Panama City Beach (PCB) is a suburb of Panama City, in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,671 at the 2000 census. According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau's Estimates, the beach area continues to grow very rapidly at 10,199. The beach is a popular year-round vacation destination, and the area is often nicknamed The Redneck Riviera for its many visitors from the southern states. During the winter months, Panama City Beach is a popular destination for Americans from the northern states as well as Canadians, or "Snowbirds." In the spring season, Panama City Beach turns into a spring break mecca, drawing high school and college students from all over the country, often in numbers that outstrip all other spring break destinations combined. The summer is high season in Panama City Beach, drawing crowds of all kinds to enjoy its sugar-white beaches and warm, emerald waters. Recent hurricane damage and a new-construction boom are serving to raise the economic image of the area, as pricey high-rise condominiums and luxury homes replace older motels and homes. However, this is turning unobstructed beach views and affordable waterfront property into rarities. Panama City Beach's slogan is "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches."

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.0 square miles (18.2 km²)— 6.9 square miles (18.0 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (1.42%) is water.