Pelican Real Estate News Archives

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

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!

It is time once again to line the streets of Fort Walton Beach and become pirates ( if only for the weekend)!     The Festival events start Thursday night at 4 p.m. with a Pirate Walk in the downtown area (trick-or-treating -pirate style) followed by a family friendly block party and the Billy Bowlegs Pub Crawl.  Festival activities officially kick off on Friday June 4th at 3 p.m. at  The Fort Walton Landing.  Events will be held throughout the weekend including the skirmish between Capt. Billy and the Mayor, live music, local artists, delicious food, children’s activities, Children’s Pirate Parade and nightly fireworks.  Monday night’s  Torchlight Parade will close out the Festival.  Arrr! For more information visit www.fwbchamber.org/bowlegs  

This year marks the 25th Annual Gate to Gate Memorial Day 4.4 mile run/walk on Eglin Air Force Base.  Events start at 7:30 am Monday May 31st and are open to the public.  There will be a staggered start at the Child Development Center on Eglin AFB.  Free kids run, after party & awards presentation to follow.   Register online: www.active.com – Online registration closes 8 am, May 28th.  Come and celebrate Eglin’s 75th Anniversary!

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/. 

The 26th Annual Navarre Fun Fest will be on Navarre Beach on May 14th & 15th 2010.  This year’s event will have non-stop entertainment including fireworks, arts & crafts, live entertainment on the Fun Fest Main Stage all weekend, a children’s area, and plenty of great food!  Festival hours are Friday 4 pm – 10 pm and Saturday  10 am – 10 pm with fireworks at 9:30 pm.  A great way to spend your weekend!