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Panama City Beach Future

SHELLY avatar
SHELLYSoWal Insider
13,325 views
I know to many of you upon reading the phase "Panama City Beach" immediately think "eeeeewwww!" But try putting that aside for just a moment and read on.

I've come across an interesting article from Clearwater Beach (Florida)--that I'll link below. I found it interesting how the current situation at Clearwater mirrors PCB. Clearwater is mulling over the economic fallout its city may experience from the real estate boom over the next several years. Key among them is the razing of multiple "mom & pop" hotels and businesses to be replaced by "upscale" condos and shops--many of which have never come to fruition.

From its beginning, Clearwater, like PCB, was a beach vacation area for blue collar workers and their families--with all the "stigma" of such attached. Now both beach towns, in an effort to transform into "upscale" vacation locales, have wiped out reasonably-priced accommodations and attractions. Problem is, the condo boom has gone bust leaving Clearwater in limbo...it's no longer welcoming to the folks who made it a vibrant family tourist destination, and, because of it's "low-brow" stigma (that "eeeewwwwww" you're thinking) and many half-baked "upscale" projects, it will not attract the "well-heeled and wealthy" target audience it set out to attract when it originally put the plans on paper.

Will Clearwater and PCB end up in "tourist limbo?" What will the first summer after the boom (2007) hold in store economically for PCB?

Clearwater Beach Article

Replies

57
flyforfun avatar
flyforfunBeach Fanatic
#27
Shelly,

And if the Rednecks can't afford to stay in PCB, they'll just have to day trip from south Alabama. 😀

I do miss the Miracle Strip Amusement Park, though. But I guess we can always spend our time at the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum :bang:


You might be a Redneck IF: You took your honeymoon photos to Ripley's Believe It Or Not and had to sleep there cause you could not afford to stay in a condo at PCB. :floor:
dbuck avatar
dbuckBeach Fanatic
#28
I will take '50s kitch over 2006 mamoth-tower-with
parking garage any day.
Attached Thumbnails

It used to be so nice to drive down the street and actually SEE the ocean.
kathydwells avatar
kathydwellsDarlene is my middle name, not my nickname
#29
I will take '50s kitch over 2006 mamoth-tower-with
parking garage any day.
Attached Thumbnails[URL]http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=3035&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1163527114[/URL]

It used to be so nice to drive down the street and actually SEE the ocean.

I agree dbuck. :clap_1:
GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic
#30
just returned from a trip to the Forgotten Coast...Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe,
Apalach, St. George...you can actually drive and see the Gulf. Pretty quiet, seems as though some of the high end construction has stopped....

So, maybe there will be some of the old Florida feel left after all....
Paula avatar
PaulaBeach Fanatic
#31
I love the photos of old PCB. Thanks for posting them. I also love Thomas's donuts and hope they're in PCB for a long-time.
Capricious avatar
CapriciousBeach Fanatic
#32
"... love the photos of old PCB. Thanks for posting them. I also love Thomas's donuts and hope they're in PCB for a long-time..."


Actually, you can find a whole lot more online @

http://www.floridamemory.com/PhotographicCollection/

Suggested searches are: "Panama City Beach", "Pettycoat
Junction", "Miracle Strip", "Phillips Inlet", "Camp Helen", etc. etc.

Nothing turned-up when I searched for "Thomas donuts"
(no matter how I spelled doughnuts).

By the way, a search under "Walton County" will turn-up some
photos of SoWal beaches taken in 1928, but don't expect to
see any houses, cabins, condos, or people.

A search under Grayton/ Grayton Beach turns up a measly 3
relatively late photos.




Capricious
Paula avatar
PaulaBeach Fanatic
#33
Thanks, Capricious. I'll take a look.
Capricious avatar
CapriciousBeach Fanatic
#34
Re: Panama City Beach Future (& past)

No year on this one, plus it comes up under
"Panama City," not "Panama City Beach."

Looks like a good place to buy some vacant
land.

The catalogueing is sometimes lacking but if
you spend enough time poking around you can
usually find what you are looking for.
DD avatar
DDSoWal Expert
#35
"... love the photos of old PCB. Thanks for posting them. I also love Thomas's donuts and hope they're in PCB for a long-time..."


Actually, you can find a whole lot more online @

http://www.floridamemory.com/PhotographicCollection/

Suggested searches are: "Panama City Beach", "Pettycoat
Junction", "Miracle Strip", "Phillips Inlet", "Camp Helen", etc. etc.

Nothing turned-up when I searched for "Thomas donuts"
(no matter how I spelled doughnuts).

By the way, a search under "Walton County" will turn-up some
photos of SoWal beaches taken in 1928, but don't expect to
see any houses, cabins, condos, or people.

A search under Grayton/ Grayton Beach turns up a measly 3
relatively late photos.




Capricious

Cap: This is a great website. I looked at it a lot last year when I was searching for photos/postcards, etc. Thanks for posting it--it was great looking at it again! 😀
pmd8 avatar
pmd8Beach Lover
#36
Dear 30A,

Just to clarify, Panama City does not want a new airport. The public voted overwhelmingly against it in a non-binding referendum. St. Joe wants a new airport.

As far as the future of Panama City Beach, there is none. The goose is dead. It breaks my heart seeing what's been done to my hometown.

Edited

Babyblue avatar
BabyblueBeach Fanatic
#37
Dear 30A,

Just to clarify, Panama City does not want a new airport. The public voted overwhelmingly against it in a non-binding referendum. St. Joe wants a new airport.

As far as the future of Panama City Beach, there is none. The goose is dead. It breaks my heart seeing what's been done to my hometown.

Things change. Some time for the good and the bad. I would like a new airport. The flights at the old one are terrible.
GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic
#38
Everything is in the eye of the beholder/user.

After years of traveling all over the world, in all kinds of airports, I love the PC airport. No lines, people who say hello, no wait for baggage, no parking problems....there is a lot to be said for small, friendly airports.

And, it makes it harder for hordes of people to find our piece of paradise! Just one opinion....
Lady D avatar
Lady DSoWal Insider
#391
"...but a lot of PCB is run down and nasty..."


Actually ,it is now mostly torn-down and rubble.

I will take '50s kitch over 2006 mamoth-tower-with
parking garage any day.

Is the Peeks Motel still in business, it has been on Front Beach Rd. since the mid 50's. I know as of last fall it was there as we thought about staying there. Don't know how they've kept from being forced to sell, they have what appears to be a ample lot for more condos unfortunately.

peeks_motel_0014.jpg

Edited

Capricious avatar
CapriciousBeach Fanatic
#40
"...Is the Peeks Motel still in business, it has been on Front Beach Rd. since the mid 50's. I know as of last fall it was there as we thought about staying there. Don't know how they've kept from being forced to sell, they have what appears to be a ample lot for more condos unfortunately...."




According to the website on the sign in your photo, they
are closed for the season but taking reservations
for 2007.


Capricious

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