Panama City Marina News

February, 2012

Even though the cold weather of this past month tells us that, yes Virginia, there really is winter in the FL Panhandle, February 2^nd, Ground Hog Day is on the horizon with the prediction of Spring weather coming. Let's hope Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow. Hopefully we are not that far away from some good boating weather. There is a lot going on this month both in the area and at the marina so make plans to come on down and use that boat.

The big party this month is Mardi Gras. It all starts with a big block party at McKenzie Park on Friday, February 3, from 6 to 9 PM followed by the downtown parade on Saturday at 3:00 PM. The St Andrews Kid and Pet Parade is at 4 PM on the 10 ^th and the main parade is at 1:00 PM on the 11^th. St Andrews Festival will also be going on the 10^d through the 11th at Oaks By The Bay park. The Beach parade starts at 2:00 on the 18^th of Feb and travels down Front Beach Road to end in Pier Park. Make your plans to come on down and enjoy the fun.

The Civic Center has some interesting events this month. Jerry Seinfeld visits with a approximately an hour and a half show on February 10. The Air Force band Tops in Blue presents a free concert on the 12^th at 7:30. Tickets are free on a first come – first serve basis. Later in the month, the official Blues Brothers Revue is on the 16^th followed by Don Williams on the 18^th. Information on all events can be had by contacting the Civic Center at 769 1217 or on line at www.marinaciviccenter.com.

Although we are in our slow fishing season, nice catches of trout and an occasional red fish are being reported in the creeks and deep bayous in North and West Bay. Our friend Daniel Snapp at Grassy Flats Charters posted some really nice fish this week on his facebook page. Scott Lindsey's column reports an occasional Spanish mackerel off the beach piers along with some pompano. His opinion is that these are not spring arrivals here early but more than likely holdovers from the summer since the water temps never got much below 60 this year. February is usually when the squid start showing up in the marina. Last year they showed up on the 21^st just like someone had thrown a switch. We have plenty of squid jigs on hand that are made by local fisherman who know what will catch them. If you want to stock up on squid for summer bait or to put some calamari on the table, we have what you need to get the job done.

Some progress is being made on the marina revitalization plan. This past month during a presentation by the planning & design firm, AECOM, City Council narrowed down their choices on the basic designs they want incorporated in the new plan. Theses changes involve a plaza between City Hall and the Civic Center, an amphitheater and light house in the area behind City Hall and the old library and a new “parkway” style drive down to the seawall. More information on the planned changes can be had at the downtown CRA office at 803 Jenks Ave or by calling them at 805 215 3869. The consultants are expected to bring in rough cost estimates for the project at the next meeting to be scheduled in February.

Welcome to our new tenants, Ted Olson in 301, Warren Drake in 410, John Drummond in 807 and Dennis Barton in 401.

See you on the water!