Southern Breeze 2007 Summer Issue - (Page 40) DOLPHIN IMAGE COURTESY OF GULF WORLD MARINE PARK, RIPLEY’S IMAGE COURTESY OF RIPLEY’S ODDITORIUM, BEACH IMAGE COURTESY OF PANAMA CITY BEACH CVB. DID YOU KNOW Had it not been for a failed business deal, Panama City Beach would be called something completely different. Its current moniker was chosen in 1905 as part of an effort to lure the New Orleans-based United Fruit Company to the area. City fathers officially named the site Panama City since the company’s chief source of exports was Panama City, Panama. United Fruit opted for Tampa but the name stuck. Soon the city was booming with the building of bridges, a couple of rail line extensions at the insistence of the founder of Coca-Cola, and of course, the completion of Hwy. 98, which made it even easier for tourists to flock to the city once heralded as “The Magic City” and “The Queen City of the South.” First discovered by Spanish settlers in the early 1800s, the first American to survey the area was Andrew Jackson in 1818 who, while on his way to New Orleans, was appalled at the lawless nature of the region’s Indians and runaway slaves. While some of the spring breakers have their lawless moments, Panama City Beach is a great place for fun in the sun, or just relaxing with a mai tai on the sugary white sands of the Emerald Coast. W 40 hile sunburns and hangovers were involved back in 1987, and a good time was had by all, fast forward 20 years and I’m sure you, like me, are more interested in a more subdued getaway. You can still make some great memories, but now they are with your family and loved ones. Now, a good time is enjoying a delectable meal with a great view because, thankfully, the days of taking your cocktails through a funnel are long gone. The most notable thing about Panama City Beach is how it is truly a city in transition, which is immediately noticeable as soon as you exit off Highway 98 via one of the many narrow roads that take you past cheerfully colored bungalows—old and new—until you arrive at the city’s “strip,” Front Beach Road. Hotels, motels, condos, beach houses, amusement parks, museums, bars, lounges, restaurants, zoos, miniature golf—you name it—you’ll find it all on Front Beach Road (or in close proximity). s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m The first thing you notice on this main drag is how the Panama City Beach of the future harmonizes with the Panama City Beach of the past. Many of the “surfer shacks” of yesterday have been replaced by 20-story condominium towers. These multicolored edifices are cropping up like pastel sand castles providing yet another haven for visitors and residents alike. What was once a tiny fishing village surrounded by an unruly wilderness has now become one of the top destinations for families and couples, not to mention snowbirds and those spring breakers. Believe it or not, Panama City Beach has become the largest and most modern destination in northwest Florida and according to Bob Warren, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the city is in stiff competition with the entire Sunshine State for the millions of Florida travelers. “We’re looking at a very bright future,” Bob says. “By 2010 we estimate that our accommodations levels for rentals will be in the http://southernbreeze.com
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