Panama City: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville

If 145th street was deserted, 125th was plain dangerous. Thankfully the universe sent me my own private bodyguards in the form of a waiting security patrol and an off duty policeman (on his way to visit family in Alabama). After arriving at the airport and playing some 6am Sudoku with Jane — a 65 year old grandmother on route to Jacksonville — I finally arrived at my destination, Panama City, Florida. First on the itinerary, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

For those not familiar with James "Jimmy" Buffet, let me give you a little run down. Born in December 25th, 1946, he spent most of his childhood in Alabama and released his first country album in 1970. It's his beachy vibe however, (think Hawaiian shirts and flocks of parrots) that caught on with songs such as "Margaritaville" (No. 234 on RIAA's list of "Songs of the Century") and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" topping the charts.

Some things you may not know about Jimmy Buffet:

* He has written three No. 1 best sellers. Tales from Margaritaville and Where Is Joe Merchant? both spent over seven months on the The New York Times Best Seller fiction list.
* He was part-owner of two minor league teams: the Fort Myers Miracle and the Madison Black Wolf.
* Between his restaurants, album sales, and tours, he earns an estimated $100 million a year.

Seated on the deck, with a margarita in hand, is perhaps the best way to begin any mini vacation to Panama City, Florida. So Jimmy, we salute you and your millions, your take-home souvenier margarita glass and your giant sized nachos.

Next stop, the new International airport...