Building Concrete Pile-Ons: A Strong Foundation for Waterfront Homes on the Gulf Coast and Ono Island

Building on Concrete: A Strong Foundation for Waterfront Homes on Ono Island

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

On Ono Island, homes are built on different types of foundations depending on the lot and elevation. Interior homes are often built on slabs or stem walls, while many waterfront residences are elevated on pilings  to help protect against storm surge and fluctuating water levels. Traditionally, these supports have been treated wood. But many savvy homeowners and builders today are opting for concrete pilings for their waterfront builds.

I recently had the chance to watch this process in action, and it was impressive to see…

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Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Sally: A Gulf Coast Real Estate Guide to Storm Impacts in Orange Beach, Ono Island, and Beyond

Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Sally: A Gulf Coast Real Estate Guide to Storm Impacts in Orange Beach, Ono Island, and Beyond

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

When people ask me about living on the Alabama Gulf Coast, one of the most important conversations we have is about hurricane history. Two storms—Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Sally (2020)—stand out because of their timing, force, and the lessons they left behind. Both struck on September 16th, exactly sixteen years apart, yet their approaches, speeds, and aftermaths were dramatically different.

As a real estate advisor on the Gulf Coast, I see how these storms shaped building…

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The Truth About Flood Zones and Insurance on Ono Island. Meredith Amon

THE TRUTH ABOUT FLOOD ZONES AND INSURANCE ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I talk with buyers about Ono Island, one of the first questions I often hear is, “What about flood insurance?” It’s a fair question — after all, this is a private island surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, Bayou St. John, and Old River. Living here is about embracing the water, but it also means understanding how flood zones and insurance play into the picture.

Flood Zones: What Buyers Need to Know

Every property on Ono Island falls into a flood zone, but not all zones are created equal. Some homes sit higher, on interior streets with added elevation, while others back right onto canals or the bay. The difference…

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Why Metal Roofs Are a Smart Choice on the Gulf Coast. Meredith Amon

WHY METAL ROOFS ARE A SMART CHOICE ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

Living on the Gulf Coast, and especially here on Ono Island, our homes face constant exposure to salt air, humidity, strong sun, and hurricane-season storms. One of the smartest investments I see homeowners make is choosing a metal roof.  I’ve seen firsthand how the right roofing choice can mean the difference between peace of mind and costly repairs.

Durability in a Coastal Climate

Metal roofs generally last 20–50 years, which is two to three times longer than a traditional asphalt shingle roof. With proper care—such as keeping the roof clean,…

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Boater’s Dream on the Bay – New Ono Island Waterfront Listing

Boater’s Dream on the Bay – New Ono Island Waterfront Listing

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

A Fresh Waterfront Listing on Ono Island

One of the things I love most about living and working on Ono Island is seeing beautiful new homes hit the market. An agent just listed a property that immediately caught my eye, and I thought it was worth sharing with you. While it’s not my personal or company listing, it’s a wonderful example of what makes island living so special.

Why This Home Stands Out

• Private Sandy Beaches & Deep Water Access – This home offers safe, shallow beachfront perfect for swimming, yet it also boasts a 5–6…

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Canal Checklist Guide Ono Island and The Gulf Coast with Meredith Amon

Canal-Front Home & Dock Checklist — Ono Island and The Gulf Coast

Explore Ono Island: https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/
Boating amenities guide: https://www.searchthegulf.com/boating-accommodations-on-the-gulf-coast/

“Approach depth at seasonal lows, turning radius at your dock, prevailing wind, and wake patterns. Small details at the dock make daily boating easier.” — Meredith Amon

PROPERTY SNAPSHOT
[ ] Street / Area: __________________________
[ ] Flood Zone noted: _______________________
[ ] Lot type: [ ] Canal-front [ ] Interior near canal access
[ ] Shoreline type: [ ] Bulkhead [ ] Riprap [ ] Natural edge
[ ] Orientation for sun/wind (AM/PM shade): __________________

WATERWAY ACCESS
[ ] Shortest route(s) to Bayou…

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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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Smart Lighting Systems for Luxury Gulf Coast Homes | Meredith Folger Amon

Smart Lighting Systems: Elevating Luxury Homes on the Gulf Coast

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

A New Era of Lighting on the Gulf Coast

One of the most exciting design trends I’m seeing in new construction and luxury homes along the Gulf Coast is the integration of smart lighting systems. I recently came across the WAC Home system, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer. Imagine walking into your home on Ono Island or in Orange Beach and having every light tailored to the mood — whether it’s bright daylight tones for morning productivity or a soft, warm glow to wind down after a day on the water.

Why Smart Lighting Matters

…

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Wind Drift Condos Orange Beach | Renovations & Buyer Benefits

Wind Drift Condos: Renovations Elevate This Orange Beach Gem

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

A Fresh Start in 2025

The Wind Drift Condominiums in Orange Beach, Alabama have just completed a major round of improvements in 2025, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The buildings now boast a crisp white exterior that perfectly complements the Gulf Coast setting. For owners and buyers alike, this is one of the most exciting updates the property has seen in years.

Best of all, the seller has already paid the assessments for this work—which means the buyer will reap the benefits without taking on the cost.

2025…

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Living the Boating Lifestyle on Ono Island

ONO ISLAND: A BOATER’S PARADISE

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

Living the Boating Lifestyle on Ono Island

When I think about what makes Ono Island truly special, the word that always comes to mind is boating. This private island community in Orange Beach was designed with the water in mind. Nearly every turn reveals a sparkling view of Bayou St. John, Old River, or the Intracoastal Waterway. For those of us who love the water, it really is a boater’s paradise.

Many of my neighbors say the same thing: “It’s like living in a marina, but with the privacy of home.” Waterfront living here isn’t just about the view—it’s about access. Whether…

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