Everyone is expecting a busy holiday weekend and while locals are trying to avoid the crowds some are trying to take advantage of the numbers.
"They see the crowds they start heading in the opposite direction," Brandon Caldwell says he is taking advantage of the holiday visitors.
"There's a big 4th of July weekend coming up people and are fighting over shifts," said Caldwell. "People are trying to make that money before the off season hits."
Caldwell is a server at Sharky's Beach Front Restaurant and says the popular venue holds its own when it comes to drawing crowds.
"Anywhere from a three to hour wait depending on the night," said Caldwell. "4th of July is usually the biggest usually for the whole beach."
"From seven A.M. 'till the sun sets this beach is packed," said Captain Kenny West. "It's going to be a busy week."
To get ready for the holiday weekend Aquatic Adventures is setting up their water park floats for the first time this year. The business rents sail boats, jets skis, and holds banana boat rides for beach goers.
"We are going to get this water park for the kids going and we will have it done by this evening," said West.
Captain Kenny West says they are beefing up their beach staff to prepare for the swarm of people.
"We are working overtime today 'cause we are expecting a lot of people on the beach this week for the 4th," said West.
Back at Sharky's Caldwell says its no surprise why people flock to Panama City Beach.
"We are right on the beach, we've been here for years, and I think people just like the view," said the waiter.
Holiday Inn Resort on the beach says they are already booked for the weekend. That is not surprising to AAA, who predicts 25% of people driving for the 4th of July leave Friday.
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