3rd Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium

The Third Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium will be held on Friday, June 8 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Florida State University – Panama City’s Holley Academic Center. This day-long event will focus on helping women find practical solutions and strategies for creating a work-life balance. ...(Read More)

Sunshine Shuttle has acquired Trumpet Coach

Sunshine Shuttle has acquired Trumpet Coach, of Chipley, Fla., making Sunshine a major transportation company in northwest Florida.

The recent acquisition also expands Sunshine into a more diverse transportation company in the Panhandle, offering sedans, limousines, vans, local shuttle vehicles, and now, luxury motor coaches. The new arm of Finch's ...(Read More)

Community Bank Receives “Preferred Lender” Status

Community Bank, Destin has recently been recognized as a “Preferred Lender” by the U. S. Small Business Administration. This designation allows Community Bank, Destin the abilitiy to document and process SBA loan requests in a more timely manner than other non-designated lenders.

“The status of being a SBA Preferred Lender ...(Read More)

Southwest Presents NEW Navigator Lunch & Learn Workshop

On Wednesday, February 22, the Panama City Beach Chamber’s Navigator Small Business committee will host another Lunch & Learn workshop for business professionals. Presented by Southwest Airlines and sponsored by Gulf Coast Chiropractic and Rehab, this workshop will be held at Gulf Coast State College’s Conference Center from 11:...(Read More)

Beach Chamber to Hold Annual Dinner & 25th Anniversary

On Thursday, February 23rd the Beach Chamber will hold its Annual Dinner & 25th Anniversary, celebrating its 25-year history and recognizing five local citizens for their dedication and accomplishments in the community. The event will be held at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. The annual ...(Read More)

World-renowned Leaders to Speak at Beach Chamber Events

Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Chick-fil-A Leadercast at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City on May 4, 2012.

Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Panama ...(Read More)

Bay Education Foundation to Honor Mentors

In observance of National Mentor Month, the Bay Education Foundation recognized Take Stock In Children Mentors Tena Browne and Kristin Evans as Co-Mentors of the Year for 2012 with a luncheon at Applebee’s on 23rd Street and before the Bay County School Board. Ms. Browne and Ms. Evans were ...(Read More)

PCB Completes $16 Million Beach Renourishment Project

Panama City Beach is commemorating the start of 2012 by celebrating the completion of its three-month $16 million beach renourishment project. Working with the United States Corps of Engineers, the destination pumped 1.4 million cubic yards of sand to approximately 7.5 miles of beach, extending the shoreline by ...(Read More)

Panama City Beach Pirates Join United Soccer League

Get ready for soccer at the Beach! The highly competitive soccer team, the Panama City Beach Pirates, have officially joined the United Soccer League (USL) family in November, 2011, as one of eight Premier Development League teams (PDL) within the Southeast Division and will be calling Panama City Beach home. ...(Read More)

NSWC PCD Employee Earns Award for Technology Transfer

For offering a clearer vision for U.S. Navy divers, a Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) employee was named the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) 2012 Excellence in Technology Transfer award recipient.

Dennis Gallagher, lead project engineer and inventor of the Advanced Diver’s Mask-Mounted Display System ...(Read More)

Bay EDA Selects Neal Wade As New Leader

Bay County’s Economic Development Alliance has selected a new leader. Neal Wade, currently senior vice president of economic development for the St. Joe Co., will take the reins of the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) in the new year after current CEO Janet Watermeier’s resignation becomes effective.

“Neal brings ...(Read More)

Early Promotion Panama City Beach Spring Break 2012

Preparations to improve upon the success of Spring Break 2011 are gaining momentum with Collegiate Marketing Group and the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort. The challenge is to make the Panama City Beach Fl Spring Break 2012 experience greater than ever before. In 2011, ...(Read More)

LCS Mine Neutralization System Completes Live Fire Test

Program Executive Office, Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS), successfully conducted the first complete detect-to-engage sequence for the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS), Oct. 28, in Panama City, Fla., demonstrating the system's ability to fire an Archerfish destructor against an inert target.

A critical component of the littoral combat ships mine ...(Read More)

Trustmark Corp. and Bay Bank & Trust Co. Announce Merger

Trustmark Corporation (NASDAQ:TRMK) (“Trustmark”) and Bay Bank & Trust Co. (“Bay Bank”) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement in which Bay Bank will merge into Trustmark National Bank. This transaction provides an excellent opportunity for Trustmark to expand and enhance its franchise within the attractive Panama City – Bay ...(Read More)

Firefly Receives Golden Spoon Award From Florida Trend

For the second year in a row, Panama City Beach’s Firefly Restaurant has received the prestigious Golden Spoon Award given by Florida Trend magazine. Firefly, located in the Shoppes at Edgewater which are managed by The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, was given the award in recognition of ...(Read More)

Panama City Beach CVB Receives 4 Adrian Awards

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will recognize Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau with four Adrian Awards in the 55th annual Adrian Awards Competition, the largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition globally. On Feb. 27, 2012, HSMAI will pay tribute to the Panama City Beach CVB during ...(Read More)

Local Businesses Show Beach Care Services Support

On November 12, two Panama City Beach businesses held grand openings, introducing their companies to the community as well as supporting local artists and Beach Care Services, a local charity helping beach families and individuals with emergency financial assistance.

“Celebrate the Arts” introduced Beachy Beach Real Estate and Cerulean Interiors, ...(Read More)

10 NEW Artificial Reefs Coming To Our Area

Bay County has committed to build at least 10 new artificial reefs by the end of the summer and more are in the works.

At their last meeting, county commissioners voted to accept a $60,000 grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to construct 10 new artificial reefs ...(Read More)

Hathaway Bridge Westbound Traffic Closed

FDOT crews have completely shut down the westbound side of the Hathaway Bridge, and are diverting all traffic to the eastbound bridge. The westbound bridge will be closed until at least the first week of March so crews can repair a defective joint. Bridge inspectors found the defective joint during ...(Read More)

Laketown Wharf Donates to Anchorage Children’s Home

Laketown Wharf gives families and community residents reason to celebrate peace and goodwill beyond the holiday season, presenting a charitable donation of $2,000 to local non-profit Anchorage Children’s Home of Panama City, Florida
Laketown’s contribution stems from funds raised during its inaugural holiday extravaganza, “Christmas at Laketown.” ...(Read More)

Gov. Scott Urges Employers to Hire Florida's Heroes

Governor Rick Scott today joined business, military, veteran and workforce leaders during the annual Florida National Guard Day at the Capitol to launch a year-long effort aimed at connecting returning National Guardsmen and other veterans with job openings as Florida’s economy continues to improve.

“These courageous men and women ...(Read More)

Beach Chamber Partners With Southwest Airlines

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its new partnership with Southwest Airlines. Under this new partnership that began on August 1, 2011, Southwest Airlines is the Presenting Sponsor for the Beach Chamber’s monthly Lunch & Learn workshops, produced by Navigator, the Chamber’s small business ...(Read More)

Bay County EDA Announces ITT Corporation Expansion

The Bay County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) is pleased to announce that ITT Corporation’s Panama City facility plans to expand its operations to a new, 100,000-square-foot building at VentureCrossings Enterprise Center at West Bay, near the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, in mid-2012. The company will be ...(Read More)

Small Business Owners Have Opportunity for Assistance

Many businesses in Florida, and in our area, have suffered from the economic decline. Periods of financial crisis pose special challenges for many small and medium businesses. These entities, once stable, profitable and competitive, have begun to struggle to improve operational and financial performance. Consider the impact for Florida alone, ...(Read More)

GCSC Office of Marketing & Communications Earns Top Award

Gulf Coast State College is proud to announce that its Office of Marketing & Communications recently earned a total of 14 awards from the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC). The annual competition among Florida’s 28 colleges rewards excellence in marketing, public relations and advertising. The marketing office also won the ...(Read More)

Gulf Coast Medical Center Announces $29.5 Million Expansion

Gulf Coast Medical Center has announced plans for the largest expansion project since its opening – a $29.5 million project that will add the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the area’s first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and a new Intensive Care Unit.

Gulf Coast Medical ...(Read More)

Local Retailer Wins 2011 Retailer of the Year for Leadership

Laurie Olshefski, owner of four local businesses, was recently named the “2011 Retailer of the Year For Leadership” by the Florida Retail Federation (FRF).
Olshefski was urged by President & CEO Beth Oltman of the Panama City Beach Chamber to enter the competition and nominate her four businesses, as she was ...(Read More)

Bing Energy to Locate Global Headquarters in NW Florida

Florida Governor Rick Scott today announced that Bing Energy Inc. (BEI) of Chino, California has selected Florida as the new site of the company’s world headquarters. BEI, in collaboration with Florida State University’s (FSU) Dr. Jim P. Zheng, is planning to turn revolutionary nanotechnology pioneered at FSU into ...(Read More)

The Beach Chamber Circuit Magazine Wins Hermes Award

On Wednesday, May 4, winners were announced for The 2011 Hermes Creative Awards, an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of marketing & communication programs, as well as print, visual and audio materials. The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious Gold Hermes ...(Read More)

Speed Limit Reduced on Panama City Beach Parkway

The Florida Department of Transportation will lower the speed limit on a portion of the Panama City Beach Parkway (State Road 30A/ U.S. 98) near Pier Park in Panama City Beach beginning Tuesday, Oct. 18 The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph from east ...(Read More)

Beach Chamber Classroom Mentoring Program Recognized

The future looks bright for students in Bay District Schools, as the classroom mentoring program continues to grow with support from Naval Support Activity Panama City, Tyndall Air Force Base and the Panama City Beach Chamber.

"The more we can expose students to success stories, to reach out and talk ...(Read More)

FSU-PC 2011 Spring Enrollment Up

Final enrollment for the spring 2011 semester at The Florida State University Panama City was confirmed on January 13, 2011. The total spring 2011 headcount is 1,150 as compared to 1,065 for spring 2010. The total headcount increase is 8.0% when compared to headcount for the spring ...(Read More)

Bookit.Com Inks Deal with Luxury Brand FRHI

BookIt.com, a leading online travel provider, today announced that it signed a new agreement with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) to add new, luxurious and exciting destinations in the United States and abroad to its online booking engine. With more than 100 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and ...(Read More)

Beach Chamber Creates GCCC Scholarship, Second for 2010

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce leaders announced the creation of a new Gulf Coast Community College-endowed scholarship Thursday at the college’s regular District Board of Trustees meeting.

The chamber has partnered with the GCCC Foundation to establish the new scholarship endowment, just months after creating a similar ...(Read More)

The TDC and Panama City Beach Sportfish Classic Give Back

A donation was made to Beach Care Services for $25,000; a check was presented on January 11th from the TDC and the Panama City Beach Sportfish Classic, held in September at Bay Point by Harbor Master Scott Burt (who is pictured in the back row, left)....(Read More)

Chamber D.I.N.E. Luncheon with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

On Wednesday, February 23, 2011 the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to feature U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as its Keynote Speaker for the inaugural Chamber D.I.N.E. Luncheon. This event will be held at the Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa from 11:30 ...(Read More)

Beach Warning Flags

The beaches of Panama City Beach use the following flag system to alert beachgoers of surf conditions and keep everyone safe. Flags are posted at all public beach areas and conditions are monitored throughout each day. Please remember that the absence of red flags does not assure safe conditions. Please ...(Read More)

Tyndall F-22 Announcement

Success Made Possible by Persistence, Teamwork and Cooperation. Congressman Boyd announced the Air Force decision to locate 21 F-22 operational aircraft at Tyndall. The Air Force stated this move would include 589 jobs associated with the aircraft.

Since 1981, the men and women of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall ...(Read More)

PCB Chamber Recognized by Bay District School Board

On June 10, 2010, the Bay District School Board, Superintendent Bill Husfelt, recognized the PC Beach Chamber of Commerce for the participation in the Classroom Mentoring Program. The Beach Chamber, Navy Base and Air Force Base, all recruited community leaders to take part in the Superintendent Mentoring Program. Each mentor ...(Read More)

Beach Chamber Establishes Endowed Scholarship at FSU-PC

On Thursday, July 29 a press conference was held for the signing and donation of the Beach Chamber’s Endowed Scholarship for Florida State University-Panama City. A check for $5,000 was presented to FSU-PC, with more money to be donated to the scholarship in an ongoing basis as funds ...(Read More)

Panama City Ranked #1 for Economic Growth Potential

Business Facilities magazine has ranked Panama City number one in its list of the Top 10 Metro Areas for Economic Growth Potential in communities with populations less than 200,000.

Panama City was selected for economic initiatives, including the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and the master planned communities ...(Read More)

Panama City Ranked in Strongest Housing Market by 2014

A housing market rebound seems tenuous following the expiration of the home buyer tax credit, and consumer confidence remains weak due to lackluster employment, but David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv, says the bottom is near. Home prices in the U.S. have declined 29.5 percent over the past ...(Read More)

Panama City Beach Featured in Florida Travel+Life

PCB was recently featured in Florida Travel+Life. Here is a glimpse of the article written by Shawn C. Bean: "There is something different in the air, and it isn’t the 800-pound glowing beach ball. It’s 8:30 p.m., Dec. 31, 2009. Thousands have gathered in Pier ...(Read More)

First Lady Michelle Obama Visits PCB

First Lady Michelle Obama waded a few steps into the gulf Monday (July 12th) and confirmed what she just told the rest of America: This beach is the same paradise it’s always been.

“Truly one of the best ways that fellow Americans can help is to come on down ...(Read More)

Travel Channel Man vs. Food Takes on Panama City Beach

Adam Richman and Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Nation entourage slipped quietly into Panama City Beach on April 23rd, 2011 to take on Calypso’s Muffaletta challenge. The episode will air nationally on July 13, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. CST and Calypso’s 80+ televisions will be ...(Read More)

Chamber Board Tours Naval Support Activity Panama City

On December 10th the Panama City Beach Chamber Board of Directors and staff toured Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA-PC) and its tenant commands, including Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Navy Experimental Diving Unit, and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division's Unmanned Systems Facility, Air Operations hangar, and ...(Read More)

CNN.com names PCB area one of five Value Travel Destinations

A recent CNN.com article announced Panama City Beach/Panama City area as one of the five value destinations for winter travel. “With highs in the 60s even during winter, there’s always something to do in the area.“ So what number did Panama City Beach rank among other destination ...(Read More)

President Obama & Family Enjoy the Gulf Coast Waters in PCB

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Whether or not he would wade into the water became the question hanging over President Barack Obama’s overnight stay on the Gulf Coast.

Obama answered it within hours of his arrival in Panama City Beach, when he took his daughter Sasha, 9, out for a ...(Read More)

Panama City Beach Voted #1 on The Weather Channel

Panama City took the #1 spot in our online poll. With its wide beaches filled with white sand and emerald green waters, there's no doubt why people flock to this small beach town.

Any state that's surrounded on three sides by ocean needs its own category. That's why Florida stands ...(Read More)

Beach Chamber Wins Four Statewide Communications Awards

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce was recognized for four 2010 Outstanding Communications Awards at the annual Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) conference in October, held in Orlando. The four categories awarded are in “Tourism Guide” for the 2010 Official Vacation Planner; “Membership Directory” for the 2010 Business ...(Read More)

Frommer's Selects Region as One of Top Destinations of 2010

Frommer's Travel Guide, one of the best-selling travel guides in the world with more than 75 million books sold, recently named the Florida Panhandle beaches as one of its top 12 travel destinations for next year.

Other areas that made Frommer's list are Tunisia in North Africa; Hanoi, Vietnam; and ...(Read More)

PCB Ranked #5 Best Family Beach in America by Travel Channel

A visit to Panama City Beach is about the best way to stimulate all five senses at once. Smell the salty sea breezes from the Gulf; feel the warm water lap against your bare skin; taste some of the best seafood in the country; listen to local bands or top ...(Read More)

Online Review of PCB in L’esprit Sud Magazine

The unique sugar-white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida can easily be compared to the amazing shores of the Greater Whitsundays, Australia. With 27 miles of stunning white sands and emerald green waters that remain warm all year long, Panama City Beach Florida has a lot to offer to anyone looking ...(Read More)

Governor Crist’s Visit to the Panama City Beach Chamber

Governor Charlie Crist visited the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. That afternoon the Chamber hosted a roundtable meeting with the Governor and ten community leaders representing a cross section of the Beach Chamber Membership. The group discussed the economy, education, property taxes, offshore drilling, ...(Read More)