The pristine beaches of Orange Beach will be alive with "thunder” when the Offshore Powerboat Association World Championships begin on October 6. This event is rated as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast according to the Southeast Tourism Society and rated even higher on my list! The State Park Pavilion becomes Race Village during this event and will be open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.  On Saturday, October 8, there will be a boat parade that starts at Race Village and ends at the Orange Beach Event Center. This is a great chance to get photos of the boats and autographs from the race teams. After the parade, a gala will be held in the Event Center with music by the Tip Tops, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and silent auction. For four days, the roar of "thunder" wi... 09/08/2011

Not all short sales work out, we agents know that. However, it agitates me and the buyer greatly when the listing agent will not make it a priority to get the earnest deposit release signed. I am writing this post in Gulf Shores, while dealing once again with the frustration of a listing agent taking way too much time to get the seller's signature on the earnest deposit release form. I have lost a client previously over this issue because in the eyes of the client we are holding his earnest deposit, and I should be able to get it back to him. My hands are tied because the rules of the Alabama Real Estate Commission require both the buyer's and seller's signatures. I have been calling and emailing the listing agent with no response. I understand this agent is busy (aren't we all?!), but... 09/01/2011

Revenue from sports in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has skyrocketed this year. Only half-way through 2011, the revenue reported by the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission is $13.8 million, which exceeds the total 2010 revenue by $1 million. "When you've got a beach and you can come play ball at the same time, it's hard to compete with that," states Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon at AL.com. Mayor Kennon hopes to see Gulf Shores and Orange Beach become the youth sports capital of the South and possibly the nation.  Families appreciate the fact that the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas are family-oriented vacation destinations. Both the Gulf Shores Sportsplex and the Orange Beach Sportsplex have had excellent schedules this year. The Orange Beach Sportsplex located at 4385 Will... 08/23/2011

Since 1987 Alabama has been part of the international efforts to remove marine debris from coastal waters.  According to the Alabama Coastal Cleanup website, volunteers have removed a total of 1,169,844 pounds of debris and cleaned 3,917 miles of coast during this time. The debris is not only removed, but it is studied to determine the causes and sources of debris in a region. This year the Alabama Coastal Cleanup will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 8:00 a.m. - noon.  Here is contact information to help "Get The Trash Out Of The Splash" in  our local areas: ●     Orange Beach - April Boone: 251-970-5907 ●     Gulf Shores - Lisa Kennedy: 251-747-6706 ●     Gulf State Park - CJ Jarmon & Kelly Reetz: 251-948-7275  x124 Volunteers are reminded to come prepared with sunscreen, hats, ... 08/17/2011

A total of $3.35 million changed hands as bidders got the properties they wanted at the upscale Florencia in PerdidoKey this month. The condo units were sold at absolute auction, and the event attracted 81 registered bidders. Bidders came from 10 states, and each of the bidders had to submit $35,000 by check or certified funds. Eleven condominium units sold at the auction, including a 6-bedroom penthouse that sold for $550,000. According to  Al.com, William Bone, president of The National Auction Group, stated, "Having this many bidders attend, shows the pent-up demand for high-end GulfCoast condos."  He also commented on how many prospective sellers were at the auction, and he predicts that there will be more auctions in the future. The Florencia developer originally planned to sell 7 ... 08/11/2011

Lodging revenue is the best indicator of tourism growth, and this year GulfShoresandOrangeBeach Tourism reported that spring 2011 brought in more than $64.9 million in lodging rentals. That is 13% higher than the record set in 2007! One of the kick-off events for our spring tourism season is the Hangout Music Fest. (I wrote about the musicfestival in February.) This year Hangout Music Fest  was sold out with crowds of 35,000 daily. The promoter of the festival, local businessman Shaul Zislin, stated that it was, "an absolutely windfall year."  Gulf Shores Councilman Steve Jones, feels that positive media focusing on GulfShores' success in restoring the area to a level better than it was before the oil spill combined with our perfect spring weather, were both factors in the huge increase... 08/03/2011

The Alabama GulfCoast is a great fishing spot all year, and this summer the reports have been especially good!  Alabama has the largest charter fishing fleet on the Gulf Coast, and anglers can choose from inshore, offshore, or pier fishing.  Alabama also has the largest artificial reef program in the United States. The reef program started in 1953 in OrangeBeach. In 1987 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to create specific artificial reef areas offshore. Later, the need for inshore artificial reefs was realized, and in 1996 rubble from the replacement of several river bridges was placed inshore to promote the growth of a natural oyster reef community. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ program represents one of the best recycling efforts in the country. Obsolete military c... 07/30/2011

Headlines tell us that foreclosures are dropping, and local real estate agents agree. According to RealtyTrac’s latest report, Alabama saw a 17% drop in foreclosure filings in the first half of this year compared to the first half of 2010. The same report shows that the number of foreclosure filings in Alabama for the month of June 2011 was 1,458. This is 20.4% decrease from the same month last year. It is good news that the numbers of foreclosures are dropping in GulfShores and the rest of the state. This is certainly healthy for the real estate market.  However for those in the market to buy, my advice is to move quickly to take advantage of great bargains and wise investments. Many 3-year adjustable mortgages were given out in 2008 and these have resulted in some of the foreclosures ... 07/22/2011

The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area is great for many reasons – beach, beautiful gulf waters, and other natural beauty. Another benefit of this location is the opportunity to watch the incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice overhead.  The U.S. Navy Flight Exhibition Team, the Blue Angels, is made up of 16 officers who voluntarily apply for this honor.  The officers typically serve for 3 years with the team. These pilots are career-oriented Navy and Marine Corp jet pilots with a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet-flight hours. The Commanding Officer, who flies the number 1 jet, is selected by the Chief of Naval Air Training. The “Boss”, the Blue Angels Commanding Officer, is required to have at least 3,000 tactical jet-flight hours and also have experience as a tactical jet squadron commande... 07/16/2011

Now that the fire no longer burns in Gulf State Park near Gulf Shores, one of the stories that emerges from the week is that of "saving mama gator and her babies".  During the wildfire a family of alligators took cover in a mud hole while the area around them burned to ash. When Conservation Officer, Roger Reetz, took his first walk around the grounds after the fire was extinguished, he didn't see signs of life until he spotted a mud hole almost dried up. Inside the mud hole was a mother alligator and at least nine babies. The Orange Beach Fire Department came to the alligator family's rescue and filled the mud hole with water to aid their survival. The Fire Department is filling the mud hole until the rains come and the family can get back to their natural living conditions. A series o... 07/07/2011

  Remember my GOOD NEWS FLASH about Turquoise Place earlier this spring? "BP inducements have allowed developer Larry Wireman to discount luxurious condominiums on the 13th floor and below to an unheard of $775,000 asking price. The 3 bedroom units originally started at 1.25 million. The BP inducement did catch buyers' attention - the Turquoise Condominiums are selling very quickly! Sales have been brisk! As of July 2, 2012, less than 50 three bedroom units are available for sale.Don't miss out on this opportunity. We don't know how long the BP inducements will continue to be offered. This short video about TurquoisePlace gives just a hint of the elegance and amenities. Turquoise Place sets a new standard for elegance along theAlabamaGulfCoast with its two towers, encased in shimmering ... 06/30/2011

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd - - it's time to enjoy three fun baseball tournaments in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Alabama USSSA is an active state division of The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are enthusiastic hosts of three tournaments coming up in June and July. All of these tournaments are for youths and promise to be exciting to watch.  The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is the nation's largest multi-sport athletic association. It was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida. The association includes over 13 primary sports programs and was created to allow players of all levels to compete in national play. One of the largest of the sports programs, USSSA Baseball, h... 06/22/2011

It's totally unscientific research, but it does make sense.  In order to "measure" the numbers of tourists enjoying our beaches and hospitality, the tourism leaders count cars in the parking lots.  A check of license plates shows where visitors are from and how far they have traveled to Gulf Shores. According to AL.com, on June 15, 2011, the tourism group reported that parking lots have been full and all tourism indicators are looking very good.  In a Pleasure Island tourism report, it was stated that this past winter the lodging revenue was higher than it has ever been! The report on AL.com stated that this winter revenue reached $20.7 million. Prior to winter 2010-11, the highest lodging revenue reported occurred in the winter of 2007, and that amount was $17.5 million. USA Today repo... 06/16/2011

There are plenty of attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and within an hour's drive this expands to include such notable stops as The National Museum of Naval Aviation.  This museum along with the chance to see The Blue Angels practice over the Naval Air Station Pensacola is a great way to spend a day in our area. The National Museum of Naval Aviation is the largest museum of its kind in the world and the admission is free.  The original museum opened in June 1963 in a renovated wood-frame building constructed during World War II.  Today, the museum has 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and the grounds cover 37 acres.  While visiting, you can see over 150 restored aircraft and 4000 artifacts.  In addition to the museum itself, you can enjoy shows on the giant movie screens in... 06/09/2011

  Gulf Shores Plantation - Popular Beach Resort Gulf Shores Plantation was selected as one of the top 25 hotels in the state of Alabama, according to Business Alabama magazine. Gulf Shores Plantation certainly stands out among the list because Gulf Shores Plantation is not a hotel, but a condominium resort. When subscribers of the magazine selected the Gulf Shores Plantation in the top 25, not only were they thinking about it being a wonderful place to conduct a corporate meeting; but also a place where the family could come along and enjoy a vacation! Search Gulf Shores Plantation Condos for Sale in Gulf Shores, AL Gulf Shores Plantation is located on Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The property features condominiums with one to five bedrooms as well as beach cottages. O... 06/07/2011

  The 7th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held June 17-19 at the Foley Sportspark (about 12 miles north of Gulf Shores on Highway 98). The weekend is filled with colorful hot air balloons, music, special events in The Children’s Village, and shows performed by the Disc-Connected K-9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs.  The weekend kicks off with Tanger Outlet’s pre-festival family fun and music at 3:00 p.m. and display of hot air balloons and children’s entertainment at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. Children will receive free glow necklaces and bracelets. The festival grounds open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 17. The Balloon Glow and flight into the festival grounds will take place at dusk on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. Competition flights into the festival gro... 06/03/2011

Although Memorial Weekend may be the undeclared "first weekend of summer", and brings more visitors and vacationers to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is important to remember WHY we have this long weekend to relax and enjoy the events.  Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May which is May 30th this year. Although the day was originally known as Decoration Day and honored soldiers who died in the Civil War, the day now honors all who have died while in military service. The LuLu Palooza  Free Memorial Weekend Festival will kick off on Saturday, May 28th with the Soul Rebels Brass Band.  It is said that this band just doesn’t fit into a “category” with its sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock and reggae. The night will move on with Johhny Sketch and the Dirt... 05/25/2011

  In years past, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores may have been the recipients of aid when dealing with the effects of hurricanes or the oil spill.  Residents and visitors alike rallied to come to the aid of Alabama neighbors dealing with the devastation of the April 27 tornadoes. The generosity of people in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is shown in their immediate response to the needs of those in affected areas as well as their creativity in finding ways to help. The founder of the Hangout Music Festival, and owner of the Hangout Restaurant, Shaul Zislin, turned his popular concert series, "Road to the Hangout Festival" into "Road to Relief" and collected over 6 bus loads of relief supplies and delivered them to the disaster areas. He also owns several SurfStyle retail stores and donated $... 05/19/2011

Oceans Park, Gulf Shores, AL   It's coming! A year round indoor water park, Oceans Park, set to be built next year on 17 acres on Ala.59 and Baldwin County 6 East.Owners, Dennis Thomas and Clyde Weir, plan to build a year-round park featuring saltwater attractions where visitors can dive into a 30-foot-deep aquarium to swim with sea life and explore a shipwreck.   Search Alabama Gulf Coast Condos for Sale in Gulf Shores, AL   The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, designed by Dennis Thomas, is also scheduled to be built close-by on land donated by the Weir family, which owned Souvenir City in Gulf Shores.   MORE LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS: 3404 Moffett Road has been leased by Waterfront Rescue Mission. Plans are to convert the 25,000 sf warehouse building into a recycling/donation center. Coldwell Ba... 05/17/2011

A beach house that was donated to the City of Gulf Shores after Hurricane Fredrick now serves as the local Gulf Shores Museum. The museum has a collection of artifacts from the early fishing and shrimping industries in Gulf Shores including a permanent exhibit of life in some of the earliest settlements along Little Lagoon.  On tours of the Gulf Shores Museum “beach cottage”, visitors listen to “A Shrimper’s Story” and the sounds of hurricane hunters flying through a storm. The celebration of Gulf Shores 50th anniversary is portrayed in a permanent exhibit entitled, “Drawing a Line in the Sand”. The Gulf Shores Museum has a major focus on hurricanes and how they have impacted the local area. Along with general information about hurricanes, there is extensive information specifically on ... 05/12/2011