WestBay E-News, Issue #1

January 8, 2007

We've shared a lot of important news and information about the new airport and other projects on the WestBay blog since its launch in mid-December. Here are some recent highlights:

Panama City Beach in The New York Times
Our region - and our new airport - got favorable coverage in The New York Times. According to the Times: "What sets the resort [Panama City Beach] apart is the planned construction - scheduled to begin in late spring - of a $330 million international airport to replace the outdated Panama City - Bay County Airport." Read more.

Nature Center in New Preservation Area?
The National Audubon Society and Audubon of Florida are working with St. Joe and local envrionmentalists to study the feasibility of establishing a world-class nature center in West Bay. Audubon wants to use the center to "help educate the next generation of environmentalists." Read more.

Holiday Travel Horror Story
Local residents shared holiday travel horror stories that resulted from the poor air service at our existing airport. Poor service, combined with the fact Panama City has the highest air fares in the state, has many local residents looking forward to the potential of better service at the new airport. Read more.

The Cost of the Status Quo
Airport relocation critics like to attack the cost of relocation - but they never discuss the cost of maintaining the airport where it is. It will cost over $150 million dollars to bring our airport up to federal safety and design standards. Plus, between 100 and 200 families in Forest Park would be forced from their homes. Read more.

Comments or questions? Contact us at westbayflorida@gmail.com