Long Beach

   Long Beach is a beautiful section of beach with an interesting history.  In 1936 Panama City beach had its first tourist attraction which developed around an old pavillion.  It was called Long Beach and the lots were a whopping $100 to $600 dollars.  Investors were urged to "profit while you play"  The Long Beach Casino opened a few years later, but beach front property was  still considered to have little value.

The area's first radio station, WDLP, went on air in 1938, and the 30's saw serious tourism development for the first time. Even through the depression, Panama City and the beaches continued to grow slowly; the Washington News Daily stated "Panama City has a destiny as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow..."

Long beach was the home of the dance hall THe Hangout, the famed Pettycoat Junction Amusement park and many little block cottages that were cooled with the ocean breeze.  People frolicked on the beach in their bathing costumes that covered their bodies from knee to neck.  My parents along with their friends used to dance till the wee hours of the morning at The Hangout. I was to later use it as a meeting place for all the summer romances that all of us teenage girls had. 

As time goes Pettycoat Junction and my favorite ghost town is gone and The Hangout is just a great memory especially for the baby boomers and of course the attire that you will see on the beach today is a little bit diminished.  Condos have taken the place of the little block cottages and are adorned with great amenities for families to enjoy and many restaurants within walking distance of your vacation home.

In the 1960's Long Beach advertisements proclaimed, you'll have "FUN FUN FUN" while vacationing at Long Beach, so I guess things have not changed as much as it seems.  Long Beach is still a must see destination filled with activity, beautiful amenities and of course that sugar white sand that curnches beneath your feet. 

At present day, Long Beach is located in the central part of Panama City beach very close to the Thomas Drive area.  It is a good location for those that want to be close to town but on the beach.  It is approximately a 8 minute drive to Pier Park and about 10 miles to the Panama City Airport.  Can't wait to see you and your family.