Smiling JOe
SoWal Expert
Insiders are saying that the cat is out of the bag and SouthWest Airlines is being announced for the new Panama City Beach airport at noon today. I guess we'll soon see.
Business leaders and government officials are gathering at the construction site of the new Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport today at the same time as an expected “breaking news” announcement from Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. The local business leaders are meeting at the airport for the expressed purpose of hearing an update on construction progress and airline marketing efforts, but Southwest’s announced presentation has fueled speculation the low-cost carrier will announce Bay County as its new destination
Kelly’s announcement, which will be carried live via “streaming video,” is part of Southwest’s media day from Dallas and begins at 1 p.m., about 15 minutes after the start of the Panama City briefing, according to a company press release.
In interviews Tuesday, officials close to the situation hinted that an important announcement was on the horizon. “I’ll be there, and I would encourage you to be there,” said Bill Cramer, vice chairman of the Airport Authority.
The new airport is set to open in May, with several questions still remaining, such as the status of a low-cost carrier like Southwest Airlines operating out of the West Bay location.
Panhandle airport officials and private groups in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City have been competing to bring Southwest Airlines to their respective airports, including businesses and individuals making “in-kind” monetary pledges.
On Tuesday, airport Executive Director Randy Curtis declined to say whether an announcement would be made, referring all questions to the meeting’s briefing agenda, which listed construction progress, plans for grand opening events and airline marketing updates.

Among others, Florida's Lt. Gov. is there and JOE stock is up about $2.
