things to do guide - Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce 

your connection to the beach 

Shopping 

& THINGS TO DO GUIDE 

MEMBER NEWS 

AROUND TOWN 

GRAND OPENINGS 

CALENDAR OF 

EVENTS 

PRSRT STD 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

PERMIT NO 50 

PANAMA CITY FL 

May/June 2007 Vol 2 Issue 3 

www.pcbeach.org

2 The Circuit May/June 2007

The Circuit May/June 2007 3


MEMBER NEWS 

AROUND TOWN 



c h a i r m a n ‘ s r e p o r t 

David Powell 

January/February 2007 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

MEET YOUR 2007 LEADERSHIP TEAM 

Chamber’s Annual Report 

“Panama City Beach... 

We Make Memories” 

Vol 2 Issue 1 

www.pcbeach.org 



dining out 

IN PANAMA CITY BEACH 

March/April 2007 Vol 2 Issue 2 

MEMBER NEWS 

AROUND TOWN 


CALENDAR OF 

EVENTS 

Panama City 

Beach Is 

Looking at 

You! 

Advertise your business 

in The Circuit. 

2007 Spotlight 

Schedule: 

Don’t Miss 

BUSINESS EXPO 

Tuesday, April 24th 

at Boardwalk Beach Resort 

www.pcbeach.org 

JAN/FEB 

Chamber’s Annual Report 

MAR/APR 

Special Restaurant Guide 

MAY/JUN 

Shopping & Things To Do 

Guide 

JUL/AUG 

Resorts & Real Estate 

SEP/OCT 

Health & Wellness 

NOV/DEC 

Marketing Our Destination 

Call Skip Alford for 

rates and information 

at (850) 814-4292. 

How about that Business Expo? When I first 

heard that the theme was “Superheroes” 

I had some concerns. What in the world 

would I dress as? If you were one of the lucky (or 

unlucky) ones to see my costume in person, I’m sure 

you will attest to the fact that it was 

truly a sight to behold. Thanks to the 

hard work of the Chamber staff, the 

Special Events Committee and the 

folks at the Boardwalk Beach Resort, 

we had the best Expo yet. Not only 

was it an opportunity to see some 

rather interesting costumes, it was 

an opportunity to visit with over 90 

Chamber member businesses, see their products and 

meet their employees. I’m already looking forward 

to next year, although I am hoping not to ever have to 

wear that costume again… 

Your Chamber committees have been busy over the 

past several weeks. The Building Committee has 

been working on plans for a new 12,000 square foot 

Chamber facility. The committee is gathering bids 

on the cost, and should be able to provide more details 

in our next publication. The Hospitality Training 

committee had a planning retreat to discuss its 

mission and ideas about a curriculum for a program 

specifically designed to make visitors’ experiences 

p r e s i d e n t ‘ s r e p o r t 

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue on 

Shopping & Things To Do. This guide is 

designed for vacationers, 

businesses and residents. Many 

new retail stores and restaurants are 

opening every week and we are proud 

to share them with you in this issue. 

Your City and County officials are 

working hard to make Panama City 

Beach and Bay County the best place 

to invest, work and play. The City’s 

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) broke ground 

during the month of April, starting with Churchwell Rd. 

The features that will be added include underground 

utilities, sidewalks, bike paths and lush landscape. 

On April 4th, a Northwest Regional Airport Workshop 

was held at Edgewater Beach Resort. Over 140 

here great. The Attractions and Entertainment Sites 

Committee is making plans to market some sites to 

some specific companies over the next few months. 

The CRA Support Committee has made plans to help 

educate the community about the facts regarding 

how the CRA works and what it’s 

for. The Chamber supports this 

effort, and believes the CRA will 

not only help provide better access 

to and from Front Beach Road, but 

enhance the experience our visitors 

have while here, by making it easier 

to get around as well as be more 

aesthetically appealing. Finally, 

I want to thank our Ambassadors. With several 

groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings each week, these 

folks are the face of the Chamber to new businesses in 

our community, and I applaud their efforts. 

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who attends 

our Friday at the Beach breakfast, our Business 

After Hours, and the various other events we have 

each month. I would encourage those that have not 

participated in a while, or new members that are 

not sure what to do, to get involved with us. Your 

Chamber is here for you. If you have questions, feel 

free to call me and discuss ways the Chamber can 

help you and your business. 

Debi Knight 

attendees from 10 counties representing Chambers of 

Commerce, Tourist Development Councils, Economic 

Development Councils and business 

leaders, talked about regional 

awareness and marketing. At the 

end of the workshop, attendees were 

asked to sign up for a specific “Task 

Force” regarding Marketing and 

Branding, Economic Development 

and Air Service Recruitment. We 

will keep you posted with updates 

and how you can become involved. 

The Chamber will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary 

on Friday, June 22nd at the Bay Point Marriott 

Resort. The Chamber will also have an unveiling 

of a rendering of the new Chamber of Commerce 

Building and Welcome Center. Save the date – we 

look forward to seeing you there. 




2007 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Chairman of the Board 

David Powell, 

Peoples First Community Bank 

Past Chairman 

Russ Smith, 

Towne of Seahaven 

Incoming Chairman 

Al McCambry, Knology 

Treasurer 

Rick Dye, AmSouth/Regions Bank 

Secretary 

Philip Griffitts, Jr., 

Sugar Sands Beach Resort 

EDC Chairman 

Deborah Hunt, 

Peoples First Community Bank 

Legal Council 

Steven L. Applebaum 

The Board 

Mike Abney, Real Estate Broker 

Connie Ballinger, Sterling Realty 

Carol Bell, ID’s and More 

Karen Blackerby, Magnum Capital 

Brenda Buschmann, 

Grand Panama Resort 

Robert Carroll, 

McNeil Carroll Engineering 

Mack Carter, 

Shuckum’s Oyster Pub 

Anthony Dubose, 

Coastal Community Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Wes Grant, Travelodge 

John Hamati, 

Marriott’s Bay Point Resort 

Fritz Hoehne, Comcast Cable 

Lewis Howell, 

The St. Joe Company 

Terri Hugghins, Vision Bank 

Cody Khan, Holiday Inn Sunspree 

Lee Ann Leonard, 

By The Sea Resorts 

Crystal Martinez, 

Kilgore’s Karpet & Ceramic Tile 

Doreen Morgan, 

Century 21 Commander Realty 

Gayle Oberst, CFT Pyramid 

Lisa Powell, Hombre Golf Club 

Bill Sherr, Labor Ready 

Skip Stoltz, 

Countrywide Home Loans 

Bob Zamboni, 

Zeebest McDonald’s 

6 The Circuit May/June 2007 


M A Y / J U N E 2 0 0 7 

CONTENTS 

Features 

11 Shopping & Things To Do 

Making The Circuit 

8 Banking Center 

8 Real Estate Corner 

25 Health & Wellness 

32 Art & Culture 

33 Dining Out 

36 Biz Spotlight 

Events 

6 Chamber’s 20th Anniversary Gala 

31 Leads Group 

35 Friday at the Beach 

37 Calendar of Events 

37 Legislative Luncheon 

37 After Hours 

CHAMBER OFFICERS 

Membership 

30 Member News 

38 Membership Report 

38 New and Renewing Members 

Around Town 

41 Community Update 

41 Local Government Update 

42 Navy News 

42 Gulf Coast Workforce Board 

In Every Issue 

4 Chairman’s Report 

4 President’s Report 

34 A Few Minutes With... 

38 Ambassadors Report 

39 Grand Openings 


415 Beckrich Rd., Suite 200, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 

Phone: (850) 235-1159 Fax: (850) 235-2301 

Online: www.pcbeach.org 

EDITORIAL STAFF 

President/CEO Debi Knight Editor Marta Rose 

Senior VP Marketing & PR Marta Rose Creative Director Marta Rose 

Executive Asst. / Office Mgr. Beth Oltman Advertising Sales Skip Alford; Beth Oltman 

VP Membership Services Tom Mixon Production Boyd Brothers Printing 

VP Membership Services Skip Alford Distribution Allegra Print & Imaging; 

VP Relocation Jessica Summers Chamber Ambassador Team 

Membership Accounting Mgr. Jena Kimmel Contributing Pat Sabiston, Mayor Gayle 

VP Hospitality Services Bertie Reynolds Writers Oberst, Kira Burdeshaw, 

Receptionist Joyce Kidd Bert Howell, Dr. Kimberly 

Volunteer Gloria Mallory Moskowitz, Kimberly 

Bodine, Capt. Hal Harbeson 

On Friday, June 22, 2007 


Celebrates its 20th Anniversary! 

Please Save The Date For 

A Special Anniversary Gala 

at the 

Bay Point Marriott Resort 

Stay tuned for further details. 

Cover photo of Posh at La Vela, by Paul Winterman.

The Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida 

May 25 thru September 3, 2007 

www.edgewaterbeachresort.com 

www.marriottbaypoint.com 

19 EAST 4TH STREET 

PANAMA CITY, FL 32401 

The Circuit May/June 2007 7 

769-4451

Corner 

Banking Center 

Your Local Hometown Bank 

With Your Local Homtown 

Bankers. 

Remember when? Most of us here at First National Bank Northwest 

Florida do! Your local hometown bank is staffed with “your family” 

of local hometown bankers. An average of over 75% of our employees 

have lived here more than thirty years and twenty-five percent of our employees 

were born here in Bay County. More than half of “your family” started 

elementary school, and went on to attend college, here in Panama City. 

For 23 years, we have been serving our local community with a stable, 

conservative approach to banking. We do not strive to be the biggest, just 

the best at what we do, a full 

service commercial bank. 

Your family at First National 

Bank Northwest Florida is 

committed to our community. 

Thirty-six different organizations 

have benefited from 

our volunteer efforts. We are 

your local bankers in your 

local neighborhood. We were 

raised here, we have raised 

our children here, and our children are raising their children here. 

We are committed to providing exceptional customer service. That is why 

you will never get lost 

in the voice-mail shuffle 

when you call. You will 

always speak with a real 

person, not machines. 

Our officers have been 

with us an average of 

thirteen years and in 

banking an average of 

From left, Ashley Dacosta, Gerda Beck, Tricia 

Hahn, Deanna Richardson and Debbie Knowlton. 


twenty-nine years. We 

are locally owned and 

operated and our home is 

here in Panama City, decisions are made here and you will never have to wait 

on an out-of-town answer. 

At your local hometown bank you are part of our family. You will never be just 

a number. Your banking family will make your loan fit you, not make you fit 

your loan. Stop by and see us 

at 12501 Hutchison Boulevard 

or 101 East 23rd Street...the 

Welcome mat is out and the 

coffee is on! 

Real Estate 

We Strive To Exceed Our 

Customers’ Expectations 

Prudential Shimmering Sands Realty was established as a fullservice 

real estate company in 1994. The company has been 

solely owned and operated by Dennis and Dana Dunnigan 

since that date. We have four locations in Bay County: Panama 

City Beach Parkway, Hwy. 79, 23rd St. and Tyndall Parkway. All 

of our 130 Realtors are members of the National, State and Bay 

County Association of REALTORS®. These trade associations 

exercise oversight of real estate practices, standards and conduct 

among its members, and we believe in and abide by the Realtor 

Code of Ethics. We have several company representatives in 

leadership positions with the Bay County Association of Realtors, 

including the 2007 President. 

In just a few short years, Shimmering Sands grew into Bay 

County’s largest real estate firm with over 700 residential and 

commercial property listings in addition to over 450 long term 

rentals. We service both residential and commercial/development 

markets in Bay, Walton and Washington Counties. Our focus has 

always been and will continue to be our customers and clients, and 

their needs. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations! 

Three of our Realtors have been voted “Realtor Citizen of the 

Year” for their contributions toward the community. We have also 

had a REALTOR awarded Honorable Mention in the National 

Association of REALTOR’S Good Neighbor Awards for efforts in 

helping Hurricane Katrina Victims and those in need around our 

community. Dana Dunnigan, our founder and owner, has been 

honored with having received the distinguished award of “Realtor 

of the Year” on three occasions. Our company also proudly 

donates to the Panama City Rescue Mission on a regular basis, 

and we support Sunshine Kids. We look forward to assisting you 

with all your real estate needs!

A typical reaction to Royal American Hospitality! Why so much joy? For starters, we offer the area’s 

most complete services to our owners and guests. And with the addition of Resort Association 

Management, no other management company invests as much in sales, advertising, internet, 

marketing, technology and service to keep your investment profitable. In addition, Royal American 

Hospitality is the only area company to offer full maid service on each of its units... every day. 

This extra service significantly increases guest satisfaction and reduces wear and tear. So join in 

the celebration by finding out how our complete turnkey programs can maximize your investment. 

Contact us today! 

• Complete rental management - Accounting, Marketing, DAILY housekeeping 

• 24/7 services including: Reservations, Maintenance, Housekeeping 

and Management available to service rental guests and owners 

• Property Management including 24/7 Front Desk, Housekeeping, 

Maintenance, HOA Management and Accounting 

• Online owner reservations and access to accounts 

• Incentives offered for HOA Management contracts 

9400 South Thomas Drive • Panama City Beach, Florida • (850) 230-4646 • www.RAHospitality.com 

At Peoples First, we give you the expert, personal attention available only from a team of dedicated 

professionals committed to serving you. 

the commitment to meeting your unique 

Our products and services further speak to 

financial needs. Stop by or call us today. 

We stand ready to serve you. 

The best bank in the neighborhood. 

9001 Front Beach Road 

and locations 

throughout Bay County. 

770-7000 

www.peoplesfirst.com 


GRAND PANAMA RESORT 

Hutchison Boulevard, Panama City Beach 

Another 

Broken Egg 

Cafe 

When it comes to breakfast or lunch, we offer 

a totally egg-ceptional experience! 

Great Food… Affordable Prices 

Warm & Inviting Atmosphere 

(850) 249-2007 

Sunday Brunch 11am to 2pm 

Casual Fine Dining 

Open 4pm Daily 

13528 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407 

(850) 249-WINE or (850) 249-BEER 

* Full seafood menu 

* Perfect for business lunches 

* Catering for groups of all sizes 

* Office parties & celebrations 

850-235-3214 

15614 Front Beach Rd, exit G off PC Beach Pkwy. 

www.shuckums.com Panama City Beach, FL 


S H O P P I N G 

AND THINGS TO DO 

in Panama City Beach 

The following 18 pages 

cover the“where to go 

and what to do” 

in Panama City Beach 

and the surrounding areas. 

Use this guide as your roadmap 

to finding what you love, 

or exploring something new. 

Enjoy! 

Art & Culture................12 

Music............................13 

Nature..........................14 

Rainy Days...................15 

Beach...........................16 

Historic........................19 

Shopping......................20 

The Institutions..........23 

Health & Body..............24 

Golf...............................27 

Evening........................28 

The businesses featured in this special section are only a sample of the many shopping opportunities and “things to do” 

in Panama City Beach. For a larger selection please visit the Chamber’s Business Directory online at www.pcbeach.org. 


BREWED AWAKENINGS 

JOEYS JAVA JUICE 

Joey Purvis came to Panama 

City Beach from Washington DC 

three-and-a-half years ago when 

his wife Lindsay, a psychologist 

and captain in the Air Force, was 

transferred to Tyndall. Opening Joeys Java Juice “was something I had 

always wanted to do,” says Joey. “I thought combining a juice bar with a 

coffee bar was a great idea.” 

Joey buys his java from one of the top three coffee roasters in the country, 

Counter Culture Coffee in North Carolina, where 90% is organic and 

Joeys Java Juice has an atmosphere 

that just makes you want 

to hang out. It’s a place where 

you can come in, and it’s the 

coolest thing you do all day. 

deliveries are fresh-roasted 

every week. “No one can 

touch that,” claims Joey. 

His smoothies are made 

from real fruit, real juice 

and contain no added powders 

or sugars. Try fresh 

carrot juice or wheat grass 

from the juice bar, or a pot 

of freshly-brewed whole leaf tea. The bagels are delivered daily from 

The Bagel Maker; all pastries are baked fresh in-house every morning. 

Joey’s authentic Italian Panini’s are divine, served on fresh Ciabatta bread 

and made with Boar’s Head meats. His soups are equally heavenly. 

A rotating art collection adorns Joey’s walls, managed by gallery owner 

Chris Merrium of The Gallery Above. All art is for sale; stay tuned 

for future openings and exhibitions. Joeys is located at 11560 Panama 

City Beach Parkway (at the Home Depot Shopping Center), and is open 

from 6am to 10pm daily; 7am to 7pm on Sundays. 

SHOPPING AND THINGS TO DO 

Art & Culture 

TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT 

EXHIBITION 

On a calm April night in 1912, 

the world’s largest ship, the Titanic, 

sank after colliding with an 

iceberg on her maiden voyage. 

On board were 2,228 passengers, 

more than 1,500 of whom died. 

The Titanic Artifacts Exhibition 

will be showcased at the Visual Arts Center in Panama City from May 

25th through September 3rd. 

This exciting, emotional and poignant exhibit will take visitors back 

to the Edwardian era with a view of the grandeur, finery and sense of 

awe of the times. Each visitor will receive a replica boarding pass of 

an actual passenger upon entrance. The journey will include many 

passenger stories, and will showcase more than 125 specially-selected 

artifacts and treasures. For more information go to www.vac.org or 

call the Visual Arts Center at (850) 769-4451. 

PAUL BRENT GALLERY 

Visit our beautiful, twostory, 

Paul Brent Gallery in 

historic downtown Panama 

City. This is the home gallery 

and studio of internationally-recognized 

artist, 

Paul Brent, who is famous 

for his depictions of coastal 

life. Find original watercolors 

and oils by Paul as well 

as prints, posters and artist 

designed gifts for the home. 

Paul and his staff work with over 70 manufacturers to create gifts, 

handbags and t-shirts that you will be thrilled to give and décor 

that you will love to have in your home or office. The gallery also 

exhibits fine crafts and sculpture by national, regional and local artists 

presenting handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, metal sculpture, and 

blown glass. You will not be disappointed with your visit to this 

beautiful gallery! Gallery hours are 8-5 Mon.–Fri.; 9-5 Sat. 413 W. 

5th St. in Panama City. (850) 785-2684; www.paulbrent.com. 

BAY ARTS ALLIANCE 

www.bayarts.org 

Summer is here, school is out 

and vacation season is officially 

upon us. Many will strike out on the annual family trip across 

America to seek out great adventure, culture and family fun. But, with 

the price of gas on the rise, who can afford to make the cross-country 

trek? Now, more than ever, is a great time to discover your own local 

arts and culture adventures. 

A great way for kids to beat the “summertime blues” is to attend one 

of the many arts-related camps being offered in our area. Beginning in 

Continued on Page 15 



Music 

GRANITE CAFE 

Nestled in the historic area of 

St. Andrews, Granite Café features 

exquisite cuisine inspired 

by the unique flavors of Europe, 

Asia and the Middle East, 

and an extensive wine list. 

Here you can enjoy live music 

and martinis in an intimate and 

engaging atmosphere. Kevin 

Jacobs plays classic rock every Friday night from 8pm until... Saturday 

evenings feature a variety of musical acts showcasing Mowtown, blues, 

jazz, smooth jazz and rock. Granite Cafe is located at 1001 Beck Avenue 

in Panama City; call (850) 215-3287 for reservations. 

CALYPSO 

BEACH 

CAFE & 

SPORTS 

GRILLE 

Gene Mitchell’s 

jazzy islandstyle 

music can 

be heard on national 

radio, but 

the best place to enjoy it is in person, on the breezy lake at Calypso’s 

Lakeside Tiki Deck, Thursdays through Sundays at 7pm. Calypso is also 

the best place to watch sports in Northwest Florida, on one of the bar’s 

100+ televisions! 

Looking for a special treat? Try a Mojito or a bottomless Mimosa 

or Bloody Mary while enjoying a Cajun-style brunch on Saturday 

or Sunday at 11am. Calypso is just east of Pier Park at 15812 Front 

Beach Road, (850) 234-6788; wwwCalypsoBeachCafe.com. 

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 

AT MCKENZIE PARK 

Located in Historic Downtown Panama City, 

Concerts in the Park at McKenzie Park is a free 

outdoor concert series presented on Thursday evenings 

at 6:30pm, from May through July. Sponsored 

by Bay Arts Alliance and Regions Bank, this 

is a wonderful opportunity to hear local talent and 

take the time to relax in one of the area’s beautiful 

parks. 

Bring your blankets, your family and your friends 

to share some great music under the oaks this summer. 

Call (850) 769-1217 for more information 

and for the 2007 Concert Schedule. 

SALTWATER GRILL 

It’s a warm, calm spring night. Strolling up to the entrance of Saltwater Grill one can’t help but notice 

something faintly different. Is it the architecture of the place, or the cool outdoor canopy? Is it the 

people sitting outside enjoying the beautiful night – or maybe that sound inside? The door opens and 

the strains of piano jazz hit you along with a smooth, melodic voice. The song beckons you in…and 

there, at the end of the restaurant, is Michael Rorah holding court at the piano bar. 

A Panama City Beach resident since early 2003, the Boonville, 

Missouri native first visited the area during the previous 

Thanksgiving. “I fell in love with the beach area,” Michael 

remembers. It’s the first time I ever met true southerners. I 

loved their ‘realness’ even though I couldn’t understand what 

they were saying!” 

“(Panama City Beach) looked 

like a little artsy community. It 

reminded me of Venice Beach, 

California in the seventies.” 

That same holiday 

he met Saltwater 

Grill owner 

Roy Centanni. 

“I walked into the 

Michael Rorah and friends around 

the piano bar at Saltwater Grill. 

Saltwater Grill and it reminded of Humphrey’s in San 

Diego,” Michael says of that first night. (Humphrey’s 

is a beachfront nightclub and piano bar, regarded as one 

of the top Jazz clubs on the West Coast; Michael played piano there for 11 years.) “Humphrey’s had a 

strong local following, like Saltwater does,” says Michael. “At that time, Saltwater Grill was about 

four years ahead of its time.” 

Michael plays everything from country to jazz, pop and original music. His list of influences includes 

Elton John, Billy Joel, Led Zepplin, Herbie Hancock and Joe Sample. He gets many requests, 

which change according to who’s in town, and he can accommodate most. 

PIANO MAN 

What does the future hold for this talented entertainer? “I want to get back into the studio,” he says. 

“Roy has always been a big supporter of me releasing my own CD.” Saltwater Grill is located at 11040 

Hutchison Blvd. and is open daily from 3pm. Call (850) 230-2739 for more information. 


SEABREEZE WINERY 

Tired of buying wine by the labels only 

to get it home and not liking it? Well 

you don’t have to do that anymore. 

Visit the Beach’s own SeaBreeze Winery 

where we make all of our award 

winning wines right here on site. 

Our 100-acre vineyard, Kyotee Vineyards, 

is located 35 miles northwest of 

the beach in a small town called Bruce 

where we grow a local grape, the muscadine. 

During harvest we bring the 

grapes to SeaBreeze Winery right here 

on Hutchison Blvd. where we crush, 

press, ferment and bottle our wines. 

We will take you on a tour and let you see for yourself how the wine is 

made, and then you can taste all of our 12 varietes of wines, from dry to 

sweet we know you will find something you like! And best of all, it’s complimentary. 

We also carry a large selection of wine and related accessories. 

SeaBreeze Winery is located at 13201 Hutchison Blvd.; (850) 230-3330. 


Nature 

PINES & PONDS AND 

GAYLE’S TRAILS 

Pines and Ponds of PCB, open in 

2008, will be a bird-watcher’s paradise. 

This 3,000-acre area situated 

between Highway 79 and Wild 

Heron will contain dirt trails ideal 

for walking, hiking and off road 

biking. Gayle’s Trails, thirty miles 

of paved trails, connects Pines & 

Ponds at the west end of the beach 

to St. Andrews State Park on the 

east. Both nature parks contain an 

abundance of wildlife including 

osprey, eagles and various species 

of other birds, deer, wild hogs and 

raccoon. 

ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK 

St. Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in 

Florida. The 1,260-acre park is located on the peninsula and has more than 1.5 miles of 

beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Grand Lagoon. 

Rated the Number One Beach in America in 1995, the park offers swimming and snorkeling 

in the Gulf and in the shallow, protected pool behind the jetties. Two fishing piers, boat 

ramp, concessions and campsites meet every need. (850) 233-5140. 



THE JUNIOR MUSEUM OF BAY COUNTY 

The Junior Museum has been a destination for family outings since its establishment in 

1967. Many of today’s local parents can recall childhood trips to the museum. Now 

former Museum Adventurers can bring their own children to discover a whole new world 

of learning and fun. 

The Hands On Science Room features 31 new interactive stations. The Imagine Me 

Room offers a new, larger grocery store for children to test their math and role playing 

skills. The Nature Play exhibit room 

hosts a brand new diorama of the Econfina 

Creek, Puppet Play area and live 

reptiles. The smallest Adventurers will 

delight in the wonders of Toddler Town 

as they explore a just-my-size tree house 

and more. Many more discoveries can 

be found by child and adult in the Pioneer 

Homestead and Nature Trail. 

Rainy Days 


General admission into the Museum is $3 per person. Additional rates apply 

for special exhibit admission. For more information on the Junior Museum, 

please call (850) 769-6128 or visit www.jrmuseum.org. 

BAY ARTS ALLIANCE Continued from Page 12 

May, camps specializing in Drama, Art, Ballet, Theater, Piano 

and Science will allow children the opportunity to have oneon-one 

and group training in an area in which they are interested. 

Each camp will focus on activities directly related to the 

art form being presented and provide lessons taught by some 

of the top teachers and performers in their respective fields. 

In addition to camps for children, there are three separate 

outdoor concerts series featuring the finest in local entertainment 

for the whole family to attend during May, June and 

July. Venues include McKenzie Park in Downtown Panama 

City, Sharon Sheffield Park in Lynn Haven and Pier Park 

on the beach. For a complete listing of children’s summer 

camps, dates and times of local concerts or other information, 

please call (850) 769-1217, visit our website at www. 

bayarts.org or pick up the latest issue of Bay Arts & Entertainment 

Magazine. 

ROCK ‘IT LANES ENTERTAINMENT 

CENTER 

Rock ‘It Lanes 

Family Entertainment 

Center, 

located at 

the Shoppes 

at Edgewater, 

is an indoor, 

non-smoking 

50,000-square-foot facility. The center features Ballistic 

Bowling (24 lanes), pool playing, 22 Mega Arcade 

(over 100 games), and Bench Warmers Sports Bar and 

Grille (big screen TV’s, great good...a local’s favorite). 

Check out our new outdoor pavilion to watch all your 

sporting events. 

All ages are welcome at Rock ‘It Lanes, and Group 

and Senior discounts are available. Open 10am Monday 

through Saturday, 12 noon on Sundays. (850) 

249-2695; visit www.rockitlanes.com. 

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! MUSEUM 

Located two blocks from the beach at the intersection of Front 

Beach, Thomas and Hutchison, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum 

is Panama City Beach’s coolest, weirdest and most unusual 

attraction. The three-story museum, designed to look like a 1950’s 

vintage luxury cruise liner run aground on the beach, houses hundreds 

of unusual, strange and fascinating oddities including the 

Bog Man, a mummy discovered off the Florida coast, an 11-foot 

tall Eiffel Tower made entirely of matchsticks, a genuine shrunken 

head from Ecuador and a 23-foot long Lincoln Town Car covered with 23,000 gold-plated British coins valued at $1.3 million. 

Ripley’s Moving Theater, a high-tech motion-based simulation ride, takes guests on a pulse-pounding sight and 

sound experience. For more information call (850) 230-6113 or visit www.ripleyspanamacitybeach.com. 

WATCH FOR BLUEGRASS SUNDAYS... 



Beach 

FRONT BEACH 

HELICOPTER 

Front Beach Helicopter 

Tours & Aerial 

Photography, Inc. is 

a total aerial adventure! 

View gorgeous 

beaches and spot marina 

life on a scenic 

helicopter tour. The 

company’s pilots are 

all FAA Certified. 

Enjoy a ride yourself, 

or treat a friend...gift 

certificates are available. 

15726 Front 

Beach Rd. (next to 

Pier Park); call (850) 

230-2080 for more 

information. Don’t 

forget to bring your 

camera! 

SPORT FISHING 

Some of the best fishing in the nation exists right here in the pristine 

waters surrounding Panama City Beach, Florida. And certain local 

folks such as Captain Butch Yates have helped keep our beautiful 

city a prime destination for sport fishing. 

Whether you enjoy the patient quest for Cobia, Tarpon, or King 

Mackerel off shore, or the excitement that only comes when that 

“Hoss Daddy” trout or fighting Red Fish is finally pulled into the 

boat from the local area grass flats, Captain Yates provides light to 

heavy tackle to meet the challenges of any scenario. His boat named 

“Ms. Patty,” is complete with all modern electronics and essential 

safety equipment. U.S.C.G. Licensed and Guide Insured, Captain 

Butch Yates looks forward to putting his 35 years of professional 

fishing experience to work for you! Be sure to visit his website at 

www.captainbutchcharters.com. 


MR. SURF’S... 

SKIMBOARDING 

All along the shoreline 

of Panama City Beach 

you’ll find kids everywhere 

tearing up the 

shoreline on what is 

the hottest and most 

popular sport on the 

beach - skimboarding. 

Skimboarding has 

been around for many years, but over the last few years technology 

has changed the type of equipment used and the dynamics of skimboarding, 

making it one of the most popular sports to be found on the 

beach. We here at Mr. Surf’s will provide you with all the information 

you need to know about skimboarding or purchasing the right 

equipment, whether you get a board from our shop or not. 

The most important point is that you choose the right equipment up 

front. Make sure the skimboard fits your particular style and need. 

We even have a “Try Before You Buy” Policy, that lets you take a 

demo out before your purchase (the only shop that offers this policy). 

We want to make sure that you are happy with your purchase! (850) 

235-2702. 

MR. SURF’S... 

SURFING 

Although the 

Gulf Coast is not 

known for quality 

waves, we do 

get great surfing 

conditions here 

throughout the 

entire year in Panama 

City Beach. 

The best and most 

consistent time for 

surfing is late fall/ 

winter and early 

spring. 

The most popular 

surfing beach is 

St. Andrew’s State 

Park because of 

the jetties. The jetties allow for the sandbars to fill in better to 

provide for great surfing waves. However, you will find surfers 

all up and down the coast in Panama City Beach when the 

swells are just right. The warm emerald waters of Panama City 

Beach only enhance the surfing experience making us a more 

attractive surfing destination when the surf does come up. Mr. 

Surf’s has rentals, and the “Try Before You Buy” policy to 

make sure that you get the right equipment when getting into 

the sport of surfing. (850) 235-2702. 

It is very important that you are well informed of both the sport 

of surfing and/or skimboarding before you purchase any equipment 

or enter the water. We will happily give you all the information 

you need to enjoy the sports safely. 

Photo by Liz Dyer 

SCHOONERS 

It’s a local tradition 

to meet every afternoon 

at Schooners, 

the Last Local Beach 

Club, to join in the 

countdown as the 

sun slowly sinks, 

then cheer as the old 

Schooners cannon 

booms - just as the 

sun dips below the horizon. The bands that play at Schooners 

are legendary. Fans drive hundreds of miles to hear their favorite 

groups perform on the little stage at the Last Local Beach Club. 

There’s no other place like it… half the time, the band’s on the 

dance floor with the crowd and two or three folks are dancin’ on 

stage with the band. The dance floor is so tiny, “dancin’ in the 

aisles” is practically a requirement, but nobody minds! It’s all 

part of the magic that makes Schooners the most perfect place 

on earth. (850) 235-3555; www.schooners.com. 

WATCH FOR LIVE CLASSIC ROCK... 



Beach 

BAREFOOT 

BEACH 

CLUB 

Gulf-front restaurants 

are a 

dying breed on 


Beach, and the 

Barefoot Beach 

Club, located between 

the Legacy 

and Beachbreak 

hotels, is one of 

the few places 

you can leave your beach chair, walk a few feet and grab a cool tropical 

drink and some fresh local seafood. The metal roof, open-air deck 

restaurant seats 115 people and is open to both By The Sea Resort 

guests and locals. 

“We hope to evolve the restaurant with future additions like a beachfront 

playground and an entertainment stage,” says Lee Ann Leonard, 

General Manager. “But we’ll never be stuffy. It’s the Barefoot Beach 

Club. Shirts and shoes are not required!” Located at 15325 Front 

Beach Rd.; call (850) 249-2031 for more information. 

OVER 

25,000 SWIMSUITS! 

Beach Scene 

10059 HUTCHISON BLVD, PCB, FL 233-1662 



Historic 

HISTORIC DOWN- 

TOWN DISTRICT & 

FRIDAY FEST 

Visit vintage buildings 

which house some of the 

area’s finest antique shops, 

art galleries, gift and specialty 

shops, restaurants and 

nightspots. All are located 

along tree-shaded, bricklined 

streets in the Historic 

Downtown District of Panama City. Don’t miss downtown’s most popular 

event of the year, Friday Fest, every first Friday of the month from 

March through November. 

Hear live music from local 

artists and performers, shop 

downtown until 8pm, see 

dozens of car clubs and EAT, 

EAT, EAT! For more information 

call (850) 785-2554. 

The Miracle Strip Observation Tower (above) 

was a Panama City Beach landmark with a 

colorful history. Built in 1967, it was 200 feet 

tall--the equivalent of 20 stories; by comparison 

today’s tallest condominiums are 20 feet 

higher. Inside at street level was a beach 

diner called the Sandbar, famous for its 

fried pickles. The top of the tower housed 

a radio station, WDLP, in the late-eighties/early 

ninties. The very top was painted 

checkerboard to host an airplane race. 

The Tower was demolitioned in 1995. 

(Left) A postcard of the 1,000-foot Panama 

City Beach Pier, circa 1939. The 

pier had high railings with a covered pavilion 

at the end. Like crowds today at 

the beach, all manner of attire was 

worn. Pineapple Willy’s 

now sits on this portion of 

the pier at the water’s edge. 

(Lower left) The Hang Out 

was a gathering place in the 

fourties and remained so up 

until its destruction in 1975 

by Hurricane Eloise. The 

white building with bright red 

lettering and trim was the place 

to dance, have a cool beverage, 

and “see and be seen.” In the 

late fourties it was expanded 

and divided into four different 

areas, each with its own jukebox. 

Postcard circa 1940’s. 

...AND THE BEST BLUES REVIEW. 

Visit 

www. 

pineapplewillys 

.com 

for Summer 07 

Music Schedule 



Shopping 

SHOE BLISS 

Shoe Bliss is your destination 

for designer 

shoes that you can’t 

find anywhere else on 

the Beach! Whether 

playing in the sand, 

shopping around town 

or dining at your local 

favorites, Shoe Bliss 

has all your shoe needs 

covered. With brands 

like Beverly Feldman, Calvin Klein, Ed Hardy, Eliza B., Merrell, and Yellow 

Box, Shoe Bliss carries a wide variety of shoes that will complement 

all the facets of your life. Not only does Shoe Bliss carry the best shoes 

around but they also carry a wide assortment of accessories, handbags, 

including Junior Drake, belts and apparel. Shoe Bliss is located in the 

Retail Village of Grand Panama Beach Resort; (850) 233-1300. 

COOP’S HOME FURNISHINGS AND GALLERY 226 

“Coop” Cooper and wife Peggy Jones had a concept in mind for a “one of 

a kind” destination featuring home furnishings, interior design and original 

art. Coop (interior designer) and Peggy (artist) opened in January 2006. 

They share 3,000 square feet of beautiful furniture, accessories, lighting 

and original art. The furnishings range from elegant coastal, contemporary 

and traditional. The artwork is a collection of abstracts and realism in 

acrylic and mixed medium. The gallery has small pieces that are easily 

placed and beautiful over scaled pieces for larger areas in your home or 

business. Located at 22600 Panama City Beach Parkway about ½ mile 

from Carillon. (850) 249-3946. Store hours are 10am-5pm Monday 

through Saturday and Noon- 

5pm on Sunday. Visit www. 

coopshomefurnishings.com 

and www.gallery226.com. 

CHER’S HALLMARK SHOP 

Stop by Cher’s Hallmark Shop in the Publix at Middle Beach Shopping Center and take home a quality 

remembrance of your trip. Cher’s features elegant Lenox gifts, from Table Top to Fajitas Server, and 

everything in between. Hallmark Sound Cards are available along with all your favorites such as Precious 

Moments, Snowbabies, the Heartwood Creek collection by Jim Shore, Willow Tree Angels by Demdaco, 

Lampe Berger products and Yankee Candles. Hours: 9am - 6pm Monday-Saturday, and 1 - 5pm on Sundays. 

Indulgence Salon 

Spa Boutique 

Go ahead... 

you know you want to 

indulge yourself 

Full Service Salon & Spa 

Massage 

Manicures / Pedicures 

Clinical Skin Care 

Body Treatments 

Cosmetic Consultations 

Permanent Cosmetics 

Body Wraps / Waxing 

Nail Enhancements 

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm 

Saturday 9am - 2pm 

The Shoppes at Grand Panama 

850-234-2100 


SHIPWRECK LTD 

Shipwreck LTD, boutique 

and surf shop has 

the beach’s largest clothing, 

swimwear, sunglasses, 

accessories and footwear 

selections. With 

such names as Lacoste, 

7 For All Mankind, Antik 

Denim, Volcom, Roxy, 

Vitamin A, Sauvage, Hurley, Billabong, Ezekiel, Maui Jim, Ray-Ban, 

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, King Baby, Juicy Couture, Fender, JLO 

Footwear, Reef, Crocs, Puma, Just Cavalli and much, more. 

Shipwreck Shirts has fun gifts, collectibles, a Kid’s department, T-shirts of 

all descriptions, an extensive selection of beach supplies, and is the exclusive 

retailer of Maui Babe Tanning Products. “If you haven’t been to Shipwreck, 

then you haven’t been to Panama City Beach!” (850) 235-7800. 

BY THE BAY 

A true fun place 

to shop while you 

are living or visiting 

in the area. 

We are located at 

the foot of the Hathaway 

Bridge in 

Sun Harbor Marina. 

Our unique 

little gift shop offers 

fun gifts to 

keep or give. If 

you are fortunate to have a fragrance lamp, come check out our fragrances 

and join our fragrance club. 

We have sunglasses, Diva Defense, Tiger Lily Flip Flops, tropical 

greeting cards, wine bottle holders, unique gifts, gift baskets and balloons. 

We also carry easy to prepare gourmet foods, and if you’re 

lucky when you stop by we may even be sampling some! Call (850) 

628-3333 for more information. 

PAWSITIVELY PURRFECT 

AND 

BARKS & BUBBLES 

Pawsitively Purrfect and Barks & Bubbles have created a 

“Partnership of Kindness Committed to Caring For Our 

Furry Friends!” Pawsitively Purrfect has everything your 

pet needs to be dressed for success. From doggie sunglasses, 

bunny slippers and pajamas, to life jackets for your pet, 

we carry a range of products to suit all needs big or small. 

We have the largest selection of “boutique style” pet accessories 

in the area that you must see to believe. We also 

have the only photography studio in the area that is dedicated 

strictly to pets. Barks & Bubbles offers Professional 

Grooming by Loving Hands to all breeds of dogs and cats. 

Let your pet get pampered with a day at the spa followed 

by a photo session to preserve the moment forever! We 

are located at 210 S. Arnold Rd. (Hwy. 79) in Panama City 

Beach. Business Hours are Monday through Saturday 8am 

to 5pm. Call (850) 233-9663 or (850) 235-0881. 

UNIQUELY CHIC FURNISHINGS & GIFTS 

Located in the Retail Village of Grand Panama Beach Resort, Uniquely 

Chic is what a true boutique used to be, carrying all one-of-a-kind, handpicked 

items. Owned and operated by three local ladies, the “Shabby-Chic” 

boutique is filled with furniture and home accessories, clothing, jewelry 

and a splash of shoes--mostly in the summer months. Everything in the 

store makes an awesome gift. Call (850) 249-3101 for more information. 

DEBBIE’S BOUTIQUE 

Debbie’s Boutique, located in the 

Retail Village of Grand Panama 

Beach Resort, carries a unique selection 

of clothing, jewelry, belts 

and handbags. With our customers 

in mind, we are always searching 

for the latest trends and classic 

fashions. We specialize in women’s 

apparel that matches quality 

and fashion so you will look and feel fabulous, from size 2 to 16. 

You will find a wide range of lines including Joseph Ribkoff, Linda 

Segal, Alberto Mikali, Lynn Ritchie, David Khan Jeans, Christopher 

Blue Jeans, Paige Premium Denim, Vanilia, Fibers by Barbara Lessor, 

Why Question, Havenbleau, Glima, 3 Dot, Hanky Panky, Spanx, 

Tribal Sportswear, and Boho Chic. With our courteous and friendly 

staff we strive to make your shopping experience a pleasure. Call 

(850) 230-5700 for more information. 


Home of the 

$9.95 Seafood Platter 

Daily Lunch Specials starting at only 

$5.99 with choice of 2 veggies 

“Best Lunch on the Beach!” 


PINEAPPLE WILLY’S 

by Pat Sabiston 

The sands of the original 

Panama City Beach have 

shifted many times over 

since Gideon Thomas and A.W. 

Pledger opened the Panama City 

Beach Resort/Casino and 1,000 

foot pier on Thomas Drive. Later, 

when the resort burned down, 

several other enterprises sprung up in rapid succession, but none have 

been as long-lived or as popular as Pineapple Willy’s. Owner Bill Buskell 

has always valued the history that surrounds 

his restaurant’s location, and 

points out that under his current dining 

pier, the charred remains from the 

original hotel fire are evident. 

In Buskell’s 67 years, he has seen the 

face of the beach change drastically, 

but none more radical than the landscape 

that currently surrounds this 

popular locale. And despite having 

been offered multi-millions to abandon 

his little piece of history, Buskell 

has remained steadfastly rooted in 

this prime location. 

“When you consider the business angle – government would get a big 

chunk, and then inheritance would get another, and it’s simply not worth 

it,” said Buskell. “After all, this is quite an operation with 150 employees.” 

Buskell’s son, Eric, oversees the management of the team members 

who have put their lives, and future, into the business as well. 

With 1,300 condos within walking distance of Pineapple Willy’s, the 

The Panama City Beach Hotel , circa 1940. 

SPINNAKER BEACH CLUB 

Sometimes the best 

“thing to do” at the 

beach is simply, 

spend time on the 

beach. 

Spinnaker Beach 

Club has been 

around for over 25 

years and, like the 

rest of us, Spinnaker 

has grown up. 

The concerts are still 

awesome with top 

name national acts. The dance 

floor is still packed and single 

people can still meet single 

people. But Spinnaker has 

gone back to basic stuff people love about coming to the beach: encouraging their guests to play in 

the surf, build sandcastles and enjoy the salty breeze. Relax and recharge your batteries with a cold 

beer, great food, good times and long lazy days. And with the whole beach for a playground, kids 

are welcome and no one will care if they... act like kids! The Spinnaker Beach Club is located at 

8975 Thomas Drive; (850) 234-7882; visit www.spinnakerbeachclub.com. 


The Institutions 

Buskells have found even more needs to fill aside from food. They’ve 

developed an expansive beach service and greatly enhanced their retail 

sales by opening their own t-shirt screen printing company. But it’s the 

newest construction project that makes Bill Buskell become even more 

animated than usual. 

“We are in the finishing stages of Willy’s Pier Bar, a 4,000-square-foot 

entertainment center that will feature oversized wings and extremely 

unique imported pizza dough,” shares Buskell. The rustically constructed 

open-air venue, which features functional roll-up doors to allow for 

adjustments to weather conditions, 

will seat approximately 100 people. 

Entertainment will alternate between 

wall-mounted plasma TVs and live 

performances on a specially-designed 

bandstand, fully equipped 

with Bose technology so that each 

musician will have an individual 

sound. Local beach musicians will 

be featured along with Buskell’s 

favorite sound – The Blues. “And, 

of course, we will continue utilizing 

our immensely popular sports bar 

featuring a computerized video DJ 

via satellite,” said Buskell. 

So while the horizon of the beach may have changed with the years and 

seasons, what you won’t see change is the reputation and location of Pineapple 

Willy’s, which will also go down in history as one of the beach’s 

best. Isn’t it a wonderful thing that history has repeated itself on what was 

originally dubbed “that ugly white sand?” Now … go make your own 

history, and memories, at Pineapple Willy’s/Willy’s Pier Bar! 



Health & Body 

SERENITY AT BAY POINT 

Serenity at Bay Point, a state-of-theart 

11,000-square-foot on-premises full 

service spa, salon and fitness center, 

opens May ‘07. The spectacular spa 

will offer an extensive list of the lavish 

spa treatments, soothing facials, Swedish 

massages, classic manicures and 

pedicures. The state-of-the-art fitness 

center is complete with steam, sauna, 

whirlpool and a staff of certified fitness 

professionals. Spa hours are daily from 

9am to 6pm Monday-Saturday, and 

9am to 5pm on Sunday. Fitness center 

hours are 6am to 8pm daily. Spa fees are $20 for hotel/member guests and 

$25 for resort/local guests. (850) 236-6028; www.serenityatbaypoint.com. 

Photo courtesy of Gold’s Gym 

GOLD’S GYM 

Gold’s Gym offers many means of challenging your body into fitness. 

Classes include the popular Body Pump, the high-energy Body Step, the 

calming Body Flow, the dance-infused Body Jam, the cardio-crazed Body 

Attack and the karate-inspired Body Combat. Other sessions include RPM 

(if you feel like burning up to 800 calories in one hour), Guts & Butts (lunges 

and crunches and squats, oh my!), and Instructor’s Choice Cardio, a different 

form of cardio every Saturday at 10am including attack, jam, combat, 

step and RPM. Call (850) 233-2111 for times and more information. 


Health & Wellness 

Is Your Face on Fire? Cool It Down For Summer! 

Managing the Embarrassing Symptoms of Rosacea 

by Kimberly Moskowitz, MD 

It begins as an innocent rosy flush to your 

face triggered by emotional stress or exertion. 

You soon notice that hot beverages, 

spicy foods, tomatoes, certain cheeses, sun exposure, 

caffeine or alcohol (especially red 

wine) cause your face to erupt into a bright 

red flare. With time, the flushing becomes 

more persistent as tiny blood vessels called 

telangiectasias, become a prominent feature 

of your cheeks, nose, and chin. Many 

people complain of a “facial hot flash” or 

a stinging pain associated with these episodes. 

People question why your face looks 

constantly sun burned. These episodes can 

be socially embarrassing and can occur unpredictably 

or in response to the triggers 

described above. 

The disease of “flushers and blushers”, Rosacea 

is the 3rd most common chronic skin 

disorder in the western world. It affects 

over 14 million people in the United States 

alone. It is more common in families and 

fair-skinned people of Celtic or Northern 

European heritage. It is two to three times 

more common in women than men but 

tends to run a more aggressive and disfiguring 

course in males. Symptoms usually 

begin in persons aged 30-50, progressively 

worsen over time, and can lead to permanent 

disfiguring skin changes. Hallmarks 

of the disease include redness and visible 

blood vessels on the nose, cheeks, and chin. 

Tiny bumps resembling pimples often appear 

resulting in misdiagnosis and confusing terms 

such as “acne rosacea”, or “adult acne”. At 

least 50 percent of patients with rosacea will 

also develop ocular (eye) symptoms such as 

itching, burning, dryness, grittiness, and redness. 

In late stages, usually in men, disfiguring 

swelling and nodules form on the nose – a 

condition called rhinophyma. 

Despite its prevalence and social impact, its 

exact etiology remains elusive. While the 

signs, symptoms, and demographics of rosacea 

are well-known, scientists still work to 

discover the underlying cause. The current 

buzz words for rosacea are Demodex and inflammation. 

Aside from the “triggers” already 

discussed, scientists have found possible associations 

with the common face mite known as 

Demodex folliculorum. The most agreed upon 

theory is that rosacea is caused by factors that 

generate inflammatory changes in the skin. 

Scientists have not yet proven if and how Demodex 

and inflammation are related; but we 

do know that current therapies, including oral 

antibiotics and creams exert their effects by reducing 

inflammation in the skin. 

Despite inconclusive theories about the cause 

of rosacea, the main treatment options are 

generally agreed upon by clinicians. The initial 

therapeutic step is avoidance of known 

precipitating factors such as alcoholic beverages, 

caffeine, and foods that commonly flare 

symptoms. Because rosacea is worsened 

by sun exposure, it is crucial to apply broad 

spectrum sunscreen (Zinc oxide and Titanium 

dioxide are ingredients to look for). Without 

it, the UV rays of the sun will increase facial 

flushing and tiny broken blood vessels. Topical 

and oral antibiotics such as Metronidazole 

or Tetracyclines are common first-line choices, 

especially for papulopustular rosacea (the type 

that resembles acne). These choices generally 

provide mild improvement but will not reverse 

long-term changes such as dilated facial veins, 

persistent redness, and rhinophyma. 

To permanently improve the redness, flushing, 

and facial veins associated with rosacea, 

vascular specific laser light treatments such as 

intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulse dye laser 

provide great success. The laser light 

energy targets abnormal blood vessels 

that cause flushing and seals them shut. 

It generally requires two to six treatments 

scheduled four to six weeks apart to cause 

significant improvement. IPL treatments 

have also been shown to reduce the “acne” 

bumps associated with rosacea and improve 

sun damage including age spots, 

fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation. 

Patients with rosacea typically have “sensitive” 

skin and find that cleansers designed 

for “regular acne” worsen their symptoms. 

Gentle, cleansers such as Cetaphil are commonly 

recommended. Herbal remedies 

sometimes bring relief with ingredients 

such as green tea, calendula, chamomile 

(bisoprolol), licorice, feverfew, oatmeal, 

or lavender. The utility of these herbs is 

based on their purported anti-inflammatory 

properties. When flushing is difficult 

to control, especially in postmenopausal 

women, your physician can prescribe lowdoses 

of certain blood pressure medications 

like beta blockers or clonidine. This 

must be performed carefully in persons 

with normal or low blood pressure. 

Rosacea, the “great pretender,” mimics many 

common disorders such as acne, postmenopausal 

symptoms, sunburn, and lupus. It is 

a chronic disorder that inevitably worsens 

over time so early diagnosis and management 

is critical. While there is no “cure” for this 

common disease, there is a vast armament of 

choices from pills & creams to laser light technology 

that can rid you of your red.. 

Kimberly Moskowitz, MS, MD ~ Cosmetic Vein & 

Laser Center ~ 12118 Panama City Beach Parkway, 

(850) 233-0264. Member, American College 

of Phlebology ~ Medical Degree: Georgetown 

University ~ Residency: Georgetown University 

Hospital Phlebology/Vein training: American 

Vein Institute & Harvard’s Brigham & Women’s 

Hospital. Visit www.fl oridaveindoctor.com. 


Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center 

… of the Emerald Coast 

12238 PANAMA CITY BEACH PKWY., PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA 

“Invest in something you will be wearing 

every day for the rest of your life” 

Skin… Face… Legs… 

External Beauty… Internal Peace 

SPECIALIZING IN: 

• NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VARICOSE & SPIDER VEINS 

• ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT (EVLT) 

• LASER PHOTOREJUVENATION FOR AGE SPOTS & SUN DAMAGE 

• BOTOX & RESTYLANE 

• LASER HAIR REMOVAL 

• DERMATOLOGIC CONSULTATIONS 

• MICRODERMABRASION & CHEMICAL PEELS 

Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz, MS, MD 

MEMBER, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHLEBOLOGY 

MEDICAL DEGREE: 

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 

RESIDENCY: 

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 

PHLEBOLOGY/ VEIN TRAINING: 

AMERICAN VEIN INSTITUTE 

HARVARD’S BRIGHAM & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL 

Using Science & Sophistication to help people 

look & feel beautiful inside and out. 

850.233.0264 

WWW.FLORIDAVEINDOCTOR.COM 

12201 Middle Beach Road 

Panama City Beach, FL 32407 

1-800-538-7395 • (850) 234-3333 


46830-Shipwreck Ad.indd 1 4/17/07 11:34:18 PM


Golf 

NICKLAUS COURSE AT BAY POINT 

This par-72 championship-caliber course measures over 7,100 yards 

and is the first Nicklaus course in the Florida Panhandle. The course 

offers a dramatic and enjoyable challenge for both novice and avid 

golfers. It incorporates the natural terrain of scrub oaks, pines and 

salt-water marshes, and offers panoramic views of St. Andrew’s Bay. 

SIGNAL HILL 

This popular course features 

wide-open, well-groomed 

fairways and large, manicured 

greens. The centrally-located 

18-hole, par-71 course has a 

slope rating of 100.82 with 

5,617 yards from the blue 

tees and 5,259 yards from the red tees. Keep an eye out for the wildlife! 

(850) 234-3218. 

HOLIDAY GOLF CLUB 

Located one mile off the beach, 

Holiday Golf Club is a semi-private, 

18-hole, par-72 championship 

course. With greens that are 

fast, firm and challenging, Holiday 

was voted Best Golf Course 

in Bay County ‘02, ‘03 and ‘04 by 

the Local Readers Choice Award. 

(850) 234-1800. 

HOMBRE GOLF CLUB 

Hombre’s 27 Championship Holes, “The Good, 

The Bad & The Ugly,” feature water on 21 of 

the total 27, and are meticulously manicured to 

PGA specifications throughout the year. Both 

scenic and challenging, Hombre is nestled 

amidst wetlands, marshes, lakes and preserves, 

and is beautifully framed with a stunning assortment 

of palms, pines and azaleas. Hombre 

features The Academy at Hombre Golf Club 

offering two-, three- and five-day golf schools 

and hourly lesson packages. Call Adam Brack 

for information and to reserve your child’s 

space in Summer Jr. Golf Camp at (850) 236- 

8374. Course Amenities: GPS Technology on 

every cart, driving range, chipping and putting 

greens, Golf Shop and Siesta Bar & Grill, serving 

breakfast and lunch daily; (850) 234-3673. 


THE “WOW” EFFECT 


Evening 

POSH AT CLUB LA VELA 

Club La Vela’s newest signature room is the talk of the industry. Posh 

was conceived as a concept club featuring a Super VIP environment 

with minimalist South Beach Decor, highlighting trace elements from 

Miami’s Delano and Pearl clubs. 

Posh is hip, trendy, chic, sensual, exotic, erotic, beautiful, fashionable, 

vogue, stylish, swank, and mode! Reds, Pinks, Whites and Blues mix 

in a stunning canvas of sights. Intelligent LED lighting and premium 

sound enhance the atmosphere while plush, intimate seating areas create 

the perfect atmosphere for an elegant night out on the town or beach. 


A VIP bedroom complete with a platform 

bed, nightstands, shelves and a plasma 

screen add to the “wow” effect. The DJs 

spin a delightfully refreshing mix of sexy 

hip-hop and house, and patrons receive superior 

service from an exceptional staff. 

Posh is the place for the beautiful people. 

Though part of the same structure, Posh is 

operated separately from the Club La Vela 

mega club. Posh features its own entrance 

and private bathrooms. Dress To Impress 

is the name of the game here. 

WINE TASTING 

Every Friday from 5 to 7pm Chan’s Wine World, located in the Retail 

Village of Grand Panama Beach Resort, holds informative, educational 

- and just plain fun wine and cheese tastings! In addition to great 

deals on a huge array of wines, Chan’s sells 320 domestic, imported 

and mirco-brew beers, international bubbly, many hard-to-find liquors 

and liqueurs, gift baskets, gourmet chocolate, and the store has its very 

own well-stocked cigar humidor. (850) 249-2166. 

FRED ASTAIRE DANCE 

Come Share the Experience of 

dancing! At Fred Astaire Dance 

Studio our mission is to enrich 

the lives of everyone who walks 

through our doors. We offer weekly 

Open House group lessons and 

professional demonstrations. 

Any Thursday at 8pm head out 

to 2401 Ruth Hentz Avenue (off 

23rd Street) and enter the fun 

and energetic world of dance for 

FREE! Step into our 5,200 square 

foot facility and feel the rhythm 

from our state-of-the-art sound 

system. Speak with our friendly, 

professional instructors, and make some new friends. 

If you can walk, you can dance! Learn basic steps in Latin, Ballroom, 

Country & Western and more, then relax with a glass of wine 

or soda and enjoy the show. Our students thrive in the experience of 

dance with one-on-one classes, weekly practice parties, group instruction, 

glamorous competitions and fun studio trips worldwide (learn to 

tango in Argentina on your next vacation). Call (850) 873-6269 and 

we’ll answer any questions you have. See you on Thursday! 

SALTY’S 

Established in 1986, Salty’s Beach Bar is one of the oldest nightspots 

on Panama City Beach. Located on Front Beach Road, the bar features 

live music, refreshing watermelon coolers and dancing-’til-you-drop! 

Salty’s new 10,000 square foot seafood restaurant opens this summer.

BOATYARD 

Inspired by the casual nature of coastal 

and island living, and designed to ease 

right in with the rustic, open-air feel of 

the docks of Grand Lagoon, the Boatyard 

just begs you to hang out, kick back 

and unwind. From beach favorites to 

today’s chart toppers, Barry and Greg 

have got you covered at the Boatyard. 

With a unique style that makes any night 

special, come check out Barry and Greg! (850) 249-9273. 

If you can walk... 

you can dance! 

* Latin, Ballroom, Country & Western 

* Wedding Dances 

* Gift Certificates Available 

* Over 20 Years Experience 

* Free Beginner Group Class 

Thursdays at 8:00pm 

(850) 873-6269 

2401 Ruth Ruth Hentz Hentz Ave. Ave. Lic#DS362 www.fredastaire.com 


MEMBER NEWS 

Ambassadors 

The following Ambassadors received a White 

Beach Care Services 

Shortly before Christmas last year, a tearful 

Sharing Experiences: 

Aussie Planner Meets 

Badge in early March: Christine Langford and woman and her three young children came to Beaches Chamber 

Carrie Toth from Clear Channel; Mary Thweat BCS for help. Having been recently deserted Chamber officers Debi Knight and Marta 

from Carpe Cuisine; and Danette Andersen and by the children’s father, the woman had been Rose met a Strategic Planner from Western 

Patti Lowery from Gift Basket Designs. Doug working as a waitress until she was fired for Australia, Nathan Ritchie, to share and compare 

DeGood from Domino’s 

taking time off to experiences. 

Pizza received his 

care for a sick child. 

Platinum Badge. 

We paid her rent, and 

Nathan is part of a highly diverse, six-person 

found a sponsor to 

young professionals team sent by Rotary 

In April, the following 

purchase Christmas 

International as part of a Group Study Exchange 

Ambassadors received 

presents for the 

from Western Australia, and travelled from 

a White Badge: Linda 

children. The client 

Pensacola to Tallahassee during the month 

Shaw from Realjoy 

was very despondent, 

of March. The team stopped in Panama 

Properties; Amy 

and was referred to a 

City on March 20th and Nathan met with the 

Trull from Suntrust 

mental health agency. 

Beaches Chamber to learn more about the local 

Mortgage; Michele 

developments. 

Good from Wavebreak 

Facility Services; Pam 

Ackerland from Navy 

Federal Credit Union; 

and Beverly BonFleur 

from Prudential 

Shimmering Sands 

Realty. Gold Badges: 

Terry Hook from 

Publix; Diane Williams 

from BonRoy; and Dr. 

Gurprit Sekhon from 

Gulf Coast Medical Center. Fred Bredehorst 

from Wingate Inn received his Platinum Badge. 

United Way 

Volunteering is one of the best ways to 

contribute to the overall well-being of your 

community. You have the chance to learn new 

skills, make friends and, most importantly, to 

share your experience 

and your willingness to 

help with those who need 

it the most. 

Volunteering is open to 

any individual or group 

willing to roll up their 

sleeves to help make 

Northwest Florida a better 

place for everyone to live. 

To become involved visit www.unitedwaynwfl. 

org and click on the Volunteer Connection 

link. Follow the directions and view several 

organizations needing help. Or, post your 

profile and let them contact you. Get busy and 

volunteer. Get busy and do what matters. 


This week, she called 

to thank us for our 

help. She is doing 

much better, seeing 

the counselors, and 

schooling has been 

arranged for her. We 

love these success 

stories! 

We need corporate 

sponsors to help meet 

our client services expenses of about $5,000 

monthly. If you can help BCS, or know someone 

who would be interested, please call (850) 235- 

3002, and help us help your neighbors. 

The Weather Channel 

Comes to PCB 

On March 18th the Weather Channel travelled 

from Atlanta to Panama 

City Beach. Over 88 

million viewers tuned in 

as the popular channel 

celebrated the first day of 

Spring. 

“(Producer) Jim Gagne 

and (Meteorologist) Mike 

Slidell were a delight to 

meet and work with,” said 

Chamber president Debi Knight. “We really 

enjoyed showing them around the area while they 

were in town.” The Weather Channel spotlighted 

the emerald waters from several vistas including 

Pineapple Willy’s, Holiday Inn Sunspree and the 

Treasure Ship. 

“One of the major differences between Western 

Australia (WA) and Panama City Beach is that 

while the beaches, culture and lifestyle are very 

similar, the approach to development is quiet 

different,” noted Nathan. “WA has protected the 

majority of the coastline from development, in 

turn protecting fragile ecological dune systems 

and increasing accessibility to the beach.” 

In WA, condo developments like those see on 

Front Beach Road are permitted only on the 

furthest side (away from the beach), placing the 

road between the development and the beach. 

These developments are limited to a height of 

seven stories (in some places), averaging four 

stories along the coastline, with the aim to 

reduce the visual impact of the developments 

on the landscape. 

After several days of meetings and a tour of 

the area, Nathan forecasted, “Although bigger 

is not always better, in this case Panama City 

Beach will be bigger and better than its wildest 

dreams. This is a place to keep an eye out for 

in the future.” 

From left: Debi Knight, Jim Gagne (standing) 

and Mike Slidell from the Weather Channel, 

Marta Rose and Tom Mixon.

MEMBER NEWS 

This meeting aims to be 

the catalyst in developing 

future relations with some 

like Western Australian 

Chambers to share learning 

opportunities and 

experiences, and to capitalize 

on initiatives in the future. 

Bridge Harbor 

Bridge Harbor Investment 

Company, LLC recently 

broke ground on Bridge Harbor, a unique 155- 

acre waterfront residential community being 

developed on the serene shores of East Bay 

in Callaway. “We are extremely excited and 

proud to be creating a community like Bridge 

Harbor,” said developer Worth Williams. 

“Bridge Harbor embraces the rich traditions 

of small town life. It’s a place for friends and 

family to connect with each other and with the 

wonders of nature.” 

Bridge Harbor will feature single family 

homesites, town homes and waterfront estates 

with an extensive list of unique amenities 

and neighborhood commercial space. The 

architecture will be reminiscent of an Old 

Florida style vernacular, borrowing from 

Victorian and “Cracker” style architecture. 

Bridge Harbor has released Phase One of the 

community, which encompasses 25 waterfront 

homesites and 64 interior homesites ranging in 

price from $150,000 to $475,000. Currently 

under construction is the Bridge Harbor 

Welcome Center, designed by architect J. 

Michael Hunnicutt as well as two model 

homes. For more information on residential 

opportunities, please call (850) 871-2441 or 

visit www.bridgeharborfl.com. 

The Fish Box 

Bar & Grill 

As the newest member 

of The Greater Panama 

City Beaches Chamber of Commerce (as of the 

publication of this issue), owners Tim and Lisa 

Jacobi invite you to join them at the beach’s 

newest casual dining experience, The Fish Box 

Bar & Grill. Serving great seafood prepared 

via traditional family recipes, the restaurant 

offers both indoor and outdoor seating (in case 

you want to feel the island breezes). 

Marta Rose, Nathan Ritchie, Debi Knight 

An Old Florida-style home in Bridge Harbor 

“Come as you are,” and enjoy a fun fishing 

and surfing feel with laid-back sounds and 

genuine Panama City Beach hospitality. Come 

experience the food, beautiful views and great 

people. The Fish Box Bar & Grill is located at 

13006 Front Beach Road just west of the Clara 

Avenue intersection. Call (850) 249-3470 for 

more information. 

Top Shelf Storage 

Top Shelf Storage is a brand new, 100% climate 

controlled storage facility located in Panama 

City Beach, featuring state of the art security, 

personal and commercial units, and temperature 

controlled wine & fine art storage. The only 

bonded warehouse between Jacksonville and 

Pensacola, where your needs are our priority. 

Experience Powerhouse 

Skin Care! 

Feel the joy of beautiful results. See a more 

radiant complexion. And transform your skin 

from the inside out with powerful skin care 

products from Mary Kay. Let your age be your 

secret and glow with younger-looking skin. 

You’ll love the instant results you get with the 

TimeWise Micro-dermabrasion Set. Fight 

fine lines, refine pores and achieve beautifully 

smooth skin - immediately. 

We have a new product – the TimeWise Targeted 

Action Line Reducer. It firms and tightens 

lines and wrinkles. You can see results within 

minutes and see lasting results over time. Up to 

33% fewer forehead lines and wrinkles; up to 

50% fewer crow’s-feet area lines and wrinkles. 

Make today the beginning of a beautiful 

relationship with a skin care program designed 

just for you. Call Elaine Williams for a private 

consultation at (850) 236-9122 or visit www. 

marykay.com/elainewilliams. 

Romancing With Stones 

At Romancing With Stones, Fine Jewelers, we 

are a family owned and operated business. We 

specialize in custom fabricating our customers’ 

dreams. All of our jewelry is hand fabricated 

to perfection by 25-year master jeweler Bruce 

Lane Workman. 

Whether you need a small repair, and need it 

back in the same day, or you are looking for that 

special stone for that special someone, stop by 

or give us a call. Romancing With Stones is 

open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 6pm. 

Located at Back Beach Plaza near Highway 79. 

Private consultations are available any time; 

call (850) 235-7999. 

Leads Groups 

The Chamber’s two Leads Groups meet twice 

a month to share business leads and information. 

We strive to keep our group industry specific, 

and allow one of any profession to avoid 

conflict. We invite anybody interested in furthering 

their careers or business to join us. 

LEADS GROUP A meets at the Boatyard, 

5323 North Lagoon Dr., every 2nd & 4th 

Wednesday of the month at 12:00 Noon. 

Erven Sewell (850) 784-0032 or esewell@ 

copyproductscompany.com 

LEADS GROUP B meets at the Boatyard, 

5323 North Lagoon Dr., every 1st and 3rd 

Wednesday of the month at 12:00 Noon. 

Jared Jones (850) 303-1989 or jared.jones@ 

knology.com. 


Art & Culture 

by Kira Burdeshaw, Junior Museum of Bay County 

Dinosaurs 

are at the 

Junior Museum 

Every spring, the Junior Museum hosts a brand new adventure 

for families, school children and area visitors. This year the Museum 

is proud to present, “They’re Big, They’re Bad, They’re 

Back...Dinosaurs!” This very popular and often requested exhibit will 

be on display until May 25, 2007. 

As your family enters the exhibit, they will be immersed into a time 

long forgotten. Dinosaurs and dinosaur skeletons set in lush dioramas 

seem to come to life as they ‘forage’ and ‘hunt.’ Robotic dinosaurs actually 

will come to life when your child steps up to the controls to make 

them roar, lunge and even wag their tails! Hands on activities such a 

large paleontologist’s dig site, jumbo puzzles, etchings and please-touch 

artifacts make this exhibit a hit with all ages in the family. 

The Museum is a one of a kind family experience in Bay County. Admission 

into the Dinosaur exhibit is $9 per person, which includes general 

admission into the Museum. For more information on the Museum, 

its friendly staff is always happy to receive phone calls by calling 850- 

769-6128. You can also visit their website at www.jrmuseum.org for 

regular updates. The Junior Museum is located at 1731 Jenks Avenue 

in Panama City. 

Banking solutions 

for more than 

100 years. 

7522 Front Beach Rd. 

Panama City Beach 

230-9800 

3400 Marriott Dr. 

Bay Point 

234-2375 

220 W. 19th St. 


913-9832 

12216 Panama City Beach 


233-1878 

Member FDIC 


Dining Outby Marta Rose 

Have a glass of wine or a martini before dinner at Bonefi sh’s long bar...or have dinner there! 

In 2000, restaurateurs Tim Curci and Chris 

Parker set out to create a “polished casual” 

dining experience that would take the 

mystery out of fish for people who didn’t eat 

it very often. Bonefish Grill was founded (the 

first opened in St. Petersburg, FL), opening to 

rave reviews and wild popularity. With a huge 

focus on Fresh, Bonefish’s formula for success 

is that the fish is flown in daily, inspected and 

hand-cut, then cooked to perfection over a 

wood-burning grill. Guided by knowledgeable 

servers, guests choose a fish that best matches 

their taste preference which is then finished with 

a Bonefish signature treatment.* 

The other evening I dined at Bonefish Grill in 

the Grand Panama Beach Resort in Panama City 

Beach. Everything, from the delicious food, the 

refreshing drinks, the friendly service and the 

lively ambiance, was wonderful. It’s the kind of 

meal that has you walking out the door feeling 

happy, satisfied and still smiling. 

My two friends and I dined early on a Tuesday 

evening. At 6:15 it was still light out but the 

place was already filling up. I looked around 

and noted all types of customers: a table of 

women having a “ladies gathering,” a number 

of families with young children, several 

couples, and even a “guy’s night out” group at 

the next table. Upbeat music filled the room, 

and we were greeted and served by several of 

the friendliest servers I have encountered during 

my time in Panama City Beach. 

Bonefish Grill has a full bar and a solid wine list 

including traditional favorites like Stag’s Leap 

and Cakebread, however, this evening seemed 

to call for martinis. I opted for the Espresso 

Martini, a sweet, cool concoction of Kahlua, 

cocoa, espresso and vanilla vodka served with a 

crunchy sugared rim. This refreshing aperitif is 

a perfect way to relax before dinner after a long 

day of work, although one might also consider 

the Espresso Martini perfect for dessert. 

Other signature martinis include the Icicle 

Aphrodisiac with watermelon and passion 

fruit, the Pomegranate Martini with a trace of 

mango, the Georgia Peach, the Lemon Drop 

and the Hpnotiq Breeze Martini with tropical 

fruit and a hint of cocoa. 

We chose two appetizers from a menu of nine 

amazing-sounding starters. The legendary 

Bang Bang Shrimp, a pyramid of tender, crispy 

wild gulf shrimp tossed in a fiery, creamy sauce 

was fantastic with its lip-burning kick. The 

elegant Mussels Josephine—Prince Edward 

Island Mussels sautéed with tomatoes, garlic, 

Genovese Basil and lemon wine sauce—had 

a lovely, sweet finish with the faint essence 

of anisette. Our server brought fresh, warm 

crusty bread and a dish of olive oil infused with 

savory citrus pesto for dipping. Our Bonefish 

House Salads arrived, crisp lettuces and baby 

greens surrounded by tomatoes, Kalamata 

olives, Brazilian organic hearts of palm and 

roasted pine nuts, drizzled with a light herbalorange 

vinaigrette. Halfway through our dining 

experience the lights dimmed, the music relaxed 

a bit, and the crowd started arriving in droves. 

The mood was festive and comfortable. 

Ordering our entrees had been a difficult task. 

Bonefish’s menu displays a generous anthology 

of fresh fish and mouth-watering favorites. I was 

in a “surf” mood, and the Pistachio Parmesan 

Crusted Rainbow Trout, Ahi Tuna served 

Pan Asian style, and Antartic 

Butterfish Piccata all 

caught my eye that evening. 

On occasion I do order “turf,” 

and Bonefish has plenty of 

great chicken and steak entrees 

like Tenderloin Portabella 

Piccata, Fontina Chops, and 

Lily’s Fire Roasted Chicken 

topped with Chevre goat cheese, 

Spanish artichokes and a lemon 

basil sauce. After much indecision I ordered the 

Atlantic Swordfish (like a juicy steak) topped 

with Gorgonzola cheese, wilted spinach and 

crispy bacon. Island Rice, a confetti of longgrain 

and wild rices, raisins and red peppers, 

accompanied the fish along with a rainbow of 

perfectly al dente steamed vegetables. One 

friend ordered the fresh steamed King Crab 

Legs – succulent and sweet with a dish of drawn 

butter – escorted by Bonefish’s special cheesy 

Potatoes Au Gratin. Meanwhile across the 

table my other friend was having a love affair 

with her own dish, the Chilean Sea Bass (tender 

and sweet) topped with warm mango salsa. 

Needless to say, we just couldn’t fit in dessert on 

this particular outing. But when I go back next 

I’m all about trying the Chocolate Macadamia 

Nut Brownie Cake served with raspberry sauce, 

creamy vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped 

cream. Or maybe I’ll just try another one of 

those Espresso Martinis. 

Bonefish Grill opens at 4:00 pm every day and 

closes at 10:00 pm on Sunday, 10:30 pm Monday 

through Thursday, and 11:30 pm on Friday and 

Saturday. Reservations are accepted; call (850) 

249-0428. 

*Treatments include Lime Tomato Garlic sauce, 

Lemon Butter Sauce, Virgin Mediterranean 

Sauce, Warm Mango Salsa, and Pan Asian 

Style. 

Ready to have 

your restaurant 

reviewed? 

Call Marta Rose at the 

Chamber, 235-1159. 


a few 

minutes 

with... 

Cody Khan 

Cody Khan has been in the hospitality 

industry since he was nine years old. 

“My first job, at nine, was bussing 

tables,” he remembers. The money he 

earned went to pay for tennis lessons. That 

early enthusiasm was only a small blueprint 

of what was to come. These days he begins 

his day at 4:00 am with a two-hour treadmill 

jog. (Yes, two hours – this is not a typo!) This 

passionate and motivated go-getter is also a 

devoted husband and father. Born in London 

and raised in Texas, Cody and his wife Wendy 

moved to Panama City Beach in 1993 with 

their son Ryan (now 15). Fourteen years later 

their family has expanded to include 9-year old 

son Austin and 3-year-old daughter Chloé. 

“I love being a mentor, I love to nurture, and I 

love people,” Cody says. “That’s my calling.” 

As for his own mentors, he names Charlie and 

Lila Hilton, who 

are godparents to 

his three children. 

“Mr. and Mrs. 

Hilton are my 

mentors and my 

guiding light, after 

my own parents,” 

he says. “Chip 

(Hilton, their son) is also my mentor. He taught 

me how to golf, hunt and fish.” Golf is Cody’s 

confessed “getaway,” a passion he undertakes 

often, along with tennis and fishing. 

Cody is Vice President of Hilton Inc. and 

oversees all operations of the Holiday Inn 

Sunspree. Formerly “The Escape Motel,” 

the Sunspree is one of the busiest hotels on 

the beach and, like Panama City Beach itself, 

is also evolving. This June the new threestory 

activities complex will open, featuring 

meeting space and a martini bar on the top, 

a luxury spa where guests can get a facial or 

massage while they view the beautiful Gulf 

through clear glass walls, and a kid’s zone 

complete with indoor movie theater, outdoor 

“dive-in theater” and Teen Nights. Children 

can also play at Lil’ Squirts Aqualand, a 

maze of colorful swings and slides in a 

shallow pool (8” in the deepest area). Hotel 

guests can enjoy the poolside Bamboo Grill 

and Oasis Bar. 

Cody sits on the Chamber’s Board of Directors 

and chairs the Chamber’s Attractions 

Committee, a task force created to gather 

information on parcels of available land for 

entertainment 

opportunities and 

“Panama City Beach will never be 

Destin, Rosemary Beach or 30A. We 

will be our own unique identity, with 

our own unique customer profile.” 

initiatives. “We 

formed this group 

because we need 

to add value to our 


properties,” states 

Cody, adding that 

the committee recognizes the needs for more 

family-oriented entertainment venues. 

“The most precious thing to happen to 

Panama City Beach is not the airport (which 

is very important), but the Front Beach Road 

CRA,” he states. “It’s going to completely 

change our destination.” Cody acknowledges 

that Panama City Beach will never be Destin, 

Rosemary Beach or 30A. “We will be our 

own unique identity, with our own unique 

customer profile.” 

The future of Panama City Beach looks 

exciting. “As our product, Panama City 

Beach, is evolving, our consumer is evolving, 

and we will have a greater variety of choices 

and options. I really believe in the next five 

years this place is going to explode.” 

 

Left: Lil’ Squirts Aqualand is perfect for the kids. Center: The 

Holiday Inn Sunspree on the beautiful Gulf. Right: A view of 

the pool and lush, tropical landscaping at Holiday Inn Sunspree. 


Friday at the Beach 

with Paris Janos of WJHG Channel 7 

May 11, 2007 

7:30-9:00AM Edgewater Beach Resort 

Guest Speaker: Jimmy Patronis 

Sharon & Gregory Yordon 

Nationally Board Certified 

in Hearing Instrument Sciences 

A Difference 

Worth Hearing About 

BELTONE, 

A Leader in Hearing Aid Technology 

FREE Hearing Evaluations. 

Consistent care, almost anywhere 

with Beltone’s largest network of 

hearing care centers in the nation. 

Repairs 

and service 

on almost all 

makes and 

models. 

Belcare, 

the most 

competitive 

follow-up 

care program of its kind. 

We also have assistive listening 

devices, hearing aid accessories 

and fresh batteries. 

Financing available (with app. credit) 

NEW BEACH LOCATION 

Every Tuesday from 8:30 - 4:00 

in “Bay Medical at the Beach” 

11111 P.C. Beach Parkway 

Call (850) 763-0801 or 

(877) 608-4327 for appt. 

2633 Hwy 77 Suite A 


June 8, 2007 

7:30-9:00AM Bay Point Marriott Resort 

Guest Speaker: VISIT FLORIDA 

Call the Chamber to RSVP at 235-1159 

Economic Initiatives in Bay County 

Susan Story, President & CEO of Gulf Power, was the guest speaker at Friday at the 

Beach on March 9th at the Bay Point Marriott. In her presentation, Story discussed 

recognizing our community’s economic strengths, and the special initiatives that can 

help Florida’s economy grow. 

Several key economy sectors offer large growth potential and overall economic impact in 

Bay County. Life Sciences – including hospitals, health and wellness clinics, treatment 

centers, medical manufacturing firms and pharmaceutical companies, bring more businesses 

and vendors to the area. Information Technology is a growing sector (the Chamber 

encourages and supports new business development of small consulting firms, software 

and IT companies). “If you can get the small businesses to start here, they will grow here,” 

Story stated. Aviation and aerospace is strong and growing in Bay County. Established 

military bases like Eglin, Tyndall and Naval Support Activity have the resources to attract 

commercial aviation and help launch smaller research companies focused on homeland security 

defense. Manufacturing is another solid industry in Bay County; large manufacturers 

like Arizona Chemical, Eastern Ship Building and Smurfit-Stone Packaging provide 

many high-wage jobs opportunities. 

Friday at the Beach on April 13th at Edgewater Beach Resort 

JB Flooring of Florida 

On April 13th Mark Bowen 

from the Emergency Operations 

Council (EOC) was 

the guest speaker at Edgewater 

Beach Resort. He 

discussed The Long Emergency: 

A global view of 

preparedness, and a number 

reasons to be prepared, from 

climate change to fossil fuel 

depletion. 


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Located in Historic Downtown Panama City 

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Injured? In Pain? 

Come Experience the Difference at 

Panama City Chiropractic 

850-249-WELL (9355) 

Relief of: 

Dr. Jon Sherman 

• Auto Injuries One Doctor 

• Headaches Two 

• Neck/Back Pain Locations 

• Shoulder/Arm Pain PC & PCB 

• Hip/Leg Pain 

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Local call 

(850) 215-7785 

Biz Spotlight 

Ric Brigman... 

Live Performance . DJ . Karaoke 

Born in the “Low Country” of Charleston, South Carolina, Ric 

Brigman grew up listening to the sweet sounds emanating from 

the Folly Beach Pier from such groups as The Tams, The Emeralds 

and so many more who originated the first “beach music.” 

During the ‘60s and 

‘70s, Ric drew his inspiration 

from James 

Taylor, Neil Diamond 

and Kenny Rogers. 

Later, he would become 

an admirer of Jimmy 

Buffett and others who 

embodied the carefree 

lifestyle we embrace 

here in Paradise! 

Ric has entertained 

folks from all over— 

Ric Brigman doing what he loves doing best. from seasonal visitors 

to locals—and enjoys a 

fan base from young and old alike. You’re sure to enjoy his extensive 

repertoire which includes beach music, blues, jazz, oldies, country, easy 

listening, 

ballads and 

standards. He enjoys 

Ric bought his first guitar 

perform- ing the 

hits from when he was 15—from money such artists 

from Van Morrison 

to Lionel he earned on his paper route. Ritchie, 

The Drift- 

ers to Ray 

He’s never been the same 

Charles, 

The Blues 

Brothers since. 

to Frank 

Sinatra and so many 

more. Ric’s vocals range from sultry to playful, and his full orchestra accompaniments 

and bluesy harp solos ensure full sound range. 

Ric’s professional credits include long 

term engagements at: The Boar’s 

Head, Bayou Bill’s, The Bay Point 

Marriott, Edgewater Beach Resort, 

The Treasure Ship, Ruthie T’s, The 

Quarterdeck, Calypso Beach Café, 

Red Rose, Bayou Ann’s, Patrone’s, 

Pier 98, The Executive Inn (Louisville), 

The Beau Rivage (Biloxi) and 

numerous weddings, receptions, reunions, 

private parties, festivals and 

corporate events. 

Ric’s company, “Coastal Weddings,” 

is a member of The Greater Panama 

City Beaches Chamber. Please visit 

www.coastalwed.com or contact Ric at 

(850) 236-0117 or (850) 236-3939, or 

email him at ricbrigman@msn.com.

Calendar of Events 

May & June 2007 

May 1 Tuesday County Commission Meeting 

9:00 am Panama City Hall 

May 1 Tuesday New Building Task Force 

10:00 am Peoples First Bank 

May 1 Tuesday 12@12 Luncheon (invite only) 

12:00-1:00 pm Coastal Community Bank 

May 8 Tuesday TDC Meeting 

9:00 am City Council Chamber 

May 9 Wednesday Board Meeting 

3:00 pm Vision Bank 

May 10 Thursday City Council Meeting 

9:00 am City Hall Annex 

May 11 Friday Friday at the Beach 

7:30-9:00 am Edgewater Beach Resort 

Special Guest: State Representative Jimmy Patronis 

May 15 Tuesday County Commission Meeting 


May 17 Thursday After Hours Mixer 

5:30-7:30 pm Boatyard 

May 22 Tuesday TDC Meeting 


May 22 Tuesday Airport Authority Meeting 

10:00 am Airport Board Rm (2nd FL) 

May 22 Tuesday EDC Meeting 


May 24 Thursday City Council Meeting 

2:00 pm City Hall Annex 

12 @ 12 Luncheon 

Coastal Community Bank 

Tuesday, May 1st and Tuesday, June 5th 

12:00 to 1:00 pm 

Please contact Joyce Kidd at the Chamber if you are 

interested in attending and promoting your business. 

Open to Chamber Members only. 

(850) 235-1159 

June 5 Tuesday County Commission Meeting 


June 5 Tuesday New Building Task Force 

10:00 am Peoples First Bank 

June 5 Tuesday 12@12 Luncheon (invite only) 

12:00-1:00 pm Coastal Community Bank 

June 8 Friday Friday at the Beach 

7:30-9:00 am Bay Point Marriott Resort 

Special Guest: VISIT FLORIDA 

June 12 Tuesday TDC Meeting 


June 13 Wed. Board Meeting 


June 14 Thursday City Council Meeting 


June 19 Tuesday County Commission Meeting 


June 22 Friday 20th Anniversary Gala 

6:00-10:00 pm Bay Point Marriott Resort 

June 26 Tuesday TDC Meeting 


June 26 Tuesday Airport Authority Meeting 

10:00 am Airport Board Rm (2nd FL) 

June 26 Tuesday EDC Meeting 


June 28 Thursday City Council Meeting 


Chamber After Hours 

BoatYard 

5323 North Lagoon Drive 


Thursday, May 17, 2007 5:30 to 7:30 pm 

Complimentary Hors D’oeuvres * Two Complimentary Cocktails 

For Members and Guests Only 

Sponsored by 

Coastal Community Bank, Mortgage & Insurance 


MEMBERSHIP REPORT 

Tom Mixon & Skip Alford, Member Services 

(850) 814-0616 (850) 814-4292 

One major 

concern that 

we’ve 

heard from some chamber members is 

the fact that they do not have time to attend 

chamber functions and get involved in business 

building activities. Not to fret! If your business 

has you busy (which is good) don’t worry. If 

you can’t take part in our scheduled events, 

your Chamber of Commerce has many ways 

to support you. 

You can advertise on our chamber website 

which currently averages over 1,000 unique IP 

visits per day. This is great business exposure 

to the local community, and good for those 

families and businesses relocating to our area. 

You can advertise and submit articles in our 

bi-monthly chamber publication, The Circuit, 

which gets distributed to over 5,000 individuals 

and businesses throughout the local area and 

beyond. You can receive a complete business 

listing in the Chamber’s online Member 

Directory, which may include links to your 

web site for additional attention. 

Be alerted to business opportunities sent 

exclusively 

to The Greater Panama 

City Beaches Chamber office for Chamber 

members. 

Benefit from effective representation, at the 

local and state levels, on issues that directly 

impact your business success. Also, you 

can enjoy constant marketing through the 

Relocation Guide & Business Directory, which 

is distributed at all three state welcome centers 

and all relocation kits sent out. Bottom line: 

If you can’t be there, we’re there for you! 

Boy, are we having fun yet or what? 

With the weather warming up and 

all the good things going on out at 

the beach, you can’t help but have some fun. 

What an awesome place we live at here at 

Panama City Beach, and what an awesome 

chamber we have here to support and help 

your business grow. 

New Members 

A & C Gulf Coast Restoration, Inc. 

A Beach Beauty 

Accommodations & Vacation Rental 

PCB 

American Classifi eds 

American Martial Arts, Inc. 

Ana’s Southern Exposure 

Aqua View Motel 

Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, Inc. 

Barefoot Beach Club 

Becker & Associates 

Bon Roy Sales 

Buddy Gandy Seafood 

California Cycles 

Coastal Lending Services 

Colonial Press International 

CPH Engineers, Inc. 

David Weekley Homes 

Dickens Land Clearing & Rock 

World, Inc. 

Don Hood Insurance Agency 

Eventide Coastal Residences 

Flagala Design Build, Inc. 

Genesis Construction Enterprises, 

Gortemoller Engineering, Inc. 

Grand Screen Advertising 

Grande Pointe Developers, LLC 

Indulgence Salon Spa & Boutique 

Inner Vision Communications, LLC 


AMBASSADORS 

Skip Stoltz , Ambassador Chairman 

We invite some of you Business Owners to put 

down that pen, take off those glasses and come 

out to a ribbon cutting or grand opening…have 

a little fun and see what’s going on outside your 

own doors. Ya gotta get out more -- ya just gotta! 

We would like to give special thanks to our 

meeting sponsors for March: Antonio at Pasta 

Grill in March, and Mack Carter at Shuckums 

Longhorn Steak House 

Louie’s Florida Grill 

Mason, Larry 

Outback Storage Company 

Panama City Beach Pet Sitters 

Panama City Beach CRA 

Panama City Renaissance School 

Panama City Surgery Center 

Red Hen Shopping Service 

Redman Trucking & Land 

Development 

Resort Ready Rooms 

Romancing With Stones 

S.C. Designing, Inc. 

Salty’s 

Sharks’s Tooth Golf Club 

Sign Graphix 

Steve Akiyama 

Sunnyside Seafood Market Oyster/ 

Steam Bar 

Superior Lawn Care & Landscapes, 

Viamedia 

White Cap Construction Supply 

YaYa’s Unique Boutique 

Renewals 

A Smart Move Home Inspection - 1 

Axiom Capital - 1 

Big Airbrush, Inc. - 1 

Coop’s Home Furnishings and 

Gallery 226 - 1 

First Gulf Bank - 1 

Holiday Terrace Motel - R - 1 

Honda/Volkswagon - 1 

J.B. Flooring, Inc. - 1 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Services - 1 

Nichols Physical Therapy 

Specialists - 1 

Panhandle Bch Realty /Real Estate 

Radio Show - 1 

Seaside Beach Weddings - 1 

Simple HR - 1 

Tassels - 1 

The Coffee Bean Queens, Inc. - 1 

Willis Service Company - 1 

Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & 

Russell - 1 

Allegra Print & Imaging - 2 

Beach Helicopter Tour & Aerial 

Photo, Inc. - 2 

Beachcomber - 2 

Beef O’ Brady’s - 2 

Bellezza Salon and Spa - 2 

Brock Pest Control, Inc. - 2 

Cardenas Seafood, Inc. - 2 

Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center - 2 

CR Murray Company - 2 

Ed’s Beach Service - 2 

Emerald Waters Realty - 2 

Gulf Coast Medical Center Beach 

Oystar Bar in 

April. Also, 

thank you to 

our wonderful 

Ambassador Team. 

I appreciate your support, 

Skip Stoltz 

Primary Care - 2 

Harbour Development Group, LLC - 2 

Inga Fahs-Gielisse, LLC - 2 

Interspace Airport Advertising - 2 

Labor Solutions, Inc. - 2 

Moore Bass Consulting, Inc. - 2 

Nantze Springs, Inc. - 2 

Prosperity Bank - 2 

RH Donnelley - 2 

Service Construction Supply, Inc. - 2 

Taylor Woodrow/Olson Magnolia Bay 

Club, LLC - 2 

The Reliance Group of The Emerald 

Coast - 2 

The Towne of Seahaven - 2 

U.S. Postal Service - 2 

Black Tie Formalwear, Inc. - 3 

Bondi, Jane - 3 

Chick-fi l-A Panama City Beach 

Parkway - 3 

Coastal Weddings - 3 

Downing Law Offi ces, P.A. - 3 

Miss Charlotte’s - 3 

Ambassador Condominiums - 4 

Cellon, Jr., Ralph - 4 

CityNet Wireless, LLC - 4 

Collins & Associates, Inc. - 4 

Knight Realty Services, Inc. - 4 

McDonald’s Restaurant/Zeebest - 4 

McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. - 4


and Re-Openings, Groundbreakings & Beautifi cations 

To schedule a ribbon-cutting 

or beautification call Tom 

Mixon at 814-0616 or Skip 

Alford at 814-4292. 

Cyber Sytes, 3/6 Longhorn Steak House, 3/19 

Innovations Federal Credit Union, 3/20 

FSU Administrative Services Center, 3/21 

TECO Peoples Gas, 3/21 

Old Town Mortgage, 3/28 BBT, 3/29 

Roebuck Auctions, 4/10 

Front Beach Road CRA, 4/11 

Publix, 4/12 

Top Shelf Storage, 4/17 

Mr. Appliance of Bay & Walton County - 4 

ResortQuest - 4 

Rug Island, L.L.C. - 4 

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast - 4 

Sunbelt Environmental of Bay County - 4 

WAVEnet Technologies, Inc. - 4 

Buddy’s Seafood - 5 

Chip Lloyd Photography - 5 

Emerald Bay Inn - R - 5 

Gulf Coast Panama Jack, Inc. - 5 

Holiday On Wheels - 5 

Lumley Plumbing - 5 

Mortensen, Keith - 5 

Shoppes At Edgewater - 5 

Spicy Noodle Restaurant - 5 

Stroud, Thomas - 5 

Vision Bank - 5 

Bay Walk-in Clinic - 6 

Beach Care Services, Inc. - 6 

Boomer Aviation - 6 

Ed’s Sheds - 6 

Florida Film Offi ce, Inc. - 6 

Fontainebleau - R - 6 

Beach Scene - 7 

Coral Reef Condominium - R - 7 

KESCO- Kitchen Equipment & Supply Co., Inc. - 7 

Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop - 7 

PCB Embroidery & Gifts - 7 

Pelican Point Interiors, Inc. - 7 

Hospitality Depot, Inc. 8 

Mad Hatter Muffl er & Auto Center - 8 

Ocean Terrace Condominiums - R - 8 

Pinnacle Port Vacation Rentals - R - 8 

Beach Barn Wholesale Furniture - 9 

Garner, Cicero - 9 

Angelo’s Steak Pit - 10 

Gulf Coast Triathlon Foundation, Inc. - 10 

Innovations Federal Credit Union - 10 

Lady Anderson Dining Yacht - 10 

Northwest Florida Blood Center - 10 

The Talking Phone Book - 10 

Able Body Temporary Service - 11 

Black Angus Restaurant - 11 

Advanced Logical Solutions - 13 

Coastal Communications - 13 

Leitz Offi ce Products - 13 

Gulf Coast Medical Center - 14 

Sharky’s Seafood Restaurant - 16 

Wendy’s - 18 

Bikini Beach Motel - R - 20 


Is it working with experienced professionals to create a quality product? Is it watching their ideas come together before 

their eyes? Or is it the bottom line, knowing they are getting the most for their hard earned money? We say it’s all these and 

more. From the simplest business card to a full color magazine we will work with you to achieve your goals, time and time again. 

At Boyd Brothers we don’t want orders, we want customers 

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS 

425 East 15th Street • Post Office Box 18 • Panama City, FL 32402-0018 

1-800-677-BOYD(2693) • 850-763-1741 • FAX: 850-769-6526 

BUSINESS WAREHOUSE CONDOS AVAILABLE 

Beach Commerce Business Center 

Located at Ashley Drive in Beach Commerce Park on the west end of 

Panama City Parkway 

• 48,000 Total SF 

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WHY LEASE WHEN YOU CAN OWN! 

Call Us For More Information: 850–319-4556 

www.businesscondosusa.com 


AROUND TOWN 

Updates on Community, Governmental Affairs, Workforce & Military 

Community Update 

Mayor Gayle Oberst 

City of Panama City Beach 

The City, in April, completed a series of 10 workshops presenting 

the council and citizens an opportunity to discuss concerns that the 

City must address. The 1 ½ hour workshops began in January and 

included topics such as universal garbage, zoning, land uses, transportation 

concerns on the Parkway and other streets, City board appointments, 

parks and recreation facilities management, annexation, 

and funding issues. 

Two new streets are being constructed that will affect the traffic 

on the Parkway. North Pier Park Drive will be extended from the 

Parkway to the Palmetto Trace west entrance. When the street is 

completed, residents of Palmetto Trace subdivision will have an entrance/exit 

with a traffic signal. A second street in front of Arnold 

High School will connect Alf Coleman Street with Beckrich through 

the Home Depot complex. 

During the first week of April, contracts were let for sewer and reusable 

water installation in El Centro, Lullwater, and some areas of Bahama 

Beach subdivisions. The projects take approximately 6 to 12 

months and will complete a series of sewer work that included Open 

Sands, Bid-a-Wee, and East and West Gulf Highlands subdivisions. 

Pier Park continues to announce store openings and Panera Bread 

and the Grand Theater are opening in May. Additional development 

is taking place at Alf Coleman and the Parkway. CVS Pharmacy, 

Dairy Queen and a strip shopping center stretch south from the Parkway 

down Alf Coleman. A new McDonald’s is planned for the Parkway 

in front of Lowe’s. 

Local Government Update 

Bert Howell, Bay Solutions 

Bay County 

• BOCC approved the design concept for the new County Administration 

facility; the projected cost is $20 million. 

• The Buck Wild Saloon lawsuit was settled, ending a noise ordinance 

challenge for the Thomas Drive area. 

• New zoning change notification rules were implemented, certified 

letters will now be required bringing Bay County into line with the 

City of Panama City Beach. 

• The BOCC took exception to the Panama City Crayfish Management 

Plan, citing a lack of scientific information and a failure to provide 

an economic analysis. 

• An Affordable Housing Committee has been established and appointees 

are expected to be named in the next month. 

City of Panama City Beach 

• The City Council made the initial approval of the development 

agreement for the Seahaven DRI. This development of regional impact 

is one of the more sophisticated planning devices and the City 

was deliberate and focused in consideration of this approval. 

• The Front Beach Road CRA has received approval for public relations 

/ education support with the hiring of Amy Ausley. 

• Construction on the improvement to Churchwell Street has commencing 

and marks a major milestone in the accomplishments of the 

Front Beach Road CRA. 

Panama City-Bay County Airport Authority 

• The purchaser for the existing airport property was selected during 

the March Authority meeting, the high bid of $74 million was placed 

by PCA, the team who also developed Wild Heron. 

• Groundbreaking for the new airport is projected for June 2007. 

• The Regional Airport Commerce Council conducted a multi-county 

workshop on April 4, 2007. More than 140 attendees received updates 

on the new airport’s current status and participated in breakout 

sessions on economic development, marketing / branding and destination 

development. A report on this workshop is forthcoming. 

Tangled in the red tape of bureaucracy? 

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expertise to work and save your business time and money. 

850.763.4332 

www.baysolutions.com 


AROUND TOWN 

Updates on Community, Governmental Affairs, Workforce & Military 

Navy News 

Capt. Hal Harbeson, Commanding Officer 

Naval Support Activity Panama City 

The recent months have been very busy around the Naval Support 

Activity Panama City. Perhaps the biggest thing that appeared on our 

horizon was the Sea Fighter, a 262-ft catamaran operated by the Office 

of Naval Research, now home ported at NSA PC. The long-awaited 

arrival happened on March 29 after the ship made its long cruise 

here via the Panama Canal from San Diego. Sea Fighter provides the 

Navy with a platform to conduct at-sea science and technology experiments 

collect and evaluate data and assess performance of advanced 

developmental programs underway at NSA PC. The Sea Fighter has 

a beam of 72 feet and a draft of 15 feet and has demonstrated speeds 

in excess of 50 knots. 

NSA PC and tenant command the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama 

City again hosted the Three Rivers Science and Engineering Fair 

of February 13, with students from Bay district public, private and 

home schools participating. NSWC PC Engineer John Brady worked 

with school district officials and base professionals to put on the event 

as a part of NSWC’s School Enrichment Program. 

NSA PC was proud to participate in Step Up Florida, sponsored by 

the Florida Department of Health, on February 15 to promote fitness 

awareness across the state. Our military members from NSA PC, Naval 

Diving and Salvage Training Center, and the Naval Special Warfare 

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Detachment “stepped up” to meet the 

challenge, running, swimming and biking through our leg of the event 

as it traveled through Bay County. 

Congratulations are in order for Navy Diver Petty Officer First Class 

Timothy Alexander, a member of the Dive Locker at Naval Surface 

Warfare Center, for being named one of five finalists to compete for 

Vice Secretary of the Navy’s Shore Sailor of the Year. The Middletown 

Ohio native joined the Navy in 1991. His Commanding Officer, 

Capt. Andy Buduo, called Alexander a model sailor and leader. If he 

is selected the winner of this level, Alexander goes on to compete for 

the title Navy-wide. 

We’re looking forward to later this year when the future USS MESA 

VERDE (LPD 19) will be commissioned at Port Panama City. The 

commanding officer of this large-deck amphibious dock ship, Cmdr. 

Shawn Lobree, has already been working closely with members of 

the local community’s commissioning team to make this a spectacular 

event for his crew and for Bay County. NSA PC and its tenants are 

happy to be a part of the team. 

Gulf Coast Workforce Board 

Career Readiness Program 

Kimberly Bodine, Executive Director 

Gulf Coast Workforce Board 

The Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB) will pilot a new career readiness 

program called Ready to Work. The basis of the program revolves 

around an assessment of key skills in students and job seekers. In the 

coming months, the GCWB will invite local business to participate in 

luncheons to learn more and test the value of the Ready to Work program. 

If deemed beneficial, the GCWB will offer assessments locally to 

students or Florida residents. Employers may opt to require the Ready 

to Work credentials for applicants. 

The program utilizes ACT’s WorkKeys®, a nationally recognized assessment 

tool, to measure a person’s skills in applied math, reading for 

information, and locating information. Upon successful completion of 

the assessment, the participant will be issued a Florida Ready to Work 

Certificate signed by Governor Crist. 

The Ready to Work pilot project is part of a statewide effort to address 

the workforce development needs of both employers and job seekers. 

It is funded by the Florida Legislature and administered by the Florida 

Department of Education and the Agency for Workforce Innovation, in 

cooperation with Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) and the nationally 

recognized ACT® WorkKeys program. 

If you would like to learn more about Ready to Work or want to sign 

up for our informational presentation, please contact Maria Goodwin 

at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board at (850) 873-3581 or visit www. 

myfloridareadytowork.com. 

SCOTT COOPER 

Panama City Lender 

2624 Jenks Avenue, Suite A 

Panama City, FL 32405 

Phone: 850.872.9417 

Member FDIC 

www.vanguardbank.com 


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YOU FORGOT TO ROLL OUT 

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