A glimpse back in time at Panama City Beach's most iconic institutions.
Like the emerald tides that roll back and forth along these white sand beaches, many Panama City Beach landmarks have come and gone over the decades. Here's a glimpse back at some of PCB's most iconic institutions.
Miracle Strip Tower (1969)
One of the best-known monuments in Panama City Beach was the Miracle Strip Tower, located in front of Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Completed in 1968, the 200-foot tower was built by James Lark. It was torn down in 1995. The structure was built as an observation tower, with a restaurant, a gift shop, and a telescope for visitors on its top floor. The tower was painted black and white, because it served as the finish line for the famous Angel Derby airplane race for years. In addition to a huge American flag, the tower flew the six flags that have flown over the state of Florida.
Goofy Golf (1972)
In its early years, Goofy Golf's massive Sphinx and Tiki head were the tallest objects along Panama City Beach, long before the multi-story t-shirt shops and 20-story condo buildings. Goofy Golf was built directly opposite Panama City Beach's public pier, so its visitors would forever have a clear view of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Creator Lee Koplin's famous Goofy Golf sculptures are so eye-catching that most people don't notice the full-size house behind the brontosaurus. That's where Lee lived with his family (that still owns Goofy Golf) until he died in 1988. Throughout the decades of in-and-out entertainment venues along Panama City Beach, Goofy Golf has remained nearly unchanged since 1959.
Carry-On Luggage (1958)
Petticoat Junction (1967)
In 1935, J. E. Churchwell began to create a family vacation resort at Long Beach, complete with a theme park he called Petticoat Junction. In 1956, the Florida legislature designated Long Beach as a city, and Mr. Churchwell served as its mayor until 1970 when Panama City Beach was founded. Petticoat Junction was home to the Tornado roller coaster and an antique carousel. It also featured a full-size coal-burning train which carried passengers to Ghost Town, a western-themed plaza full of shops. Petticoat Junction closed on February 2, 1985. Today, a Walmart Supercenter sits on what was once this Panama City Beach entertainment favorite.
Holiday Inn (1969)
Located at 711 West Beach Drive in Panama City, this Holiday Inn opened in 1961. The hotel later became Buccaneer Beach Motel, which operated for four more decades until being demolished by the city in 2019.
Angelo's Steak House (1967)
A long-time staple of Panama City Beach, Angelo's Steak House opened in 1958. Founded by Angelo "Gus" Butchikas, Angelo's was known for their great steaks, remarkably friendly service, and even pony rides, putting smiles on the faces of children and parents for decades.
Gulf World (1970)
Gulf World opened to the public Memorial Day weekend of 1970, and generations of Panama City Beach tourists have visited throughout the decades. An expansion of Gulf World was completed in 2000, adding an indoor garden and bottlenose dolphin stadium. Gulf World joined the Dolphin Discovery family in October 2015, and continues to be one of the most visited of all of the Panama City Beach entertainment venues.
Photos and historical information provided by the Local History Department staff of the Bay County Public Library · Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Issue 4
