Recent Press Releases

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., January 28, 2010 – Panama City Beach is highlighting the destination’s world-class cuisine, white-sand beaches, emerald green water and coastal charm with seasonal events in 2010. Known as Northwest Florida’s “REAL.FUN.BEACH.,” the quintessential beach resort is also offering year-round value-added hotel deals and extended stay options allowing travelers to stretch their vacation dollar while experiencing the region through these highly-anticipated events.

Below is a preview of what can be expected in Panama City Beach in 2010:

2nd Annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, February 5-6

Mardi Gras 2010 on Panama City Beach will expand to a two day festival and parade as the “Krewe of Dominique Youx” celebrates the season. Bourbon Street comes to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes and a signature parade and street party. For more information and hotel packages, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or www.dominiqueyoux.com.

 Wine Over Water, March 20-22

This three day wine and culinary event offers a wine pairing dinner incorporating local cuisine, a chef cook-off, live entertainment and wine tastings. Ticket prices range from $10 - $100 per person with a portion of this year's proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Gulf County. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wineoverwater.net.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 15-18

Panama City Beach’s Pier Park hosts award-winning artists for the annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival, offering three days of continuous jazz, a dinner cruise and much more. The 2010 lineup consists of performances by Tower of Power, The Sax Pack and Marc Antione, among others. Tickets prices vary. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.

12^th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally, April 29-May 2 / September 30-October 3

Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

Leukemia Cup Regatta, May 20-22

Created to raise money to fight leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, the Leukemia Cup Regatta at Bay Point will feature three days of sailing, food, live music, dock walks, golf tournaments, tennis tournaments, silent auctions, art shows and wine tastings. For more information visit, http://www.baypointmarina.net/lcr.cfm

27th Annual Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament and 40/40 Shootout , July 14-18

The Gulf Coast’s premier Billfish tournament is known for big fish, big crowds and big parties. The weekend includes the 40/40 Shootout, which features a field of up to 40 boats, all of which are 40 feet or less in length, fishing for tuna, wahoo and dolphin. For more information on the tournament and shootout, call (850) 233-1633 or visit www.baypointbillfish.com.

Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival, October 8-10

This three-day celebration offers live entertainment, local seafood and wine tastings. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.panamacitybeachfest.com.

Emerald Coast Cruizin, November 8-13

Known as the South’s best “Blast from the Past” family fun event, Emerald Coast Cruizin will be held at Frank Brown Park and features thousands of classic cars and hot rods, over 125+ top automotive vendors, jewelry and crafts, adventure rides and games for kids as well as live entertainment. For more information, call (662) 587-9572 or visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.

Panama City Beach’s Third Annual Beach Ball Drop, December 31

The 3^rd Annual Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park will feature a countdown celebration geared towards families where an 800-pound glowing beach ball descends at the stroke of midnight to signify the New Year. The family portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family ball drop, consisting of 7,000 inflatable beach balls. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Panama City Beach, recently ranked by Frommer’s Travel Guides as the #2 “Top 10 Destination for 2010,” will be more accessible than ever before beginning on May 23, 2010 when the eco-friendly Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opens. Southwest Airlines, one of the nation’s leading low fare carriers, has announced non-stop service from Nashville, Houston, Orlando and Baltimore.  Direct flights will also be available from Chicago and Dallas. Delta will service the destination with non-stop flights from Atlanta and Memphis.

For more information on additional 2010 events or to book a stay in Panama City Beach, please visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.