AVP this week – Pro Volleyball on the Beach

This is just a reminder – don’t forget the Crocs Tour this weekend and all the pro volleyball activities behind Sharky’s this week.

To start it all off AVP will launch the first ever Collegiate Beach Challenge tomorrow where college students from across the country will have the chance to participate in a two-day four-on-four beach volleyball tournament. There will be men’s, women’s and coed divisions competing for cash prizes.

The finale of the AVP’s Spring Break in Panama City Beach will come at the end of week three, with the AVP Crocs Tour Panama City Beach Open. In what will serve as the 2009 season-opening event, the AVP Crocs Tour will showcase some of the best beach volleyball players in the world, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. A one-day qualifier will begin on Friday morning followed by a live band in the evening. Men’s and women’s main draw action will start on Saturday morning with the finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

The AVP Crocs Tour event will take place directly behind Sharky’s Beach Front Restaurant & Tiki Bar, located in the heart of Panama City Beach at The Towne of Seahaven. In an attempt to revert back to the sport’s beginnings, six of the courts will be set up in “old school” style. This set-up will include minimal bleacher seating, allowing plenty of room for beachgoers to throw down their towels and fully enjoy the beach party atmosphere of Spring Break.

Spring Break Dying Down – We're Almost There, Hang in there.

springbreak2009

Well, I’ve tried my hardest to remain positive about the Spring Break situation on Panama City Beach, and I’ve done quite a great job, mind you. I will say I’m constantly troubled by the ruckus they cause. For those of you that are for the college spring break promotion, I challenge you to get in the thick of it and spend some time – sober – and your outlook may just change. So far, we’ve had three deaths related to spring breakers, and who knows how many other crimes. Mark Canfora, do you have any solid numbers from this year?

As many of you know, my mother-in-law owns a small rental business on the beach that my wife works for on weekends. Last year, she said it was a ‘poop‘ year; this year she said it was a ‘puke’ year. She was telling me that housekeepers found puke in seemingly random spots throughout condos and townhomes. Thank goodness for damage deposits that cover increased cleaning fees. I just can’t fathom leaving vomit and fecal matter just laying around. I’m not the cleanest person out there, but that is just vile. I was at one of the rentals this morning cleaning up where the breakers from last week just threw their trash wherever they pleased in the general area of the outside trash recepticle. I filled 12 bags full of garbage that was just laying on the ground. Thankfully I didn’t have to see any used condoms. eww.

Well, the big weeks are over. Last week we had a portion of the 2.1 millions kids out on break on our beaches, but this week only 690,000 kids are out on break nationwide. This week our beaches should stay cleaner, our Wal-Mart less filled and the traffic a little calmer. Next week only a third of who’s out on break this week will be celebrating spring break 2009.

Below are a list of schools out on break this week, courtesy of Tripsmarter.com.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

March 23-27, 2009 (Mon-Fri)
College / University	Enrollment
Air Force Academy	4,000
Alliant International University	3,402
Arkansas State University	17,401
Bard College	2,062
Birmingham-Southern College	1,500
Boise State University	18,844
Brown University	8,025
California Institute of Technology	2,086
Calvin College	4,200
Central Connecticut State University	12,315
Cerritos College	24,536
Colorado State University, Boulder	28,000
Columbia College Chicago	11,499
Depaul University	25,500
Eastern Connecticut State University	5,113
Elmhurst College	3,000
Elon University	5,496
Harvard University	19,139
Hudson Valley Community College	12,000
Huntingdon College	800
Idaho State University	13,802
Kent State University	29,227
Lewis & Clark College	3,433
Luther College	2,550
Mount Mercy College	1,490
Oregon State University	19,362
Pacific Lutheran University	3,669
San Jose State	28,932
Southern Arkansas University	3,109
Southern University at Baton Rouge	10,364
Tulane University	10,606
University of Arkansas, Little Rock	12,000
University of California, Berkeley	34,953
University of Central Arkansas	12,619
University of Colorado	28,000
University of Hawaii	50,310
University of Illinois, Chicago	21,914
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign	42,326
University of Missouri-Columbia	28,477
University of Montevallo	3,000
University of North Alabama	7,323
University of Oregon	20,394
University of Rhode Island	19,095
University of San Francisco	8,447
Wellesley College	2,300
Western Connecticut State University	6,001
Wright State University	16,091
TOTAL	691,038

TDC Issues Trash Letter to Industry, City Backs It

As part of the initiative to formalize the actions taken by the TDC during this month’s regularly scheduled board meeting, Dan Rowe, President of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and Marty McDaniel, Chairman of the TDC signed a letter sent out to local tourism industry partner businesses. The letter explains the increase in trash receptacles and asks for support in keeping our beaches clean.

The letter in full:

Dear Tourism Industry Partner:

Expressing its ongoing commitment to the future of Panama City Beach, the Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) adopted a Strategic Plan. That Plan focuses on developing Panama City Beach into a year-round destination, promoting our world-class beaches and enhancing each visitor’s experience. For each of these initiatives outlined in the Plan, we MUST continue to protect and preserve Panama City Beach’s primary natural resource and attraction – the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the sugar-white sands of our shorelines.

To further our ability to beautify, protect and market our beach, last week the TDC Board of Directors took action by earmarking an additional $250,000 to enhance our annual “Keep the Beaches Clean” Campaign. These additional funds will support immediate tactics that address the overwhelming increase of visitors and traffic our beaches experience during the spring and summer months, as well as long term strategies that focus on public awareness and year-round maintenance and upkeep.

Effective immediately, the TDC increased the number of trash receptacles on the beach from 578 to 778 barrels. During Spring Break, an additional 200 barrels were deployed in heavily trafficked areas of the beach. The TDC also authorized our beach maintenance contractor to increase the number of times the beach is raked throughout the year, including the daily raking of impacted areas during Spring Break and immediately following peak holidays. Additionally, the TDC is investigating, and is considering different alternatives for providing biodegradable trash bags at public beach points as part of this campaign.

As important as the TDC’s efforts are, the businesses located on the beachfront share in the responsibility of picking up trash behind their respective places of business. Last week the City Council of the City of Panama City Beach asked us to include with this letter the portion of the current litter prevention ordinance which requires owners along the corridors most travelled by tourists to keep their property free of litter (Chapter 12, Garbage and Trash, Section 12-7). The City has asked us to remind everyone in the City that this Section carries a baseline civil penalty of $250 per day. If you have specific questions about this ordinance, please contact Panama City Beach Code Enforcement.

We strongly encourage each of you to join the TDC in improving, protecting and maintaining the beaches by picking up the trash behind your property. With your support and partnership, we can protect and preserve the unparalleled beauty of Panama City Beach for locals and visitors to enjoy each day of the year.

To read the ordinances, download the full letter with the ordinances included here.

I think this is a good move. Not specifically talking about the $250 mentioned above, but I don’t think the penalty is severe enough for litterers. Growing up in Texas, there were state-wide advertising campaigns encouraging people to put “trash in its place.” “Don’t Mess With Texas,” I think they even commissioned Willie Nelson to write a song and make a music video. In Plano, there were fines of $500 doled out when you threw trash out of your window. It was considered a serious offense, and growing up in that type of environment has distilled in me that littering is wrong. To this day, I don’t even throw as much as a bubble gum wrapper out of my window.

Spring Break is nasty, but this goes way beyond Spring Break. This comes down to keeping our whole area clean, ALL THE TIME. I think this is a step in the right direction with regards to our tourist activities, but the City needs to step up and increase the litter fines and beef up the enforcement. This is a win-win scenario (except for those inconsiderate enough to litter) – the City creates a way to increase revenue, and the community as a whole benefits from a cleaner Panama City Beach. I’m not usually for expanding government in any way, but some times some things are just necesary.

Flo Rida, NERD Rocked the House, Crowd More Tame

After the Lil Wayne show last week organizers came away with valuable experience on how to handle “big” names in our little beach town. I thought it was pretty crazy, but didn’t realize the chaos that was actually unfolding all day – I guess that was one of the reason the media was kicked out. If last week’s show was a cat 3 hurricane, yesterday was a tropical depression. Of course, the turnout wasn’t quite as hefty either. Good show guys, good show.

Unfortunately I was unable to make the finals for the USA Rock Paper Scissors (otherwise known as USARPS) competition, but one lucky (or strategically cunning, ‘eh Matti?) college student walked away with a hefty $20,000 check payable to his college tuition. He’s a mechanical engineering student at Syracuse, so he needs the money. Congratulations “Naco”. More on USARPS later.

NERD rocked the house. The lyrics weren’t exactly kid-friendly, but the music was actually quite awesome. They played with two drummers who were both amazing and refused to shy away at showing off their talent. Being a drummer at heart that hasn’t played in years, I still love a great drum solo. Maybe one day I’ll own a set again.

There weren’t as many in attendance, but I would say that thousands were still there. I think I was the only press allowed in – I feel special.

Encouraged by the performers, the audience practiced copious amounts of crowd surfing and were egged on to create a mash pit. The energy was high and the crowd seemed to jump with every beat. Most everyone was college age, but I saw a few younger and older – some with parents.

As I was heading up to the roof, I asked a friend that works for Boardwalk, “So, where’s Flo’s tour bus,” remembering the craziness getting Lil Wayne from his bus to the stage. “No buses are allowed on property. He was escorted in earlier quietly to prevent pandemonium.” I asked where he was, her reply: “I can’t even tell you, Jason.” I thought I was special.

Flo Rida was on time, right on time, actually. Of course, I think his maturity as a performer was evident. He was professional at getting the crowd hyped often joining the crowd at their level and at one point offering to give away his diamond cross necklace, “. . . diamonds are a lady’s best friend,” he said. I didn’t see him actually give the necklace away, I’m sure that would have been greatly discouraged as it was probably worth tens of thousands of dollars. I think we would have surely seen a mash pit then.

On this particular sunny day, the sand was warm, and the water was warmer than last week, although it was still a brisk 68 degrees. But, the air temp was close to 80, but in the sweaty crowd, it felt like 90.

I took a couple hundred pictures, here are the best 40-something. If you aren’t following us on Twitter, you missed some great live updates. Follow us now so you can keep up with all the live action in the future. Plus, you can keep up with what we are doing throughout the day and be notified of new posts.

New Group Calls Emergency Public Meeting to Discuss PCB Safety Issues

Families & Friends 4 A Safe Panama City Beach is organizing an emergency community meeting of concerned citizens, businesses, churches, civic organizations and others to discuss several topics. At the top of the agenda is the ongoing tragedies of College/Student Spring Break, the TDC and other issues effecting the image and safety of our community and visitors. Please Read the following letter from PCB resident and ministry leader Mark Canfora-one of the founders of this concerned citizens group:

This is a request for prayer and action. Children are being hurt severely and many have died.

We are announcing a community meeting (awaiting confirmation) at Arnold High School Monday- 03/30/09 at 7 p.m.in the Auditorium in Panama City Beach (which is less than two weeks before the 4/11/09 festival @ Pier Park Amphitheater)

We will gather to discuss the festival and the 20-year tragic history of PCB college/student spring break. We will come together as a community to say No More!

A group – Families & Friends 4 A Safe Panama City Beach – has been formed and we ask you to get involved, attend and share this message with friends and family if possible.

Please reach out to your sphere of influence and contacts and relay this message. As a community of believers, families and concerned citizens we are organizing an effort to stop this annual abuse and insanity as we gather in hope, unity, prayer and action to put an end to this horrible and tragic situation.

Over the past 20 years (Police/Hospital/Sheriff records – 9 years obtained – year 2000) there have been many tragedies in excess of 50 deaths (murders, pedestrian, drowning, falls, auto) thousands of rapes and sexual assaults and nearly 50,000 of police reported crimes/incidences.
Financially: millions of dollars in property damage, litter control, and police, EMS and fire costs.

This year in the first two weeks (4 weeks remaining) of spring break alone…there has been a shooting, a knifing, and an estimated 30 plus sexual assaults, rapes, etc. and countless other police actions and involvement.

My Pastor, Greg Aldridge/Cornerstone Family Fellowship/Panama City and his wife, found a girl one morning last week in the Baypoint residential area, stumbling along the road (in a date-rape drug and or alcohol induced daze). She was partially clothed with a blanket wrapped around her. She was dumped there after she was apparently sexually assaulted by one or many abusers.

Below Are Several of Many Thousand PCB Spring Break Tragedies

Police Officer Kight Murdered Easter Sunday 2005

2009 Several Drugged & Raped

2009 Student Shot

2008/2009…18 Yr. Old Raped/Thrown From Building/Man gets 30 Years

http://www.newsherald.com for other recent/current stories, accidents/deaths/injuries.

Please Attend the Public Meeting: Arnold High School March 30, 2009 7:00 p.m.

Also:
Please Join us at Pier Park Amphitheater for a free Celebration of Life & Family Festival
Saturday April 11, 2009 from 1-9 p.m. http://www.markcanforaministries.com/festival09/

Families & Friends 4 A Safe Panama City Beach
Mark Canfora Ministries
http://www.IveGotHope.com

Spring Break Really Picks up This Week

_mg_7560wtmk

Yesterday, amid overcast skies, fog and overall crumby weather, spring breakers partied in droves on the beaches of Panama City Beach. Drinking from hollow, plastic baseball bats, followed by spinning around in a circle ten times with the butt of the bat against your head, facing down, then challenged with hitting the empty can the beer originally came from ensures quick vomiting on our beaches.

I don’t typcially work on Sunday’s, but yesterday I wanted to capture the stunt act of the Red Bull Aerobatics Helicopter. My labors were in vain as the performance was delayed and still hadn’t happened behind Spinaker’s when I finally gave up at 2:30 pm.

This week is the largest spring break week of the season with approximately 2.1 million kids out on spring break across the country. Compared to last week’s 1.8 million, this week is expected to pick up a little. I’ll be quite interested to talk to hotelliers, etc. at the end of the season to see how the occupancy numbers faired. I’m sure it will be similar to the Country Crock analagy I gave last year.

If the plugin still isn’t working, here is the link to the pix.

Below is a list of the colleges on spring break this week, again, courtesy of TripSmarter.com:

March 16-20, 2009 (Mon-Fri)
College / University	Enrollment
Adams State College	2,308
Auburn University	24,137
Austin College	1,291
Brevard Community College	14,616
Brock University	14,443
California College of the Arts	1,670
California State University, Chico	14,500
Canisius College	4,857
Carthage College	2,930
Central Missouri State University	10,711
Claremont Mckenna College	1,135
Clemson University	17,409
Cleveland State University	15,706
Colgate University	2,750
Colorado State University, Fort Collins	26,884
Columbia University	24,820
Concordia University, Austin	1,400
Concordia University, Wisconsin	5,600
Cornell University	19,800
Delta State University	4,392
Des Moines Area Community College	27,000
Drake University	5,221
Earlham College	1,194
Eastern Illinois University	11,651
Edgewood College	2,500
Fairleigh Dickinson University	8,000
Florida College	600
Florida International University	38,614
Fordham University	16,009
Fort Hays State University	8,500
George Washington University	24,531
Georgia Southern University	16,841
Georgia Tech	18,747
Grambling State University	4,999
Grinnell College	1,555
Harvey Mudd College	746
Humboldt State University	7,773
Indiana University, Purdue	29,854
Indiana University of Bloomington	38,990
Iowa State University	26,160
Jackson State University	8,351
Jacksonville State University	9,000
John Hopkins University	15,000
Kansas State University	23,332
Keene State College	6,400
Lafayette College	2,403
Lakeland College	3,999
Lipscomb University	2,744
Madison Area Technical School	20,461
Manhattan College	3,000
Meharry Medical College	723
Montana State University	12,250
Morgan State University	1,221
Mount Holyoke College	2,100
Naval Academy	4,400
New York University	40,870
Northwest College	1,800
Ocean County College	9,351
Pitzer College	950
Pomona College	1,548
Princeton University	6,898
Purdue University	39,228
Rider University	5,790
Rutgers University at New Jersey, Camden	51,480
Rutgers University at New Jersey, Newark	10,246
Rutgers University at New Jersey	34,392
Saint Clair College	6,500
Samford University	4,400
Santa Fe Community College	14,500
Savannah State University	3,169
Scripps College	899
South Dakota State University	10,566
Texas A&M, Corpus Christi	8,355
Texas A&M	46,540
Texas Tech University	28,260
Towson University	18,921
University of Alabama, Birmingham	16,246
University of Alabama, Huntsville	7,100
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa	25,580
University of Alaska Southeast	2,800
University of Arizona	36,805
University of Arkansas	18,647
University of Central Oklahoma	15,753
University of Denver	11,117
University of Hartford	6,225
University of Houston	35,344
University of Idaho	11,251
University of Iowa	30,409
University of Kansas	29,260
University of Kentucky	27,209
University of Lethbridge	8,001
University of Maryland	36,014
University of Maryland Eastern Shore	3,297
University of Massachusetts	60,000
University of Miami	15,449
University of Minnesota	50,402
University of Mississippi	17,323
University of Nebraska	22,973
University of New Hampshire	13,547
University of New Haven	4,480
University of New Mexico	24,092
University of North Florida	15,619
University of North Texas	34,268
University of Northern Colorado	12,981
University of Northern Iowa	14,207
University of Oklahoma	29,721
University of South Alabama	14,003
University of South Florida	34,036
University of Southern California	33,389
University of Southern Mississippi	16,050
University of Tennessee	26,400
University of Texas, Austin	49,696
University of Texas, Dallas	14,480
University of Texas, Pan American	17,048
University of Texas, San Antonio	28,534
University of Texas, Tyler	6,150
University of Tulsa	4,165
University of Utah	29,192
University of West Georgia	10,677
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse	10,052
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee	28,356
University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh	12,409
University of Wisconsin, Parkside	4,999
University of Wisconsin, Platteville	6,431
University of Wisconsin, River Falls	5,950
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point	8,552
University of Wisconsin, Stout	8,416
University of Wyoming	13,301
Utah Valley State College	23,750
Valdosta State University	11,280
Vanderbilt University	11,847
Virginia Commonwealth University	31,907
Washington State University	24,396
Western Illinois University	13,600
Wichita State University	14,298
Wilson College	868
TOTAL	2,130,258

Panama City Beach Spring Break more Family Friendly than Ever

Spring Break 2009 on Panama City Beach will be more family friendly with regards to outgoing marketing efforts than it has been in several years, if ever. This year, there is a greater emphasis on attracting families to our destination and activities planned reflect trying to cater to this market.

Each year tens of thousands of spring breakers descend on our beaches to enjoy great weather, shopping and tons of activities that our area’s businesses put on for this highly consumptive crowd. This business is essential to the primary industry in our area, tourism. Local businesses depend on this to jump start their revenue for the year. It has been argued in the past that families have greater spending potential than college kids, therefore have a greater capability in pumping money into our local economy. I totally agree with this, but I don’t agree that we can just shut down college spring break and expect the families to just show up.

This process must be gradual and will take time, but the effects will be lasting. Starting this year, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau is spending money on marketing to the family demographic. In the next three years, we’ll see this category trend in the same direction that will ultimately lead to a family friendly destination where parents will feel safe bring their kids to the beach again. Now, that’s not to say that we won’t see college kids doing keg stands on the beach any more, but the level of occurrence will be less.

With the growth and fertilization of Pier Park, finally families actually have something to do here in Panama City Beach. In addition, activities are springing up left and right, with the help and creativity of the CVB’s staff. I frequently receive emails from Susan Estler, Director of Marketing for the Panama City Beach’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau of great ides that they are coming up with to help tell the nation about our area. They are moving in the right direction with momentum picking up each week.

Two weeks ago, Daytime, a show geared towards daily lifestyles and entertainment content was in Panama City Beach for a long weekend experiencing everything from para-sailing to shopping and dining in our area. With cameras in tow they braved the chilly weather with one of their main hosts, Cyndi Edwards. Aired on their network will be five 3-5 minute segments that will serve as an expose of what makes Panama City Beach a great place to vacation.

Also new this year is an expansive campaign with Southern Living including an online sweepstakes driving families to our shores, weekly radio “Beach Report” on stations throughout the southeast and a series of family Focus Concerts at Aaron Bessant Park (tentative right now, but should have more details soon).

Should We 'Kick' MTV 'to the curb'?

Well, should we? It would seem to me that we aren’t good enough for them. Maybe we should take our $250k (read $200k) and do something more productive with it, rather than waste it on some antediluvian has-been. I mean, seriously, who watches MTV anymore anyway. Sure, all the left-wing east west coasters that are too concerned about the color of their hair than what is actually happening in the real world may still watch it but the ‘kids’ that vacation here during their college spring break spend their free time working, partying, or hanging out with friends, not watching the melodrama unfold between Paris Hilton and her new BFF.

Not to mention that we aren’t even talking about MTV, we are taking about MTVu, a trifle subsidiary of the Bid Dawg. Sure it is college specific, but again, what does that mean today?

So what are these snobs up to now? Well, the last marketing committee meeting, the committee motioned to reduce the amount paid to MTVu from $250k to $200k. When confronted with this issue, MTVu basically cut what they were willing to bring to the table in half.

As per the MTVu Program Recap, the $250k vs. $200k:

In-market, main stage for 5 days instead of 10
Village for 7 days instead of 10
2 concert days with 4 performances instead of 4 concert days with 8 performances
225 :30 TV spots instead of 300
5 million online impressions instead of 10 million
No database
No sweepstakes
No opt-in opportunity onsite

What? They’re basically cutting their offering in half, for only $50,000 less. What’s their deal? Well, apparently, we aren’t good enough for them. Apparently $200k is small potatoes for very little on their part. I say we ditch the Brand and do it ourselves. For $200k, we can hire someone else to put on a good show and do a lot of marketing, a-lot-of-marketing. MTVu isn’t the only game in town.

I don’t like to criticize unless I have a good solution, but in this case, I’m doing just that. There are others being paid to find a solution to this, and they’ve come up with MTVu. I suggest we find an alternative. The reality is, if we throw a big enough party (and for $200k, we can throw a pretty big party) MTV will be here anyway, because that is where the action will be.

Now, to you tourism leaders, resort owners and the like: what are you afraid of? What happened to good ‘ol fashioned marketing. Most of you big guys are paying a salaried marketing person to come up with great ideas to get your brand out there. Why have we become so reliant on the Government to supply us with our business? Furthermore, the sky will not fall if the beloved MTVu brand turns their pink nose up at us. The reality is that college kids still love to come here, others can organize huge shows to keep the crowds busy and the party will still be in Panama City Beach during Spring Break 2009.

Notes from the March 20, 2008 TDC/CVB Marketing Committee Meeting

Only 7 of the 11 members were present. Absent were Philip Griffits, Jr., John Hamati, Bill Spann, and Debi Knight.

2009 COLLEGE SPRING BREAK MARKETING CAMPAIGN

President Dan Rowe explained that he would like the Committee and Board to begin discussing their plans, if any, for this segment ahead of the upcoming budget process. Rowe also reported that he has had discussions with the CVB’s agency about completing additional research to determine what the year-round effect is of our spring break image. Image concerns were also expressed by a majority of the committee members present. Although no formal vote took place, the majority of the committee expressed an interest in either discontinuing funding completely or at least changing it to special event funding. If changed to special event funding, the CVB would only consider providing financial support after an organization or co-op made a formal request for financial support.

Click the “more” link for the others points covered in the meeting.

Continue reading “Notes from the March 20, 2008 TDC/CVB Marketing Committee Meeting” →