Essential Guide to Bulkhead and Seawall Permits on the Gulf Coast: What Homeowners Need to Know

Essential Guide to Bulkhead and Seawall Permits on the Gulf Coast: What Homeowners Need to Know

When planning to build or repair bulkheads and seawalls on the Gulf Coast, obtaining the appropriate permits is essential to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) oversee these permits through a Joint Application Process (ADEM Form 166). Here’s a comprehensive guide on the critical factors to understand:

1. Application Process

• Joint Application Requirement: Applicants must submit a completed form to both USACE and ADEM. This process streamlines regulatory oversight, ensuring both federal and state standards are met.
• …

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Investing in Luxury Real Estate on the Gulf Coast: Discover the Irreplaceable Charm of Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama

Investing in Luxury Real Estate on the Gulf Coast: Discover the Irreplaceable Charm of Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama

The Gulf Coast, with its serene beaches, year-round warmth, and unmatched beauty, has become a top destination for luxury real estate investment. Among its most exclusive locales, Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama, offer distinctive opportunities for discerning investors seeking premier coastal properties. With a focus on exclusivity, natural beauty, and unparalleled water-centric amenities, these areas present a compelling blend of lifestyle and value.

Why Choose Ono Island and Orange Beach?

1. Exclusive Coastal Living

Ono Island is a private, gated community known for its seclusion and luxury. Accessible…

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Building Resilient Communities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Model Inspired by Disaster-Proof Neighborhoods

Building Resilient Communities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Model Inspired by Disaster-Proof Neighborhoods

When powerful hurricanes threaten the Gulf Coast, the demand for resilient housing grows more critical each season. Recently, a groundbreaking development in Cortez, Florida, known as Hunters Point, has inspired coastal communities across the Gulf, including Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, to consider similar hurricane-resistant designs. As communities look toward the future, Hunterss Point offers a glimpse into how robust design can enhance both safety and sustainability, especially when adapted to Alabama’s beautiful yet storm-prone coastline.

Resilient Design: Lessons from Florida

Hunters Point was…

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Ono Island: From Goat Grazing Grounds to Gulf Coast Gem – A Storied History

Ono Island: From Goat Grazing Grounds to Gulf Coast Gem – A Storied History

Ono Island, an exclusive oasis near Orange Beach, Alabama, is known today as a luxurious, private community surrounded by serene waters and stunning natural landscapes. However, this wasn’t always the case. The story of Ono Island is as unique as its name, spanning from untamed land used for grazing goats to a WWII Navy training ground, and finally, to the prestigious enclave it is today. Let’s explore the rich history, unique characters, and pivotal moments that shaped Ono Island.

The Early Days: Goat Island and a Natural Transformation

In 1945, Ono Island was far from the high-end community it is now. Known then as "Goat Island," this 5.5-mile-long stretch of land…

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Honoring Veterans Day: Alabama’s Legacy and Local Specials in South Baldwin for 2024

Honoring Veterans Day: Alabama’s Legacy and Local Specials in South Baldwin for 2024

Did you know Alabama was home to the first National Veterans Day Celebration? Raymond Weeks, a Birmingham native, organized the inaugural event as an Armistice Day parade on November 11, 1947. His efforts to honor veterans were soon recognized nationwide when U.S. Representative Edward H. Rees proposed changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, honoring all who served. This week, South Baldwin celebrates this legacy by honoring veterans with a variety of specials, events, and community gatherings.

Local Veterans Day Specials and Events

South Baldwin businesses are showing their gratitude with exclusive offers for veterans and active military members. Here’s a…

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Ono Island: Essential Facts and Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers

Ono Island: Essential Facts and Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers

Ono Island is a hidden gem along the Gulf Coast in Alabama, known for its distinct natural beauty and exclusive coastal living. This private, gated island community offers a blend of luxury, privacy, and proximity to natural amenities, making it ideal for those seeking a Gulf Coast home. Below are some frequently asked questions and key details for prospective property owners on Ono Island.

1. Is Ono Island located in Alabama or Florida?

Ono Island is located in Alabama, just west of the Florida state line, accessible by a private bridge. This location offers easy access to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Pensacola, Florida, while enjoying the benefits of a serene…

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Exploring Ono Island Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

Exploring Ono Island Homes on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

Ono Island offers a truly unique lifestyle, especially for boating enthusiasts and water lovers, with its position along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Homes on this island provide direct access to the ICW, allowing for an ideal mix of privacy, luxury, and convenient access to open waters.

Water Depths on the ICW Near Ono Island

The ICW around Ono Island generally has depths ranging between 6 to 12 feet, varying based on tides, season, and weather conditions. These depths are accommodating for various boat sizes, making Ono Island a versatile choice for homeowners with different boating preferences.

Types and Sizes of Boats on the ICW

Given the ICW's accommodating depth near…

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Exploring Homes on Ono Island’s Canals: A Boater’s Dream

EXPLORING HOMES ON ONO ISLAND’S CANALS: A BOATER’S DREAM

Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Ono Island is a paradise for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle. With its intricate network of canals, the island offers an exclusive opportunity for boat enthusiasts to dock, launch, and explore the waterways right from their own backyards. Meredith Amon, a real estate advisor specializing in Ono Island, assists buyers and sellers in navigating the nuances of canal-front properties and understanding how boat access impacts the real estate process. Here’s a guide to what boat owners can expect with Ono Island’s canals, including insights into the types of boats suitable for the area, bridge-locked limitations, and market trends.

Boat Types for Ono Island’s…

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Gulf Shores, Alabama: The Ultimate Guide for Visitors and Residents

GULF SHORES, ALABAMA: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS

Ah, Gulf Shores! This charming seaside town on Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers a mix of sandy beaches, warm Southern hospitality, and endless adventure. Whether you're planning a getaway or thinking of making Gulf Shores your new home, there’s no shortage of things to explore—from culinary gems and art galleries to top-notch golf courses and waterside excursions. Let’s dive into all that Gulf Shores has to offer!

1. Beaches: The Soul of Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores’ beautiful beaches are famous for their powdery white sand and inviting turquoise waters. The main Gulf Shores Beach, located along Beach Boulevard, is popular with locals and visitors alike, providing easy access to…

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Purchasing Your Gulf Coast Home with a VA Loan: Essential Insights for Veterans

PURCHASING YOUR GULF COAST HOME WITH A VA LOAN: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS FOR VETERANS

Thinking about purchasing a home on the Gulf Coast with a VA loan? This guide offers essential information for veterans looking to buy in the beautiful areas of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and Foley. From understanding VA loan benefits to navigating unique coastal property requirements, this article covers key insights to help make your Gulf Coast homeownership journey smooth and successful.

Purchasing a home on the Gulf Coast using a VA loan offers numerous benefits, including favorable terms and often no down payment. However, buyers may encounter specific challenges and requirements:

Challenges for VA Loan Buyers:

1. Property…

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