Easily promote your Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida events through Panhandle OnLine's Event system.
Northwest Florida is all about events. Festivals, concerts, performances, exhibits, tournaments, and many other types of events all abound here and often compete with each other during the 'season'. If you have a business, you are likely involved in many events (and, if you're not, you should be). PCBeNews' parent site, Panhandle OnLine, has a quick and easy way to help you promote your events – and best of all, it's free! Here's how simple it is, if you are promoting an event, you will likely be creating a Facebook event and also posting it to the Twittersphere. To have your event included in our network of Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida/Emerald Coast websites, simply do this while creating that Facebook event – include nwfla in your invitation, post a status to the event and tag nwfla (by typing six characters @nwfla in the post), or post the event's link to the wall at the nwfla FB page. When you do either or all of the above, we will see your event and aggregate it so that it shows up in our newsfeed – which we then post on Panhandle OnLine.com/events.cfm and across our network of Northwest Florida websites, Facebook pages, Twitter Accounts, and more!
The only catch is that you have to Likethe nwfla FB page. That's not our requirement, but rather the way Facebook works. You can't tag a page unless you are connected to the page. But, that's not so bad because then you can easily keep up with all of the other events going on in the area right from your Facebook news feed. (If those posts do become a bother to you, you can simply hide the nwfla post at any time, while retaining the connection.)
In addition, you can send us a message on Twitter (we are also @nwfla on Twitter) and then tag us in your event posts on Twitter and we will grab them there for inclusion in our system.
And that's pretty much all there is to it! We have used nwfla as our username on both Facebook and Twitter because it is short and sweet and easy for you to remember. Even though it is less descriptive than would be Northwest Florida Events - it is easier for you to tag. We wanted to make it as easy for you as possible!
We have made it easy for you so you can make it easy for us to include your event and have a comprehensive aggregation of Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida/Emerald Coast events to distribute to the viewers of our network of Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida websites, social network pages, and more. We look forward to following and blasting promotions for your fun and exciting events!
(We're not just puffing when we say you will find all of the important Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida events on this page. We have come up with a trick or two to ensure that we include them all. Our next blog addresses those promoting events in the area and explains how they can very easily ensure their events are included.)
But, you say, no matter how great this new site is, my favorites tab is a mile long already and all of my gadgets for saving cites and organizing them are a jumbled-up mess – how will I remember this website when I'm planning an outing? Well, that's where Social Networking comes into play. If you have a Facebook page, simply click here right now and click the Like button on the NWFla page. When you do, events of all sorts all across the Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida will show up in your Facebook newsfeed, right when you need them! Also, you can follow us on Twitter as well.
If you are a Facebook/Twitter holdout, as some are, then we suggest rushing to your neighborhood tattoo parlor and tattooing panhandleonline.com/events.cfm in big bold letters on the back of your hand while you're thinking about it. That way, it will be right there when you do need it. If you're not the tattooing type . . . well then add it to your favorites and move it to the top of the list, write it down on a sticky note and stick to your computer monitor or the back of your smart phone, put a note with your gear, and tell all your friends about it so they can help you remember. Whatever it takes, remember to check panhandleonline.com/events.cfm whenever you have time to take in the wonders of the Florida Panhandle/Northwest Florida area!
Tuesday evenings are full of dancing and fun at the City Arts Cooperative.
A few Tuesday evenings ago, I was invited to an Open House for the City Arts Cooperative's Downtown Dance event. I arrived to a room full of beautiful art work, decorations, wine and hors d'oeuvres. People came filing in soon after me, and I witnessed several minutes of cheerful mingling, catch-ups and introductions. I met local dancers at all levels and from all types of backgrounds. Once the festivities were in full swing, Downtown Dance director, Russell Mace, stood at the center of the room to introduce himself and explain a little about what we could expect this Tuesday evening. As the music was cranking up on the dance floor in the adjacent room, he invited everyone to join him for an evening of dancing. Time flew past as people swirled and dipped and whirled around the room! After a few hours, as the general dancing portion of the evening drew to a close, we were all treated with special dance routines performed by talented couples from the advanced classes. The evening was a spectacular array of fun, friends and entertainment! Dance lessons for beginners and advanced persons are held every Tuesday evening at the Co-op. Information on this, and many more events from the City Arts Cooperative can be found on their website, www.cityartscooperative.com
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine, and Music Festival, Oct. 8-10, 2010, at Frank Brown Park to include Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine, and Music Festival, Oct. 8-10, 2010, at Frank Brown Park to include REO Speedwagon, the Little River Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. See http://www.panamacitybeachfest.com/ for more info.
Five Minutes of Fame Fridays at DockHoppers this week was another night of fun, this time with PC Belly Dancers Brittany Millard, Carrie Green, Kira Burdeshaw entertaining the crowd through the evening.
Friday, August 20, 2010, the crowd was treated to Panama City Belly Dance, with dancers Brittany Millard, Carrie Green, Kira Burdeshaw; putting on a couple of great performances and mingling with all the happy folks around the pool deck. During breaks of the always fantastic beach music of the Acoustix, guests had photo opportunities with the trio of dancers and brief lessons in the fine art of the belly dance. With the great food and drink, great music, and great entertainment, alot of smiling faces transitioned from the work week into the weekend last week at DockHoppers.
Panama City Belly Dance host open-to-the-public classes each Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Classes are held at CityArts Cooperative, located at 318 Luverne Avenue, downtown Panama City. $7 adults, $5 children Classes are always open, you do not need to pre-register to come.
A Friday night of fun on Independence Day weekend 2010 in Panama City Beach, Florida.
On this the eve of Independence Day, we will leave it to others to tell you how beautiful our beaches remain. We decided to jump into some landlubber's fun. We started Friday evening at Dockhockers Pool Deck and Tiki Bar (as usual), where the tranquility of Friday happy hour on the lagoon is quintessential. There for our weekly Five Minutes of Fame Fridays.. We cut our Dockhopper's hop a bit short this week, however, to keep our date with the Rock and Roll Trolly. We rightly thought it would be fun to catch a glimpse of the passengers' party as they moved from fun location to fun location in Panama City Beach.
After rocking out to the great karaoke songs available on the Rock and Roll Trolly, we were drawn, as we approached Pier Park, by the Rastafarian rhythms of the de Lions of Jah at Reggae J's . . . and just couldn't resist getting off to partake.
As you round the last rung of stairs to the Reggae Roof, the Rastafarian rhythm syncs you in motion with those already present and possessed. With a view of 98 and the Pier as a backdrop, de Lions of Jah kept us dancing for quite some time.
From there, a quick drop-in to Margaritaville and Tootsies, both slammed with partying vacationers, and a final stop for nourishment at Buffalo Wild Wings, before back on the Trolly.
There is definitely fun to be had at Panama City Beach this July 4th weekend.
(We use indie music in our videos. If you like the music, hear more.)
Hands Across the Sands had three hand joining ceremonies in Bay County, Florida, on June 26, 2010. Spinnaker, Pier Park, and Laguna Beach. Here is a video of the Spinnaker ceremony.
Hands Across the Sands had three hand joining ceremonies in Bay County, Florida, on June 26, 2010. Spinnaker, Pier Park, and Laguna Beach. Here is a video of the Spinnaker ceremony. We hope to have the Pier Park video up sometime tomorrow.
Hands Across the Sands will hold it second peaceful demonstration in opposition to drilling in the Gulf this Saturday, June 26, 2010, at three locations in Panama City Beach: Spinnakers, across from Pier Park, and at Laguna Beach.
Hands Across the Sands will hold it second peaceful demonstration in opposition to drilling in the Gulf this Saturday, June 26, 2010, at three locations in Panama City Beach: Spinnakers, across from Pier Park, and at Laguna Beach.
Hands Across the Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life and crosses political affiliations. This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife, fishing industry and coastal military missions.
The first event took place at several locations across Florida in February. Saturday's event has become international with 701 locations around the world, in over twenty-one countries, participating. The event has received national and international news coverage.
Hands Across the Sands was started by a PCB neighbor, Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alleys at Seaside, last fall. Here is a video of his (now prophetic) explanation of the origins of the movement, taken after the February event. Now with the Deepwater Horizon incident still out of control, the movement has gained much momentum and a very large turnout is expected Saturday.
SECOND ANNUAL LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA RAISES OVER $55,000 - see video.
(We use indie music in our videos. If you like the music, hear more.)
A record 18 boats signed up for the second annual Leukemia Cup Regatta at Bay Point on Saturday, May 22nd. For the second straight year the charity event raised over $55,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Racing just offshore from Schooner’s, the windward leeward course was designed to gain maximum exposure for the participants and spectators. Featuring turn buoys to the north and south, viewers along the beach got a taste of the excitement as vessels passed close to shore.
Calm seas and light winds set the stage for a close contest on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Crews leapt to action at the start of the race as the boats jockeyed for position, each vying for the perfect line. Sailboats seesawed back and forth, seeking an elusive wind and a leg up on the competition.
In the end, John Guy aboard Hot Toddy took home top honors in the Spinnaker division, and Rives Allen won first place in the Non-Spinnaker division on board Zephyr.
Although the regatta awards prizes to the fastest boats, the ultimate prize is given to the team that raises the most money. Participants solicited donations from friends, family and local businesses in a fundraising competition to win the coveted Leukemia Cup. Event organizers also seek out corporate sponsors and those funds are added to the overall total. Top honors this year went to Fair Trades , a 50 foot Beneteau owned by Michael Plitman. "Michael’s team raised a combined total of over $22,000" said Steve Arndt, Marina Director at Bay Point Marina. "The crew of Fair Trades did a phenomenal job raising donations. $22,000 is a truly amazing amount."
Plitman, a Panama City resident, was also this year’s Regatta Chairman. He participated in the inaugural event in 2009, and jumped at the chance to chair this years Regatta. "We had a lot of fun with the event last year," said Plitman, "And I was both honored and excited when they asked me to be Chairman. Being able to bring the Leukemia Cup back to Panama City is a dream come true."
Last year’s winner was Larry Grill on board Anseo . Grill, a Birmingham, Alabama resident was on hand to defend his title this year, and congratulated Plitman after the event.
The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a series of events held throughout the country. Since its inception, the sailing community has raised millions of dollars to support the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through this event. In 2009, more than 8,400 sailors from around the country combined a passion for sailing with an equal passion to fight cancer, raising more than $3.8 million to help cure blood cancers.
The event was co-hosted by the St Andrews Bay Yacht Club and the Bay Point Yacht Club.
For more information contact Steve Arndt at Bay Point Marina at (850) 235-6911 or visit the web site www.lcrbp.com.
PCBeNews and Dockhoppers are gonna give you Five Minutes . . .
Whether you . . . play an instrument, sing, rap, dance, belly dance, ballet dance, break dance, boogie dance, or just wiggle your ears rythmically . . .
Whether you are . . . a comedian, a magician, a mime, an impressionist, a storyteller, an impersonator, a juggler, a sword swallower, or just do stupid human tricks . . .
Whatever talent you have, come on out to Dockhoppers Waterfront Bar and Grill (3901 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach) on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
Bring Your Talent . . . We’ll get it on video and get you on Youtube . . . And have voting for the best talent each week on PCBeNews.com. With great prizes for the winners!
Come on out and let Dockhoppers and PCBeNEWS make you Famous!
Mother Mother Ocean - The Gulf of Mexico -The Magic of Panama City Beach - will the oil spill end the magic?
You know, as the dry white sand rolls upward between your toes as you crest the dunes. You know, as the salt spray gently brushes your face. You know, as the wetter sands begin to mush-up between your toes as you approach the water's edge. You know, as the reliable sound of rolling waves resonates into your ears, resetting you with its rhythm. You know, as you observe the white wings of sea birds battling with the winds and hear the cacophony of their calls. You know, as you watch little bird footprints made in the sand, wiped away by the waves, then made again. You know, as the glistening path across the wave tops, made by the setting sun, invites you to somehow follow it into some wondrous new dimension. You know.
You know, as you experience these things and more, that Panama City Beach is a magical place. It is magical to those who travel from far reaches to vacation here occasionally. It is magical to those from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina who visit here often. It is magical to the Canadians who take warm respite here in the winter. It is magical to hordes of college students from across the United States and the world who have their rights of passage here. It is magical even to those who live just a few miles inland and visit constantly. It is even magical to those who live and work here everyday.
There is a theory in anthropology that modern humans' migration into the Americas was entirely along coastal regions. Indeed, some of the earliest evidence of human mark on the New World consists of remains of ancient coastal oyster 'bars', where stacks of opened oyster shells and other evidence of a good time for all have been unearthed. Most everyone acknowledges a strong primeval sense of connection to the coastal environment.
Panama City Beach, a pristine example of the coastal experience, is a place that relaxes. It is a place where families connect, where lovers find love, where the salt spray and the warm salt waters refresh, rejuvenate, and restore tired minds and bodies. It is a place where people relax, feast on seafood, enjoy music, party, stay up late, romance, play, exercise, compete, or even meditate as their needs may be at the time. It is a place where inhibitions are loosened, emotions explored, and feelings often healed. The motherly bosom of the Gulf of Mexico draws us comfortably into these experiences that are often neglected elsewhere. Panama City Beach is truly magical to both its visitors and its residents.
The question arises now, however, sadly, of whether the magic can last.
Deepwater Horizon, an ultra-deepwater offshore drilling rig, owned by Transocean and under lease to BP, which had drilled the deepest underwater oil well in history, had an explosion on April 20, 2010, burned and then sank into the Gulf of Mexico on April 22, 2010. The broken riser created at least three leaks. As a result, huge quantities of oil are being released in the Gulf of Mexico. As of the date of this writing, no efforts to contain the spill have been successful.
We cannot begin to estimate the ultimate effect of this disaster until the spill is successfully contained. Each day it continues to leak, the worries increase along with the speculations. Due to the lack of a starting point for damage estimation, the issue manifests as much as a battle of opinions as it does an assessment of the facts. Many of us, long in the habit of siding on issues in tune with our cultural and political alignments, have come up with amazingly different predictions . . . ranging from 'everything will be fine in just a few weeks' to 'the extinction of marine life as we know it in the Gulf of Mexico with all the resulting consequences'.
Reactions and conflicts in our local community have been at times surreal. At a community meeting on May 7, as lawyers from Louisiana foretold of extreme environmental and economic consequences, they were strongly challenged by a local fisherman. The lawyers were accused of being part of the reason for the anticipated economic harm, because they were spreading fear of toxins. The fisherman's description of the majority of the Gulf remaining open and good for fishing was in stark contrast to the lawyers' description of the toxins rapidly spreading through the Gulf.
Another popular local Internet news site first addressed the spill with a bleak outlook and an emotional response. The same site just a few days later, softened its prognosis and has focused on optimism since.
Some local business people have wondered aloud if the oil rig was not somehow sabotaged by terrorists of some sort. Others scream for the executives of BP and Haliburton (the already infamous company that provided the cement encasements for the well-bore, which appear to have failed along with other equipment on the rig) to be jailed for reckless disregard of human safety.
All of this confusion and conflict is certainly understandable. There is really no hard evidence yet for us to know where we stand. We want to think its going to be alright . . . that it will be contained and then the oil removed from the Gulf in short order. But with each passing day the evidence more and more suggests the opposite could be the case.
In the meantime, this has all created a public relations nightmare for local businesses. The beach right now is as beautiful and apparently safe as it was last summer. There is no official or supported reason to believe that any seafood prepared and served here now is in any way unsafe. At least one local business, the Chateau Motel, has offered an 'Oil Free Guarantee', which provides for a refund if the beaches are closed during a guest's stay and provides for short cancellation option if the beaches are adversely affected by the oil spill, but not closed.
In a way, the current situation, if accurately and correctly understood by all, should promote a rush of current business to the beach. 'Fear of loss' is a huge marketing motivator. To some extent, everyone who enjoys Panama City Beach may now be in fear of it losing some of its magic in the future. There should be a strong desire to come now, while everything is still fine.
PCBeNews is going to the beach this afternoon. And, along with others at Spinnakers today, we are taking flowers to our Mother Ocean on Mother's Day. We will enjoy the magic today.
Then, early next week, we will post another article on preparations that can be made as the spill approaches. The way we have to approach it . . . the only way we can approach it . . . is to hope for the best, yet prepare for the worst. Today we go to experience and celebrate our Magical Mother Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico.
Update from the International Jet Sport Boating Association. Plans still on.
International Jet Sport Boating Association says:
Over the past few days we have had numerous inquiries about what is going to happen with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
We wanted to reassure anyone planning on attending the May 15-16 race in Panama City Beach, Florida that we are working with the local officials on a contingency plan for the event weekend.
Panama City Beach officials told us today that "it is business as usual - all parties involved are keeping a close eye on the situation."
UWP proposed today to local officials to identify an alternative race site in the event that the beach is closed. Please check the Bay County, Florida official website for up-to-date information on the oil spill www.baycountyFL.gov.
PCBeNews and Dockhoppers are gonna give you Five Minutes . . . Whatever talent you have, come on out to Dockhoppers Waterfront Bar and Grill (3901 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach) on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Starting Friday May 7, 2010.
Wanna be a Big Star?
Just waiting to be famous? Wait no more!
PCBeNews and Dockhoppers are gonna give you Five Minutes . . .
Whether you . . . play an instrument, sing, rap, dance, belly dance, ballet dance, break dance, boogie dance, or just wiggle your ears rythmically . . .
Whether you are . . . a comedian, a magician, a mime, an impressionist, a storyteller, an impersonator, a juggler, a sword swallower, or just do stupid human tricks . . .
Whatever talent you have, come on out to Dockhoppers Waterfront Bar and Grill (3901 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach) on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Starting Friday May 7, 2010.
With Kelley as MC
Bring Your Talent . . . We’ll get it on video and get you on Youtube . . . And have voting for the best talent each week on PCBeNews.com. With great prizes for the winners!
Come on out and let Dockhoppers and PCBeNEWS make you Famous!
Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Dockhoppers. Starting Friday May 7, 2010.
Racing event and 'test and tune sessions' to be held off of 231 at the Panama Beach Raceway
Test and tune sessions, bracket racing and grudge racing will all be featured in this weekend's event. "Everyone is welcome to join in the fun" according to the Raceway website. The gates open at 1pm Saturday and 'high noon' Sunday. Visit http://panamabeachraceway.com for details.
City of Panama City Beach and Local Chapter of the Red Cross to Host Concert for Haiti
Saturday, February 20th, the Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross hosts an all day Concert for Haiti. From 10am to 6pm bands Bitter Sweet, Tony Vegas Group, Steve Wiggins Band and Curt McCarty will play at the Pier Park Ampitheatre to raise money for the recent earthquake victims in Haiti. To read more about this upcoming event: http://PierParkHaitiConcert.com
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend will be full of performing singers and songwriters all along Highway 30A near Panama City Beach and Destin.
This coming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend will be full of performing singers and songwriters all along Highway 30A near Panama City Beach and Destin. The inagural 30A Songwriter's Festival will begin Friday, Jan 15th at 7:00 p.m. and continue through the weekend to Sunday afternoon. Performers such as Shawn Mullins and Chely Wright will take the stages of local bars and restaurants along scenic Highway 30A. Tickets are $20 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. For more information about the festival and a list of all scheduled performers visit http://30asongwritersfestival.com/.
1st Battle of the Batons presented by the Panama City Pops at Arnold High School.
The Battle of the Batons, presented by Panama City Pops Orchestra, will feature guest conductors with local celebrity status. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, WJHG anchor Paris Janos, and Bagel Maker owner, Jim Hayden will compete for the title of best conductor and the opportunity to conduct the last song of the evening and the Pops next concert. More information can be found at Foster Folly News.
2009/2010 New Year's Eve Celebration at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.
It seemed like all of Panama City Beach was celebrating the New Year at Pier Park Thursday night. We enjoyed mingling with the crowds and getting some great video of performers and fellow celebrators. It was a wonderful time!
2009 Panama City Beach Christmas Parade in Pier Park.
2009 Panama City Beach Christmas Parade in Pier Park. Featuring Arnold High School's Blue Thunder, the Surfside Middle School marching band, Mosley High marching band, Santa and more!
Modonnaro Street Painting Festival is underway at Pier Park! The event is scheduled to last through Sunday and artists are hoping that tonight's forecasted rain isn't too heavy.
Students from the Psychology Club and Social Work Club at FSU-PC co-hosted a Second Chance Olympics on campus Friday morning, Nov. 6th. The event was a great success for both the adults of Second Chance and the students. Second Chance of NW Florida is an organization which assists individuals who have experienced Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injuries. The activities featured bowling, trivia, a frisbee and bean bag toss, an FSU-logo drawing contest and more! To learn more about Second Chance of Northwest Florida visit their website at http://secondchancenwfl.com.
