Vacation on Panama City Beach, Florida

I've lived on Panama City Beach, Florida long enough to be considered a semi- native which translated here is called a "local." It entitles us to a few perks as to free or reduced cover and drinks at the bars. Small price to pay for living in one of the most picturesque areas of North America. Living here you take it for granted God willing through another Hurricane season that the coast will always be there. I'll never forget the first time I saw the beach when I came here with my family on vacation. I decided then I had found my place in the sun. Our sunsets are awe-inspiring and I dare you to take in the view without a sailor's delight gleam in your eye. Arrr!, me hearties, the water's smooth sailing and as long as you keep bait fish out of your swimming trunks you'll be fine!

Our beach stretches out to 27 miles of powder-white sand. The sand is unusually white because it is quartz crystals washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over the centuries. The white sand reflects the sun and doesn't burn your toes to walk on in our 90+ degree sunny days. The waters lapping up against the beach from the warm Gulf of Mexico are a sparkling emerald green. It's easy to see why the Seminole Indians made their home here, enjoying the fish and oysters provided by St. Andrew's Bay. Although, I'm sure they called it something else.

Fishermen from all over the world still flock here for the abundant catch of snapper, grouper, tuna, and marlin. Bay Point Marina is home to the annual Billfish Tournament. I've been both routes of the deep sea charter boats for all day fishing or the smaller excursion vessel rentals for a pleasure cruise to Shell Island. A plus to the guided boats is you won't need to purchase a fishing license. It's worth the trip just to see them bring in the fleet at the end of the day. If you get a good Captain [ just ask a local *wink ] you should leave with plenty big of a fish tail. Remember, "No bait, No bite." The individual party boats are fun for a day at Shell Island. Nothing like watching your sun burned relatives trying to navigate the sand bars.

For the land lubbers who just want to get their feet wet we have St. Andrews State Park on the east end of Thomas Drive. It is 1200 acres of beach, dunes and walking trails. If you really want to "rough" it, they have 176 camp sites. You may even spot a gator at Alligator Lake, along with deer on the wooded paths and wading birds in the marshes. The park has a 450 foot pier and jetties[ rocks] you can fish from. Not to worry, if you miss the alligators in the wild, stop by Alvin's Island Magic Mountain Store on Front Beach Road for the daily alligator feeding frenzy. No, we do not feed them tourists!

On the west end of the beach there is Frank Brown Park. We have a brand new public swimming pool open there that our community is very proud of. There are ball fields, tennis, basketball, volleyball courts, an indoor gym, playground, picnic pavilion, fishing pond, fenced dog park and a new walking trail that is 4.5 miles long. I was just out there today for a much needed nature walk to recover from a pub crawl. You stroll around the lily filled pond shared with the fish and the water fowl. The plan is to add on to the trail until it's 30 mile mark completion for bikers and hikers alike.

If you'd rather relax a bit more, Shipwreck Island Water Park has just the ticket. This six acre water sports park is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. They have fun for all speeds from the White Knuckle Ride where you try your best to hang on to the Lazy River Ride where you float merrily along on an inter tube. The guys like to watch at the bottom of the Super Slide for the girl's losing their bathing suit tops and bottoms. [Local legend has it]

This all makes me nostalgic for one of those long moon lit walks on the beach. The balmy breeze blowing off the Gulf, the lonesome call of a docked ship's horn penetrating the darkness. This truly is a sun lovers paradise. But wait until you hear about our nightlife! And I haven't even got you started on the mouth watering creations of our star restaurants yet!