Latest news with #DestinationPanamaCity
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Destination Panama City celebrates National Tourism Week
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) -Tuesday is National Tourism Appreciation Day. It's right in the middle of National Travel and Tourism Week. For the fifth year, Destination Panama City celebrated the occasion with a special event to thank the community. The agency served more than 500 free lunches today at the downtown marina by Hotel Indigo and Harrison's Kitchen and Bar. This is Destination Panama City's 10th year of business. Besides lunch, they also handed out free swag, drinks, and music. Bozeman High breaks ground on exciting expansion for students 'This actually marks the 10th year of Destination Panama City empowering community growth and economic stability through our tourism benefits. You can see that throughout the city. With all of the enhancements to downtown and the vitality in St. Andrew's and really the business of 23rd street, you know, tourism in Bay County supports over 35,000 jobs and has over a $3 billion economic impact to our area,' President and CEO of Destination Panama City Jennifer Vigil said. If you missed Monday's event, you have another chance to celebrate National Tourism Week on Wednesday. The Panama City Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau is sponsoring a party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the M.B. Miller County Pier. There will be free food, ice cream, and music. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bay County honors tourism workers with monthlong celebration
BAY COUNTY, Fla (WMBB) – Throughout the month of May, Bay County will be celebrating area tourism businesses and their employees by hosting a wide variety of events during Tourism Appreciation Month. The tourism industry is the largest driver of Bay County's economy, with it generating over three billion dollars worth of activity annually. Some of the celebratory events being held in May include a cookout on Monday, May 5th, a golf tournament on Friday, May 16th, a cornole tournament on Tuesday, May 20th, and more. Typically, tourism appreciation is recognized for only a week across Florida, but due to the importance of tourism to Bay County, local leaders felt it was needed to make it a month-long celebration. Kentucky Derby fundraiser returns to Panama City Beach 'We celebrate for an entire month because tourism is our number one economic driver,' said Destination Panama City President & CEO Jennifer Vigil. 'With seven out of ten Bay County residents being employed either directly or indirectly by the tourism and hospitality business. We know that it's the backbone of our community, and it's our time to say thank you.' All the events are open to both residents and visitors alike. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Panama City reevaluating its contributions to next years Saint Andrews Mardi Gras
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Wednesday Destination Panama City received data to track the number of people who attended St. Andrew's Mardi Gras celebration and where they came from. 'The approximate number of people attendance this year, like I said, was very similar. Similar to last year is about 30,000 people with the peak amount obviously being during the Saturday parade there were about 22,000- 25,000 people in St Andrew's during that time,' says Destination Panama City President and CEO, Jennifer Vigil. Vigil says the numbers are important for several reasons. Destination Panama City will reimburse the Krewe of Saint Andrews up to $30,000 dollars in support of the event. The Junior League of Panama City to host fun run and brunch fest March 1st 'The crew gets together all of their receipts, they turn in a final package with their final report. And as long as those receipts are valid, then Destination Panama City goes ahead and reimburses the crew for the expenses that they had that were pre-approved during the application process,' added Vigil. The city of Panama City also makes significant contributions to the event. 'Destination Panama City does about $30,000 towards it, the city of Panama City somewhere between $60,000-$80,000 just from police, porta-potties, you name it that are coming into that. So it's a big endeavor but you also can see the results of it and how many people come and visit our community,' says Ward Four Commissioner Josh Street. This support often goes unnoticed by the public, unless plans change. Some are concerned the city can not continue to make the same level of contributions. 'There's been a lot of evaluation going on about what what does that look like moving forward? How many events are able to be funded in next year's budget?,' questions Street. Street says finding the funds to support Mardi Gras and other signature events will be a priority at next month's budget priorities workshop. 'It is such a large event. It takes a substantial amount of investment our police officers. But really the reality of is there's a big investment here from the Krewe of St. Andrew's. I mean, they're a nonprofit organization,' added Street. The city may reduce the level of support next year, but there will be some support. Bay County wants feedback on next phase of Philip Griffitts SR Parkway 'It takes above and beyond normal operations. So you've got overtime that comes with these. You've got additional, you know, porta-potties to rent, you've got additional trash pickups, you've got a lot of expenses that come from that. But really, I mean, at the end of the day, look, we're here to serve our citizens. You set the priorities, we respond,' says Street. Street assures the public that safety will be the city's priority. 'The one thing that we really can't compromise on is, is public safety. And so I think even people that were here during the event, they saw additional barricades, they saw additional safety features, they saw a higher police presence. And that's because, look, we live in a world where one crazy person can do something really stupid,' added Street. Street says he'll get creative to find funding, but he's only one commissioner. He's hoping a balanced budget by this summer will include Mardi Gras, the Christmas parade, and the 4th of July festivities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
