From Mayor Mark Sheldon
Spring is the season of rebirth and we are certainly seeing that on Panama City Beach. After coming out of what seemed like a really cold winter, warmer temperatures are here and have brought locals and day-trippers out. Families from across the U.S. have taken advantage of having a few days off to enjoy the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches during Spring Break!
Spring is truly the hard start of our beach season. According to Visit Panama City Beach data, 31 percent of all visitors last year came in the spring. Summer is obviously the peak season, accounting for 40 percent of our annual visitors.
Last year was a record-breaker for tourism in Panama City Beach. We had more visitors than ever before. A record number of people flew into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Hotels, condos, and short-term rentals stayed full.
All of this is reflected in the City’s number one source of income for the General Fund Budget, Business Tax Receipts (BTR). BTR fees are $1 per $100 in gross sales.
Every local resident who buys milk and cereal for their family, every commuter who shops for clothing during their lunch break, every visitor who pays for lodging and meals out, is contributing to the operations of this City. You are all stakeholders, as your dollars pay for new firetrucks, lifeguards, body cameras for police officers, parks and recreation staff who maintain our fields and special programs, road resurfacing, certain street lighting, and so much more.
As the largest city in the state without an ad valorem (property) tax, the BTRs are important to us. Tourism, as our largest industry, is important to this community. Our “season” keeps our businesses in business.
Of course, we cannot predict the future, but all indicators are, we are in store for another great year. The pandemic is waning somewhat, and surveys show that people have resolved to live their lives, to travel, while taking the necessary precautions. Conventions and reunions are coming back, and hotels are already seeing activity in this area. We continue to offer a variety of special events, festivals, and tournaments that attract thousands to our community each year.
There is a concern about the effects of the rising price of gasoline, and if it will inhibit travel. We do not think it will have a substantial effect here, especially because many of our visitors come from the Southeast – a day’s drive or less away. While young families on limited budgets may be more impacted, a consultant recently shared that retirees will not wait for the price of gas to come down. They are not postponing the travel adventures they have waited a lifetime to take. While the trip might be more expensive, the additional cost, many feel, is worth it.
People may travel closer to home this year, according to Longwoods International, a destination and travel research firm. A recent survey by the firm found that travelers were more keen on reducing the expenses of the trip when it comes to meals, accommodations, and souvenirs.
One year ago, Longwoods’ travel survey found that 87 percent would travel over the next six months. In March 2022, 92 percent said they plan on traveling within the next six months. The top three activities on their next trip: visit family and friends (47 percent), take a road trip (42 percent), and go to the beach/waterfront (41 percent.)
Our community is blessed with the appealing features travelers want – a beautiful environment, natural resources, and great weather. Travelers want to revel in the great outdoors and sometimes, their number one goal is relaxation. What better place to chill than the beach!
If you have concerns or questions you would like Mayor Sheldon to address, email Communications Director Debbie Ingram at debbie.ingram@pcbfl.gov.
