Top 2025 Boats for Orange Beach, Alabama: The Best Vessels for Cruising, Fishing & Anchoring at Robinson Island


By Meredith Amon

Fishing Boats Orange Beach Alabama

Owning the right boat in Orange Beach, Alabama isn’t just about transportation—it’s about fully embracing the coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re gliding through the back bays, fishing near the islands, or anchoring at Robinson Island for an afternoon of sun and relaxation, having the perfect boat makes all the difference.

For 2025, I’ve curated a list of some of the best boats that fit the Gulf Coast way of life. Based on insights from local captains, experienced boaters, and friends who spend most of their time on the water, I’ve learned that choosing the right vessel can transform the boating experience.…

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Discover the Best Boats and Yachts for 2025 in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon


Orange Beach Alabama Boats Yachts Meredith Amon


Owning the right boat or yacht is a desirable element of the coastal lifestyle in Orange Beach. Whether you're looking for a center console for offshore fishing, a luxury cruiser for entertaining, or a yacht for extended stays on the water, the newest 2025 models offer outstanding performance, comfort, and technology. Below are some of the top choices for this year, along with average price ranges.

1. Invincible 37' Catamaran

Best for: Offshore Fishing & Performance

  • Price Range: $750,000 - $1M
  • Why It’s Popular: The Invincible 37’ Catamaran is known for its stability, speed, and spacious fishing-friendly layout. Powered by quad Mercury 300…

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A Perfect February Walk at Pine Beach – Discovering the Beauty of Fort Morgan


By Meredith Amon

Pine Beach Fort Morgan Alabama

Yesterday, I took my dog for a walk at Pine Beach, a hidden gem near the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Fort Morgan, just about 15 minutes from Gulf Shores (view Gulf Shores real estate here). It was one of those perfect February days on the Gulf Coast—clear skies, a gentle breeze, and a comfortable 73 degrees.

As we made our way down the trail, I couldn’t help but admire the live oak trees, their branches gracefully draped in Spanish moss, swaying softly with the wind. The landscape at Pine Beach is untouched and serene, offering a mix of maritime forests, dunes, and wetlands, all leading to one of the most peaceful stretches of beach…

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A Private Tour of Ono Island’s Most Exquisite Waterfront Estate: Architectural Brilliance and Coastal Luxury

By Meredith Amon

Ono Island Alabama Homes

In a recent discussion for a magazine article, I had the opportunity to explore a remarkable family-oriented estate on Ono Boulevard, a residence designed with a commitment to enduring elegance and sophisticated livability. Unlike many coastal homes, which prioritize transient stays over enduring comfort, this masterpiece was envisioned for everyday luxury, incorporating custom elements such as bespoke wallpaper in the private theater and Cristallo quartzite surfaces adorning both the kitchen and wine room. From a hammered freestanding tub to a barrel-vaulted Venetian plaster ceiling, every element within this home exudes…

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How to Finance a Condo on the Gulf Coast and in Orange Beach: What Buyers Need to Know

By Meredith Amon

Purchasing a condo on the Gulf Coast, especially in Orange Beach, is an exciting investment, whether you're looking for a vacation getaway, rental income, or a permanent residence. However, financing a condo differs significantly from buying a single-family home. Many buyers are surprised by the additional requirements and complexities, especially when it comes to securing a loan for what lenders classify as a "non-warrantable" condo. As a Gulf Coast expert real estate advisor, I want to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand what to expect and how to navigate the financing challenges with ease.

Why Condo Financing is…

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Bellville Bay and Ono Harbour: Hidden Gems on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon

Ono Harbour on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama

As a longtime real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I’ve had the privilege of exploring every nook and cranny of this breathtaking coastal community. Among the many stunning enclaves, two stand out as true hidden gems—Bellville Bay and Ono Harbour. These exclusive areas offer a rare blend of privacy, deep-water access, and an unrivaled coastal lifestyle that makes them highly desirable for boating enthusiasts and luxury homebuyers alike.

Bellville Bay: A Tranquil Retreat on Ono Island

Nestled on the northern side of Ono Island, Bellville Bay is a sanctuary for those who crave peace, natural beauty, and easy access to the water.…

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Flora-Bama Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party 2025

Flora Bama Mullet Toss 2025

The Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party is back for 2025, promising another wild, unforgettable weekend filled with live music, food, beachside fun, and of course—the legendary mullet toss competition. From April 25-27, thousands will gather on the white sandy beaches of Perdido Key to take part in what has become a bucket-list event for locals and visitors alike.

This event is more than just tossing a fish—it’s about community, charity, and an all-out beach celebration. Whether you’re here to compete, party, or just soak in the atmosphere, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

What is the Interstate Mullet Toss?

The Interstate Mullet Toss is exactly…

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Flora-Bama Annual Event 2025 – Your Ultimate Guide

FloraBama 2025

Flora-Bama’s Annual Event is a must-attend celebration along the Gulf Coast, combining live music, incredible food, a scenic beach run for charity, and the area’s signature coastal atmosphere. Whether you're participating in the Beach Run for America’s Warriors, enjoying fresh Gulf seafood, or taking in live entertainment, this event is a highlight of the year.

Flora-Bama’s 12th Annual Beach Run for America’s Warriors

The Flora-Bama Beach Run for America’s Warriors takes place on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This unique event runs entirely on the sand, offering participants breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The 5K course heads west into Alabama, while the half marathon course leads east…

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2025 Part 107 Exam 

Section 1: Understanding Sectional Charts

Before we dive into exercises, let’s review the key elements of a sectional chart:

  • Airspace Classes (B, C, D, E, G) and their altitude limits
  • Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
  • Special Use Airspace (SUA): Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert, CFA
  • Latitude/Longitude for identifying locations
  • Symbols for airports, towers, obstacles, and restricted areas
  • Legend & Chart Supplements

Section 2: Exercises with Detailed Answers

Exercise 1: Identifying Airspace

Question:
You are planning a drone operation at 30°18′N 97°42′W near Austin, Texas.

  • Identify the type of airspace.
  • What permissions, if any, are required to fly there?

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Operation ReConnect: Strengthening Veterans’ Connections


By Meredith Amon

 Operation Reconnect

For many post-9/11 combat veterans, reintegration into civilian life comes with challenges—rebuilding relationships, reconnecting with loved ones, and finding moments of peace. Operation ReConnect, founded by Ryan Charrier, is making a difference by offering military families uninterrupted time together in coastal retreats. Since its inception in 2015, the nonprofit has provided week-long getaways for hundreds of families each year, thanks to generous donations and support from individuals and businesses. “Most of our contributions come from everyday people giving between $20 and $100,” Charrier notes, with over $3.5 million raised in the past decade.

What makes…

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