Southern Belle Magazine Digital #02 August 2013 | Page 8

Phenomen a l Ci t y
Summer dreams come true when the sun’s rays are smiling down upon your shoulders, toes are tunneling through sandy white beaches and the perfect breeze blows through your hair. You can make these beach blanket daydreams become a reality by visiting Panama City Beach, Florida. Welcoming guests to the Sunshine State, Panama City Beach is all about family fun. An area once frequented by MTV Spring Breakers in the 90’s has rebranded itself as a family friendly vacation destination. In addition to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the new Pier Park Shopping Center and a new amphitheater offer families a few more fun places to go for an adventure filled day.

Overcoming the nasty stigma of being dubbed the “Redneck Riviera,” the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, along with the City of Panama City have worked hard to bring residents and visitors a place to create memories for years to come. “It’s been an evolution. Over the past 10 years the city has put money into expanding Highway 79,” said Marta Rose, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Creative Director. “The TDC (Tour Development Council) has also worked hard on presenting big events not only for summer, but also continuing into the fall.” Festivals like the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam being held in Panama City Beach for the first time this year and the PCB Seafood and Music Festival are set to draw big crowds. With musical acts like X Factor winner Tate Stevens and Toby Keith, September 26th – 28th is sure to be packed with food, folks and fun at the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam (visit www.gulfcoastjam.com for more details). October 17th – 20th brings the 80’s and 90’s back to the beach as Better than Ezra, Collective Soul, Loverboy and Foreigner share the spotlight at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater at Pier Park for the Panama City Seafood & Music Festival (log onto pcbseafoodfestival.com for more info.) 8