Whatever complexities involved in the comprehensive marketing plan the TDC has in effect, it’s working.

Visitor inquiry, visitation and general interest is up this year over last, and the activity in Panama City Beach reflects it.

Following this article, we’ll discuss the bed tax revenue, and take a good look at the actual numbers behind this year’s growth, but for now, we’re going to take a look at some stats on interest as it related to visitation, inquiries and Likes.

Total Website visitation

The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau made the tough decision a couple short years ago to abandon their previous web host and seek a new one, along with a fresh new look.  They rebuilt the website with the help of Jennifer Barbie Inc, and enacted a whole new marketing plan that was charged with revitalizing PCB’s image. Two years later, traffic to the website has grown tremendously and the area’s branding has burned the image of our sugar white sands and emerald green waters into the minds of millions, literally.

Traffic to the website in 2011

• July – 184,148 (15% increase)
• June – 174,726 (22% decrease)
• May – 142,845 (17% increase)
• April – 123,976 (26% increase)
• March – 179,553 (53% increase)

Traffic to the website in 2010

• July - 159,567
• June - 225,557 (oil spill spike)
• May - 122,440
• April - 98,342
• March - 117,039

Website visitation top states

July

1. Florida
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Tennessee
5. Texas
6. Kentucky

June

1. Georgia
2. Florida
3. Alabama
4. Tennessee
5. Texas
6. Kentucky

May

1. Georgia
2. Florida
3. Alabama
4. Tennessee
5. Texas
6. Kentucky

April

• Florida
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Illinois

March

1. Florida
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Tennessee
5. Texas
6. Illinois

Facebook page keeps growing, and growing, and growing

One of the things that’s been really unique in the Panama City Beach marketing plan has been the growth of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s Facebook Page, VisitPanamaCityBeach.  Every since the beginning, it’s been growing leaps and bounds, like a snowball, and has never ceased.

They have set records, garnered the attention of Facebook corporate and have been an example of what to do in a successful campaign over and over again.  Currently they are at 219,753 Likes.

Here is a breakdown of their growth over the last year. The number shown indicated the total number of Likes at that point in time.

2011

• July – 218,159 (136% increase)
• June - 211,355 (157% increase)
• May - 203,721 (181% increase)
• April - 195,380 (187% increase)
• March - 188,066 (202% increase)

2010

• July - 92,336
• June - 82,213
• May - 72,582
• April - 67,968
• March - 62,250

Visitors Services Inquiries

Each day, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau fields inquiries via phone, email, walk-ins, physical letters and faxes.  Inquires consist of info for making vacation plans, information on group travel, general tourist information, etc.

Here is a breakdown of the inquiries over the last 5 months in the top six states. Numbers are approximate based on the report we received.

July

• Georgia - 800
• Alabama - 600
• Tennessee - 550
• Florida - 450
• Texas - 425
• Kentucky - 350

June

• Georgia - 1300
• Tennessee - 950
• Alabama - 750
• Texas - 650
• Kentucky - 550
• Indiana - 425

May

• Michigan - 3400
• Illinois - 2500
• Wisconsin - 1800
• Indiana - 1700
• Ohio - 1600
• Georgia - 1500

April

• Tennessee - 2900
• Georgia - 1100
• Alabama - 700
• Texas - 600
• Florida - 600
• Illinois - 500

March

• Georgia – 1100
• Tennessee - 900
• Alabama - 650
• Florida - 625
• Texas - 600
• Kentucky - 550

We’ve long been known as the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s not because our beaches are acceptable, or mediocre, or that they are “fine”.  Are beaches are considered the best because they are just simply beautiful.  The emerald green waters that during most times of the year are crystal clear – all framed by our snow-white sand – make our area a place people literally come from all over to visit.

When asked, TripAdvisor members ranked Panama City Beach’s beaches as being 3rd in the nation and 12th in the world.  Others that landed on the ranking board included beaches in Turcs and Caicos, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach (came in after us at fourth), Honolulu (also came in after us) and Siesta Key, Florida.

TripAdvisor describes Panama City Beach:

With more than 27 miles of white, sandy beaches, Panama City Beach describes itself as “The Beach Lovers Beach.” Swim, snorkel, dolphin watch, jet ski, or parasail the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sunbathe on the award-winning beaches for which it is famous. (from TripAdvisor – we didn’t write this)

Noted as being a top destination for lounging on the beach, shopping, dining, and participating in activities such as mini-golf, snorkeling, diving, golfing, dolphin watching, and parasailing, Panama City Beach is considered to be a fun and relaxing place to vacation.

Well, congratulations Panama City Beach.

Here is a link to the full list of top beaches of the US.

Here is a link to the full list of top beaches of the world.

Here is the full press release.

TRIPADVISOR® SELECTS PANAMA CITY BEACH AS A “2011 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE TOP BEACH”– # 3 in the U.S., # 12 in the world –

Panama City Beach, FL., April 5, 2011 – Long known for its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear emerald waters, Panama City Beach has now been ranked third in the “Top 10 Beaches in the United States” by TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest interactive travel site. As summer approaches and millions of Americans are gearing up for a beach getaway, TripAdvisor® crunched its data to find what its 20 million members believe are the best beach destinations in the United States and around the world; the list was determined based on the highest ratings by travelers in TripAdvisor® reviews.

The site also compiled the “Top 25 Beaches in the World,” with destinations as far-flung as beaches in Asia and South America. Panama City Beach, which ranked twelfth, was highlighted for offering swimming, snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, parasailing and more.  A wide range of activities coupled with the famous beaches were highlighted as influential factors for TripAdvisor® users selecting Panama City Beach as a top destination.      With the summer season quickly approaching, Panama City Beach is ready to welcome the influx of travelers from across the country that will flock to its sandy shores and take advantage of all the REAL.FUN.BEACH. has to offer. Special events and happenings will take place throughout the summer, including a one-of-a-kind Independence Day Celebration, a weekly concert series, and more.       For more information or to book a stay in Panama City Beach, please visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 1-800-PCBEACH.

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay converge.  With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrew’s State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers.  These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities.  For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.  You can now follow us on Twitter @PCBeach to receive up the minute news and details on special offers and deals.

TDC/CVB Feb 8 meeting offered an in-depth look into the 2011 marketing strategies as well as an opportunity to check out the newest TV Commercials.

The Real. Fun. Beach commercials were created to hit specific markets and have two versions in rotation, aimed at targeting Couples and Families.

More Info Below

The 2011 Summer marketing strategy is slated to begin televised promotions in mid-April, and running through July.

The interrupted headline campaign, Real. Fun. Beach. will be resurrected through out this duration with a conscious effort being made to maintain continuity between print, television and online media outlets.

The Real. Fun. Beach. tag line will feature family fun at the beach and a second that features couples and other adults having year-round fun

The Real. Fun. Beach TV commercials will target Atlanta, Baltimore and Birmingham, with some overlap occurring in cities where Southwest Airlines ad campaigns are being televised as well.  Cooperative marketing with Southwest through out April, June and August will focus efforts to promote Panama City Beach in new markets now being serviced by the airline.

Overall goal is to reclaim our title as the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” and leave the mayhem from the past year behind us, once and for all.  The focus is on interactive media with an emphasis on driving people to their website, but general marketing strategies include specific media placements aimed to hit a variety of markets, during corresponding peak times.

50% of the media budget has been allocated for Broadcast, TV, Radio, VOD, Check-out  and more, with 20% going towards online (website, online display etc.)

Panama City Beach CVB to showcase its sunny weather and sugar-white sand beaches to national media via Skype!

CVB officials are hosting a video conference via Skype for national media in New York City, and the CVB wants YOU to join them!

Details Below, Time Sensitive (Event is TODAY at Noon)

Help showcase the destination’s sugar-white sand beaches to Editors from media outlets ranging from Travel + Leisure magazine and Wall Street Journal to important trade publications, such as Successful Meetings and M&C.

This broadcast will offer them the opportunity to witness first hand, in real time, the status of the area’s natural resources.

Panama City Beach residents are encouraged to serve as the background audience during the video conference.

The event will not occur if it is raining or extremely cold.
(I just contacted Susan, who confirmed that despite the cloudy morning, this event is still happening.)

WHERE:
Barefoot Beach Club 15405 Front Beach Rd.

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 9, 12 noon (weather permitting)

WHY:
Panama City Beach CVB continues to raise awareness that its beaches are clean, clear and open for business to all travelers seeking an authentic REAL.FUN.BEACH. travel experience.

MORE INFO:
Please contact Tammala Spencer at Panama City Beach CVB at 850-233-5070

There’s something to be said for simply walking out the office door, and turning left.

Following this simple equation led me to the incredibly fascinating local business Happy Tails:  Fine European Grooming

Happy Tails is a vibrant shop that appears to be in constant motion.  The little dogs bounce in for their usual spa treatments, bigger dogs sauntering in for their secretly coveted Herbal Bath treatment and in the middle of all this motility are the owners and staff.

All of them, happily chatting away, while furiously scrubbing, snipping and combing their furry charges.  It’s a jaw-dropping, fur-dodging  sight to see. It reminded me of something Tom Robbins once said, “beauty is in the movement, in the very confidence of  knowing your job” and I have to apply this adage to the very people who make, Happy Tails, well- Happy.

During the brief time I was in the shop, both owners remained hard at work, yet were kind enough to help share some of their background. Which was great for me, since beyond the atmosphere, the first unique situation that stands out is the lovely accent of owner, Radka Jiorle and suddenly I needed to know there tale. (punny, I know)

Originally from the Czech Republic, Radka moved to Florida about 12 years ago. If you take into consideration that Czechia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, it’s no wonder why Florida’s sunny beaches caught Mrs. Jiorle’s fancy.

However, growing up in Europe, Radka spent her entire life around dogs. As she grew up, she began training German Shepherds for the Army.  Radka, who clearly loves the little 4-legged rugs,  would eventually move out of the Army Training aspect, and into full time grooming, which was a wonderful turn of events for dog-lovers here in Bay County.

Happy Tails has been up and running for over 4 years in it’s current location.  They offer three packages, ranging from Bath Only to Mini Trim then onwards to the ultra-deluxe Full Groom Service.  In addition to the three packages, there’s a slew of Special Services you can choose to add on, anything from Brushing Teeth (if possible) to the Herbal Bath, all of which offer a more Spa-like vibe, then standard grooming house.

Call for more information or appointments 850-235-2122.

Happy Tails Fine European Grooming is at 19987 PCB Parkway (West End) Panama City Beach, FL 32413.

Photo Credit

Word on the street (and for “street” read inter-webs) is that Vision Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights through Northwest Florida Regional Airport, starting March 25.

The first question I had upon hearing this news was “Vision ….. Who?”

A brief background search on Vision Airlines quickly brought me up to date.

Vision Airlines, formerly Vision Air, is an airline headquartered in Suwanee, GA.

Originally started in 1994, the airline operated flights for their tour business, out of Las Vegas. Showing travelers the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Monument Valley, by utilizing the Dornier 228 and Dornier 328 aircraft.

In addition, during the summer months, Vision Airlines transports white water rafters to various destinations along the Colorado River. The expansion from a sight-seeing company, into commercial airlines opened up a world (pun-intended) of opportunity for travelers seeking lower fares, yet preferring a non-stop flight. Typically,  in my experience, it’s hard to find both. It seems that the lower my ticket price, the more stops I’ll end up with.

Vision Airlines Points Of Interest:

Pilots and flight attendants from Vision Airlines volunteered to fly in supplies and emergency crews to Haiti after the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. The airline loaded planes in Miami and Atlanta with rescue workers, search dogs, water and medicine.

On July 9, 2010, the United States government chartered a Vision Airlines jet to transport ten convicted Russian “illegals” (spies) to Vienna and collect four alleged Western spies in the largest known prisoner swap since the Cold War.

Currently, they are planning to add flights, both in-bound and out-bound, from Northwest Florida Regional.

The Cities-  currently list an impressive (and convenient) 11.

Current Cities:

Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

Knoxville, TN

Atlanta, GA

Louisville, KY

Little Rock, AR

Baton Rouge, LA

Savannah, GA

Fort Myers, FL

Birmingham & Huntsville, AL

Tampa/ St. Pete, FL

Macon, GA

In the coming months, there’s talk of Vision expanding travel to four additional cities.

This is the second article in a series that explores 2011 Tourism Predictions for Panama City Beach.

We’ve checked in with the airport, and now it’s time to turn our questioning minds to the resorts.

In an effort to snag an idea of early predictions for the 2011 season, we touched base for a little Q & A session, with Paul Wohlford, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Resort Collection of Panama City Beach.

The Resort Collection manages six Resorts and a 27-hole Championship Golf Course with over 1000 rental units, consisting of 1, 2 , 3 & 4 bedrooms, all directly located on Panama City Beach. The resorts bring in mostly families and couples, with the addition of group-friendly accommodations, by means of large meeting spaces offered in two of the resorts.

Paul’s insight was both informative and insightful,  so we’ve taken a few excerpts to share with you.

On the early 2010 season:

“We were on a roll in 2010 when the oil spill happened. Had to go into crisis management for the summer and fall and ended up with a good year where before the oil spill we were tracking to have a very good year.”

Thoughts on the ways they handled Crisis Mode during 2010:

“We decided when the spill happened to work hard to protect our customers’ hard-earned rite of passage, their summer vacation, so we did with our oil free beaches guarantees, waived cancellation fees, etc.”

Thoughts on current 2011 phase:

“Cautiously optimistic about 2011. Never saw an oil spill coming, so we need to be ready for anything. Need to get back some of the many customers that went to the east coast vs. coming to the gulf coast for their summer vacations.”

How the Resorts are enticing travelers this year:

“To entice travelers we are offering discounted rates for early bookings and great values with upgrades, discounts, add on’s, etc. We want families to reconnect and enjoy each other. Life moves so fast we want to be able to provide a relaxing, fun environment where memories are made. Our goal is to build lifelong customers by creating lifelong memories.”

As of now, the Championship Golf Course, known for hosting a PGA Qualifying School, is set for its regularly scheduled time in November.

The two Resorts offering large meeting facilities have solidified “a very good group business base for 2011″  and in another positive response from Paul, he confirmed the “phone call volume into our reservation call center is ahead of last year, as are online bookings so that is good news.”

For those of us living life outside the industry that Paul, and numerous others call home – this information can be taken as great news.

As a whole, we have focused an enormous amount of current attention on Spring Breakers, and understandably so, yet Paul’s insight should be taken as reassurance to us all.  Spring Break kids are wonderful, but kids will always be kids, and if there’s a good party & proper PR – the kids will come.  Families are trickier, with higher costs, expectations and less vacation time available to them.

Signs of families traveling for their holidays, is positive proof that our town hasn’t lost its appeal, or its following.

What are you predictions for the 2011 tourism season?  Break out that crystal ball and tell us what you see.

Jan 11th’s TDC meeting offered an eclectic mix of information.

Starting with the Vice-President of the Canadian Snowbirds, Nancy Hopcraft,  who caught my attention with the mention of the ‘Birds working on a potential “Retiree Visa” allowing those who qualify an opportunity to spend more time in Panama City Beach (or anywhere in the Nation).  It’s a wonderful idea, and one that’s sure to bring about an economic boost but we’re looking at least 2 years, before hearing any final words.

Great News from the Bay Point Invitational! Last year, Bay Point Invitational, had been called on to help prove to the nation that our waters were open, and our seafood, edible. So they did. Opening up the event to include Swordfish, they had an industry celebrity chef cook up the fish right there during weigh-in.  You can’t beat that kind of freshness, creativity or ingenious marketing.

Bay Point stole the spotlight  by announcing their Classic Event in September, had 44 Boats involved and a quarter of a million in the purse, which enabled them to present a  $25,000 check to Beach Point Services.

Finally, we come to Spring Break.

The TDC marketing strategy for Spring Break, has been mostly focused on Social Media.

There’s a few other avenues being utilized as well and without further ado, we present The Plan.

An Online Lodging Survey is in the works to gather feedback in a timely fashion, with questions on whether the business is booking above or below last year. The reason behind this is to enable a quick response or changes to the program as needed.

Targeting Associated Press (USA Today, NY Times, National Morning Shows & CNN) to spread the word by content.

In regards to utilization of Social Media, the plan is to narrow social site efforts to maximize impact. How, you ask?

Good question:

Targeting 50 designated schools on the school’s Facebook page

Advertise on school’s Facebook page (creating a dialogue on page with actual posts, as well as advertisements)

Setting up a specific Spring Break Twitter account (only to be used for Spring Break topics, information, etc)

Creating a Re-Tweet gift card program at each targeted school. For example, if you attend school in one of the target markets, and you re-tweet a post from our Spring Break twitter, you will be granted a gift card. Note: not PCB specific gift-card.

Hosting Tweet-Ups.

What’s a Tweet-Up? To be blunt, it’s a real-life get-together, where people tweet about the event, while AT the event.

Tweet-ups are a huge marketing strategy, currently being used in Hollywood, and to great success.  Popular TV shows, new Movie releases, Political events- can all be found in the real-time world of Twitter.

Those in attendance today, raised some concerns over these efforts coming a little too late, mentioning that Maximum Campaign Mode is currently in full swing from Collegiate Marketing and that the TDC’s/CVB PR strategy of polls, surveys and social media, should have been launched in early December, before kids left for Christmas Break.

Personally, I find some validity in those statements and I’m interested in hearing you’re thoughts?

Should the TDC start the Public Relation campaign trail, before January?

Photo credit: tonyocruz.com

Focused on Panama City Beach, PCBDaily has a broad scope of coverage including the current real estate market, the tourism industry, special events and festivals, construction updates on new projects, photographs of the area, videos of the area and much, much more.

Advertising with us works.

If you’re interested in joining us as an Advertiser, Sponsor or Adoption (it’s national Adopt-A-Blog week, you didn’t know?) you can find more information here.

To our current Sponsors, Advertisers and Affiliates, we wanted to offer our thanks in a special shout-out section, for working with us and keeping PCBDaily able to continue bringing you news, interests and social media updates from Panama City Beach.

Check after the break for a list of our sponsors.

Beachy Beach Real Estate – Long time resident, Karen is a one-stop-local-shop for all things real estate. Beachy Beach Real Estate offers assistance for Buyers/ Sellers, Community information and a variety of tips to help along the way.

Boatyard Restaurant – “Fresh fish, oysters cracked straight from the ice display, and killer sushi” on a water front setting with stunning views.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Family friendly sports joint offering a full menu ranging from salads and appetizers to burgers and yep, you guessed it – wings.  A full bar and fun atmosphere usually makes Buffalo’s the number one draft pick for watching games.

Counts Oaks Resort Properties – “The Panama City Beach and South Walton County area is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations along the Gulf Coast. Counts Oaks a wide selection of condos or resort condos, beach houses, townhomes or cottages for your beach vacation.”

Hidden Dunes – Nestled in the sand dunes of Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, Florida, Hidden Dunes is a luxury resort condominium convenient to all area attractions, dining and shopping. With our extra spacious condominiums, upscale interiors and great amenities, Hidden Dunes Panama City Beach provides affordable luxury and the perfect escape on “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
Hidden Dunes Panama City Beach accommodations include 91 beautifully decorated, 2300 sq. ft. units, each with a private balcony overlooking the Gulf with its own personal hot tub. Resort amenities include one large swimming pool, Gulf-front fitness center, a kiddy pool, game room, vending area and more.

Panhandle Helicopter - Panhandle Helicopter provides air tours from Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida. Tours vary depending on the amount of time you’d like to spend in the air viewing “the world’s most beautiful beaches” from the best seat on the beach.

Ratepoint – RatePoint was created to enhance the relationship between businesses and consumers. Ratepoint is helping businesses worldwide connect with customers through the power of online reviews, customer communication and social media.

Reich and Binstock – Reich & Binstock, a Houston, Texas based law firm was founded in 1984 and since that time has enjoyed extensive trial practice in virtually every area of civil litigation including medical malpractice, nursing home litigation, all areas of personal injury trial law, products liability and toxic and environmental tort.

Shooners – Schooners, the Last Local Beach Club, is open 7 days a week from 11 in the morning till the wee, wee hours of the night. Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome.  As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on Earth.

One Seagrove Place – One Seagrove Place condominiums feature a two bedroom/two bathroom floor plan, fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and a spacious private balcony for soaking in the spectacular Gulf of Mexico views.

The dust is finally settling around the Panhandle, bringing with it the need to do a little image enhancing.

During the oil spill, misinformation regarding the impact the spill had on our beaches prompted many to choose other destinations for their vacations. Thankfully, our beaches were spared and the brunt of the spill never touched the snow-white sands of our shores.

The main concept being promoted is basic, focused on showing our beaches clear, our seafood safe and our businesses open – a concept that the Florida League Of Cities is planning on spreading by launching a statewide advertising campaign dubbed “Fall in Love with Northwest Florida.”

The campaign is currently focused on residents living in Florida. The reasoning behind utilizing a geo-targeted campaign is a simple one, more of a reminder that many hotels, resorts and restaurants are affordable, easy to get to and oil free.

For now, the campaign is slated to run statewide for about six months.

My vote went towards the  Hug-A-Floridian-Today campaign, obviously that campaign didn’t go over so well.

Here is the full press release.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–As part of an effort to help Florida’s Panhandle communities recover from the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida League of Cities today unveiled a new Fall in Love With Northwest Florida advertising campaign. The campaign will encourage Floridians to plan mini-vacations to the beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

“We all need to support our fellow Floridians and fight any perception that the Panhandle beaches are tainted by the oil spill.”

Mayors of cities located in Northwest Florida participated in the Florida League of Cities’ advertising campaign to reinvigorate the economy and tourism in the area.

Mayor Gale Oberst of Panama City Beach, Mayor Mike Anderson of Ft. Walton Beach and Mayor Sam Seevers of Destin appear in the commercial to reassure potential visitors that the beaches are beautiful and rid of any symptoms from this past summer’s oil spill disaster.

“Northwest Florida is open for business,” said Mike Anderson, mayor of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. “We invite visitors from across the state of Florida and from all over the nation to come and enjoy our pristine beaches.”

In the aftermath of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill, Northwest Florida’s tourism revenue fell. In fact, in July alone, at the height of its tourism season, there was a 21 percent decrease in the bed tax from July of last year.

The 30-second and 60-second spots feature picturesque views of sandy white dunes, family-friendly spots, sprawling piers, shopping venues and bustling seafood restaurants.
“Stunning white beaches, challenging golf and world-famous fishing await you on the Emerald Coast,” said Sam Seevers, mayor of Destin, Fla. “Hotels, restaurants and attractions across Northwest Florida are currently offering great specials, so now is better than ever for a getaway.”

The Florida League of Cities produced the spots with a goal of encouraging Floridians to support their neighbors that are currently struggling. One weekend vacation could help boost the economy of the Sunshine State.

“We encourage Floridians across the state to visit their neighbors in Northwest Florida,” said Rebecca O’Hara, legislative director of the Florida League of Cities. “We all need to support our fellow Floridians and fight any perception that the Panhandle beaches are tainted by the oil spill.”

The Florida League of Cities worked in collaboration with the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association to broadcast the commercials across the state of Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Expect to see the commercials now through mid-2011.

“Even if you can’t make a trip to the Panhandle now, we hope to see you in the near future,” said Janice Caluda, executive vice president of the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association. “The Florida Cable Telecommunications Association hopes our work with the Florida League of Cities will boost vacations in Northwest Florida.”

The commercials are also available for viewing on the Fall in Love with Northwest Florida YouTube channel at YouTube.com/FallinLoveWithNWFL.