Depth, Draft, and Design: Boating Ono Island’s Waterways

DEPTH, DRAFT, AND DESIGN: BOATING ONO ISLAND’S WATERWAYS

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 life moves with the tide and the hum of an outboard at dusk. Morning coffee on a dock becomes a ritual, and the day’s decisions often start with a glance at the waterline. As a homeowner on Ono Island and a local real estate advisor, I help buyers and boaters match the right waterfront home with the right draft and the right waterway. Depth is not just a number here. It is a lifestyle choice that determines how and where you run, from inshore flats to the Gulf beyond Perdido Pass.

Reading the Water: Ono’s…

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Fort Barrancas – A Historic Gulf Coast Landmark Near Pensacola, Florida

Fort Barrancas – Pensacola, Florida

Pronounced: buh-RANG-kiss

Living along the Gulf Coast, I’m constantly discovering new layers of beauty and meaning in the landscapes around us. Some of the most impactful stories aren’t told through words—but through places. Fort Barrancas, sitting proudly above Pensacola Bay’s high bluffs, is one of those places that makes you stop, breathe deeply, and imagine what came before.

This is no ordinary coastal fort. Fort Barrancas is a symbol of strategy, craftsmanship, and military might—built first by the Spanish in the late 1700s, then expanded into a formidable stronghold by the United States in the 1800s. Today, it stands as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, nestled within what is now Naval Air…

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Is the Gulf Shores Condo Market Shifting? March 2025 Market Report & Buyer Insights

Is the Gulf Shores Condo Market Shifting? March 2025 Market Report & Buyer Insights 

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As an expert real estate advisor on the Gulf Coast, I’ve seen the condo market in Gulf Shores shift significantly over the past year. Whether you’re thinking of buying a second home or selling an investment condo, understanding the latest data is key. Here's a snapshot of the market as of March 2025.

March 2025 Market Snapshot – Gulf Shores Condos

Unit Sales: 393 Condos Sold
More than previous month (393 in March vs. 372 in February)
More than same month last year (393 vs. 318 in March 2024)

Average Sales Price: $425,127
Less than previous month ($425,127 vs. $482,118)
Less than same month last…

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Discovering the Boating Lifestyle on Ono Island

Discovering the Boating Lifestyle on Ono Island

As a trusted real estate advisor and proud resident of Ono Island, I am constantly reminded of how special this community truly is. Today, I want to share my thoughts on one of the island's most unique and valuable features: the boating amenities that make this paradise a haven for water enthusiasts and a sound investment for homeowners.

I recently took a walk to the community boat launch, a well-maintained hub that offers easy access to Bayou St. John. Whether you’re heading out for a day of deep-sea fishing, exploring nearby islands, or simply enjoying a sunset cruise, the launch is where countless adventures begin. It’s also a wonderful place to feel the pulse of the island—a shared space…

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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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FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

Important Update on FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

The update below comes from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) this week. Though the changes won’t take effect until November 2025, I wanted to share this information now to help you prepare, as it will impact eligibility for FORTIFIED designation for homes on Ono Island.

Starting in November 2025, all new roofs and re-roofing projects on Ono Island will need to be installed by certified FORTIFIED™ roofing contractors to qualify for FORTIFIED designations. This change is intended to improve the quality of installations, reduce errors during the evaluation process, and increase the number of homes successfully…

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Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Unite for Historic 2024 Pensacola Airshow

Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Unite for Historic 2024 Pensacola Airshow

The skies over Pensacola, Florida, were electrified on November 1-2, 2024, as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed together at the NAS Pensacola Airshow. This rare collaboration showcased the exceptional skill, bravery, and professionalism of America’s premier flight demonstration teams. Both teams are renowned for their precision flying and complex aerial maneuvers, and their combined display highlighted the excellence of U.S. military aviation.

Meet the 2024 Thunderbirds Team

Leading the Thunderbirds was Lt Col Nathan Malafa, Commander and Leader. His leadership and precision flying guided the team through complex routines,…

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Blue Angels & Thunderbirds Shine at the Pensacola Homecoming 2024

Blue Angels & Thunderbirds Shine at the Pensacola Homecoming 2024

Photograph Credit: Joel Edwards 2024

Photograph Credit: Joel Edwards 2024

The 2024 Pensacola Homecoming Air Show was an unforgettable event, gathering crowds from all over to witness the unmatched precision, professionalism, and teamwork of some of the world’s most elite aviators. This year’s show featured not only the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds but also an impressive lineup of civilian performers like Redline Aerobatics and other renowned pilots. Together, these pilots demonstrated a thrilling combination of skill, heroism, and determination that captivated audiences throughout the event.

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Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction for Gulf Coast Homes

Exploring Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction for Gulf Coast Homes

Hello, I'm Meredith Amon, a dedicated real estate advisor for Ono Island, Orange Beach, and Gulf Coast communities. Today, I want to share some insights about a building method that’s growing in popularity for its resilience, speed, and suitability for our coastal environment: pre-cast and tilt-up concrete construction. These methods offer significant benefits, especially for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas along the Gulf Coast.

What is Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction?

In a nutshell, tilt-up concrete construction involves pouring concrete panels flat on the ground, typically on a concrete slab at the job site, and then using cranes to “tilt” them up…

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