but sit in front of your computer on New Year’s Eve, then you can spend it with me at Pier Park. We’ll be doing a live video starting every hour on the hour beginning at 5 pm. Each broadcast will be a minimum of 5 minutes. We’ll have some guests on the show, and we will be video taping all the action.

The first annual New Year’s bash at Pier Park is sponsored by Panama City Beach’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Margaritaville. With live entertainment, dazzling holiday lights, and a fireworks display, this will be the place to be in Panama City Beach on New Year’s Eve.

Starting at 5:30 and going until 8 will be family time. There will be bouncy houses from Beach Bouncers, stilt walkers, live entertainment, face-painters and more. At 9 pm the countdown party will begin with the climax at the Beach Ball drop and a spectacular fireworks display.

Of course I will get the whole event on video, from all around Pier Park.

In order to view the live feeds, go to the TV page. Also on the TV page, I will put up a tentative schedule in the next two days.

Top Stories for 2008 on PCBDAILY.COM

2008 has been a monumental year for us at pcbdaily. We’ve seen super awesome growth, expanded our content base tremendously and have reached out to more people than we had ever expected.

Looking back, the top stories covered good times and bad, with some of the bad times being good for others and some of the good times being bad for some.

4 of the top 10 articles talked about new additions to our area, namely Pier Park and the new Panama City Bay County International Airport (I know, we need a new name, and that will be addressed in 2009).

Walking around the mall, it is sometimes hard to imagine that this time last year, Pier Park’s roads were not even paved yet. Colorful buildings had been erect for some time, but the mall as a whole was still just under 2 months from opening. Looking back, it amazes me how quick somethings get done.

The new airport has hit milestones aplenty during 2008. Just a little over a year ago, the airport groundbreaking ceremony took place. When 2008 rolled in, the airport was caught in a legal battle with the NRDC and the Fiends of PFN.

In what was expected to draw out for months, the case was totally thrown out on January 25th, clearing the Airport Authority for construction immediately. The case was in many instances described as frivolous, and was not taken seriously by the judge. Opponents touted the failure of an affirmative vote in a non-binding referendum vote, but were never able to validate the fairness of the actual vote in regards to it being represented to all those affected.

For the new airport, 2008 brought the site from a stumpy, patchy 4,000 acre site to a cleared, grubbed site that is almost completely brought to grade with terminal parking installed, foundation work for the terminal complete, an asphalt-paved runway with some concrete and funding for a full 10,000 foot runway.

As the economy has plunged during 2008, so have real estate prices. Now, this has been a topic of hot debate on pcbdaily. I’ve oft been blasted by the Realtor community for spreading “bad news” and not “helping” the market by taking part in the media frenzy of negativity. However, the reality is, those that are complaining should be putting that energy into finding buyers because now is a great time to buy real estate.

Plunging prices mean good deals for all buyers. I understand the hesitation and skepticism, but things will not always be this way, and in 10 years, us agents will be doing our homework on baypa.net thinking to ourselves that we should have bought as much as possible back in 2008 and 2009 when prices were so cheap. 3 of the top 10 articles of 2008 were specifically about condo auctions in Panama City Beach. The Palazzo condo auction story took the cake, trailed by the Ocean Reef Auction and the cancelled Marina Landing auction. The Seahaven auction actually made it in the top 15 and is only a few weeks old.

The other 3 articles of the top 10 articles of 2008 on pcbdaily have to do with problems at local condos and the condo market as a whole. Laketown Wharf has been a sore topic for many with the developer being a self-proclaimed Trump with a Drawl – Jerry Wallace.

A largely vacant, 750 condo, elephantine monolith, Laketown Wharf actually had great aspirations, with some possibility of success had it come unto creation mid 2004. With huge swimming pools, a Balagio-style fountain/light show, a 650-seat live performance theatre, 5 restaurants and 1,000’s of square feet of retail space, it was planned to be almost a small town.

With less than 70 closings, it has been largely regarded as a complete and utter failure, but Laketown Wharf yet has a bright future with Corus stepping in. 2009 should bring something good for that development, hopefully.

Anyway, enough – enjoy the articles and looking back on 2008!

10.) Marina Landing Auction – CANCELED

9.) New Airport is on Schedule – Construction Update

8.) 35 Condos Sold at Ocean Reef Auction

7.) Pier Park – Margaritaville Grand Opening in Panama City Beach (video)

6.) Construction Update – New Panama City Bay County International Airport

5.) 50 Palazzo Condos Sold at Auction on Panama City Beach

4.) Problems at Nautilus Cove Condominiums?

3). Panama City Beach Condo Market Analysis After The Palazzo Auction

2.) Pier Park Grand Opening was a Smash Hit

1.) Laketown Wharf Busts, Leaves Developer Crying

Winter Guest SUNCARD = Good Deals for the Snowbirds

Hosted by the Convention and Visitors Bureau, winter residents from Canada, the Midwest, Northeast and other parts of the United States will be treated to complimentary coffee and donuts from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16th. The Visitor Information Center is located at the corner of Hwy 98 and Hwy 79 in Panama City Beach. Additional complimentary coffee & donut days are scheduled for January 30th, February 13th & February 27th.

Starting on Friday, December 19th, Convention and Visitors Bureau personnel were on-hand to issue the official Winter Resident “SunCard” to new winter residents and repeat winter residents during regular business hours, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Panama City Beach winter residents can use their free SunCard throughout the area for value added programs and discounts at participating restaurants, hotels, and other area attractions and events.

“The purpose of this program is to extend a warm welcome to all our winter residents and let them know how much we appreciate them here in Panama City Beach,” stated Dan Rowe, President and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to rolling out the welcome mat on Friday to our seasonal guests.”

The annual SunCard program will run from Dec. 19, 2008 through March 30, 2009.

Participating attractions and retailers are below:

Accommodations

Country Inn & Suites, ph. 850-249-4747
- 10% off rack rates.
Flamingo Motel, ph. 850-234-2232
- A warm smile, a free cup of coffee and a sincere appreciation.
Oaseas Resorts, ph 850-249-0109
- Shores of Panama. 35% of spa services. 850.636.9669 (Advanced appointments required)
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, ph. 850– 563-1000
- 30% off a 3 mo. Membership to The Majestic Beach Resort fitness center.

Dining

Breakers, ph. 850-234-6060
- 10% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol, discount for card bearer, only)
Harpoon Harry’s, ph. 850-234-6060
- 10% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol discount for card bearer, only)
Captain Jack’s, ph. 850-236-8555
- 10% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol, discount for card bearer, only)
Bishops Family Buffett, ph. 850-233-1174
- 10% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol, discount for card bearer, only )
Calypso, ph. 850-234-6788
- 15% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol)
David’s Sno-Balls & Beignets, ph. 850-236-1998
- (New Orleans style ), 15% off
Sandpiper Beacon Tiki Bar, ph. 850-234-2154
- $1 drafts, 4 to 6 pm daily, 2-4-1 drinks
Shuckum’s Oyster Pub, ph. 850-235-3214
- $1 draft, $7.95 Lunch Special, $9.95 Dinner Specials
The Back Porch, ph. 850-233-1750
- 20% off entire check (not valid with any other offers, discounts or specials)
Triple J Steakhouse, ph. 850-233-9514
- 10% off (does not include gratuity or alcohol)

Attractions

Bay Seaplanes & Airboat Tours, ph. 850-234-1532
- 1/2 hr Airboat Tour for group of 4 or more $15pp (Reservation required)
Gulf World Marine Park, ph. 850-234-5271
- 25% off general admission
- 25% off swim with Dolphin & trainer for a day
Hombre Golf Club, ph. 850-234-3673
- $10 off next greens fee (cannot to be combined with any other offer)
Paint ‘N Place, ph. 850-585-4712
- 20% off highest item @ time of purchase
Panama City Beach Aquatic Center, ph. 850-236-2205
- 20 visit passes buy one get one ½ price ($65 value)
Rocket Lanes, ph. 850-249-2695
- Game of bowling $3. Shoe rental $1.50, 7 days a week

Miscellaneous

The News Herald, ph. 850-747-5050
- Subscriptions: 4 weeks for $10, 8 weeks for $20 or 12 weeks for $30.

Commentary – Thinking about the list of discounts. What did you have to do to get on this list. What about pcbdaily? 12 weeks of the newsletter, FREE! What about the Flamingo Motel, “A warm smile, a free cup of coffee and a sincere appreciation.”???? What is that all about? I would be embarrassed to advertise that as my special. Most of the discounts are pretty good, but Captain Jacks isn’t even open again until March. Why are they on this list? Jack has on his marquee C U March. Kudos to Back Porch for offering 20% off entire check without the alcohol stipulation.

First Ever New Year's Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach

Celebrate the start of 2009 with a bounce and a bang at the New Year’s Eve “Beach Ball Drop” in Panama City Beach, Fla. Presented by Margaritaville and hosted by Pier Park, this first annual event rings in the New Year with live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family, including a spectacular fireworks display, amidst dazzling beaches and holiday lights.

Creating its own beachside version of Times Square, Panama City Beach will close the roads of Pier Park for pedestrian traffic only and host a street festival with live music, food, festivities and more. To mark the start of the New Year, a larger-than-life illuminated beach ball will slowly descend from a 120 ft. tower, 12 stories high, at the stroke of midnight.

“The Beach Ball Drop is the first of what promises to become an annual tradition at Pier Park, Northwest Florida’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment venue,” remarks Felicia Cook, Director of Mall Marketing for Simon Property Group. “We are thrilled to play host to this one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve event and look forward to ringing in the New Year in Panama City Beach.”

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with exciting activities for the entire family including live music, food, bounce houses, stilt walkers and face painters and a Florida Lottery “Prize Zone.” The New Year’s Eve countdown celebration starts at 9:00 p.m. with more live entertainment, leading up to the awaited Beach Ball Drop at midnight. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks show over the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

“The New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop provides the perfect opportunity to visit Panama City Beach and become a part of history,” states Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “We welcome locals and visitors alike to join us for a weekend of cheer and celebration as we kick-off 2009 in the world’s most beautiful beach destination.”

City Pier on Schedule

Good news! Construction of the City Pier at Pier Park (also known as the Dan Russell Pier) is on schedule. According to Sheryl Woodcock, with the public works department, the pier is 60% complete.

This is great news for everyone. The pier is beloved by locals because it is a great spot to cast a line and catch cobia, flounder, red fish, pompano, king mackerel (and more), and it is a great tourist attraction. The surrounding Aaron Bessant Park is one of the few areas on Front Beach Road with ample public parking and public access to the beach.

The pier is expected to open to the public in June of 2009.

The concrete pier is the longest pier along the Gulf of Mexico. Businesses at Pier Park will surely benefit from day visitors to the pier, as will area restaurants.

Photos from You – Beach Clouds, Hermit Crabs, and Pier Park

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 Kerry Hulber

Clouds on the Beach

Submitted by Cora Busch

Pier Park for the Holidays

Kids and the Gulls

The Train in Pier Park

Ellen Kilough from the Visual Arts Center of Panama City

Don’t touch my Heine

Submitted by Lori Duncan

Deliciously Clear

Submitted by Jason Koertge

Clusters of Hermits

Herds of Hermits Crabs at Alligator Point, Panama City Beach

Weary of the Hand

Moonlight and Clouds

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

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.