The History of Ono Island: From Frontier Outpost to Private Paradise

THE HISTORY OF ONO ISLAND: FROM FRONTIER OUTPOST TO PRIVATE PARADISE

By Meredith Amon — Licensed in Alabama & Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

When I cross the private bridge onto Ono Island—that long, narrow ribbon tucked between Bayou St. John and Old River—I’m reminded that this isn’t just a gated neighborhood. It’s a century-long story of shifting coastlines, stubborn pioneers, and a 1970s development vision that turned scrub and sand roads into one of the Gulf Coast’s most private communities.

Where is Ono Island—and why it matters today

Ono sits at Alabama’s southeastern edge across from Perdido Key, Florida. The island is roughly 5.5 miles long, outside city limits but…

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Turquoise Place Orange Beach | Luxury Condos & Community Growth

Turquoise Place in Orange Beach: Luxury Condos and a Growing Community

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

When I drive along Perdido Beach Boulevard, my eyes go straight to Turquoise Place. With its turquoise-tinted glass and Gulf-front presence, it is the largest and one of the most recognizable condominium properties in Orange Beach. For owners and buyers, Turquoise Place represents elevated coastal living with expansive views, generous floor plans, and resort-style amenities in the heart of town.

A zoning update that improved access

In 2022, a zoning change from single-family residential to Planned Unit Development (PUD)…

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Why Now is a Great Time to Buy Vacant Land on Ono Island

WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY VACANT LAND ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I walk or boat around Ono Island, I’m often asked, “Isn’t the island almost built out by now?” The answer is yes and no — while many premier lots are already developed, there are still opportunities to purchase vacant land. For buyers with a vision, owning a piece of undeveloped property here offers flexibility, potential equity growth, and the chance to design a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle.

Is Ono Island Built Out?

It’s true that Ono Island has matured over the years with stunning homes along big water, canals, and interior streets, but vacant lots remain available. Some are tucked away in quiet…

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Ono Island Real Estate Reaches New Heights with $7M+ Sales

Ono Island’s New Era of Luxury: Record-Breaking Sales and Market Outlook

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I’ve seen firsthand how this private island community has transformed over the years. What was once a quiet stretch of land known locally as Goat Island has now become one of the Gulf Coast’s most desirable addresses. And today, Ono Island has officially entered a new chapter as a premier luxury enclave, with recent record-breaking sales proving its strength alongside top-tier markets like 30A and Destin.

Record-Breaking Sales Over $7 Million

Over the past year, several…

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Building on the Gulf Coast: A Real Estate Advisor’s Guide to Development

BUILDING ON THE GULF COAST: A REAL ESTATE ADVISOR’S GUIDE TO DEVELOPMENT 

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Developing property along the Gulf Coast—whether in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Key—can be incredibly rewarding when done right. But before you break ground, it's essential to understand the unique steps, regulations, and regional nuances that can influence everything from design to resale value. I’ve worked closely with buyers, builders, architects, and city departments for years, and I’ve learned firsthand that the more informed you are, the smoother your build will be.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Gulf Coast Build

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Behind the Scenes of a Coastal Development: What I Learned About Building for Vacation Rentals

Behind the Scenes of a Coastal Development: What I Learned About Building for Vacation Rentals

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Property Development on the Gulf: What You Need to Know About Vacation Rentals in Today’s Market

Not every coastal development idea translates easily into reality—especially in Orange Beach, Alabama, where city regulations, shifting tourism patterns, and insurance challenges can complicate even the most promising plan.

This week, I sat down with a developer, city planning contacts, and stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of building townhomes for vacation rentals on a multi-lot property just steps from the…

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