It’s a scene that’s seemingly common, something that JR Hott has seen many times when he’s flying his Panhandle Helicopter.  Meteorologically, it’s a pretty normal event,  but the result in these photos was captured just right, at just the right time.  Just a little later or a bit earlier, and these photos would have never happened.

Last Sunday, Hott went for a flight with his lead captain and fired off some very interesting pictures. The pictures seemed to capture waves of fog flowing over the gulf front condos in Panama City Beach, specifically, Celadon and Splash Resort and several others on the western end of Panama City Beach.

Jason Koertge has an awesome vacation rental business in Panama City Beach that focuses on remarkable properties right on the gulf.  They range from 1 to 4 bedrooms, they’re clean, and amazing.  He can be found lurking at PCBLP.com.

Hott said, reflecting on his thoughts before he posted the original image to his Facebook page, “Eh, these look pretty cool, I thought, maybe I’ll post them to my page. . .  When we started seeing the Likes and Shares come through, we were dumbfounded. . .  We never expected this.”

The pictures.

What’s really happening in the pictures.

As explained to me by the Panhandle Helicopter guys, when the air temperature, dew point and water temperature are all about the same, a fog is created.  Add a slight breeze from off the gulf and that fog will envelope the structures on the beach.  If it’s just a little too windy, the fog won’t form.

Meteorologist Dan Satterfield describes the process on his blog:

“Cool air offshore was very nearly at the saturation point, with a temperature near 20ºC and a dew point of about 19.5 degrees C. The air at this temperature can only hold a certain amount of water vapor, and how much it can hold depends heavily on the temperature. Drop the temperature, and it can no long hold as much water vapor, so some of it will condense out and a cloud will form.

“In this case, the air was cooled by lifting it about 50 meters over the top of the condos,” Satterfield continues. “A parcel of unsaturated air will cool when lifted at a rate of 1 degree C per 100 meters. In this case, it probably cooled about 0.5 degrees C, but that was all it took! On the back side of the condos, the air slowly sinks back down and warms at the same rate. As it warms the air can hold more water vapor and the cloud evaporates and disappears!”

The pictures were taken on Sunday, February 5 at 12:40 pm, and the main shots are picturing Celadon and Splash Resort with a variety of other resorts in the shot as well, including Tidewater, Tropic Winds, and Emerald Isle.

The virility of a picture.

Sure, there are talented people that have nailed the creation of viral content over and over, but a large part of creating viral content just really can’t be predicted.  A number of anomalies have to occur and fall into place just right to create that viral spread.

In this case, the photo was capturing something that happens on a regular basis, but the shot was captured from a vantage point that is not so regular. We see fog all the time, but we see it from the ground.  Seeing it from the air is very unique and rare, especially since helicopters can’t take off in foggy conditions.  However, with this situation, the fog was not impacting their landing/take-off location and they were able to get in the air.

The fog seems to be taking over the condos in massive waves, and everything blends together to create a neat, viral package.

So, just how viral is this?

Hott has said he’s literally seen his picture on sites around the world.  Spain, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, England, and Russia just to name a few.  The pictures have shown up on sites like weather.com, cnn.com, tntmagazine.com, huffingtonpost.com and news.discovery.com.  There is a YouTube video from CNN that has over a half million views.

Looking at the Facebook Insights, the original image has over 15,000 people who have interacted with it by either sharing, liking or commenting on it.  Bringing the analytics a little further, according to Facebook, the image as “reached” over 33,000 people.

Their Facebook page, last Saturday had just over 1,050 Likes. As of this post, they had just over 2,500 with over 3,500 people “talking about” them.

What are you thoughts on these pictures?

Jason Koertge has an awesome vacation rental business in Panama City Beach that focuses on remarkable properties right on the gulf.  They range from 1 to 4 bedrooms, they’re clean, and amazing.  He can be found lurking at PCBLP.com.

Grab your shopping bags and bring your appetite because Pier Park is adding some new shops and restaurants.  It’s no secret how popular of a destination Pier Park is, and with over 110 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, it’s certainly not surprising either.

There are a couple new additions that either just opened, or about to open, and a number of new retailers that will open in the next few months.

Two new restaurants.

Dick’s Last Resort will bring a new dining experience to Panama City Beach, unlike any other.  The restaurant features outrageous, surly and energetic wait staff, tasty comfort food and live entertainment.  The restaurant opened Monday in the former Guy Harvey’s Island Grill space.

Just in time for Spring Break, Rum Runners will open in March in the “E” Shops just south of the Grand Theatre (in place of where Guglielmo’s was).  The restaurant will offer a casual dining atmosphere and full-service bar featuring a mix of live entertainment including dueling piano shows and interactive customer participation in a tropical Caribbean-style setting.

Both will add a fitting flair for vacationers in our warm, tropical weather.

Other new additions for 2012.

French Charmed recently opened at Pier Park and offers its shoppers French country décor and European-inspired goods.  Many of the collections are unique and expertly hand crafted.  The boutique is located on the Boardwalk between Polk a Dots Toys & Gifts and Latitude 29.

Also opening in February will be Francesca’s Collections which specializes in gifts, apparel, home accessories and jewelry that reflect fashionable styles from all over the world.  The new store will be located next to Bath & Body Works in the Town Center.

Joining the Florida panhandle as the first in the market, Charming Charlie will offer a unique fashion accessory boutique designed to help women of all ages complete their outfits, regardless of the occasion or mood.  The accessory store will be located in the Town Center.

Pepper Palace will open its doors in March.  Offering a variety of spicy food products from an assortment of hot sauces to habanero corn bread mix, this hot spot will be a favorite for fiery foodies.  The new store will be located on the Boardwalk’s west side between Accessories on the Boardwalk and Gamestop.

Celebrated by many style conscious and trend savvy shoppers, Forever 21 will boast more than 23,205-square-feet of space, occupying the former Border’s location.  This new store will offer a variety of apparel, shoes and accessories aimed at customers of all ages.

More about Pier Park.

Just in case you’ve been under a rock for the last 4 years, Pier Park is one of the single best things that has happened to Panama City Beach.  With the development of Pier Park came the creation of a retail destination that has provided a place for people to not only shop, but hang out, recreate.

With over 110 shops and restaurant, there is 1.1 million square feet of retail shopping space and an aesthetic design that’s conducive for family fun.

The bottom of their most recent press release reads:

The multi-dimensional property also hosts numerous free community events throughout the year. Large-scale signature events include the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop and the Star Spangled-Spectacular July 4 concert and fireworks show.  Pier Park will keep the spirit alive this year with a Mardi Gras festival.  The colorful event will be held on February 17 and 18 and will include a Second Line Parade Friday evening the 17^th and a Children’s Parade at 1:00pm with the big parade shortly after.  The Bourbon Street Village will open Friday at noon and there will be a car show as well.

Jason Koertge has an awesome vacation rental business in Panama City Beach that focuses on remarkable properties around the Pier Park area.  They range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, they’re clean, and amazing.  He can be found at PCBLP.com.

With all the talk of Walmart coming into the area, it’s spurred even more activity.  Although Target’s making no claims of “keeping up with the Jones,” or in this case, “Walmart”, their push to add an expanded grocery section is certainly a plan to keep them ahead.  The Walmart that is being installed adjacent to Target, right across Powell Adams Road, is rumored to have a significant grocery area including produce and meats – although nothing official has been announced.

What we can expect at Target.

Target already has a pretty good grocery section.  It is certainly not Publix (or a Walmart Supercenter for that matter), but our family’s spontaneous needs can typically be met there.  They have milk, eggs, deli meats, some frozen foods, ice cream, cereal, chips, coffee, bread and tons of other essentials, and it’s all very fairly priced.  Shoot, we often do our grocery shopping there.

With the reorganization they’re adding fresh produce and meats and expanding on the other item types they already carry.  This will make them more of a one-stop shop and should bring in more grocery shoppers.  If it’s decent produce, it’ll draw our family in, along with countless others.

Target is also getting remodeled.

Just less than 5 years after opening, they’re giving the inside a significant overhaul.  You may have noticed the circus-tent-looking structure to the side of the building, next to the retired garden center – that’s the staging area for the work being done.

Expect new paint inside, new end cap designs, new isle layouts, isle shifts and a fresh new look.

When it’ll be complete.

Timing is everything right?  The new Walmart hasn’t even broke ground yet, much less begun moving dirt.  But the remodeled Target, groceries, and produce should be complete by mid-March.  Employees are expecting things to be ready for spring break.  This is well suited for what is projected to be, again, the busiest rental season ever.  As we just learned, last year broke records, if 2012 is better, then we’ll break more records.

What are your thoughts on the new Target? Do you think it’ll compete with whatever Walmart puts in?  Would you shop there?

The economy in Panama City Beach has been improving and with that developers have decided to build a 400,000-square foot shopping center across from Pier Park.  The new development will be on the North side of Back Beach Road adjacent to Frank Brown Park on approximately 60-acres.  They are hoping to open Pier Park North by Spring 2013 after beginning construction in Spring 2012.

The outdoor shopping area has been named Pier Park North, but is a competitor rather than an expansion.  Simon Property Group owns Pier Park and its competitor Glimcher Development Group owns Pier Park North.

Leases have been signed for 50% of the space, including one large anchor store, however the Glimcher Development Group plans to announce these names at a later date.  There have been rumors of the prospective stores to call Pier Park North home.

Prospective Stores

• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Michaels
• Fresh Market
• Pier 1 Imports
• Kirklands
• Ross Dress for Less
• Shoe Carnival
• Petco
• Toys R Us
• Rooms to Go
• Men’s Warehouse
• VisionWorks
• Osaka’s
• Cheddars

How do you think the competition will be against Pier Park?

The cooler weather is rolling in, but it isn’t stopping the events in Panama City Beach! Here is a look at some of the events around town this weekend:

Marshalls Grand Opening

October 27, 2011- Pier Park

Marshalls, where you should “never pay full price for fabulous,” is ready to open its doors this Thursday!  Marshalls shops year round to provide brand names and popular fashions at low price. Pier Park will be it’s newest home.

Margaritaville’s Coast is Clear Locals Party

October 27, 2011- Margaritaville, Pier Park

Celebrating the end of summer and peak season, Margaritaville is hosting an event for the PCB locals.  Enjoy live music, drink specials, $5 food specials, prize giveaways,and get your Locals VIP Card! From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, prizes will be given away each hour, including one pair of tickets to see Jimmy Buffet live in concert!  Thank-you Margaritaville for celebrating the locals!

Gulf Coast Chiropractic & Rehab’s Ladies Night of Indulgence Fall Luau

October 27, 2011- Gulf Coast Chiropractic and Rehab

From 5:30-7:30 pm, ladies are invited to indulge in complimentary drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, free massage, and entertainment.  This is a free event from Gulf Coast Chiropractic and Rehab which will include skin care product demos, jewelry, self-spray tanning, hair feathers, art, pilates, health and wellness, microdermabrasion treatments, yoga, orthotic testing, and more.  All for free, so ladies- don’t miss this event!

Conservation Park Grand Opening

October 29, 2011- Conservation Park

It’s opening day at Conservation Park and promises to be a day full of fun!  Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served from 12pm-2pm, along with giveaways and other fun activities.  A 10K, 5K, and 1 mile family fun run will start at 8am to commemorate the event. More information about the run is available here.  The premise behind this park is to reclaim wetlands that were altered through tree-farming practices.  Many trails and bike paths wil run through the property, as well as a wood-framed porch for park guests.  Enjoy a day in the Florida outdoors!

Have a safe and fun weekend getting massages, shopping at Marshalls, eating at Margaritaville, and walking around Conservation park!

The recent drop in speed limit on Back Beach Road near Pier Park stirred up a lot of discussion on our Facebook wall, and we’d like to hear more thoughts on the speed change from 55mph to 45mph.

Why?

From Hills Road to Colina Circle, the speed limit has been changed from 55mph to 45mph.  These changes were due to the amount of traffic, accidents, and the struggle for cars to pull out of Pier Park safely.  The decrease was also inspired by the recent number of tragedies in the area in past months.  One thing to consider is that the area will soon be seeing a Wal-Mart.

Community Feelings

While it’s too early to tell how people feel about the change, it seems that opinions are split.  Those who live in the neighborhoods around Pier Park seem to lean in favor of the lowered speed limit, while those who pass through see it as ineffective.  A common standpoint seems to be that the change isn’t going to be fun, but if it keeps people safer – then it’s a necessary one.

That being said, how do you feel about the speed limit being lowered to 45mph around Pier Park?

Pier Park has recently lost Borders, Guy Harvey’s, and opened up a few other vacancies – however they are soon to be filled!  Pier Park will be home to Dick’s Last Resort, Marshalls, Forever 21, Charming Charlie, and Francesa’s Collection.

Dick’s Last Resort

Moving in where Guy Harvey’s Island Grill was located is Dick’s Last Resort, a restaurant and bar known for an intentionally obnoxious staff.  Dick’s is expected to open sometime this winter.  You can learn more about Dick’s Last Resort and view their menu online.

Marshalls

Marshalls will be located between The Dollar Tree and Red Robin on the North Side of Pier Park.  Marshall’s offers brand name items at reasonable prices, including clothing, accessories, shoes, and household items for the entire family.  Visit Marshall’s online for more information about their products.  It is expected to open November 5.

Forever 21

Forever 21, a womens clothing store, will be opening in Spring 2012 where Border’s was formerly located.  The Panama City Location will be 23,205 sq feet of clothing, shoes, accessories, and intimate apparel.  If you’d like to see what to expect at the Forever 21 in Pier Park, visit their website.

Charming Charlie

A newer accessories business, Charming Charlie, is also coming to Pier Park.  Charming Charlie was founded in Texas and has been expanding to new locations as fast as possible since its birth and instant popularity. Visit Charming Charlie online to see why they are such a popular store.

Francesca’s Collection

A unique store for women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts is Francesca’s.  These stores are also becoming more popular and expanding to many new locations.  You can visit the website to learn more about the products available at Francesca’s Collection.

Where you do plan to visit first or most frequent?

The projected improvements to Aaron Bessant Park have been quite a hot topic lately with many energetically arguing for and against it.  The public workshop is this Wednesday evening and a lively workshop its expected to be!

The city has released the projected construction schedule, which is not final, but intended to be used to map out the process of building the improvements.

The schedule

August

• Week 3 – Technical specifications
• Week 4 – Draft RFQ and sound check site
• Week 5 – Workshop: Design parameters

September

• Week 6 - Advertise RFQ: Design/Build
• Week 7 - Geotechnical released
• Week 8 - Refine Design parameters
• Week 9 - Addendum

October

• Week 10 - RFQ Due Design/Build
• Week 11 – Award Contract: Design/Build
• Week 12 - Work shop: Design
• Week 13 - Submit to FCT

November

• Week 15 – Site/Structural Plans
• Week 16 - Site Construction Start
• Week 17 - Order Steel
• Week 18 - Permit Set Complete

December

• Week 19 - Building Construction Start
• Week 20 - Underground work
• Week 21 - Slab on Grade

January

• Week 24 - Walls to roof structure
• Week 26 - Roof Structure

February

• Week 28 – MEP installation

March

• Week 32 – Finish work
• Week 35 – Certificate of occupancy

April

• Week 36 – Punch list
• Week 37 – Seabreeze Jazz Festival

There has been quite a bit of commotion at Pier Park this week.  Monday, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill closed down and it was announced that Dick’s Last Resort was coming in this off-season.  Guy Harvey’s has been a tenant almost since the beginning, located at the corner of S Pier Park Drive and Front Beach Road next to Reggae J’s.  Their menu consisted of fresh gulf seafood short of a few select species that Harvey deemed depleted.  The entrance was a gift shop that hosted shirts, art, belts, and many other varieties of schwag.

I’m not even going to get into speculation as to what happened.

Dick’s Last Resort

Dick’s last resort is known for its “outrageous, surly and energetic wait staff and tasty comfort food.”  They have locations in Nashville, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Dallas, Baltimore, San Antonio, San Diego, Chicago, Boston and Vegas.  And looking at that location lineup, that puts Panama City Beach up there with the big dogs.

“At Dick’s Last Resort, we’re known for having a good time, but we’re very selective about where we do business,” said CEO Ted Moats. “Pier Park and Panama City Beach are a natural fit for the fun, energetic atmosphere we offer, and we are very excited to open our doors and meet the local community and visitors.”

“Dick’s Last Resort is a perfect fit for the Panama City Beach market,” said Felicia Cook, Pier Park’s Director of Marketing & Business Development. “With so many of their locations open in top tier tourist destinations, we’re thrilled that they’ve decided to open in Pier Park.”

Dick’s should open sometime this winter.

The City of Panama City Beach is considering closing two blocks of the “main drag” in Pier Park in an effort to make it more pedestrian friendly.  The blocks proposed to close are from the round-about by the Grand to the intersection that hosts Hofbrau Beer Garden and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.  Traffic would still be able to pull into Pier Park from Front Beach Road, but they’d have to turn right or left at Hofbrau or Tootsies.  Same with the round-about – visitors would still be able to circumnavigate it, the Pier Park Drive South turnoff would just be blocked off.

These two blocks are the same two blocks that are often closed for special events, such as the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, the latter typcially closing the roads all the way to Front Beach Road.

Closure during summer months.

Panama City Beach Police Chief Robert Harding is proposing the closure occur one of two ways, both to begin from Memorial Day and end after Labor Day each year.

1. Close the two blocks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
2. Close the two blocks 7 days a week during that entire summer period

Benefits of the closure.

Currently there is already some disconnect as to the nature of the southern portion of Pier Park Drive.  During almost any summer day, there is so much foot traffic, mixed with cars, it’s actually quite a hazard.  There are designated walk-across areas, but with all the activity, it’s not uncommon for pedestrians to cross where they want.  Safety is a concern, and a clear benefit to the closure.

In addition to safety, the closure would allow more room for Pier Park visitors to freely move about from shop to shop during a time when there are literally tens of thousands coming through each day.  It would open the venue up dramatically.

Traffic ingress and egress would be minimally impacted as routes behind the shop’s buildings would still be accessible, through the parking areas.

What do you think?

What are your thoughts on this potential traffic road closure? Do you think it would help pedestrian safety?  Do you think it would enhance Pier Park?