“Growth!” That is how Scott Burt of the Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show described this year’s event, which returns to Panama
City Beach March 6th-8th.
Boating, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those who love living the Coastal Lifestyle, will notice the show’s growth, with
dealers expanding their footprints and showcasing new brands and models. The Grand Lawn portion of the show will feature 50%
more boats this year than in previous years, as Ashley Marine will join longtime Grand Lawn dealers MarineMax and Grander Marine.
Also joining the show this year is Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC as the Official Truck of the 2026 Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show.
The local dealer will be featuring Chevrolet and GMC trucks at Aaron Bessant Park for those who will need a new tow vehicle to
match their new boat purchase.
Guests at the show will also notice the growth at the show’s venue, Aaron Bessant Park. The 70-acre, meticulously maintained green
space has added a new 4,800-square-foot pavilion, new fencing, enhanced landscaping, and a new lighting and sound system.
“The park has never looked better,” said Burt. “The city has done a great job with all the new enhancements, and I know they will be
well received by those coming to the show.”
Again this year, the top dealers in the Southeast will display more than 400 boats, which is more than 40 million dollars’ worth of bay
boats, pontoons, cruisers, personal watercraft, and center consoles, from 17′ to those well over 40 feet, along with the latest marine
electronics and innovations.