The nation’s largest independent furniture retailer, Rooms To Go, is adding a new location next to Destin Commons.  Plans call for the store to open mid 2011.  Rooms To Go offers the unique concept of displaying and packaging furniture in complete room settings coordinating colors, fabrics and accessories down to the last detail.  Showrooms display bright, stylish and friendly furntiture creating an easy one-stop decorating experience for their customers.  As an added bonus, Rooms To Go ensures delivery of your purchase within days, not months.   Rooms To Go has additional Emerald Coast locations in Pensacola and Panama City.  For more information on furniture packages and services, visit www.RoomsToGo.com .

Business Facilities Magazine has ranked Panama City #1 on its list of Top Metro Areas for Economic Growth Potential for communities with populations less than 200,000.  In their July/August issue,  the magazine states  “ in our small population sub-category, Panama City, FL remains front-and- center on our growth radar. As we detailed in our June cover feature [Editor’s Location Picks], it would be hard to find a better example of the seemingly overnight transformation of a region than the current activity on the Florida panhandle. One of the nation’s largest economic development initiatives is taking shape amidst the pine trees and pristine beaches in Northwest Florida near Panama City.”  The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and surrounding development were sited as contributors to the #1 ranking.  To read the article in it’s entirety : http://www.businessfacilities.com/Rankings/BFJulAug10_METRO_RANKINGS.PDF

DANIEL CARSON / News Herald Writer

It was the news that area officials were hoping for: A new mission — and jobs — are headed to Tyndall Air Force Base.

Tyndall’s future will include the addition of a new F-22 Raptor squadron, officials announced Thursday, with the base receiving 21 new fighter jets as part of the Air Force’s consolidation of its F-22 fleet.

Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, said the Air Force’s decision to add an operational squadron to the base’s exist-ing F-22 combat training mission would result in the addition of almost 600 personnel at the base and stemmed from government and area civic leaders’ continued efforts to secure Tyndall a follow-on mission.

Thursday’s announcement comes months after Tyndall started the drawdown of its two F-15 squadrons, as part of an Air Force-wide restructuring plan. (more…)

Lowe’s Home Improvement has recently finalized the purchase of a 20- acre outparcel adjacent to the Bass Pro Shop in Destin Commons.  Construction is expected to start sometime next year and should take 12 months to complete.   Welcome to the Emerald Coast!