Summer Updates

The 2014 Summer has lived up to expectations so far and the beach has been busier than ever, literally.  It was projected last year that previous attendance and occupancy records would again fall to the heavy traffic of vacationing families from all over this part of the United States.  Figures for the Spring quarter are indicative of this projection being again accurate, just as they were from last year, and the year before, and the year before that.  The beach is again proving to be a favorite destination as a drive-to vacation spot for families everywhere.

Events and holidays this year have been driving guests to the white-sandy beaches and emerald green waters of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.  The first large-scale convergence to the Alabama Gulf Coast was the annual Hangout Music Fest and it didn't disappoint.  Record ticket sales saw 20,000 tickets, a sell-out, patrons gather to enjoy the sun and surf while listening to headliners like:  the Killers, Wiz Khalifa, Modest Mouse, Jack Johnson while Outkast wrapped things up with an earth-shattering performance on Sunday night.  The popular-for-all-ages music fest promptly signed a five year extension to making sure the event would be around for the immediate future.

Next on the list was Memorial Day and the holiday was more relaxed than the organized chaos seen during the Hangout Fest.  Restaurants, shopping boutiques and area attractions reported record sales and participation.  It seems only fitting the beach was busy as the trouble from the recent past seemed to be forgiven, yet not forgotten.  Real estate sales has also been good at the beaches, as well as the Eastern Shore, as agents have reported higher sales figures from the previous year.  If you would like to view real estate info for Orange Beach, Gulf Shores or Perdido Key, FL, please visit our Gulf Coast Real Estate site for all types of local real estate information.

The next event was the Fourth of July which has always been a favorite for the Gulf Coast.  Numerous local cities participated and threw massive firework shows over the Gulf of Mexico.  One of the largest shows in our area took place in Pensacola, FL and some our team our team found themselves in the middle of the action and actually participating in the show.  They spent their 4th watching the elaborate displays from the vessel that lit the fuses.  The picture left was taken prior to the show with friends and family ready to set sail.  Gulf Shores, AL in years past has contracted Walter Marine to handle transport of the fireworks, but this year, Pensacola was lucky enough to have the opportunity.  Walter Marine and Stewart Walter specializes in the construction, study and preservation of many of the area's artificial reefs.  They're contracted by charter operations and government agencies to, essentially, build housing for marine life on and along the Alabama / Florida Gulf Coast.  When not busy with the reef-making business, the company helps the community with needs requiring their specialized heavy-duty marine equipment.

All-in-all, the beaches and Eastern Shore along our portion of the Alabama Gulf Coast is thriving again and the guests and residents couldn't be happier to enjoy the fruits of the area while not having to look over their collective shoulders.  Yeah, the area has been through much tumult of late and it's times like this that helps us residents, business owners and guests better understand the world is far from perfect and we really do live in a coastal paradise.  Not often enough, do we reflect on difficult times from the past and realize they are that much sweeter from the other side and we're better for it.  The world truly is a special place and we should all remember the reason we gather on the Fourth of July to begin with.  Remember why it's so easy for us to enjoy.  Freedom has no monetary value and it's priceless at the same time.