Those who know Forever 21…LOVE IT!  The store offers on- trend fashions for women, men and children.  This modern store appeals to all age groups looking for a fashion forward style at amazing price points.  The Los Angeles based chain has over 460 throughout  the US.  With plans to open this fall, Forever 21 will be a wonderful addition to the tenant mix at the Commons.   For addtional store information, visit www.forever21.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!

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!

The United Service Organization (USO) has opened the “Freedom Lounge” in the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.  This 1,000 square foot facility offers Military personnel and family members welcome packets, emergency assistance with lodging, transportation, meals and communication services.   Special features include: computer stations, library services, TVs and a friendly play area for the kids.  The Lounge is staffed by USO volunteers.  Col. Bruce McClintock, Commander of the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin Air Force Base boasts   “ This is the classiest USO facility I’ve ever seen!  This community does the best job of caring for past, present and future warriors – we are grateful for all that you do”

HarborWalk Village, located on Destin Harbor, will honor a local hero every  Thursday at 7:00 p.m. throughout the summer.  Each week the celebration will highlight the efforts of people who go above and beyond to make their community better.  Local entertainment and a WWII replica flyover begin at 7:20 p.m. with fireworks at 8:30 p.m.  Join the free family fun including live entertainment and crafts for the kids starting at 6:30 each week.     

The Navarre Beach restoration project, which was completed in November 2006, has been named as one of the four best completed restoration projects in the country by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.  The sand quality, size of the project and collective efforts to gain state funding were sited as winning characteristics for the project.  Approximately 3 million cubic yards of sand were placed on 3.7 miles of beach during this project.  In order to keep the native sugary white sand covering the beaches, sand was dredged from a borrow site in the Gulf about 4 miles offshore.  Locals and visitors agree that the $18.2 million dollar project was well worth the investment.  Congratulations to all who were involved in this award winning project!

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