‘Tanked’ films at The Wharf Seafood Buffet

NEWS HERALD STAFF REPORT @The_News_Herald

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Brett Raymer and Wade King filmed an episode of the hit TV show, “Tanked,” in Panama City Beach during the first week of May and the show will air at 9 p.m. Friday, June 9, on Animal Planet.

The episode, filmed over three days, showcases a custom-designed 735-gallon saltwater tank built and installed in Laketown Wharf Resort’s new restaurant, The Wharf Seafood Buffet, 9902 S. Thomas Drive. The tank features 60 fish, from Angels and Wrasse to Triggers and Tangs, in a cylindrical living art paradise with 360-degree views. Coral replicates sea turtles showcased along the boardwalk at Laketown Wharf.  

Animal Planet chose this project due to its storyline and ties with the Panama City Beach community.

“We have been working on this since last November. But, once we had the idea of sea turtle conservation and how our community pitches in, Animal Planet and ‘Tanked’ were on board,” said Pat Holcombe, Marketing Director for Emerald View Resorts. “In January, we finalized designs and set a date for the install. The entire process was an awesome experience, and we can’t wait to show the world the tank and Panama City Beach. The whole team with Acrylic Tank Manufacturing was easy to work with and fell in love with our beaches.”

The aquarium is the centerpiece of The Wharf Seafood Buffet, which opened May 26. The restaurant, led by award-winning Chef Paul Stellato, features a locally prepared seafood feast for dinner daily from at 4:30-9:30 p.m. Buffet items include Crab Cake Caesar Salad, boiled Shrimp, filet mignon, snow crab legs, fried shrimp, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried grouper.

A traditional breakfast also is served beginning 7:30 a.m. daily till 11 a.m. during the week and till noon Saturdays and Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, and parking is free at Laketown Wharf Resort. Details at 850-588-7613.