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.

The Venue

Carillon Beach is located approximately 10 miles east of Seaside and 2 miles east of Rosemary Beach adjacent to Lake Powell. A breathtaking oceanfront setting, Carillon Beach is perfect for an elegant wedding in paradise. The community of Carillon Beach features chic shopping and dining, and there are both rental homes and condos available for guests as well as the intimate Carillon Inn. Weddings can take place either on the beach, overlooking the beautiful lake, or on a manicured lawn adjacent to the crystal-clear pool. Function rooms are available on-site for a reception to remember, and Bella Bridesmaid is located at downtown Carillon for all your bride and bridesmaid needs. Call (850) 230 9255 for Carillon Beach’s exclusive wedding coordinator. 

Eden Gardens State Park is a wedding venue unlike any other in the area. Situated approximately 25 minutes west of Panama City Beach, Eden Gardens State Park offers a charming and historical setting for your wedding. The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States.  Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts, mint juleps and the old south. The ceremony can be held under a magnificent, old live oak tree, or in the gorgeous gardens. Call (850) 231 4214 for more details on weddings at Eden Gardens.

The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers a convenient location in the heart of Panama City Beach, within the spectacular community of Bay Point. This full-service resort boasts stunning views of St. Andrew’s Bay and features 320 individually appointed guestrooms including 60 one and two bedroom golf villas. The grand ballrooms are ideal for lavish receptions, while the more intimate suites provide everything you need for a memorable gathering. The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is home to two magnificent 18-hole golf courses, including the Niklaus design course, plus The Serenity Spa, where you and your guests can get pampered and primped prior to the ceremony. For a truly unique experience, the resort staff can arrange for you and your guest to enjoy hors d’oeuvres on a sunset sailing cruise.  Contact Lindsey Crawson, wedding coordinator, for more details at (850) 236 6094.

The Boardwalk Beach Resort also offers a central Panama City Beach location close to all of the area’s attractions, shopping and nightlife. The resort features a gulf-front gazebo, perfect for your “I do’s”. Receptions can be held on the spacious Sun Deck or Sunset Pavilion, each offering plenty of room for parties of any size and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations include well-appointed hotel guestrooms in a tropical décor, and beautiful condo suites with extra space, perfect for families or groups. Professional planners and catering staff are available to help you plan your wedding and to give you peace of mind on your special day. Consider a sunset wedding – it doesn’t get any more romantic. Contact a wedding consultant at (850) 234 3484 for more details.

The Lady Anderson Cruise is an elegant alternative to a beach wedding. Set sail on northwest Florida’s premier dining yacht from the Captain Anderson’s Marina on Thomas Drive. The entertaining dinner dance cruises are perfect for weddings, wedding receptions, the rehearsal dinner, bridal showers and even bachelorette parties. Cruise the sparkling waters of Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico, spot playful dolphins and watch the sunset paint the sky red and gold. The Lady Anderson can host the ultimate wedding for up to 300 guests, and has over 30 years experience so you can sit back, relax, and get married in style. Call (850) 360 0510 for more details.

The Cake

Fatty Patty’s Cakes is located at 21903 Panama City Beach Parkway at Fatty Patty’s café. Cake designer Renee Schaarschmidt invites bridal couples to visit the café for a complimentary cake tasting and consultation. Bring photographs, magazine pages or hand drawn sketches to illustrate your idea of the perfect wedding cake. If you can dream it, Renee can bake it! At your consultation, Renee will discuss with you the fine details, including cake size, shape, design, budget, flavors and delivery options. You will get to sample several delicious cakes and view photographs of some of the most beautiful edible art you have ever seen. Fatty Patty’s cakes are original, exquisite and the perfect choice for your wedding. Call (850) 236 9276 for a consultation.

The Flowers

The flowers and floral arrangements set the tone and are the centerpiece of your wedding celebration. Florals by the Sea can start from the very beginning of your wedding and plan all the special details, or can simply put together the perfect bouquet or centerpiece. They can provide shimmering lights, fresh flowers and greenery, lanterns, fabric draping and candlelight, as well as specialty linens and glassware. With 20 years experience in designing weddings, Lori Fenster and Sally LaCourse focus on helping you create a wedding that will express your individuality, hopes and dreams. Call (850) 650 6687 for a consultation.

The Details

In order to get married in Panama City Beach or the surrounding area, you must first obtain a Florida marriage license. The license may be purchased at the Bay County courthouse at 300 E 4^th Street in downtown Panama City, at a cost of $93.50. Both parties must be 18 years of age or older, and both must be present to obtain the license. The marriage license will be valid for 60 days from the effective date, and Florida residents will have a 3 day waiting period. If you are not a Florida resident there is no waiting period, however you cannot apply for the license out of the state. Florida residents can take a 4 hour pre-marital course, and if both parties do so, the 3 day waiting period is waived and you will receive a discounted license fee of $61.00. You can contact the office with additional questions at (850) 747 5156.

Photo credit: Genya Garrett

Did You Know? Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa was recognized as the only Marriott on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 Gold List for U.S. Resorts.

The Amenities

At the Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, luxury meets a casual sophistication. There’s no airs and graces, just a warm professional welcome. This may be one of Panama City Beach’s top rated resorts, yet it’s easy to feel right at home and relax. Looking to chill out without leaving the property? No problem. The Marriott offers many top notch amenities including three beautifully landscaped outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and a whirlpool. When you’re not poolside, choose from five Hydro Grid HardTru clay tennis courts, the fitness center, outdoor pool and ping-pong tables, two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses (including the only Nicklaus design course in Northwest Florida) and the 12,000 square foot, full service Serenity Spa. The spa is spectacular and is popular with both resort guests and non-guests, thanks to its tranquil ambiance and superb selection of treatments available. Pamper yourself and indulge all your senses with a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure or body treatment. Hair and make-up services are also available for that special occasion or well-deserved treat. Golfers will love the stunning, manicured 18-hole courses, consisting of the recently renovated Meadows Course and the Nicklaus Design Course, which opened in 2006. The courses were voted as a Greens of Distinction Winner for 2007 by readers of Corporate and Incentive Travel Magazine. In addition, the Bay Point Marriott Golf and Spa Resort offers several exciting dining options to please all palates. Enjoy fresh seafood, pastas, exotic sushi, burgers, pizza, salads and much more, all with a view to ‘dine’ for, of course.

The Guestrooms

320 individually appointed guestrooms including 60 one and two bedroom golf villas provide a home away from home where your every need is met. Accommodations are spacious and airy, with a neutral and soothing décor. Rooms feature coffee and coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, two telephones, a color television with cable movie channels, mini refrigerator, AM/FM alarm clock radio, in-room movies and Sony playstation for a small fee. Internet, valet parking, and in-room dining is also available. All rooms have gorgeous views of either the resort or the sparkling waters of St. Andrew’s Bay.

The Location

Panama City Beach restaurants, attractions, shopping and sugar-white beaches are all just a hop and a skip away, so you can experience the destination and all it has to offer easily. The community of Bay Point itself also provides an extensive variety of recreational pursuits and ways to relax and have fun. The Bay Point Lady runs a daily complimentary shuttle to Shell Island, a breathtaking and uninhabited paradise where visitors can enjoy swimming, walking, hunting for shells and more. Bay Point boasts a 225-slip deep-water marina, with 22 on-property boat slips. Other activities include jogging and nature trails, wave runner and kayak rentals, parasailing, dolphin excursion tours, and fishing.

The resort is also a great choice for a wedding, a convention or business meeting, with highly trained and experienced staff ready to help you plan your event from start to finish.

The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is one of the most diverse resorts in Panama City Beach, as there are so many ways to enjoy yourself, whether you are looking to kick back, or stay active. The natural beauty and elegance of the setting is an added bonus that complements this fine resort to perfection.

Bay Point Marriott Golf and Spa Resort is located at 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. For more information or for reservations please call (850) 236-6000.

Individual day passes from the event are $15.00 for Friday, $30.00 for Saturday and $15.00 for Sunday.  For ticket purchases please click here.

The Wrath of Con : Science Fiction Convention and Film Festival : Panama City Beach, Florida : May 29 – 31, 2009

Celebrity Appearances

Kevin Sorbo – The legendary Hercules himself, Kevin Sorbo, who also starred as Captain Dylan Hunt on Gene Roddenberry’s Sci-Fi hit “Andromeda”.

John Billingsley – “Dr. Phlox” from Star Trek: Enterprise, ”Coroner Mike Spencer” from HBO’s sexy vampire series “True Blood”.

Bonnie Friedericy – “General Beckman” from NBC’s hit series Chuck – Wife and professional putter-upper of John B.

J.G. Hertzler – The Klingon “Chancellor Martok” from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Jerry Doyle – A mainstay at The Wrath of Con, and host of “Uncle Jerry’s Caligula Cocktail Party”, he’s a syndicated Talk Radio Host on the 8th-Largest show in America — oh and you might have seen him as “Security Chief Garibaldi” on a little show called Babylon 5.

Andrea Thompson – Telepathic “Talia” from Babylon 5, long-running stints on everything from NYPD Blue to CNN — and the former Mrs. Jerry Doyle.

Tim Russ - The Vulcan “Tuvok” from Star Trek: Voyager.

Chase Masterson – Sultry “Leeta” from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

There will also be appearances by Ghost Hunters, authors, artists, filmmakers and more throughout the weekend!

Friday

For those of you who attended last year, one of the highlights was the impromptu party by Jerry Doyle.  Well, last year the party may have been an impromptu one, but this year it’s an official event.  The first “official” Uncle Jerry’s Caliglua Cocktail Party will begin at 9pm.  The drinks will be flowing, there will be music and mingling with the celebs all night!  This will be a truly intimate event where you can spend quality time with your favorite guests, and is included in the VIP and Weekend Party passes, although separate tickets for this party may be purchased by weekend or single day pass holders.

Saturday/Sunday

Panels will be held throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday with all the celebrity guests in attendance at the show. There will be time for Q and A from the audience, and the actors will be signing autographs for a small fee when they are not on a panel. This is a great opportunity to get to know the actors, in a non-rushed fan-friendly environment during the show. Be sure all the invited guests enjoy spending time with the fans and love interacting with them on a personal level. Learn about who was a practical joker on the set, listen to funny stories and hear the actors talk about their favorite episodes or favorite moment. This is a rare opportunity to gain insight and to really learn what it was like on the set of some of your favorite television shows. 

The Wrath of Con “Sci-Fi Sundance” Film Fest will be also be running Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so stop by and see the latest and greatest in cutting-edge indie sci-fi filmmaking!

Saturday

It’s The Wrath of Con Afterparty! This huge party will be in the main ballroom, complete with a cash bar, a DJ, a live band and a dance floor, celebrity stars and of course you the fans. This is open to all ticket holders, so come dance the night away!

Film

The Wrath of Con is excited to bring the area’s only ”Sci-Fi Sundance” to the fans, screening a variety of films during the festival, ranging from shorts to feature-length films.

Below is a list of the film screenings

FILM SCREENINGS

FRIDAY

12-2p
STOLEN LIFE (1:20)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PUMPKIN
TRAVIUS
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP SUPERHERO

2-4p
POSTCARDS FROM THE FUTURE (:38)
FIRST WORLD (:25)
ELI (:18)
THE UN-GONE (:09)

4-6p
CHAD VADER: DAY SHIFT MANAGER (:46)
FSU FILM SCHOOL DOUBLE-FEATURE
BACK ISSUES (:24)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF COOG (:17) – Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

6-8p          STAR TREK: OF GODS AND MEN ACTS I-II

8-10p        NOBODY (1:28)

10-12a       AFTER THE APOCALYPSE

12-2a         STAR TREK: PHASE II

SATURDAY

10a-12p     STARSHIP FARRAGUT: FOR WANT OF A NAIL (1:25)
Followed by a Q/A with the filmmakers

12-2p         RACING DAYLIGHT (1:23)
INTERPLANETARY PROMO (:30) – Followed by a Q/A with the filmmakers

2-4p          BATMAN BEYOND: ULTIMATE VENGEANCE (2:07)
Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

4-6p          THE CHRONICLES OF HOLLOW EARTH: THE NEXT RACE
Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

6-8p          LIKE MOLES, LIKE RATS  (1:35) – Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

8p-10p      JEROME BIXBY’S THE MAN FROM EARTH

10p-12a     HERO TOMORROW (1:29)

12-2a         XEROS

SUNDAY

10a-12p     MERE MORTALS Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

12-2p         YESTERDAY WAS A LIE (1:29) – Followed by a Q/A with the filmmakers

2-4p           REFLECTIONS (:16) – Followed by a Q/A with the filmmaker

The Following films have been selected to be screened during The Wrath of Con’s 2008 “Sci-Fi Sundance” Film Festival:

Racing Daylight (83m)
Jerome Bixby’s The Man From Earth (87m)
Yesterday Was A Lie (89m)
Stolen Life (80)
Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager (46m)
A Day In The Life Of A Pumpkin
Postcards From The Future (38m)
The 4th Dimension
The Un-Gone (9m)
The Chronicles of Hollow Earth: The Next Race (88m)
Mere Mortals
Nobody (88m)
Reflections (16m)
ELI (18m)
Xeros
Travius
Hero Tomorrow (89m)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero
America’s Next Top Superhero
Like Moles, Like Rats (95m)
First World (25m)
Point of Fear
Back Issues (24m)
A Day In The Life Of Coog (17m)

Batman Beyond: Ultimate Vengeance (127m)
Star Trek: Of Gods and Men (Acts I & II)
Star Trek: Phase II (Formerly Star Trek: New Voyages)
Starship Farragut: For Want of A Nail (85m)
The Marauder’s Worst Nightmare (A Harry Potter Fan Film – 16m)
First Round (A Punisher v. Wolverine Fan Film – 12m)

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Interplanetary – Extended Preview/Work Cut

FSU Film School Student Films

ChuckCon Productions Short Films

GAMING

Game on!

The Wrath of Con will feature a 24-hour gaming room with space for everything from tabletop games to collectible card games and more!

TABLETOP GAMERS
COMIC EMPORIUM will be the official game host for AD&D, Warhammer, and Magic: The Gathering.

COMPLETE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Films – Spanish Moss A&B
Computer/Electronic Gaming – St. Andrews I
Table Top Gaming – St. Andrews II
Dealer’s Room – St. Andrews III

FRIDAY
MAIN (St. Andrews IV)                             BREAKOUT (St. Andrews VI)

12-1p                            TBA                                                            TBA
1-2p                                                                                                TBA
2-3p                                                                                                TBA
3-4p                               TBA                                                           TBA
4-5p                               TBA                                                           TBA
5-6p                               TBA
6-7p                               Opening Ceremonies                          (Cocktails By The Pool 6:30 – 8pm)
9p-????                          (UNCLE JERRY’S CALIGULA COCKTAIL PARTY)
SATURDAY
MAIN BREAKOUT
9-10a                            TBA                                                      TBA
10-11a                          TBA                                                      TBA
11-12p                          TBA                                                      The Basics – Ghost Hunting 101
12-1p                            TBA
1-2p                              TBA                                                      TBA
2-3p                              TBA                                                      Paranormal 411 – Voices From Beyond
3-4p                              TBA                                                      TBA
4-5p                              TBA                                                      TBA
5-6p                              TBA                                                      Paranormal 411 – Pictures From Beyond
6-7p                              (VIP Reception/Banquet 6:30-8pm              E.M.F. Meter Drawing Giveaway by ALPHA
in St. Andrews V)
7-8p                              Costume Contest Lineup
8-9p                              Costume Contest
9p-???                           THE WRATH OF CON AFTERPARTY!!!  Celebrity Emcees, DJ Rocky C, FANTOME!!!!!!
SUNDAY
MAIN BREAKOUT
9-10a                             TBA
10-11a                           TBA
11-12p                           TBA
12-1p                             TBA
1p-2p                             TBA
2p-3p                             TBA
3p-4p                             TBA
4p-5p                             Film Awards and Closing Ceremonies

Hit The links With Hercules!
Kevin Sorbo has graciously agreed to allow two lucky fans to play a round of golf with him on the awesome Nicklaus Design Course.  One fan will accompany Kevin on Friday morning, and another on Saturday morning.  The spots will be auctioned off, one online for Friday (details to come) and one in person at the party Friday night for the Saturday spot.  Bring your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable time!

PANELS

“Paranormal 101″
presented by the ALPHA Ghost Team and Sci-Fi Channel Ghost Hunter Brian Harnois

“Voices From Beyond – Electronic Voice Phenomenon”
presented by the ALPHA Ghost Team and Sci-Fi Channel Ghost Hunter Brian Harnois

“Pictures From Beyond – Ghost Photography”
presented by the ALPHA Ghost Team and Sci-Fi Channel Ghost hunter Brian Harnois

“The Art of Indie Filmmaking”
presented by director Chip Chalmers, and other Indie Filmmakers in attendance

“Trends in Sci-Fi”

“Web vs. Print – Coexisting in the current market”
presented by webcomic artist Jennifer Walker

“Communicating Your Comic – Using the web to attract, inform, and retain a readership”
presented by webcomic artist Jennifer Walker

“Writer’s Workshop”
presented by our authors in attendance

There will also be extended Q&A sessions with all of our celebrity guests and filmmakers in attendance!

If you need more information or want to buy a ticket please go to http://wrathofcon.org