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…)

Coastal Living’s July/August issue had a great list of reasons for loving the coast… At the beach, no one raises an eyebrow when adults act like kids…Lounging under an umbrella for nine straight hours is considered normal…Our best memories are made there-on vacation, on a sunset walk, on a dare on a surfboard…At get-togethers, the dress code is always “come as you are”…It’s where we seem to get our best night’s sleep…Food tastes better at the shore. In fact, you’re practically required to indulge. Ice cream before noon? But of course!…Dolphins smile…Pelicans dive…Crabs crawl sideways…When you are on “beach time”, everything is go with the flow. No schedules. No rushing. No stress…Cocktail hour is really a race between you and the melting ice…Everybody smiles bigger when they have a sun kissed glow on their cheeks! Yes, we do love living at the beach! Come join us and become our neighbor!

Calling all bookworms!  The much anticipated 10,000 square foot state of the art public library has opened in Panama City Beach for your reading pleasure.  Centrally located at 12500 Hutchinson Blvd., this library has it all…old books, new books, audio, video, DVDs, 24 internet stations,a 15 seat computer lab as well as a vast array of special services.  Definitely a great way to get out of the heat this summer.  Summer programs for the kids start next Tuesday 6/15/10 and will include: Make a Splash for K-5th graders offered on Wednesdays 2-3pm and Make Waves for the older set 6th – 12th graders held from 2-4 pm on Tuesdays.  For additional information call 850-233-5055 or stop by and take a look…you just might want to stay around for a while!  http://www.nwrls.lib.fl.us/Locations/PCB.htm

It is official!  Our Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is open for business.  Hundreds of visitors, state officials and dignitaries were on site to watch the first take off and landing Saturday.   Southwest will offer daily flights to and from Nashville, Baltimore, Houston and Orlando.  Delta will be flying daily to and from Atlanta and Memphis.  For additional information on the new airport, visit  http://www.iflybeaches.com.

Yes…It is finally here!  The most talked about event of the decade is happening this weekend on the Emerald Coast!  Our new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is opening in style!  Grand Opening events kick off Friday night with the sold out Green Tie Gala.  The Community Grand Opening  is scheduled for Saturday May 22nd from 9am – 4 pm.  This event is free and open to the public.    Tickets and parking passes are required.  Terminal tours, music, food and fun activities are planned throughout the day including aircraft take off/landings!   Commercial Service will begin on Sunday May 23rd.  Visit: http://northwestfloridabeaches.com/airport-grand-opening for ticket locations and additional event information.  Join in and celebrate this historical event!

The new television spot produced by Visit Florida shares the great news that Northwest Florida is open and ready for visitors.   The weather is great and the beaches are breathtaking!  Come down and relax for a while… Click on link to view the TV spot: http://birdwell.us/OFB2/. 

Southwest Airlines introduces Florida One – a Boeing 737 beautifully painted with a colorful rendering of the state flag.    What a wonderful time to launch the new aircraft just in time for the The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opening May 23, 2010.  Boeing’s art project involved 32 people, working three shifts over eight days, 46 gallons of paint and 16 different colors!  We can’t wait to see you Florida One!