My family is supposed to head up to PCB tomorrow, but what about gas shortages? Is it bad up there, would we be able to make it home? How is the beach erosion from Katrina? Any info would be helpful....also locals advise on restaurants would be great!

I haven't seen any indication of shortages. There were some long lines at a few stations yesterday, but I think it was just anticipation based on reports from other areas (like Atlanta).

I'll keep an eye out and if we notice stations running out or hear anything, I'll post about it... but right now prices are in the $2.60 - $2.70 range and everything appears to be okay. We have a Chevron processing plant here that received 2 barges of oil just before the hurricane and has already received more barges since.

There are reports of signs on I-10 warning of possible issues getting gas West of Tallahassee, but it's probably just precautionary.

----

No real beach erosion... in fact there are reports that in some areas (like the Beaches of South Walton... badly eroded from past storms) that Katrina actually pushed 1-2 ft of sand onto the beach.

----

For great restaurant advice, check out the Panama City Beach Dining Forums or visit our Panama City Beach Restaurant section and check out the videos and reviews.

Good luck!

Thank you for the info, what about reports of contaminated ocean water? Bodies and oil, etc. from Katrina.

Not an issue at all here. That stuff is confined to the flooded city of New Orleans.