Is there anything on earth that can save us from cell phone companies? Why is getting cell service like buying a car? The price is not the real price. Its the price before they add on evrything under the moon and then add taxes. In the real estate business, we live by our cell phones, but is there any alternative? Every month when I look at an outrageous cell phone bill I look to the heavens for relief. Yeah, I know and yes I have the circle and the unlimiteds and the wireless card and grouping and all that but the bill just goes up and up.  

One thing I recently discovered is that the same service provider may have several business sites within a geographic area. As an example, brand X-tel had several outlets in our area. If you purchased your service from one of the sites that happened to be in a small city, the monthly serviice has a city tax added on to the bill each month.  By going down the street a mile outside the city, the same service did not inbclude the local tax. The few bucks a month saving each month adds up. Ask the provider to give you a breakdown of the taxes that apply and compare.

G'day!

Bob Douglas

Today I spoke with an old friend who now lives in Edinburg Scotland. He is a commercial pilot for Global Airline which is a company that has fixed and contract routes all over the world. He explained how important it is for international airlines to have runways over 8000 feet. Apparently, to make long flights, aircraft need to be able to hold maximum capacity of aviation fuel. To do that, especially in warm climates, they need long runways to be able to take off.  When I told him about the new Panama City International Airport plans for 8500 foot runways with room for extensions, he indicated that there is a demand for direct travel to the area and this would definitely pave the way.

According to the Panama City International Airport website, construction is reportedly 3 months ahead of schedule. We are looking forward to it opening in 2010 and the new traffic. Locally on Panama City Beach, the famed Pier Park is booming. For those that don't know, Pier Park is a beach front outdoor shopping mall that meanders farther than you would like to walk. It has shops and restuarants and The Grand Theater.

As Realtors, we have had a great number of investor inquiries for development properties. If you are interested or merely curious, we would also like to invite you to visit our website at www.BayCountyProperties.com for the latest in whats happening in the Panama City Real Estate market. This site is unique in that you may use our realtor tools to search and you don't have to login or register.

If you have a question or comment you would rather not blog, please feel free to email at flaproperty@gmail.com.

Thanks and G'day

Bob Douglas

Thats a title earned by deserved locations around the world. Who granted this recognition? I have no idea, but we are some of the lucky ones that reside here in Florida in the panhandle region of the state. Peculiarly, this part of Florida has had several beaches that have been cited more than once for the prestigous honor and sometimes in the same year. To appreciate significance, you have to see that there is a vast difference between the east and west coasts of Florida. The more notable areas like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona beaches, while pretty, are mostly a coarser and daker sand than you find on the west coast. Areas like Naples, Bonita Beach and Ft. Myers area step up. But if you want to see gorgeous wide and brite white sand beaches, you have to come to Panama City Beach. Located in the middle of Florida's panhandle, it is the closest quality beach to the center of the nation.

In my previous career, I had the honor of serving in the field of marine law enforcement throughout the state of Florida. Having lived or worked around most of the state, I found northwest Florida to be unique, not only in its natural resources, but also in it's residents.

On the Emerald Coast , at Panama City, you will find a city that appreciates visitors. If youv'e been to some other "grown up cities" you can hardly get to the beach unless you own a condo. Panama City Beach and Bay County have insured public access by securing beach walk-overs and accesses every few blocks.  If you have never been to the beach or are a regular beach goer, we welcome you to Bay County and Panama City Beach. If you have questions about the area, the beaches, fishing or boating or maybe where are the more remote destinations on the Gulf Coast, send me a message and we'll try and offer some guidance.

G'day,

Bob Douglas