If you’re in Panama City, Florida, and have a sweet tooth, you might want to know which are the best places to get dessert. Whether you prefer cakes, cookies, pastries, or ice cream, Panama has a great food scene and offers something for every kind of sweet tooth, so head on out and check out these spots. 

The Press

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Vanilla and lace

Located at 310 Harrison Ave. in downtown Panama City, The Press is a coffee shop serving up delicious drinks and your favorite snacks from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week. It emerged in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Michael in 2018 as the city rebuilt. The Press is a gathering place where you can use a booth for a workspace while enjoying some coffee and crepes or other goodies, or you can fully relax while eating. The shop offers every coffee drink you could want, as well as beverages such as teas and hot chocolate.

The food items center around delicate crepes that come in several options. The classic French crepe comes sprinkled in sugar. If you’re a Nutella fan, you’ll want to try Riding with the King, the shop’s signature crepe,with banana, Nutella, and peanut butter. If you love berries, try the Fruitie Tootie, featuring blueberries and cream, or the Strawberries and Cream, which is as the name says, fresh ripe strawberries and whipped cream wrapped inside a soft crepe. If you like a little cheese with your fruit, you’ll love the Apples and Brie Cheese, with warm cinnamon, baked apples, and soft brie.

Fat & Weird Cookies

Fat & Weird Cookies has a storefront at 2540 Jenks Ave. in Panama City. The store is open Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., but cookies are available for local pickup Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The delicious and unusual fat cookies are available to order online at any time, and you can select local pickup as the delivery option when checking out. The orders generally take two days to prepare and be ready for you, so plan ahead for the best, weirdest cookies around.

The shop is always coming out with new limited flavors and has a selection of standard flavors you can find in the shop regularly. The tall, lumpy cookies have unique flavors and combinations you’ve probably never had before, and some even have a soft cream filling. If you like cheesecake, try the Razzle Dazzle, which has a raspberry cheesecake core, white chocolate chips in the cookie base, and a graham cracker crumb topping. The Cherry Bomb is a cherry red cookie with a lime frosting core.

Keto Kreations

Keto Kreations specializes in low-carb ketogenic baked goods. This shop is located at 2117 E. Third St. and is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keto Kreations offers fresh-baked gluten-free bread, muffins, and cakes that are also available to ship and can be refrigerated or frozen for later. Some of the goodies available from their shop are made with almond flour, cream, coconut oil, and eggs and sweetened with stevia or other alternative sweeteners.

You can treat yourself to jumbo cinnamon rolls or a 7-inch chocolate chip cookie cake, or perhaps you’d like to try the triple chocolate muffin for a triple hit of chocolate. The shop offers several flavors of cheesecake, including a chocolate marbled cheesecake with a cookie dough crust. The pound cakes come in strawberry and lemon flavors, as well as a Unicorn variety with colorful swirls, and are available by the slice.

Cook Girls’ Bakery

Cook Girls’ Bakery is so popular that it’s booked until 2022 for custom orders, including wedding cakes, but you’ll find plenty of delicious sweet goods in the bakery case every week. The bakery is located at 748 W. 15th St., and you can drop by on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to browse the shop’s assorted desserts.

You can enjoy all the bakery dessert staples, such as brownies, cupcakes, and cookies, and more. You can find decorated seasonal sugar or chocolate cookies, buttercream sugar cookies, and signature cookies, including pecan chocolate chunk, sprinkle sugar, and snickerdoodle. The brownies and bars include double chocolate chunk brownies and white chocolate pistachio blondies. Adorable little macarons come in tantalizing flavors such as red velvet and almond.

Riviera Ice Cream

To find the best ice cream, you might want to head across the bay to Panama City Beach and check out Riviera Ice Cream at 12700 Front Beach Road. It serves up gourmet ice creams, sherbets, and sorbets, as well as fine chocolates and other sweet treats. It exclusivelys use super-premium Bassets Ice Cream from the oldest ice cream maker in the country, so come prepared for some extra-creamy goodness.

At Riviera Ice Cream, you’ll find many classic flavors of ice cream as well as a few novelty ones. You can treat yourself to a cone of the ever-popular French vanilla or mint chocolate chip flavors. It might be hard to choose between the butter pecan we all love or the pralines and cream flavor, which is vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel and candied pecans. Not a fan of pecans? Then try the butter almond or the butterscotch vanilla for that sweet buttery taste. 

Dessert makes life a bit sweeter. If you’re craving something sweet, then head out the door to any of the places on this list, and you won’t be disappointed. Whether you like cookies, cupcakes, crepes, or ice cream, or you need something delicious that’s low-carb, you can find it in and around Panama City. What’s your favorite type of dessert? Have you tried any of the treats on this list? We at Panama City Toyota would love to know what you think is the best spot for dessert in town, so drop us a line and let us know.

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Timing in life is everything. That’s especially true when buying a used car. Certain times of year make more sense than others when considering replacing your ride, based on a variety of factors. What is the best time to buy a car? 

Actually, there’s probably more than one. The best time to buy a used car typically revolves around certain holidays, but it can also involve timing your purchase to key moments in a dealer’s financial year. The more a dealer needs to move cars to make financial projections, the likelier it is that you’ll find a deal that makes sense.

Of course, sometimes in life, things happen that are beyond our control. We can’t always decide when our cars need replacing. Whether it’s peak buying season or some other time, trust Panama City Toyota to help you find a car that meets the needs of your family and your budget.

How The Used Car Market Works

The forces shaping the used car market are no mystery. The laws of supply and demand determine whether you walk away with a great deal or pay a little more than you would have liked. 

Lots of factors shape the demand for cars — most notably, perhaps, is the state of the economy and level of confidence people have in the future. When the economy is growing and the unemployment rate is low, consumers are more likely to open their wallets for a replacement car. The opposite is also true: when the economy is in recession and people are out of work, they are more likely to add extra miles on their cars before trading in for something different. 

These factors move with momentum. Statistics show that the used car market is about three times the size of the new car market, so there are many more people to react to changes in the economy. Swings in the market occur when there are imbalances between supply and demand. If supply is greater than demand, prices will go down; if demand outpaces supply, prices will rise.

Best Time Of Year To Buy

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by danielctw

Short of transforming yourself into an economist, is there a way to determine when the market favors buyers? The answer is yes, but it doesn’t always happen the same way all the time. Car experts from a variety of sources have theories for when you might want to visit your local dealer.

End Of The Month Or Year

Car dealers are businesses seeking to turn a profit. Like all businesses, they work off a financial plan that includes forecasts for sales. If a dealer reaches the end of a period — end of the month, end of the quarter, or end of the year — and finds themselves short of projections, they could be more likely to want to cut a deal to stay on plan. That’s according to both CarFax.com and Edmunds.com. 

The end of the year also tends to result in year-end clearance sales that you might take advantage of, Edmunds suggests. Statistics show that December is one of the busiest months for car shopping based on year-end sales events.

Sales personnel may have similar motivations, as their compensation often depends on hitting their own sales targets. If they are falling short, they may be more willing to try to persuade their bosses to accept a discounted proposal. Timing your visits in this way may prove fruitful for your own personal bottom line.

Holidays

National holidays also are a good time to visit your favorite car dealership. Because people have time off from work, they may be looking to take care of tasks such as shopping for a used car replacement. Holidays are also a time when manufacturers offer incentives of their own, potentially leading to more cars being turned in by those seeking an upgrade. 

According to CarFax, some of the most popular holidays for car sales include President’s Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Black Friday. Shop for your replacement used car during one of these periods and you might be able to save yourself hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

Weekdays

Both CarFax and Edmunds agree that you’d be smart to time your visit to the car dealer toward the middle of the week rather than the weekend. This largely has to do with the availability of sales personnel. On a busy Saturday or Sunday, a sales manager has many customers to support and less time to engage in a negotiation about the price of the car. 

If they perceive an engagement with you as time-consuming, they may be less open to negotiating a deal that might make sense for you and the dealer. Arrange to go car shopping when it’s less busy and you can get more personalized attention.

New Car Buying Season

Paradoxically, one of the best times to buy a used car is when people are out shopping for new cars as well. New car sales will translate into lots of trade-ins that the dealer can recondition and then offer for resale. Supply is likely to be at the highest during this period and you may be able to score a great deal. The peak new car season is between October and the end of the year.

Test Drive A Used Car At Panama City Toyota

Panama City Toyota is a full-service dealership that meets the needs of car-buying customers in Panama City, Florida, and other areas across South Florida. We feature a full selection of the newest models of Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs, including many that come with special offers straight from Toyota.

If a new car feels out of reach, then explore our inventory of used vehicles. Our selection includes vehicles from Toyota as well as competing models from other manufacturers, such as Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet. Some of our used Toyotas may be part of the Toyota certified pre-owned program, which provides additional benefits for owners. These include warranties against problems with the powertrain and other parts of the vehicle. Come visit us — any time of year. Call or contact us online.

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Panama City is loved by many for its gorgeous coastlines, pristine waters, kind people, and area wildlife. It’s understandable why many locals love the beach and typically sport beautiful, natural tans. But you can’t always be in the sun and sand. When you’re not swimming in the ocean and soaking up the rays, consider going to one of the many museums or educational facilities around Panama City. If you have kids, they’ll love this family adventure, and you might learn something new about life, science, or art. Read on to learn about some educational excursions around Panama City. 

WonderWorks

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Le Moyne College Alumni

Whether you live in Panama City or are visiting, this is a stop you can’t miss. WonderWorks Panama City is an amusement park for the mind with over 35,000 square feet of what they call “edu-tainment.” Attractions combine an educational experience with entertainment, including over 100 hand-one and interactive exhibits that challenge the mind and ignite creativity. This Alice in Wonderland-esque experience begins with visitors walking through an inverted tunnel, where up is down and down is up.

Some feature exhibits include the Extreme Weather Zone, where participants visit the Earthquake Cafe to experience some tremors, the Hurricane Shack with winds over 74 miles per hour, and the Tesla coil, where a steel glove helps you become a human lightning rod as the Tesla coil emits over 100,000 volts. Follow along as their mascot, Professor Wonder, guides you through the Imagination Lab. Play with a giant version of Lite-Brite, play in a sandbox, and learn how gears work. There’s also a Physical Challenge Zone, Light and Sound Zone, Space Discovery Zone, and the must-see Wonder Art Gallery.

WonderWorks has several attractions with flashing lights, loud sounds, sudden movements, and motions that may not be suitable for those with a heart condition, diabetes, vertigo, seizures, or light and sound sensitivities. To ride the Wonder Coaster, riders must be at least four feet tall, or three and a half feet to ride with an adult. Closed-toe shoes are required for the rope course. For the Astronaut Training Gyro, riders must tie back long hair. Wear either pants or shorts on this excursion, as visitors with loose-fitting clothes, such as skirts and dresses, will not be allowed on rides. 

They open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and stop accepting visitors one hour before closing. Free parking is available onsite for guests. General admission for adults ranges from $28.99 to $34.99 for the VIP Combo. This special ticket includes one Space Fury ride, a free small popcorn, and a 10% discount off retail and cafe purchases. Children’s tickets range from $23.99 to $28.99, and there is a senior citizen discount. 

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium

It is amazing all there is to see at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. You’ll see everything from shrunken heads to rare animal skeletons. With over a dozen galleries of hands-on activities, this is a great destination for tactile learners who can’t stop touching things and fidgeting. Visit the 7D moving theater for a full-body experience complete with digital effects and motion seats. It feels like you are in the movie. Then, test your problem-solving skills in the mirror maze. This fun-for-all-ages activity challenges your sense of direction as you find your way through over 1,000 mirrors. 

You can purchase tickets online through their website—adult general admission for guests 13 and older starts from $29.99 to $34.99. Children five years to 12 years have a reduced price while those under five get in free. You can also purchase individual tickets if you only want to experience the mirror maze, 7D movie experience, or the central odditorium. You’ll find Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium at 9907 Front Beach Road. It’ll be the giant boat. 

Science And Discovery Center

The Science and Discovery Center is a children’s museum located in Panama City. Full of activities to instill a love for learning from an early age, it focuses on science and history. Current exhibits include the Dino Dig, where little ones become paleontologists and dig for dinosaur bones. They can become pirates and board a boat in the Pirate Ship exhibit or experience a live video funhouse inspired by carnivals of old at the Digital Wall exhibit. 

The museum frequently hosts a Science Day, where guests can enjoy a summer camp and learn about the world around them. Children can enroll in some of the museum’s Homeschool Classes that are challenging, interactive, and aligned with the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and the National Science Standards. See their website for a full class list and details. 

The Science and Discovery Center is conveniently located at 308 Airport Road. General admission is $8 for children, seniors, and military members or veterans and $9 for adults. 

Man In The Sea Museum

The Man in the Sea Museum is the place to visit to get acquainted with diving and everything under the sea. Discover the underwater world with exhibits that show you the equipment and facilities used for deep-sea diving. See the US Navy SEALAB I, the world’s first underwater living facility. Examine a display of commercial diving equipment specifically designed to keep body temperature and pressure regulated for safety. Visit some submarine pods and modules, known as swimmer delivery vehicles, used for underwater studies and exhibitions. 

Hours of operation are Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and general admission for adults is $7. Children aged six to 17 years, senior citizens, and military members with valid ID get in for $5. While you’re there, get information about their Oyster Bash, it’s a can’t-miss event that locals love! 

So there you have it. Panama City Toyota has just shared with you our list of beneficial educational excursions around Panama City. Contact us for all your vehicle needs to ensure you get to each museum stylishly and securely. What did you think of our list? Did we miss your childhood favorite museum? Leave a message or stop by and let us know. We’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list. 

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Do you remember the first time you ever had sushi? Maybe instead you’ve never had the experience, and you’re finally feeling ready to try it. At Panama City Toyota, we have a few sushi lovers on staff who helped us put together this list of the best sushi in Panama City. And just to be 100% sure, we’ve taken to scanning hundreds of reviews at sites like TripAdvisor and Google Maps to make sure we’re giving you the best tips possible when ordering at each of these places.

Don’t worry, we made sure to include restaurants that have alternative menu options, in case you’re traveling with anyone who isn’t into the whole sushi idea. Take a look at our recommendations below. After that, make sure to let us know what you think!

Shan Kishi

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by jetalone

Tourists and locals alike are giving Shan Kishi five-star reviews on Google. Shan Kishi is a regional chain with three eateries located along the Gulf Coast in Florida. They specialize in sushi, sashimi, and hibachi. The restaurant’s interior features ample seating, with tables, booths, and a sushi bar, which is perfect for solo dining! Prices range between $10 and $15 per person.

Reviewers on TripAdvisor recommend trying the Kani Kani, French Dragon, Ocean, and Fire Belle rolls. On the other hand, many reviewers on Google rave about the all-you-can-eat lunch special, which means you’ll have access to the entire Japanese fusion menu, which includes plenty of non-sushi and non-seafood items. The special runs daily from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on Sundays, when it starts at noon. This special is available in the Panama Beach location as well as at the Miramar Beach location. Make sure to ask your server about the fine print for the special, as Shan Kishi has a mechanism in place to prevent unnecessary food waste, which we love!

If you’re interested in takeout orders or delivery, call 850-249-3663. You can take a look at the menu and full hours of operation on the Shan Kishi website. Shan Kishi is located at 13800 Panama City Beach Parkway.

Oishi Thai Restaurant And Sushi Bar

Located at 16920 Front Beach Road, Oishi Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar is a family-owned and quaint restaurant with reasonable prices and beautiful, fresh ingredients. The sushi is always fresh and the curry will remind anyone of the real deal in Thailand. One Google Local Guide described Oishi as one of her favorite places to go in Panama City. She recommends ordering the Red Salmon Curry if you’re in the mood for Thai food and the Hot Spring Roll, which is a custom roll the owners made especially for her! How cool is that?

Oishi has vegetarian and vegan options and is open for lunch and dinner. In case you’re with someone who won’t eat fish, you could try the Chicken or Beef Pad Thai. We heard the cucumber salad is amazing, as well! Oishi Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar opens every day at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sundays. Call them at 850-230-9874 if you have any questions or want to make a reservation. You can also order online at Oishi’s website.

Jin Jin King

Jin Jin King serves Chinese and Japanese cuisine, with menu item prices ranging from $4 for a la carte sashimi two-piece orders to $20 teriyaki and tempura dishes. Jin Jin King is a spacious restaurant with tables, booths, and sushi bar seating. Reviewers recommend the Dragon specialty roll. If you’re looking to share, try the 16-piece Sashimi Deluxe or the Jin Jin King Love Boat. As for non-sushi items, some reviewers recommend the Pork Gyoza, the Sesame Chicken, and the Ginger Salad.

You will find Jin Jin King at 7725 Front Beach Road. Call 850-588-5172 or visit Jin Jin King’s website, where you can order online through BeyondMenu for takeout, delivery, or dine-in!

Firefly

Located at 535 North Richard Jackson Blvd., Firefly is a dinner-only option. TripAdvisor ranks Firefly at 11 out of 259 of all listed Panama City restaurants and as the No. 1 restaurant for the best sushi in Panama City, with more than 2000 “very good” and “excellent” reviews. We suspect Firefly’s specialty of locally caught seafood contributes to these rankings.

Described as casual fine dining, Firefly is on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of price point in this list of the best sushi in Panama City, Florida. Prices range from $19 to $42 per person. Firefly is a winner of several awards, including OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America in 2017 and the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2008 through 2019.

Most Firefly reviews on TripAdvisor mention the wonderful atmosphere with beautiful decor and friendly staff with exceptional service. Reviewers describe Firefly as “excellent,” “the best place to dine in PCB,” and their “favorite.” The Firefly facilities are beautiful! The menu is large, with options for starters, entrees, and sushi, along with a kid menu and dessert, beverage, and sides menu. We recommend trying the Spicy Tuna, Van Halen, Little Richard, and King rolls. If you or one of the people you’re with aren’t into sushi, you will always find an item for you. Try the Pepper Crusted Stuffed Filet Mignon or the Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna.

Firefly has plenty of off-street parking available and is wheelchair accessible. They accept all major credit cards. You can call 850-249-3359 or visit the Firefly website for a reservation or to order takeout.

Tell Us What You Think!

Well, there you have it, Panama City! We’ve shared with you our list of best sushi eateries in Panama City. Whether you’re a local, an out-of-state visitor, or an international traveler, we feel you’ll love any of the above eateries. But we also want to hear from you to know what you think. Should we add another sushi bar or establishment to this list? Please contact us to let us know.

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Car buyers from Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, and beyond often ask at Panama City Toyota in Florida if buying a vehicle with an auto loan can help their credit score. Here’s our usual response: A loan can lower your credit score a little in the short term. But providing you make your payments regularly and on time, car financing will help build your score in the long term. 

Let’s take a look at your credit score and the factors that affect it.

What Factors Affect Your Credit Score?

Image via Flickr by free pictures of money 

When you apply for a car loan, a potential lender will access your credit report and check your FICO credit score to assess how much of a credit risk you might be. The scores range from 300 to 850. A score between 670 and 739 is considered good, with anything above being very good or exceptional. A score of 580 to 669 is below average, but you may still qualify for a loan. At the same time, a credit score below 580 is poor and shows you could be high risk.

According to FICO, five major factors influence — by varying percentages — your credit score:

• Payment history (35%).
• Accounts owed (30%).
• Length of credit history (15%).
• Credit mix (10%).
• New credit (10%).

Payment history is the most important factor because any lender will want to know that you’ve made payments for previous lines of credit. Your credit report will show any late or missed payments on past credit accounts.

Accounts owed shows what you owe, although owing a lot doesn’t necessarily mean a low credit score. Account owed is the ratio of the money you owe in relation to your available credit. For example, if you only owe $5,000 but your credit cards are maxed out and you’re overextended, you’d have a lower score than if you owed $50,000 but you’re not close to your credit limit on any account.

Length of credit history is the period you’ve had credit for. Generally, the longer your credit history, the higher your credit score will be. But even if you have a short credit history, you can still have a high credit score if the rest of your credit report is good.

Credit mix is a variety of credit types, such as mortgages, credit cards, and installment loans (including car loans). Your score will be higher if you have a healthy mix of credit, as long as you also have a good payment history.

New credit refers to newly opened credit accounts. If you open many new accounts in a short time, it indicates a risk, which could lower your credit score. In other words, you should avoid applying for too many credit accounts too quickly.

Debt Types Affect Credit 

The type of debt you have can also affect your credit score. There are two main types of debt:

• Revolving credit.
• Installment loan.

Revolving credit is a credit account with ever-changing balances and payments. Credit cards are the most common type of revolving credit. Always paying off your credit cards on time and staying within your credit limit shows good financial management and will help you build a good credit score.

An installment loan is a type of debt you pay off in installments, typically by monthly payments, such as a car loan. Making full payments consistently and promptly demonstrates to lenders that you’re willing and able to manage your debts responsibly.

How A Car Loan Affects Your Credit

When you present an application for a car loan in Panama City, the dealership will usually send it to several potential lenders to try and find you the best deal available. Each lender will check your credit report, which adds a hard inquiry to your report. Generally, each new inquiry will temporarily drop your score by a few points. 

However, the scoring system recognizes that even if several inquiries for an auto loan are made, you’re only going to buy one car and the lenders’ inquiries will usually be combined to count as only one. With some of the more recent credit scoring systems, car loan inquiries don’t affect your credit score at all. 

Once you buy your new car and actually sign up for the loan, the new debt will be added to your credit report as an installment loan. Your credit score will likely drop a few more points as there’s no payment history linked to this loan and it’s uncertain whether you can manage the new debt.

The good news is, as you make your monthly payments on time, your credit score will start to increase. If your credit report doesn’t have another installment loan, your car loan adds to your strong credit mix. It will also add to your payment history, accounts owed, length of credit history, and new credit — all of which help your credit score.

Rebuilding Your Credit With A Car Loan

Even if you have a low credit score, you may still be eligible for a used car loan at Panama City Toyota. Our in-house finance center can work with Panama City drivers with poor credit ratings to find the best financing solution for their circumstances. We are dedicated to getting you behind the wheel of a quality pre-owned Toyota, even when your credit is below average.

When you’ve been approved for a loan and start making your monthly payments on time, you will likely see a significant increase in your credit score over the period of your car loan. That will get your credit report back on track and make it easier to obtain credit in the future. So, even if your credit score is not the best, don’t hesitate to speak to our friendly finance team to see what they can do for you.

So, there you have it. Buying a car from Panama City Toyota can help your credit, as long as you don’t miss any payments and you make your payments on time. You can even get preapproved for car financing by using our online finance application. Come visit us at West 15th Street, Panama City, Florida, to find your dream car today.

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Halloween is fast approaching, and as the calendar pages turn, we know Panama City locals are looking to get into the spirit of the season. With Halloween comes the idea to explore haunted houses and other scary attractions. Fortunately, the area in and around Panama City offers some amazing opportunities for spine-chilling fun.

Whether you’re looking to visit real haunted places or you’re seeking out a fun interactive experience, this list has you covered. Panama City Toyota rounded up some spooky places close to home, plus some ideas for a haunted house-inspired road trip. Get ready for Halloween by planning your visit to the haunted places on this list.

Haunted Places In Panama City

Image via flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Lunchbox Photography

When it’s time to get into a spooky mood, you can visit some haunted spots around your hometown. Panama City features a few of them ready to transform how you think about haunted houses, and they’re easily accessible with a short drive. First up? Confetti’s Nightclub/El Potosino, known as a real haunted house (well, bar/nightclub, in this case!) in Panama City.

Though you can’t go in today, you can drive around the area that once housed Confetti’s Nightclub at 5101 W. Highway 98. Some past visitors complained about objects being thrown at them, not to mention strange sounds coming from the restrooms and toilets that flushed by themselves. The site was J. Malone’s Nightclub, then El Potosino, then Wingin’ It Sports Bar later on. Some folks even said they saw a nebulous apparition wandering around the premises, so you never know what you may see when you drive here.

If you think haunted houses are cool, just wait until you visit a haunted beach. It should come as no surprise that Florida and the Panama City area gets into the Halloween spirit beyond regular old houses and takes the hauntings to the shore. Camp Helen State Park, a peaceful spot at Panama City Beach’s western edge just off Highway 98, is the stuff of local legend with three ghosts said to haunt the grounds.

Between 2006 and 2013, the Friends of Camp Helen State Park even held “ghost walks” at the park. Though the organized walks are no longer available, you can visit the park yourself and see if any specters come your way. Spirits include Rose, a young enslaved girl who had been on a ship that ran aground during a storm on New Year’s Eve and was later killed by Native Americans.

Then there’s the ghost of Margaret Hick’s grandson, a little boy called Gigi who drowned in Lake Powell after wandering off to the boat dock. His ghost was first spotted in 1996 by a passing fisherman, who saw the little boy playing on the beach. Finally, the ghost of Captain Phillips (nearby Phillips Inlet’s namesake) once appeared to a guest at the former Hicks family lodge. So, if you want to check out some legendary haunted places, you’ll find sites to visit right in Panama City.

Pier Park’s XD Darkride Experience

If your idea of visiting a haunted house includes an interactive adventure, you’ll want to add the XD Darkride Experience in Pier Park to your list of local places to check out. That’s right, you can have a fun Halloween experience, complete with zombies and werewolves, right in Panama City Beach. This interactive, immersive movie and video game adventure delivers tons of spooky thrills. You’ll get  to choose from a few different experiences depending on what ghouls and monsters you’re in the mood to encounter.

You can’t go wrong by participating in ZOMBIES!, which takes you on your first night out of the police academy to a patrol where you find the undead roaming the earth on a stormy night. Or, go for WEREWOLVES!, which finds you fighting off ferocious beasts turned by a poisonous gas and decimating the city. Then there’s ROAD FIGHTERS!, transporting you to a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland, and LOS BANDITOS!, which pits you against an army of robot cowboys.

All in all, XD Darkride Experience lets you choose the fright level you want to indulge in, with some experiences suited to kiddos and other left to the adults in your group. The best part? It doesn’t have to be Halloween for you to enjoy a spooky activity thanks to this local attraction.

Take A Road Trip To Pensacola For More Real Haunted Houses

Plan a road trip from Panama City to Pensacola in your new or used Toyota to visit more houses many think are haunted. Here are a few local places to put on your itinerary when you want to visit haunted sites:

• Dorr House: Built by Clara Barkley Dorr in 1871, the Dorr House serves as an example of Greek Revival architecture in west Florida. According to legends, something unseen tugs on women’s short skirts in the formal sitting room, and sometimes the smell of freshly cut roses appears. People have also heard soft crying from the sick room in the house.
• Fort Pickens: Head over to nearby Pensacola Beach to visit Fort Pickens and the surrounding area. The fort was used as a prison for Apache chief Geronimo and his braves, and some have claimed to see or hear the spirits of Native Americans.
• Lear/Rocheblave House: The Lear/Rocheblave House is two-story house that’s an example of Folk Victorian architecture. But it’s also the site of a haunting, with legend stating that a ghost girl likes to dance across a locked room here.
• Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast: Take your haunted house road trip to the next level with a stay at the Pensacola Victoria Bed & Breakfast, said to have some strange happenings. The building was built in the 1890s by ship captain William Northup. Visitors have heard sounds like classical music and children giggling with no apparent explanation, and have even see the apparition of a woman in a Victorian nightgown.

There you have it! Panama City Toyota just gave you some great options when you’re looking to explore haunted houses, sites, and other spooky experiences in and around Panama City. Do you know of a local haunted house we missed? Contact us with your recommendation so we can add it.

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If you buy a car from Panama City Toyota and don’t know what those icons on the dashboard mean, you’re not alone. The sight of those warning lights is never welcoming. If you’re not sure about what a dashboard light means, be sure to check your owner’s manual for confirmation.

Each dashboard icon or warning light corresponds to a specific car function or system. But, as vehicles get more complicated, owners are often forced to play catch-up. Therefore, if you see a dashboard icon but don’t know its meaning, pass by our dealership in Panama City, Florida. Our experts will be glad to explain all the unfamiliar features of your Toyota car to you. That said, here’s a look at some icons on your Toyota:

ABS Warning Light

Image via Flickr by Rutger van der Maar

The ABS warning light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s sensor, hydraulic channel, or computer when it comes on. Although braking will still be possible when this warning light is on, the ABS won’t be working optimally. Your ability to bring the car to a stop, more so in an emergency, will be compromised. Thus, it’s best to visit our dealership in Panama City as soon as the ABS warning light comes on.

Check Engine Warning Light

No dashboard icon is as scary as the check engine warning light. Any Toyota owner will tell you that they never want to see the check engine warning light on their dashboard. It often indicates a severe malfunction in the vehicle’s motor, electrical, or transmission system.

When this warning light comes on, there could be an issue with the vehicle’s electronic engine control, electronic automatic transmission system, and even the electronic throttle control. So never second guess when this icon appears on your dashboard. Instead, come to our Panama City dealership immediately to have your car serviced.

Low Oil Pressure Warning Light

Most car owners have skipped an engine oil change at some point. When engine oil levels drop, its pressure will be low. Hence, vital engine components such as the gaskets and crankshafts won’t be adequately cooled or lubricated.

Low oil engine pressure needs to get addressed immediately, lest it causes more severe issues, including engine failure. When the dashboard light appears, the solution is not always to top up or change engine oil. Often, it indicates severe damage to the engine, which requires expert repair.

Red Battery Symbol

Car batteries often self-charge. However, if that fails to happen, you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road because your car won’t start in the first place. When the red battery symbol comes on, it means the vehicle’s self-charging ability is compromised.

The warning light could point to a faulty alternator or starter. Similarly, there could also be an issue with the battery itself or the wiring system. In the days before the red battery symbol appears, the headlights may become dimmer or start to flicker.

Cruise Control Indicator

Not all dashboard icons indicate a malfunction somewhere in your vehicle. Some come on when a particular function gets activated. The cruise control indicator is one such icon. As the name suggests, the icon comes on when you activate your Toyota’s cruise control system. For those who enjoy long drives, the cruise control feature comes in handy.

Automatic High Beams Indicator

If your Toyota’s high beams malfunction, you can’t drive safely at night or in rainy and snowy weather. When working correctly, the high beams indicator is often lit green. Besides, it comes on automatically. Nevertheless, if the icon is yellow, it means there’s an issue in the system.

As you undoubtedly know, nothing is as dangerous as driving around with malfunctioning headlights. You could also find yourself on the wrong side of the law. That’s why it’s essential to have your car’s lights checked by our factory-trained technicians as soon as the high beams indicator shows a yellow light or the beams fail to come on automatically.

Person And Seatbelt Light

Sometimes when in a rush, you may find yourself driving off without buckling up. Once the vehicle is in motion, the person and seatbelt icon will start flashing on the dashboard. The warning icon is often accompanied by an audible alert asking you to buckle up. Although the light doesn’t indicate an issue with the car, it warns you about the safety of vehicle occupants. Nonetheless, suppose it doesn’t show, yet you’re not buckled up. In that case, our technicians in Panama City will be glad to inspect your vehicle for any underlying issue.

Seated Passenger With A Globule On Their Lap

Florida is renowned for its sunshine and pristine beaches, but when this dashboard indicator comes on, it doesn’t mean you should hit the beach with a ball in tow. Instead, this warning light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s supplementary restraint system (the air bags). So to guarantee you and your passengers’ safety, bring the car to us, then hit the beach while we work on it.

Triangle With A! At The Center

Another dashboard icon you shouldn’t ignore is the triangle with A! at the center. The icon is often accompanied by an audible buzzer and points to either a minor or significant issue. It also tends to accompany any of the warning lights mentioned. So, depending on the dashboard icon accompanying this warning light, it’s best to consult the Toyota experts at Panama City Toyota.

The Gas Pump Icon

It’s a no-brainer that your car needs some juice when the old-school gas pump icon comes on. Unfortunately, many car owners don’t check their gauges and only realize they need to refuel when the gas pump icon starts to flash. Ignoring the alert could see you getting stranded when your fuel supply runs out.

Your Toyota’s dashboard has lots of warning lights. Some are dreadful, while others indicate that the vehicle’s systems are functioning correctly. It’s best to understand what each warning light means. But, if any of the dreadful dashboard icons come on, do not hesitate to contact Panama City Toyota to schedule a service with our experts.

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When you need routine maintenance or a larger repair job carried out on your Toyota, you’ve got the choice of taking your vehicle to an independent repair shop or a Toyota dealership. Whether you’re driving a compact Corolla or a family-sized Rav 4, there are several reasons why finding your way to your nearest Toyota dealership is your best option. Here at Panama City Toyota, our team of certified auto mechanics can help you with all your service needs. Here’s why we have the edge over independent repair shops.

Certified Technicians Know How Toyota Vehicles Work

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Janitors

Our auto technicians go through a rigorous certification program sponsored by Toyota and take regular training sessions to keep up to date with how each vehicle in Toyota’s lineup works. They also gain extensive experience working on various Toyota models every day they’re on the job. This means they’re well placed to diagnose any problems and conduct repairs. They know how to remove and install parts safely, and are familiar with common problems that may arise.

Mechanics at independent repair shops may be great at their job, but they won’t have the kind of specialist knowledge we do thanks to our close working relationship with Toyota. This extensive cooperation puts our service team in a great position to identify what your vehicle requires, and get the job done to a high standard at the first time of asking.

Repairs Are Conducted With Genuine Toyota Parts

Our certified technicians can rely on our well-stocked inventory of original equipment parts when they carry out repairs or maintenance. As a result, you can be confident that any component we put into your vehicle will live up to the high standards you’d expect from Toyota. It’s largely thanks to the durability and high performance of its auto parts that Toyota is known as one of the most reliable auto brands.

If you go to an independent repair shop, they may use lower quality parts to perform the work. Even if they have access to Toyota parts, the technicians may lack the specialist knowledge and understanding to install or adjust them correctly. This may cause damage to your vehicle or the parts to perform less well.

Modern cars are highly complex products, often requiring expensive equipment and technology to carry out repairs and maintenance properly. Since we work closely with Toyota, our service technicians are familiar with all aspects of each Toyota vehicle and the equipment that’s needed to repair them. This allows us to capably handle any problem you may be having, whether it’s an issue with your infotainment system or a problem with your brakes.

Knowing how to employ cutting-edge technology recommended by Toyota also puts us in a strong position to diagnose issues with your vehicle more easily. This is especially useful when you notice something is wrong with your car but you’re not quite sure what it is. Drop by our service center and our technicians can perform an inspection to get to the bottom of it.

You Can Benefit From Your Warranty

If your Toyota truck, car, or SUV is still under warranty, you may be able to have repairs taken care of for free at our dealership. Toyota’s warranties are designed to cover repairs to defective parts during the first few years of a vehicle’s life. Toyota vehicles typically feature a three-year limited warranty and five-year power train warranty, which covers the components of your engine.

However, repairs conducted by an independent repair shop won’t be covered by your warranty. In some cases, getting work carried out on your Toyota vehicle by a non-certified Toyota mechanic can result in your warranty being voided.

You Can Build A Personal Relationship With Our Dealership

If you become a regular customer at our Toyota dealership in Panama, you’ll have more opportunities to learn about great deals on new and used vehicles we have on offer. In addition, as our staff gets to know you better, they’ll be able to advise you and perhaps offer deals tailored to your needs when it comes time for you to buy your next vehicle. Personal connections can make a big difference when trying to purchase your next vehicle, especially if you prioritize the security that comes with doing business with a dealership you’ve already gotten to know and trust.

Our service team prioritizes being transparent and honest with you. Every time you come in to our service center, we’ll provide you with an estimate detailing the work that we think needs done on your vehicle and what it will cost.

Certified Maintenance Can Improve Your Vehicle’s Value

If you plan on selling your Toyota in the years ahead, there’s a good chance you’ll get a better price for it if you have a consistent record of routine maintenance performed by a certified technician. Vehicle buyers are likely to be willing to pay more for a Highlander or Camry that they know has been well looked after. Alternatively, if you decide to trade in your vehicle when it comes time to get a new one, we may be able to offer you a higher price if your Toyota is still in good working order.

Now that you know a little more about some of the benefits that come with a Toyota-certified service center, we hope to see you soon at our Panama dealership in Florida. You can reserve your next service appointment online, or drop by our dealership to talk to one of our friendly staff members.

Our service center technicians are experts in handling all of your routine maintenance needs, from oil changes to brake pad replacements and tire rotations. We can also manage larger repair jobs in our body shop, which can rely on our extensive parts inventory to take care of your needs.

Our service center has extended hours six days a week so you can fit your auto servicing needs around your busy schedule. We also offer a welcoming customer lounge with free coffee and wireless internet access so you can relax while our expert technicians get to work on your vehicle. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more.

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Panama City, Florida, is the perfect place for sun, sea, beer and wine. The craft brewing and winery scene has made inroads into Panama City and nearby towns. There’s a lot of variety, interest, and excitement surrounding the breweries and brewpubs that are entering a new era of craft brewing, and we at Panama City Toyota want to help you explore what’s on tap. Be sure to drink responsibly. We want you to enjoy your adult beverages and stay safe in the meantime. Following is a list of breweries you should check out:

Salty Oak Brewing

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by Bernt Rostad

Salty Oak Brewing is a relative newcomer to the Panama City brewery scene, but has quickly become one of the best breweries and destinations in town. The brewery opened their doors in 2019, and has recently started brewing their own recipes. You’ll find house brews that include an Irish dry stout, the Charlieweizen, Cry Imperial Vol. 2, an IPA that tastes like it came out of New England, and Sunset Cider, a dry cider. The brewery also produces fruit beers and has beer on tap from breweries spread across the country. 

Staff at Salty Oak Brewing are knowledgeable about their craft, and the bar staff does a fine job of helping you select a beer that satisfies your craving. No food is served on site, but there is a pizza place nearby that will deliver food upon request. Hours vary from day to day, but the brewery is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Call ahead or check the website to learn about the operating hours.

History Class Brewing Company

The mission behind History Class Brewing Company is one of a brewery that pays homage to the working class roots of Panama City and wants to be a place where the community can meet and help each other thrive. The brewery hosts local musicians on the weekend, and is a kid- and dog-friendly establishment. It also seeks to preserve the voices of past residents of Panama City to help current residents understand more about the people that built the town. 

Some of the brews on tap include The Hero porter, Gardner’s strawberry mango milkshake IPA, Union Soldier IPA, Val Valentine, and Pollywog Black Cherry Cider. Some of the beers get their names from locals past and present. Non-alcoholic drinks include McKenzie Bros. fizzy water and Capt. Raffield’s watermelon juice for when you need to sober up a little. Munch on fresh pork rinds, truffle fries, crispy tater tots topped with bacon, queso, and green onions, or share a giant pretzel with beer cheese dip on the side with friends.

Panama City Beach Winery

Panama City Beach Winery crafts wine from fruits and turns them into delicious still and sparkling wines. The winery features wines made from blackberries, strawberries, peaches, pineapple, raspberry, oranges and more.  They’re then made into variations that include dry, semi-sweet, blended, and slushie. Blended wines include different blends of sangria, and a coco polada made from orange, pineapple, and coconut. The wine slushie mixes come in the same flavors as the wines, and are intended to be poured into crushed ice for a delightful adult beverage. 

The winery offers after-hours wine tasting events for private parties and has on-site wine tasting for weddings. Customers who want to order for a wedding are encouraged to come in at any time and taste a sampling of the wines before placing an order for the reception.  

Idyll Hounds Brewery

Head northwest out of town for a short drive and experience the creative flavors Idyll Hounds crafts behind its taproom. The brewery was founded by two friends who have a passion for beer and a desire to put flavor first in all of its output. Idyll Hounds sources it ingredients locally and from the finest ingredients it can get ahold of. The lineup of beers on tap and in cans includes flavors that go by the name of Ghost Crab Pilsna, Palapa pale ale, Divide and Conch’r, Boosh New England style IPA, and even a coffee brew simply named Joe. 

All of these flavors and more are available on tap in the taproom. Short run beers made by the brewery are also put on tap and you might be able to catch a pint of their caramel cake porter or a Vienna lager. Idyll Hounds is also known for its sour flavors which are a draw all on their own. 

Oyster City Brewing Company

You’ll have to take a trip to the southeast and make the drive to Apalachicola for Oyster City Brewing Company, but you’ll find the location, brewery, and beer worthwhile. The idea for the brewery was born when the founders realized there was no answer to the question of “what’s your local beer?” Indeed, there was no nearby brewery making beer for the local population to imbibe. The founders put their heads together and set out to make a beer that everyone wanted to drink. 

Oyster City Brewing Company is now located in a former dive bar that’s a perfect example of old Florida architecture. Inside you’ll find beers on tap that include: Hooter Brown, a brown ale, Mangrove, a pale ale with mango, Tates Helles for a German-style lager, Mill Pond Dirty which is a blonde ale, and Apalach IPA. All beers have their own unique description that let you know what to expect when you take your first sip. 

These are a few of our favorite breweries, wineries, and brewpubs in Panama City and the surrounding area. Did we overlook one or two, or do you know of one that should be on the list and didn’t get included? Drop us a line and let us know. At Panama City City Toyota, we want to share the destinations and locations that make our city great, and make it a place you want to explore in your next Toyota from our dealership. 

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A flat tire is a major inconvenience but easily handled when your vehicle is well-stocked for such a situation. Changing a flat tire is a relatively easy process that you can complete on your own when you know the basic steps.

Care For Your Spare

Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by marioemiliano 

Check the air pressure in your spare tire every time you check your other tires, which should be at least once a month. Inflate your spare to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI to ensure that it’s always ready to do its job.

Keep Your Car Stocked

You’ll need to have a few essential items on hand to change a flat tire. You should have:

• Spare tire.
• Lug wrench.
• Jack.
• Owner’s manual for your vehicle.
• Wheel wedges.
• Flashlight (with working batteries).
• 2×6 wood.
• Gloves.
• Rain jacket or poncho.
• Mat to kneel on.
• Reflective warning sign.

Find A Safe Spot

It’s important to find a safe location when you need to change a flat tire. Unfortunately, your options are typically limited to what you can access right after your tire goes flat. If you experience a flat tire while you’re driving, reduce your speed slowly, put on your hazards lights, and look for a flat, straight piece of road with a wide shoulder. A parking lot is ideal if you can access one. Avoid turning or braking suddenly, as this only makes it more difficult to control your vehicle. 

You should always avoid:

• Areas exposed to oncoming traffic.
• Curves where traffic can’t easily spot you.
• Narrow shoulders.
• Hills.
• Soft ground.

It’s better to drive on your rim and risk the need for a replacement than to stop in a potentially dangerous spot to change your flat tire. In some cases, you may need to have your vehicle towed to a safer location before you can change the flat tire. Personal safety should always come first.

Secure The Vehicle

It’s important to properly secure your vehicle before changing a flat tire so it remains stable on the jack and there’s no risk of it rolling away. Put your car in park or shift to reverse gear if you have a manual transmission. Apply the parking brake once you stop, even if you’re on level ground. 

Use wheel wedges to keep the tires from shifting. If you don’t have specialized wheel wedges, you can also use a rock, chunk of concrete, or brick. If you’re changing a rear tire, place the wedges in front of the front tires. To change a front tire, place wheel wedges behind the rear tires.

If you’re along the road, place a reflective warning sign a few feet behind your car. This signal will alert traffic to your presence.

Locate Your Spare

You can’t change your flat if you don’t have a spare or new tire handy, so the first thing to do is locate your spare tire and make sure it’s in good condition. The spare tire is typically in a compartment beneath the floor of your trunk. Lift the carpeting panel in your trunk to reveal the spare. If you’re having trouble finding the spare tire, refer to your owner’s manual for more detailed information.

Change the Tire

Changing a flat tire is a fairly simple process once you’re familiar with the steps. After finding the right spot and ensuring your vehicle is well-secured, you’re ready to remove and replace your tire. Follow these steps:

1.                  Remove the hubcap or wheel cover if present. If the lug nuts are exposed, you can skip this step. You should be able to pry the wheel cover off using the flat end of your lug wrench. If the wheel cover doesn’t come off easily, check your owner’s manual for more detailed instructions for proper removal steps.

2.                  Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to adjust them about a quarter to a half turn counterclockwise. You may need to use your whole body weight to get them to loosen. The goal is to get the lug nuts to the point where you can finish removing them by hand.

3.                  Position the jack. Place the 2×6 wood underneath the jack for added stability and put the jack near the flat tire and beneath a stable metal part of your vehicle’s frame. Many vehicles have a marking or notch, just in front of the rear wheel wells and behind the front wheel wells, that’s designed for just this purpose. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have additional details on proper placement. If you put the jack beneath a plastic part of the frame or in an otherwise inappropriate spot, you could risk damaging the car, so it’s important to know where to lift.

4.                  Lift the vehicle with the jack. Turn the jack clockwise until the flat tire is several inches off the ground.

5.                  Remove the lug nuts and tire. Unscrew the lug nuts by hand and pull the tire directly toward your chest to remove it from the vehicle.

6.                  Put the spare on the car. Line the lug nut posts up with the holes in the spare tire and push it straight forward onto the vehicle.

7.                  Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.

8.                  Lower the jack until the tire just makes contact with the ground. Do not put the full weight of the car on the tire yet. 

9.                  Tighten the lug nuts in small increments using the lug wrench. Alternate lug nuts as you work around the wheel, so you tighten one, three, five, two, and four. This keeps the tire straight. Repeat around the wheel until the lug nuts are secure.

10.              Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts further if possible.

With the spare tire in place, you’re ready to pack up your flat and head to your nearest dealership or tire store for a repair or replacement. You shouldn’t drive on a spare tire for more than 70 miles, and space-savers tires cannot go any more than 50 miles per hour.

Our service center at Panama City Toyota can help you out after a flat. Just stop into our service center or contact us, and we’ll help you with all your car care needs.

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