Here is today’s updated oil slick trajectory map that forecasts the size and direction of the oil slick out to May 2nd.
The Louisiana National Guard has been mobilized to assist local communities in clean up efforts.
The EPA has also established a website to act as the Federal Response to BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Let me begin by saying something as clearly as possible: As of today, April 29th 2010, there is no oil on Panama City Beach’s waters or shoreline nor is there any oil “predicted” to be. It goes without saying that the oil spill could effect PCB and local areas, but for those who are curious about vacation reservations and fearful that Panama City Beach’s stunning sugar-colored-beach will be overrun in tar–don’t panic, the likelihood is that we might (I use the term “might” very lightly) see some effects but they will be minimal. (re-posted from pcbdaily.com http://pcbdaily.com/tourism/no-panama-city-beach-oilspill )
I have re-posted this as a reminder to our pending guests that Panama City Beach currently is not in danger of being ruined by the oil slick.
The following link is a map of the “trajectory” path of the oil spill.
Here’s a link from the NOAA updated daily about the oil spill. You will not find much talk about PCB there either.
Check out these aerial shots from MSNBC.
Deepwater Horizon Response Website
Lucinda and I are going to the beach on May 5th and will be there until May 15th. We will post photos and updates as often as possible. Please keep reading here to find out how the oil slick may affect your travel, but currently, Panama City Beach Is In The Clear.
Panama City Beach
Though it hasn’t moved an inch, Panama City Beach is about to seem a whole lot closer to most travelers. This spring, the Florida panhandle beach city will welcome not just a brand-new airport but service from low-cost giant Southwest.
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is gearing up to open in May, and Southwest has announced daily service between Panama City Beach and Baltimore/Washington, Houston, Nashville, and Orlando starting May 23. Airfares start at $49 each way from Orlando, and $69 each way from the other cities. Delta will connect Panama City with Atlanta and Memphis.
Already known as an affordable beach destination, the major boost in accessibility will put this bargain vacation city within reach of more people. When you’re comparing prices on accommodations, be sure to check vacation rentals in addition to traditional hotel and resort options. Look for free nights, spring specials, and other sales on lodging by entering your vacation date on the Panama City Beach tourism website.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2010-02-18-top-five-spring-destinations_N.htm
While the buzz surrounding Tuesday’s airport board meeting centered around the potential new name for the 318 million dollar gamechanger, it was talk of grass and sod that dominated the meeting. In fact, due to the overwhelming interest in the new name, a special meeting, to be held October 7th, will address that issue specifically. [...]
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Early Tuesday morning, a milestone was reached at the New Panama City Beach – Bay County International Airport Site. The capping of the control, a significant accomplishment in airport construction, was completed with nary a hiccup.
Dozens of workers, all using video camera cell phones to capture the event, lined the fenced perimeter to take a [...]
TDC/CVB had a combined meeting this week to pass Spring Break recommendations presented by Dan Rowe, CEO of the Tourist Development Council. After long weeks of deliberations, meetings and one vigorous community forum, a recommendation on Spring Break was reached that will decidedly cut Spring Break advertising ergo, cutting ties with MTV.
Bullet point recommendations at [...]
Back in August, Bay County Sheriff’s Office put together an exciting and successful rodeo held on Frank Brown Park’s festive grounds. In order to have this event, an agreement was reached with the city manager to till a large space of grass to create enough dirt to handle the show and after the rodeo the [...]
Submit your names to be included in tomorrow’s regularly schedule Airport Authority Board Meeting. The Airport Authority is considering new names and is asking for public input.
Up for debate for quite some time has been a new name for the new Panama City – Bay County International Airport, which is being relocated to an under [...]
The final decision on Spring Break rumblings will finally be unveiled. After several city-wide conversations, meetings and one huge community forum we will know what the direction for the future of Spring Break on Panama City Beach.
AGENDA
COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
1:30 [...]
5 Ways to Mentally and Physically Prepare for Thunder Beach
Aside from an investment in ear plugs or Gord’s Chrome Polish, there are
other ways pro and anti-Thunder Beach participants can prepare for the
twice-a-year event that can make it an overall better experience for
everyone.
1.* Signage* – Don’t expect bikers, or anyone for that matter, to know
your rules if you don’t have them visible. Know your boundaries and set
them. If you don’t want the bikers to do burnouts in the parking lot of your
establishment, you’d better say so. But beyond the rules you set, there also
needs to be a reminder, posted throughout the city, for bike safety. Use
signage to express your limits as an establishment as well as to remind
those in vehicles to be conscious of those on bikes.
2. *Be Informed – Know the Venues.* Anyone who does not care for Thunder
Beach knows how frustrating it is to want to go to your favorite restaurant
only to find all the parking spaces taken up by Harleys. Know the venues so
you either know where to go or where to avoid. If you are a biker, knowing
the venues helps you keep bikes off the neighborhood streets which in turn
makes Panama City Beach residents happy. Residents should know the venues
and so they don’t accidentally take a van-full of kids into the heart of a
raucous event. Currently, the posted venues for the event are *Frank
Brown Park, The Shoppes At Edgewater featuring Rock’it Lanes, The Boardwalk
Beach Resort, Club La Vela, Sharky’s Restaurant & Tiki Bar, Pier Park,
Pineapple Willy’s*
3. *Staff* – As we near the end of the season, cutting back on staff is
the last thing you want to do before this type of event. Let this be your
rehearsal for Spring Break. Not that Bikers will be anywhere near as rowdy
as breakers, especially during the Fall rally which is subdued compared to
its rowdier Spring sibling, but having a knowledgeable staff that knows how
to handle crowd control makes everything run smoother and can give you peace
of mind on those thunderous nights.
4. *Make Early/Alternate Plans* – If you don’t like the bike weekend and
want to avoid the whole scene, make plans to go out rather than sit at home
and sulk. Head into to town for Panama City Downtown Friday Fest, take the
kids over to the Skate Factory just off Harrison avenue or go see a show at
the Marina Civic Center. There’s lots to do when the bikers take over the
beach.
5. *Expect a Bad Apple, But A Relatively Good Barrel* – Don’t let one bad
apple make you cringe at the thought of the entire event. No doubt, there
are a million Thunder Beach horror stories you or anyone can tell, but I can
assure you there are equal if not more positive stories about the thunderous
occasion. Bikers, for the most part, are good people who spend loads of
money to come to Panama City Beach and enjoy their favorite hobby with
others. Yes, the pipes are loud, but you have to consider that even the loud
pipes you love to hate are for safety purposes. Go into the weekend
expecting a few bad apples in an overall good bath and you’ll have greater
peace of mind for it.
Thunder Beach Weekend starts September 24th and goes through the 27th.
For more information on the event please stop by
www.thunderbeachproductions.com
