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The title is obviously difficult to quantify, but as a lifelong resident of our great city, I can say without a doubt, that I’ve not experienced a better 4th of July on this beach before. All week long you sensed the buzz. On Thursday afternoon you felt it. By Friday morning rumblings became a full-on stampede, all leading up to a Saturday 4th of July that, at least in one writer’s opinion, was Panama City Beach’s greatest Independence Day event ever. It was a hot, very hot, but beautiful weekend perfect for beach lovers who showed up in droves. From end to end, Panama City Beach was packed with tourists. Hotels and Condos were sold out, restaurants stayed on waits, attractions were packed to the door and if you were brave enough to step foot into Walmart, you had no doubts as to the...

Not rain, not fire or smoky skies, not even a notice of cancellation could stop this week’s concert from rocking into the night. The Lee Griffin Band showed up in full force and unleashed an evening great music for those who dared the weather and gloom. Word of mouth spread quickly as at the start of the show there were hundreds, but by mid show the numbers crept into the thousands out to enjoy the evening. If you missed this week’s show, you can check out the 4th of July event followed by next Thursday’s highly anticipated PBS – New Orleans Funk. Here is the photo recap: ...

Restaurant owners and Marinas come together to make history on historic Grand Lagoon. July 4, 2009 Panama City Beach, FL: Capt. Anderson’s restaurant, Boatyard restaurant, The Treasure Ship restaurant, Lighthouse Marina and Pirates Cover Marina are reaching deep in their pockets to celebrate the 4th of July in spectacular fashion on Grand Lagoon. “We’re making a little history on this historic old Lagoon,” said Sparky Sparkman, co-owner of Boatyard restaurant, “We have hired an awesome pyrotechnic group from Tennessee, Pyro Shows, Inc; these guys are going to put on an amazing show!” (www.pyroshows.com) According to Lansden E. Hill, Jr., President and CEO of Pyro Shows, Inc., the Grand Lagoon fireworks show will begin at approximately 8:30pm. “It’s going to be better than g...

As the sun set on Panama City Beach, a little bit of New Orleans crept into Pier Park in the form of one riveting performance by Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers. Scores of people came out to enjoy a concert that had just the right amount of smooth Jazz, Soul and what I can only describe as Louisiana flavor to make a musical afternoon an all-out party. While Hofbrau served up the brats, beer and burgers tourists and locals laid back and listened to a fantastic show. If you missed this weeks show, catch the next free concert in the park July 2: The Lee Griffin Band Here is a pic recap of Cyril Neville: ...

Let the Firework’s Begin Last year Pier Park’s 4th of July celebration set the standard for Panama City Beach events. This year’s show plans to set that bar a little higher. Coupled with the opening of the new Panama City Beach pier, this event should be one to remember. Here is the show schedule. 12 – 9 P.M. on SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR AT PIER PARK Family fun includes free concerts, fun and fireworks! WHAT: Pier Park invites you to its Star Spangled Spectacular on Saturday, July 4! Mayor Oberst will kick off the festivities, followed by an exciting F-15 flyover. The day of family fun includes friendly competitions for patriotic pet costume, golf cart decorating and sidewalk chalk art contests, with awards presented to each winner. The Family Ac...