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Issac Slams Panama City Beach's Tourism Industry

By: Bryan Anderson Email
Updated: Wed 8:22 PM, Aug 29, 2012

Panama City Beach- The Edgewater Beach Resort reservation center has been busy this week but for all the wrong reasons. In wake of Issac, waves of vacationers have been canceling their reservations. Edgewater management said it's cost them about $30,000 so far despite the fact Isaac dropped virutally no rain on Panama City Beach.

"When we get a bullseye on us like the Weather Channel put on us a few days ago it definitely affects the mindset of travelers," said Resort Collection's Sales and Marketing Vice President Paul Wohlford.

The lack of hotel bookings are also having a trickle down effect on restaurants and tourist attractions. Captain Anderson's was closed Tuesday. Co-owner Theo Patronis said that was a loss of around $20,000.

"It was a tough decision," said Patronis.

At WonderWorks Amusement Park business slowed to a snail's pace this week.

"It definitely has been severe. We were hoping for a little more traffic," said WonderWorks Operations Manager Landon Wright.

But despite a slow start to the Labor Day week, business owners are still holding out hope they can salvage a strong weekend and end this summer season on a high note.

"We should make up for what we lost this week," said Patronis.

"The coast is clear is our message," said Wohlford.

When business is down sometimes that presents the perfect opportunity for bargains. If you're planning on hitting the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches" this weekend, it's not a bad idea to call ahead and ask for a deal.


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