Florida

Imagine Florida. This instruction is going to elicit different scenes in peoples' inner-thought lives. Some might imagine something akin to what viewers of CSI Miami are used to seeing, while others might dream of theme parks in Orlando. Still others will think of Jacksonville or Tampa, while the Northwest Coast, Pensacola excluded, gets little attention other than for the politicians in Tallahassee or the Spring-Breakers in Panama City. These realities, in addition to the variety of good destinations in Florida often add up to the Northwest Panhandle area being overlooked or forgotten. Enter St. Joe.

St. Joe Company, a real estate developer, is out to refute that stereotype. With nearly 600,000 acres of land concentrated primarily in Northwest Florida, St. Joe has made raising awareness of the beauty, desirability, and availability of land in this area one of its top concerns. Of course, St. Joe knows that not every potential homeowner is seeking the same environment, amenities, and location. For this reason the company has developed, and is continuing to develop, multiple unique communities on its land. Their business model is simple: they sell you land in one of their communities, on which you build your home, or you buy a previously completed home in their community. For most people, this is a second home, which enriches the lives and experiences of the typical city-dweller who seeks an aquatic escape or rustic environment. St. Joe currently offers about ten different residential communities in Northwest Florida, and despite being geographically separate and designed to cater to the needs of the multitude of unique potential homeowners, the communities bear a strong resemblance to each other in their well planned, well maintained and luxurious feel. St. Joe pinches no penny and spares no expense to make sure its residents and vacationers have a first-class experience in any of the communities they decide to stay or live. Read more

Southwest Airlines and The St. Joe Company Enter Into Strategic Alliance to Land Jet Service at Region's Newest Airport; Carrier Plans Start-Up to Multiple Destinations in May 2010

October 21, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. today announces its intent to begin jet service from Northwest Florida's new international airport near Panama City, Florida in May 2010. The planned service is made possible through a strategic alliance agreement developed between Southwest and The St. Joe Company, one of Florida's largest landowners and real estate developers. The new airport will introduce daily jet service to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, providing Southwest Customers easy access to its stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant communities. For more information on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, please visit www.thebeachfla.com.

Southwest has not released specific service details, saying only that it will add at least two daily nonstop flights from Northwest Florida to four destinations across its 68 airport network for a total of eight daily nonstop flights when it begins service next year. Northwest Florida will be the first international airport to open in the nation in more than a decade. The new international airport is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in May 2010. Specific details on Southwest's fares and schedule will be available in December 2009. Read more

The Atlantic Hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach just introduced a unique way to recognize that some things actually get better with age. The hotel's Cheers for Years package provides a food and beverage or spa credit equal to the age of the oldest guest in the room. For example, a guest age 54 will receive a credit for $54 for each night during their stay.

Food & Beverage or Spa Credit – Guests receive a credit equal to the age of the oldest member of the party for each night of their stay that is good at Trina Restaurant & Lounge, Ocean Terrace or Spa Atlantic.

The package is valid August 1 through September 30, 2009. Package rates start at $199 per room, per night, based on availability. Guests must present the driver's license of the oldest member in the party to verify credit amount per day. To make a reservation, see a travel agent, visit www.AtlanticHotelFL.com or call toll-free 866-318-1101.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort just announced its line up and special rates for this 4th of July weekend celebration.

Sandestin's holiday weekend features two fireworks celebrations and a weekend packed with complimentary events and amenities.

Free Family Fun

"Red, White and Baytowne" at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers events for the entire family and people of all ages. The celebration kicks off at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Friday, July 3 at 7 pm with the entertaining sounds and sights of Coconut Radio.

July 4 begins with the roaring river water slide at 10 am, which will remain open until 10 pm. At 6 pm, a stilt walker will be showing off his skills while a facepainter paints patriotic faces. Betsy Ross will also make an appearance at 6 pm. American flags will be passed out during the day and guests will have the opportunity to write a letter to a soldier.Read more

Free nights give everyone a reason to head to the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort! Fun, sun, and summer savings is clearly on the vacation itinerary. Stay four nights and get the fourth night free or stay five nights and get the fifth night free from only $159 to $349 per room, per night now through October 3, 2009.*

Dive in and play in one of the resort's six swimming pools, from the lagoon-shaped pool with a curvy 106' waterslide, indoor pool, secluded spa pool, two children's pools, and six whirlpool spas. Children will have a good time with the daily poolside activities that include beach ball drop, hula-hoop contests, face painting and more. Build a fortress in the sand play area or challenge a family member to a game of air hockey, ping-pong, or pinball in the high tech game room.Read more