Panama City Beach Airport - Authority must build public trust.

EDITORIAL: Airport Authority must build public trust

July 17, 2008 08:49:00 AM

Panama City News Herald

A recent Airport Authority meeting might have determined the paving material for the new runway, but the process has left some feeling even more unsettled about the project. And though a number of Bay Countians will continue to object to the new airport, the Airport Authority members should take care not to sour relations with county residents any further.

Tuesday's special meeting was held to discuss the length and construction materials for the runway of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport being built at West Bay. Plans currently call for an 8,400-foot concrete or asphalt runway, but the board is also considering extending the runway to 10,000 feet. An option for a crosswind runway is also on the table.

James Finch said that his company, Phoenix Construction, was ready to move forward with laying down the runway and he absolutely would not wait because of concerns about rising gas and material costs.

However, Airport Authority Chairman Bill Cramer indicated that he wanted to postpone the decision until bids for the terminal building, the rental car center, the air traffic control tower and other projects at the new airport are tendered in three weeks time.

Things came to a head with Finch telling the authority members, "I'm going to file a claim on your ass." Cramer shot back asking Finch where on the board's anatomy the claim would be filed, and asking airport attorney Franklin Harrison if there were legal grounds for Finch to file a claim on their posteriors.

Dramatics aside, Finch's point is valid.

Time equals money in construction, especially as labor and construction-related costs continue to increase.

However, Cramer was right to call for more time to consider the options because of concerns that the board would be basing its decisions on inadequate information and possible jeopardizing other projects at the airport.

Rushing ahead with decisions without having a complete financial picture is a sure recipe for nasty surprises down the road.

Concrete might be the best long-term option, with a 40-year life as opposed to only a decade for asphalt. But if Cramer's concerns about future cutbacks because the board committed to spending the extra money pan out, the Airport Authority won't win any converts for the relocation project. Deciding the issue on Aug. 8 still put the board ahead of the September deadline for notifying Phoenix about the runway length and materials. As Cramer rightly said, the primary obligation of the board should be looking out for the public trust.

Just look at the tone of the Bay District Schools budget debate in the face of a $20-million shortfall that came after the School Board committed the district to building two new schools before the state budget was finalized.
And Finch's statement that he had brought the project several weeks ahead of schedule at the request of certain airport officials, and not the entire board, can only stir up more bitterness and resentment among those still holding to the ignored 2004 non-binding referendum against relocation.

There were likely no shady backroom deals. But the project involves taxpayer dollars and that means the board must ensure all its decisions are made above board in a responsible manner.

Panama City Beach Piers

Panama City Beach Piers

Date: 7/7/2008 Pier into the future By JEREMY MORRISON, Florida Freedom Newspapers 2008-07-07 15:11:00 PANAMA CITY BEACH - The old pier's gone, with a new one to come. In between, waves wash and county officials await permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Bay County's M.B. Miller Pier was demolished earlier this year. The 470-foot-long structure, damaged in 2005 by Hurricane Dennis, will be replaced with a pier more than three times that length. But before construction may begin, the county must obtain DEP permits, which is expected to happen by November. "If they need the full 90 days, they'll take it," Assistant County Manger Bob Majka said of the state's permitting process. "If they get done earlier than that, we could see something earlier." The county is awaiting a joint coastal permit, which allows the pier to extend farther into the gulf. Also, a submerged land lease for the additional 1,000 feet must be obtained from the state. "We've got to have the physical footprint in the water," Majka said. Even if permits are issued earlier than expected, Majka said construction of a new pier will not begin until January. The same construction company, Shoreline Foundation Inc., is building the new Panama City Beach pier a few miles down the sand. That project, already in progress, dictates the start of the county's construction. The Panama City Beach Public Work's Department cites the tentative completion date for the city's pier as July 2009. Majka said the county's construction should be well under way by next summer. "We would want to have the upland portion done no later than June because of turtle season," he said. "At that point, we'll be in the water." Majka said the county's target finish is January 2010. The two piers, built with the same designs, will mirror each other. County and beach officials got a deal on the pair. "We saved a bunch of money by the city and the county bidding them out together," Bay County Commissioner Mike Thomas said in April. The two-for-one project was put out to bid last August. Shoreline was the lowest bidder, promising both structures for about $7.6 million each. Because of the hurricane damage, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is covering the dollar equivalent of the old 470-foot pier, or $1.7 million. The county also is applying for an additional $2.1 million from the federal government in recognition of the pier being built in a more hurricane-durable manner. The new structure will feature breakaway decking. Fishing also should be better 1,500 feet out into the water. Stretching beyond the second sandbar, it should provide access to king mackerel, bonito and redfish. The twin piers will be the longest along Florida's Panhandle. Pensacola Beach's pier, the basis for these structures, is 1,471 feet. In Alabama, the pier gracing Orange Beach edges a bit farther into the gulf at 1,510 feet.

Pier Park Opens More Commercial Retailers

Date: 6/18/2008

Pier Park Opens More Retailers in June!

Posted June 18, 2008 @ 12:00 pm by Jason Koertge, Filed under: Pier Park

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high-quality retail real estate, will celebrate more than 15 exciting retailer and restaurant openings this June at Pier Park, the 900,000-square-foot retail and entertainment lifestyle center located on 93 acres that covers land from Front Beach Road (at the City Pier) to the heavily traveled Highway 98 (Back Beach Road).

New specialty shops scheduled to debut include the following:

Ann Taylor Loft
As Seen On TV & More
Bellies N’ Babies
Chico’s
Cost Cutters
Counts-Oakes Realty
Footprints Coastal Decor
Hana Japan
Maurices
Peace Frogs
Popcorn Kingdom
Reggae J’s Island Grill
Regions Bank
Rocky’s South Philly Cheesesteaks
Shimmering Seas
Tran Fashion

Check after the break for a full list of open retailers.

The new stores will join over 80 stores already open at Pier Park. Additionally, the following anchors are open at Pier Park: Dillard’s, JCPenney, Target, The Grand 16 Theatres, Borders, Margaritaville, Old Navy and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

These additions make Pier Park home to a mix of over 100 retailers, with approximately half making their first appearance in this vibrant market. These stores combine the best in shopping, dining and entertainment – all situated across the street from some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Pier Park is a regional attraction, drawing residents and tourists from Florida’s Panhandle and beyond.

Ann Taylor Loft, through 483 store locations, competes in the “upper moderate” priced category. Ann Taylor Loft collections are designed for value conscious women with a more relaxed lifestyle both at work and at home.

As Seen On TV & More offers “As Seen On TV” products and other non-televised specialty items. As Seen On TV & More is committed to bringing customers the best “As Seen On TV” products at the fairest price.

In September 2005, Bellies N’ Babies opened its doors for the first time in downtown Danville, California and has been growing ever since. Bellies N’ Babies offers a great selection of affordable maternity fashions, products for moms-to-be and for kids as well.

Chico’s began in 1983 by Marvin and Helene Gralnick on Sanibel Island, Florida. Chico’s is a specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items.

Cost Cutters is dedicated to providing customers with convenient hair care services, by professional stylists who care about customer needs. Cost Cutters offers a relaxed hair care experience with no appointments and no hassles. A perfect choice for busy, value-conscious families and men, Cost Cutters offers a range of styles at a price easy-to-afford.

Counts-Oakes Realty has a wide selection of condos or resort condos, beach houses, town-homes or cottages for your beach vacation in Panama City Beach, Inlet Beach, Seagrove Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Seacrest Beach. You can count on Counts-Oakes Realty to find the perfect vacation rental.

Since 1983, Footprints Coastal Decor has been outfitting homes and condos along the Florida Emerald Coast with unique coastal accent items, fun beach decor, pottery, and decorative sea shells. They also have a wide selection of coastal gifts at excellent prices.

Hana Japan is fine dining that’s transformed into a novel, fun experience. The beautifully designed interiors feature Teppan Tables crowned with pagoda tops that seat a group of guests around a large hibachi grille. Talented chefs twirl their knives and display the freshest ingredients that are prepared to your taste, at your table. Hana Japan Steakhouse offers a delectable choice of steak, chicken and seafood, plus a variety of cocktails and full bar service.

Maurices was founded in 1931 by E. Maurice Lebovitz. For seven decades, Maurices has stayed true to high-standard fashion, value and great customer service. Offering sizes 1-24, styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size.

Peace Frogs is a friendly, peace-filled shop that carries a wide variety of Peace Frogs items including tee-shirts, key chains, stickers, lounge wear, hats, and mouse pads.
Popcorn Kingdom offers the highest quality popcorn popped in-store daily using only the finest of ingredients. Experience a wide assortment of over 30 flavors from top selling caramel, to fabulous fruit flavors! Popcorn Kingdom offers a wide variety of gift boxes and tins for special occasions and popcorn by the bag that ranges in size from individual sizes, to family sizes, as well as a 20 gallon party size bag that is perfect for large gatherings.
Reggae J’s Island Grill, owned by Southern Restaurant Group (SRG), features seafood with a Caribbean flair. Reggae J’s Island Grill is located on Front Beach Road and has directs views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Regions Bank is a full-service institution with a full range of financial products and services in the areas of trust, asset management, mortgage banking, securities brokerage and insurance, in addition to traditional banking products and services.

Rocky’s South Philly Cheesesteaks brings Pier Park shoppers a traditional steak sandwich which Philadelphians have been enjoying for many years; the management is actually moving to Panama City from Philadelphia to serve shoppers the authentic hoagies. In addition to courtyard seating, the shop has 10 seats, as well as, counters where customers can stand to enjoy their sandwiches, reminiscent of standing on the streets of South Philadelphia.

Shimmering Seas, formerly Sea of Silver, offers jewelry and gifts, specializing in exotic jewelry creations. Shoppers can find a variety of elegant sterling, gold, pearls, diamonds and much more.

Tran Fashion is a retail clothing store specializing in unique clothing and accessories for women and juniors. Tran Fashion focuses on unique styles of sportswear, tops, dresses, pants, jeans, prom dress and full assortment of fashion apparel. Their mission is to understand customers’ needs and provide quality clothing and customer service at a reasonable price.

Store currently open include the following:

Anchors
Borders
Dillard’s
JCPenney
Margaritaville
Old Navy
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Target
The Grand 16 Theatres

Specialty Shops
A.M. Cafe Accessories On The Boardwalk
Aeropostale
Alltel Wireless
American Eagle Outfitters
Ann Taylor Loft
As Seen On TV & More
Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Bath & Body Works
Beach Scene
BeBo’z
Blender Clothing, a fusion boutique
Bootleg Barbeque
Buffalo Wild Wings
Caché
Camille’s Sidewalk Café
Candy Maker
Carlyle & Co.
Claire’s
Coldwater Creek
Del Sol
Emerald Coast Photography
Fish Tales
Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries
GameStop
GNC
Guglielmo’s Italian Restaurant
Hofbrau Beer Garden
Hollister Co.
Specialty Shops Continued…
Jake at the Beach (Life is Good)
Jos. A. Bank
Justice
Kay Jewelers
Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream
Lane Bryant/Cacique
LongHorn Steakhouse
Marble Slab Creamery
Massage Envy
Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio
Mermaid Trading Co.
Motherhood Maternity
New York & Company
No Regrets Stationery and Gifts
PacSun
Panera Bread
Payless ShoesSource
Perfumania
Quizno’s Sub
Rack Room Shoes
Red Brick Pizza
Smoothie King
Solace Day Spa & Salon
Southern Waters Outfitters
Starbucks
Sunglass Hut
Sunglass World
Sunsights by Solstice
Tatoe Tots
The Walking Company
Tilly’s
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Trader Tom’s
Ulta Beauty
Unique Boutique by Irene & Co.
Verizon
Victoria’s Secret
Yankee Candle
Zales

Date: 6/10/2008

U.S. 98 to be widened near Hathaway Bridge

Work set to begin in July, FDOT official says

June 10, 2008 - 10:22PM

By S. Brady Calhoun

News Herald Writer

PANAMA CITY — The Panama City Commission got a welcome surprise this week.

City officials were planning to ask Florida's Department of Transportation for changes to U.S. 98 near the Hathaway Bridge with the goal of easing congestion. City officials found out the department already was planning the work.

"We found that out yesterday," Assistant City Manager Jeff Brown said Tuesday.

Right now, traffic funnels down from three lanes on the bridge to two on U.S. 98 and bottles up at the Moody Avenue and 23rd Street intersections, FDOT spokesman Tommie Speights said. The work, which will begin in July, Speights said, will add a third eastbound lane and a turn lane from the bridge to Moody Avenue.

"The main idea behind that is to improve safety and ease congestion," Speights said.

You can set your watch to the daily congestion, said Karon Conrad, the daytime manager of the No Name Lounge on U.S. 98.

"It gets busy and backed up all the time," Conrad said. But "you can count on it at 3 p.m."

Workers are leaving Naval Support Activity-Panama City at that time, she added.

Speights called the work a temporary solution. Long-term plans still call for a complete flyover from Hathaway Bridge to 23rd Street. The planning phase on the flyover is nearing completion, but the state's five-year budget plan has no money set aside for the work, Speights said.

Panama City Beach Number 1 Place to Own a Summer Home

Date: 5/31/2008

Panama City Beach Number 1 Place to Own a Summer Home

Posted May 31, 2008 @ 10:13 am by Jason Koertge, Filed under: Real Estate Market

According to AOL Money and Finance, Panama City Beach is The Number 1 Place to Own a Summer Home.

In an article that came out Thursday May 29, 2008 Kelli B. Grant with SmartMoney.com wrote that amid the credit crunch “someone else’s misfortune could work in your favor.” Home prices are down and according to the short article, if you are in for the long-term and plan to use your second home, now is a great time to buy.

Quoting the article for Panama City Beach:

There’s something for everyone in this Panhandle town where white “sugar sand” beaches along the Gulf of Mexico give way to inland attractions, including six championship golf courses and an active restaurant and nightlife scene. Prices for beachfront property run the gamut from $100,000 for a one-bedroom condo, to $2 million-plus for single-family homes of five bedrooms or more, according to vacation rental site HomeAway.com.

Why Buy Now: Besides the weather (temperatures rarely dip below the 60s, even in January) a new international airport is slated to open in the next couple of years. With it comes low-cost carriers and an abundance of nonstop flights. (Currently, flying from New York involves at least one connection and travel time of anywhere from 4.5 to 13 hours. In comparison, a nonstop flight from New York to Orlando takes about two hours.) That ease of access should help boost tourism — and property values, says Anil Pereira, CEO of SecondSpace.com, a property-finding service. “It’ll be more feasible to own a second home there,” he says. “People will be able to fly in for the weekend.”

There you have it folks, the opinion of someone much smarter than I and completely outside our market. We are the number one place to own a summer home, followed by the Pocono Mountains, PA, then The Crystal Coast, NC, Lake Tahoe, CA, and the Great Smokey Mountains, TN.