One of America's top beach destinations will soon be within closer reach for millions of travelers.
Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued the final permit further clearing the way for construction to begin on a new airport in Panama City Beach on Florida's Emerald Coast. With the state and federal permitting process now complete, the airport moves closer to the construction phase, marking a milestone in the decade-long effort to bring better air service to Northwest Florida.

Slated to open in late 2009, the new regional airport will be located on Panama City Beach's expansive West Bay. With its longer runways, the facility will accommodate larger jets, making possible more flights and more competitive fares.

"The airport will open up travel from all major domestic markets for vacations, meetings and conventions," says Bob Warren, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Panama City Beach will become easily accessible from the United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico too."

The new, 100,000 square-foot facility will be the first airport in the United States to incorporate the security requirements resulting from 9/11. Aiming to marry passenger comfort and security, the eco-friendly design also will showcase Panama City Beach's natural beauty. Rooftop louvers will admit sunlight, and floor-to-ceiling windows will provide views from 90 percent of the interior space. A courtyard, bordered by glass walls, also will bring views of nature into the terminal.

Preserves Ecological Wonders
Situated on land donated by The St. Joe Company, the airport will be developed in conjunction with a nature preserve that will include the largest expanse of undeveloped coastline in Florida. The refuge, called the West Bay Preservation Area, will protect 41,000 acres around the bay, including 33 miles of shoreline and 44 miles of tributaries and creeks. It will provide permanent protection for the area's water quality, biodiversity and scenic beauty

"The airport initiates the creation of this magnificent wildlife refuge with outdoor recreation area across the bay," Warren explains. "Visitors to Panama City Beach will enjoy hiking, fishing and bird watching here, while exploring the area's pristine wilderness.

"This innovative plan protects the West Bay's scenic beauty and ecological wonders forever," he continues. "We're delighted that generations of visitors in perpetuity will enjoy this spectacular area as we do today."

Broad Community, Government Support
In developing the plan for the new airport and Preservation Area, the Panama City - Bay County International Airport Authority collaborated during a ten-year period with numerous environmental groups. Among them: the Florida Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Bay Environmental Study Team, 1000 Friends of Florida, Florida Wildlife Federation and other local environment leaders and organizations. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, citizens groups and dozens of local and state reviewing agencies provided input. Here's what government officials have to say of the effort:

Governor Charlie Crist:

"The project provides an important opportunity for the region to compete for better and more competitive air service, as well as to attract new businesses and jobs to grow and diversify the local economy.

"The Panama City-Bay County International Airport and Industrial District Project has the potential of becoming a strong economic development platform for Bay County and the Panhandle as long as it continues to be coupled with a real commitment to protecting the natural attributes that make the area so special."

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez:

"With the issuance of the final permit needed from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the effort to relocate the Panama City - Bay County International Airport enters the construction phase, which is good news for everyone living in or traveling to Northwest Florida.

"The new airport will benefit the entire Panhandle, providing the opportunity to compete for better air service, to attract new businesses and jobs to the region, and it will initiate the creation of the West Bay Preservation Area, a sixty square mile conservation area that will help permanently protect the entire West Bay watershed.

"It's a great day for the citizens of Bay County with permitting now complete and construction soon to begin. The FAA, along with dozens of local and state reviewing agencies, has worked tirelessly on this project. We will benefit from their hard work for decades to come.

"Airport relocation and the West Bay Sector Plan will prove to be a great example of the benefit of large-scale, long-term planning. Bay County's local leaders, business community and environmentalists have worked together to realize a vision that will benefit the entire region."

About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, The Travel Channel, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually.

For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit www.thebeachloversbeach.com