They've been blasting off the cannon at Schooners every sunset for as many years as folks around here care to remember. The crowds roar in unison "10, 9, 8, 7." counting down to the precise moment that the sun dips below the horizon and the old cannon roars. It's the beach's official signal that one more beautiful day has ended, and the real fun is just beginning!

They call Schooners, "The Last Local Beach Club," and it really is the last of the old open-air hangouts left on the Gulf Coast. It started back in the late 60's, when it was known as "The Beach Party." In 1985, Jim Cannon purchased "The Beach Party" from Kinney Strickland and renamed it "Schooners." Most people think the name means a type of sailing ship, but, actually, Jim was sitting in Australia sipping an ice-cold 'schooner' of beer when he learned that his favorite bar, "The Beach Party," was for sale! He cut his world-tour vacation short, and flew back to Panama City to buy the place.