The Good, the Bad, and....the Good again! New airport opening and oil spill update.

THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


It happened! It happened! The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (Anyone have a nickname yet? That's a mouthfull.) is open. Check out the article below with pictures.

Panama City News Herald Article

It's hard to believe that opening day is finally here. All those years of wishing and hoping. As the former manager of Coldwell Banker United's Panama City Beach West End office, I was right there with everything that was going on to bring this to fruition. So much work, so much effort and now the Panhandle gets to rise out of the shadows of resort areas into the main stream. Thanks to everyone invovled and thanks to Southwest for bringing us discount airfares!

Southwest Airlines News Release


OIL SPILL IN THE GULF UPDATE

The pictures from Louisiana are horrific and the level is anxiety is beginning to grow again here in Florida.  We are all working hard to spread the word about what is great about Destin and the rest of the Emerald Coast, while we prepared for the worst, but what do we do from here?

Florida Given $25 Million by BP

I think all we can do is continue to stay positive, while we prepare to volunteer to clean-up and prepare ourselves and our properties.  I heard a pretty good suggestion today.  Get your house appraised right now.  If the spill does hit and does impact property values, then we can get another appraisal and if our homes appraise lower file a claim.  I heard from another source that banks are accepting more offers on short sales and/or answering offers quicker.  Just a thought for those working with short sales.


THE TOURIST SEASON IS UPON US!

I'd be interested in seeing numbers on the tourists over the next few months.  I think we're primed for a great summer, if they level of tourist traffic this spring is any indication.  New attractions like Le Grand Cirque at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin. 

Check it out here... Le Grand Cirque