2008 was the first year this exciting culinary and wine inspired event took place, and this year promises to be even better, with no less than seven different mini-events making up the glorious celebration overall. In addition to mouth-watering regional cuisine and impressive wine tastings, Taste of THE Beach will feature some incredible live music and the chance to celebrate our spectacular destination in style. All proceeds are going to Emerald Coast children’s charities, so you can indulge and still feel good about it! Here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

Thursday, November 5^th at 5:00 pm – Taste of the Destin Harbor.

The kick-off event will be held at the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin overlooking the beautiful Destin harbor. Between 5:00 and 8:00 pm, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine from local restaurants (including Louisiana Lagniappe, Legendary Yacht Club and The Back Porch), sample fine wines, and listen to live music provided by Chuck Lawson. There will be a firework display by Harbor Walk Village, and there’s even a 2 night stay at the luxurious Emerald Grande up for grabs! The wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Caymus Conundrum, Ferrari Carano Tresor, Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and BV Tapestry. Cost is $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code destinharbor02. (Promo code for this kick-off event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 5:30 pm – Taste of Bay Wine and Food Experience.

Enjoy the best of what Bay County has to offer at this Pier Park, Panama City Beach event. Sip exceptional wines and sample appetizing cuisine prepared by local restaurants in Panama City Beach. Enjoy the aromas and flavors while strolling outdoors directly across from the Gulf and alongside the many shops and boutiques at Pier Park. Wines to be poured are: Gaja, Mount Veeder, Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay and Argyle. Tickets are $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code pierpark06. (Promo code for this event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 6:00 pm – Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Ruskin Place.

Amid the art galleries of Ruskin Place in gorgeous Seaside, guests will taste a range of highly allocated and reserve wines, dine on sushi and hors d’oeuvres prepared by noted local restaurateur and Chef Jim Shirley, and enjoy live chamber music. Wines to be poured are: BV Georges de Latour, Beringer Private Reserve, Rodney Strong Symmetry and Veuve Clicquot. Tickets are $145.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 1:00 pm – Seeing Red Wine Festival.

The Seeing Red Wine Festival is one of the largest events during Taste of THE Beach. This picnic-style festival will take over the streets of Seaside, offering dozens of domestic and international red wines to sample while live music entertains. Wines to be poured are: Moet Imperial, Caymus, Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir and Mount Veeder. Tickets are $120.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 6:30 pm – Winemaker and Shakers.

Happening at the following fine restaurants:

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, 4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Destin
FireFly Restaurant, 535 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach
Restaurant Fire, 55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Finz Beachside Grill, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Beachwalk at Henderson Park Inn, 2700 Scenic Highway 98 East, Destin

Tickets are $125.00 per person at each location.

Sunday, November 8^th at 10:00 am – THE Beach Champagne Brunch.

Between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will be holding THE Beach Champagne Brunch. Wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Roederer Estate, Moet Imperial and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Sunday, November 8^th at 3:00 pm – Taste of The Beach and Charity Auction.

Taste of THE Beach wraps up with a silent auction to benefit 11 local children’s charities including Sacred Heart Foundation, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Children in Crisis and Ronald McDonald House. Guests have the opportunity to bid on fantastic prizes donated from the community and can enjoy cocktails and appetizers. Wines to be poured are: Caymus Special Selection, BV Georges de Latour, Robert Mondavi, Reserve Cabernet, Krug Champagne and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Telluride MountainFilm at WaterColor

In its ninth year, WaterColor’s outdoor MountainFilm Festival celebrates the best in independent thinking – where adventure is celebrated, history is important, and people are passionate about what they believe. It attracts an audience seeking a culturally rich, conversation-inspiring experience in which to discuss films, share ideas and be inspired, all under a dramatic canopy of stars. By being a part of the “Taste of THE Beach,” participants will have the opportunity to pair incredible wines with incredible films in an incredible setting, and present an even greater event for all to enjoy. Wines to be poured are: Coppola Sofia Blanc De Blanc, Coppola Chardonnay Directors, Coppola Pinot Noir Directors and Coppola Merlot Directors.

Showtimes are 7-10 pm and gates open at 6 pm. Cost is $30.00 per person for one night or $50.00 per person for two nights.

Photos Courtesy of THE Beach.

After all the votes were counted, one sandwich stood above all others as Panama City Beach’s number #1 sandwich. By your vote, the resounding winner isLiza’s Kitchen’s Hippy Chick, a filling, delicious panini-baked treat that if you haven’t tried yet, you’re behind the times, my friend. Here’s the low down on this tasty dish.

While the Hippy Chick may be Liza’s Kitchen’s signature and most beloved sandwich, it wasn’t the first sandwich on the menu. “When we we’re making the switch from fine dining to lunches, we spent a lot of time thinking about what sandwiches we wanted to make.” Says, Mike Meek, head chef and one of Liza’s owners. “We knew we wanted the portebello and the roast beef pimento. In fact, the sandwich we thought was going to be the most popular was the turkey brie. But it’s the Hippy Chick. By far the favorite.”

An absolutely dynamite sandwich, the Hippy Chick’s ingredients consist of a carefully chosen array of flavors; freshly made focaccia bread, goat cheese, roasted chicken, roasted red pepper, spinach and a spicy mustard made in-house. All of it is pressed together in a panini-press and heated all the way through. What you have then is perfectly seasoned meat, zesty spice and melted goat cheese to smooth the whole thing over, giving you a spicy kick in a creamy first bite.

Head over to Liza’s and have a Hippy Chick. It’s not only a tasty sandwich, it is the undisputed, BEST sandwich on Panama City Beach.

see the vote: click here

It’s been said of Johnny Rawl’s blues, “You can’t re-invent the wheel but you can still make top of the line tires.” Johnny no more invented the blues than Cadillac invented the car, but when you hear it live, you will think he was the inspiration for it all. Equal parts Southern, soulful blues and dazzling showmanship, the Johnny Rawl’s live show in arguably the purest blues in America.

Johnny has appeared on the cover of the April 2002 Living Blues Magazine and has been nominated four times for the W.C. Handy Award. His most recent award came from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame for RB Male Vocalist of the Year 2006.

Johnny has performed at the Chicago Blues Festival twice, The Russian River Blues Festival, The King Biscuit Blues Festival, The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, Poconos, as well as festivals in Sweden and Poland. He tours constantly, playing well over 200 dates a year. He can also be heard on XM radio’s Bluesville. Whether he is playing in a small club or a large blues festival, Johnny gives it his all and the crowds love him!

When: Friday October 16th 8:00 p.m.

Where: Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar on Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

The King mackerel bite improved this week and were hitting flat lines or trolling Mann’s Stretch 25’s and 30’s. Spanish mackerel and bluefish schools are at the buoy line and around the Air Force tower. A few schools of Spanish are scattered along the beaches and in St. Joe Bay. You can catch them by throwing gotcha lures, spoons, or any variety of plugs.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Redfish are the hot bite right now. Fishing a live shrimp under a Cajun thunder is working the best. A real hot spot for reds as reported are the grass flats and sand bars around Black’s island. Using this same rig in the same areas is also producing some decent trout. For artificial, use a gold spoon or a topwater plug at first light. A few more pompano catches reported along the shore of Mexico Beach using a pink pompano jig, and inside crooked island sound are some large Spanish mackerel working and are being caught on live LY’s and rattletraps.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Schools of Bonita can be found all over inshore right now. Free-line cigar minnows or herring, or throw jigs and spoons for a lot of action. The King mackerel are still biting very well from the beach out to 40 miles. Grouper have slowed way down. To find them, fish well offshore from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100’ mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper AJ’s.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Flounder are just beginning their migration out of the bay and some smaller fish have been found around the inshore buoys. Slowly drag live bull minnows across the bottom to catch these fish. The Redfish action is heating up on the flats in East and West Bays. Slowly and quietly drift the flats in 3 feet or less water using a ½ ounce Gold Spoon or your favorite Top-water Plug. The Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Trout are biting well on the flats in 3 to 5 feet of water with top-water lures early and live shrimp or Gulp under a popping cork later. Larger Trout are being caught free-lining live Alewives. Mangrove Snappers are very plentiful under the bridges and at the jetties. Use live shrimp. King Mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish, Lady Fish, Redfish and a few Flounder. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting well at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs.

DESTIN

Fishing is very good right now over the past week there have been some very nice catches of Yellowfin tuna, Blackfin tuna and Dolphin on the off shore scene. Trey Windes caught a nice blue marlin on Wednesday at the knuckle.

Kings and blackfin tuna are still good near shore mixed with a few dolphin. The bottom fishing has been good for amberjack and grouper. In the bay the reds are very good with some nice trout but not many numbers of them. Plenty of flounder are in the harbor but there are some throwbacks there.

The pier is getting a few kings, ladyfish and blues.

FRESH WATER

The largemouth bass are at the tributaries and hitting spinner baits regularly. For the big boys, fish big 10-12” worms in dark colors around the tree trunks

For more information on Panama City Beach fishing go to www.halfhitch.com

Whether you are an avid golfer or just starting out, Bay Point is by far one of the best places to play golf in Panama City Beach. Bay Point features two of the most spectacular 18-hole courses along the Emerald Coast, plus a peaceful and serene atmosphere in which to play.

Boasting over 7,000 yards, the Nicklaus Course is the only Nicklaus Design golf course in Northwest Florida. Prior to being a Nicklaus course, this award winning course was known as Lagoon Legends, and was one of the most challenging courses in North America. In 2004, renovations began, and on September 17, 2005, the Nicklaus course was opened to wonderful reviews. The course has a slope rating of 143 and a course rating of 75.3, and plays along the natural terrain of majestic scrub oaks, towering Florida pine trees, sandy-white waste areas and salt-water marshes. This is a challenging course – the layout features “illusionary” bunkers that are strategically placed to tempt golfers through a “risk/reward” scenario, plus uncharacteristic elevation changes that are unique to Northwest Florida. Look out for signature hole No. 5, offering panoramic views of Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay.

The Meadows Course provides a classic country club atmosphere. Designed by Willard C. Byrd, the course opened in 1973 and was renovated in 2004 by Nicklaus design. The course stretches for a whopping 6,913 yards – testing even the best golfer’s distance. Stunning and well manicured, the course rating is 73.3 and it has a slope rating of 126. The Meadows also features occasionally tight fairways plus numerous bunkers and lakes, to provide an ever-changing set of challenges.

The Rates are as follows and are valid through December 31^st, 2009:

Meadows Golf Course – Morning Rate $69, Midday Rate $59

Nicklaus Golf Course – Morning Rate $109, Midday Rate $99

Reservations are subject to availability and may be made 30 days in advance.  To book a tee time, call (850) 235 6950.

There are also many in-season and off-season specials throughout the year. Make sure to frequently visit the official website for the latest specials and promotions. Don’t forget to check out the Stay and Play packages, and combine your premium golf experience with a getaway at the award winning Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa.

Bay Point Resort Golf Club is located at 4701 Bay Point Road, Panama City Beach. For more details, call (850) 235 6950.

1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

2. Playhouse Disney Live: Mickey, Pooh, Handy Mandy and the Little Einstiens – 3-6PM – Marina Civic Center

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals in “Playhouse Disney LIVE!”. In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party – with the help of Rocket, of course! Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

3. Scarecrow Festival

Pack up the entire family and head down to Historic St. Andrews Waterfont and design your own scarecrow.

The scarecrow festival starts Friday, October 9th with scarecrows displayed in Beck Avenue storefronts and public spaces. Stroll through our beautiful downtown and view the whimsical scarecrows that businesses, organization and individuals have created. Then, on October 24th, be sure to join us for the judging of the scarecrows and the many activities planned throughout our waterfront district from 11am – 6:30 pm.

4. Ghost Walk and History Tour – Saturday Oct 10

Camp Helen State Park and the Friends of Camp Helen invite everyone to the Fourth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk and History Tour. Camp Helen has a long and varied history, stories and spooky lore that will be shared with visitors while touring the newly restored park buildings.

Ghosts, Indians, Pirates and members of the Hicks and Comer families will be brought to life through story and song. Parking will be located at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 1 mile east of the park at the junction of US 98 and Alt US 98. Free shuttle buses will run all evening during the event. Parking within the park will be limited to handicapped visitors only. Please be aware that the ground is rough in some places. Flashlights are recommended and children are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Spooky treats of Shipwreck Cookies and Witch’s Cauldron Punch will be served to all who attend!

5.Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar Blues Concerts

Performing live this weekend at Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar, two amazing blues bands, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Nouveaux Honkies.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band crosses the barriers between indie rock/punk rock kids, scenesters, and traditional blues fans. At a BDB show, one is likely to get a taste of a myriad of genres fraternizing under one immensely eclectic umbrella. Frequent touring has allowed the Reverend’s band to perfect their bluesy show, giving showgoers a full-on experience they’ll be talking about for years.

The Nouveaux Honkies is not your typical blues band. They are musical mayhem concealed by a smooth delivery. They are tattoos under an evening dress. They are a bandwagoned sound what will leave you cheering and speechless at the same time.

For more information and show times, check out www.willyspierbar.com

What’s the History of Camp Helen?

Prehistoric middens (trash heaps) and mounds have been found within the park, suggesting humans have been in the area for approximately 400 years. Camp Helen State Park was originally known as Inlet Beach to early European settlers and later to developers. The area around Phillips Inlet was initially developed for recreational opportunities in the early 1920’s, with a lodge and associated buildings being added to the property in the 1940’s. Some of these buildings can still be seen today, and give an insight into tourist life along the Gulf Coast back in the day. From 1945 all the way to 1987, Avondale Textile Mills of Sylacauga, Alabama operated Camp Helen as a resort for vacationing employees.
Thanks to the efforts of the local community, Gulf Coast Community College, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Camp Helen was acquired by the State of Florida in 1994 under the Conservation and Recreational Lands Programs, and today offers visitors a first-class state park.

Where Exactly Is It?

Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge on the Bay County and Walton County line. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet, and Lake Powell, which is one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The great thing about Camp Helen is that it has it all – wooded nature trails, tranquil lake scenery, and an expansive, open white-sand beach. When you’re here, you feel like you are one with the outdoors, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds you at every turn, and the peace and quiet that is so hard to find in the heart of Panama City Beach.

What Can I Do There?

The opportunities for outdoor recreation are unlimited at Camp Helen State Park. Wildlife viewing is extremely popular, as the three different water bodies have created a diverse habitat for wildlife that includes rare shorebirds and Bald Eagles. Camp Helen is a great fishing spot for both fresh and saltwater species, and the park provides numerous nature trails for hiking. Visit the lodge and relax in the rocking chairs overlooking Lake Powell, or head to the beach for swimming, beachcombing, tanning or boating. Camp Helen State Park is open from 8:00 am until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fee is $4.00 per vehicle with a maximum of 8 passengers, or $2.00 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an annual individual entrance pass.

What Else is Happening at Camp Helen State Park?

This Saturday, October 10^th, Camp Helen invites you to its 4^th annual Ghost Walk and History Tour. Hear scary stories, learn about the Lake Powell Sea Monster, laugh with pirates, and maybe even maybe see a ghost!  It will be a wonderful evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment, and is suitable for all ages, including kids. The event is hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen and proceeds from the event will be used for the renovation and preservation of the park. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Event starts at 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years of age.

For those who have some spare time on their hands and would like to give back to the community, Camp Helen State Park always welcomes volunteers. A volunteer can do many things, including greeting visitors, conducting tours, helping Park Rangers remove exotic plants or simply maintaining the natural beauty of the beach, waterways or trails. If you are interested, stop by on any Thursday morning about 9:00 am or pick up an application in the visitor center.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year-round. A full-service dining room overlooks the spring; lodge meeting facilities offer an excellent place for retreats. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.

Econfina Creek

Econfina is the canoeist’s dream. Econfina Creek offers the steepest gradient of any designated canoe trail in the state. Canoeists pass waterfalls, rock outcrops, log jams, riverbed springs and plentiful bird life as they approach State Road 20, where the Gainer Springs Complex enters from numerous vents, filling a deep clear pool surrounded by palms, cypress and mixed hardwoods.

Shell Island

Shell Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Panama City Beach area. Just across the water from St. Andrews State Park and only accessible by boat, Shell Island is a natural, undeveloped island which lies between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in Bay County, Panama City Beach, FL. Shell Island’s Beautiful sand dunes stretch out over seven miles long and anywhere from two hundred yards to three-quarters of a mile across. Shell Island is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of bottle-nosed dolphins. The island’s pristine beauty and abundant wildlife make it an enjoyable and exciting way to spend the day. It is filled with tremendous sand dunes, a fresh water swamp, acres of woods and sugar-white sands. Shell Island offers excellent snorkeling, fishing and secluded beaches.

Eden Gardens State Park

This historic park hosts the majestic 110-year-old Wesley House, built for the Wesley family, the owner family of one of the largest timber operations of the 1800s. Completely decorated with period furniture and accessories, the house provides a beautiful view of the reflecting pool, towering moss-draped oaks and serene waterways. The various rose gardens, koi ponds and nature walks are enough to inspire and thrill those looking for adventure.

Florida Caverns State Park

This is Florida’s only limestone cave that is available to the public. Florida Caverns takes its name from the beautiful Florida Cavern tour cave. Equal in beauty to such famous sites as Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns, the caves at Florida Caverns State Park contain dazzling formation of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, rimstones, flowstones and draperies. These fragile formations are composed of calcite, a mineral dissolved from limestone rock when surface water containing carbonic acid percolates through the rock into the caves. As this mineral-charged water encounters the air inside the caves, layers of calcite are deposited. The creation of these stunning formations often take tens of thousands of years, and even the slightest disturbance by humans can destroy these delicate natural wonders. Guided yours occur regularly with nature trails, swimming, canoeing, and fishing.

Diving

Panama City Beach is considered the “Wreck Capitol of the South,” second only to the Florida Key’s as Florida most popular dive destination in the state of Florida. And it’s not just hype; there are over 50 artificial reef diver’s can plunge to see, fifteen 35-foot-high bridge spans, each one 160 feet long and, just inland, there are several spectacular springs where the water is as clear as drinking water and the spring diving is world class. There area a number of adventurous dive locations you’ll love from the Grey Ghost, to the USS Strength and the world famous Empire Mica. For more info on diving locations check out this top 10 dive spots article.

Weekend Wednesday is all about giving you an early start on the weekend. All the events and specials throughout the weekend all in one place and posted on hump day so you may plan accordingly. Below is enough fun to keep your weekend full and exciting.

Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Schedule of Events – And a Few Alternatives

Weather Report

Friday, High 88 – 30% Chance of Rain

Saturday, High 82 – 30% Chance of Rain

Sunday, High 81 – 40% Chance of Rain

Here is the schedule, for more information, visit www.panamacitybeachfest.com.

Note: I forgot to mention that if you need to buy tickets, please use promo code pcbdaily to get a discount.

Friday October 9th 4pm to 11pm

4 pm: Gates Open

7 pm: Julianne Hough goes on stage

9 pm: John Anderson goes on stage

Saturday October 10th 11am to 11pm

11 am to 3 pm: Family Fun Days – includes gymnastics shows, family yoga, hands on art, free bouncer village by Beach Bouncers, balloon art, family activities, clowns, stilt walkers and more

Grand Wine Tastings (time TBD)

3 pm to 6 pm: Watch local chefs prepare their signature dishes in the exhibition kitchen built on-site. Free recipe cards.

Non-stop live music from open to close

9 pm: Styx

Emerald Coast Cruizin Car Show Preview

Sunday October 11th 11 am to 11 pm

11 am to 3 pm: Family Fun Days – includes gymnastics shows, family yoga, hands on art, free bouncer village by Beach Bouncers, balloon art, family activities, clowns, stilt walkers and more

Grand Wine Tastings (time TBD)

3 pm to 6 pm: Watch local chefs prepare their signature dishes in the exhibition kitchen built on-site. Free recipe cards.

Non-stop live music from open to close

7 pm: Grand Funk Railroad

Emerald Coast Cruizin Car Show Preview

A Few Alternatives for the Weekend:

1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

2. Playhouse Disney Live: Mickey, Pooh, Handy Mandy and the Little Einstiens – 3-6PM – Marina Civic Center

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals in “Playhouse Disney LIVE!”. In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party – with the help of Rocket, of course! Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

3. Scarecrow Festival

Pack up the entire family and head down to Historic St. Andrews Waterfont and design your own scarecrow.

The scarecrow festival starts Friday, October 9th with scarecrows displayed in Beck Avenue storefronts and public spaces. Stroll through our beautiful downtown and view the whimsical scarecrows that businesses, organization and individuals have created. Then, on October 24th, be sure to join us for the judging of the scarecrows and the many activities planned throughout our waterfront district from 11am – 6:30 pm.

4. Ghost Walk and History Tour – Saturday Oct 10

Camp Helen State Park and the Friends of Camp Helen invite everyone to the Fourth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk and History Tour. Camp Helen has a long and varied history, stories and spooky lore that will be shared with visitors while touring the newly restored park buildings.

Ghosts, Indians, Pirates and members of the Hicks and Comer families will be brought to life through story and song. Parking will be located at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 1 mile east of the park at the junction of US 98 and Alt US 98. Free shuttle buses will run all evening during the event. Parking within the park will be limited to handicapped visitors only. Please be aware that the ground is rough in some places. Flashlights are recommended and children are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Spooky treats of Shipwreck Cookies and Witch’s Cauldron Punch will be served to all who attend!

5.Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar Blues Concerts

Performing live this weekend at Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar, two amazing blues bands, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Nouveaux Honkies.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band crosses the barriers between indie rock/punk rock kids, scenesters, and traditional blues fans. At a BDB show, one is likely to get a taste of a myriad of genres fraternizing under one immensely eclectic umbrella. Frequent touring has allowed the Reverend’s band to perfect their bluesy show, giving showgoers a full-on experience they’ll be talking about for years.

The Nouveaux Honkies is not your typical blues band. They are musical mayhem concealed by a smooth delivery. They are tattoos under an evening dress. They are a bandwagoned sound what will leave you cheering and speechless at the same time.

For more information and show times, check out www.willyspierbar.com

Have a happy weekend everyone and remember if you want to add an event to Weekend Wednesday just email me cebo@toocreative.com

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

Fishing the hard bottoms off Cape San Blas will yield plenty of grouper, so say the reports from offshore this week. Cigar minnows did well along with butterfly jigs. The bite was in 150’ of water. The king mackerel are hitting flat lines and trolled Mann’s Stretch 25’s and 30’s. Bonita are also hitting the flat lines and cigar minnows. Spanish mackerel and bluefish schools are at the Air Force tower thick. Throw a gotcha plug or troll a Clark spoon, or try trolling the stretch 25’s in natural color (black/chrome or mullet) for the larger Spanish.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Pompano are hitting great outside eagle harbor and along St Joe beach in the surf. Pink pompano jigs and shrimp on surf rigs are working well. The trout are still working the head of the bay from the middle grounds to Pigs Island. Although the water is stained from all the runoff from rain, top water lures are working well in the morning hours and soft plastics in the afternoon. Bass assassins and DOA shrimp imitation baits are the most popular. Live baits were small LY’s caught on the grass flats and free lined. Redfish schools reported off the grass flats and sand bars around Black’s island. The best time for the reds has been first thing in the morning using live bait and gold spoons. A few pompano caught this week around Pompano Point and along the shore of Mexico Beach using a pink pompano jig.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

King Mackerel are still biting very well from the beach out to 40 miles. Grouper have slowed way down. To find them, fish well offshore from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100 foot mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper AJ’s.

Flounder are just beginning to bite better. Start looking for them to migrate out of the bay in the next few weeks. Mangrove Snappers are very plentiful under the bridges and at the jetties. Use live shrimp. King Mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish, Lady Fish, Redfish and a few Flounder. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting well at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Redfish have been found on the flats in East and West Bays; while Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Trout are being caught on the flats with topwater lures early and live shrimp under a cork later.

DESTIN

Fishing is great right now as kings and sailfish still take the spot light near the pass just around the sea buoy. Also the Destin Fishing Rodeo kicks off on October 1st which brings all sorts of opportunities. Offshore there has been a good bite of wahoo and blackfin tuna with the cooler weather. Along the edges the grouper and amberjack have been good.

In the surf, some pompano and whiting are being caught bottom fishing; there have been some blues and ladyfish being caught on spoons.

In the bay, there are loads of redfish and some trout, in the harbor they are getting some flounder. Lastly, on the pier they have had some good king runs this week, a couple sailfish, blues, ladyfish and pompano.

Fresh Water

Shell cracker and Bluegill bite is very strong still. Bottom fishing in 3-4 ft. with a wiggler is producing a full stringer and little beetle spins have been bringing in hand sized bream. The largemouths are at the tributaries and hitting spinner baits regularly. For the big boys, fish wild shiners along the grass lines, or if you want to use an artificial, your best bait will be shallow running jerk baits and topwater along the shore.

For more fishing information go to www.halfhitch.com