Lance Steffek

The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area is great for many reasons – beach, beautiful gulf waters, and other natural beauty. Another benefit of this location is the opportunity to watch the incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice overhead.

The U.S. Navy Flight Exhibition Team, the Blue Angels, is made up of 16 officers who voluntarily apply for this honor. The officers typically serve for 3 years with the team. These pilots are career-oriented Navy and Marine Corp jet pilots with a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet-flight hours. The Commanding Officer, who flies the number 1 jet, is selected by the Chief of Naval Air Training. The “Boss”, the Blue Angels Commanding Officer, is required to have at least 3,000 tactical jet-flight hours and also have experience as a tactical jet squadron commander. You can read about each officer on the Blue Angels website.

The Blue Angels Support Team includes an events coordinator, maintenance officer, flight surgeon, administrative officer, public affairs officer, supply officer and about 100 enlisted sailors and marines. For each show, about 45 support team members travel to the show site. Members of the support team must be recommended by their commanding officer and go through a rigorous screening process. The fact that in the history of the Blue Angels, a show has never been cancelled due to maintenance problems attests to the excellence of this team.

The Blue Angels began in 1946 and is officially the oldest formal flying aerobatic team. Their mission is to “enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting, and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.” Currently the Blue Angels use the F/A-18 Hornet for their 70 shows throughout the United States each year. Shows are performed from March through the end of October.

It is exciting to watch the Blue Angels practice whether in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, and a schedule of practice times can be found on the Blue Angel’s website. The team’s home base is the U.S. Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida where they typically practice on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March through October. Since Pensacola is “just across the state line”, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a great view of practice.

There are also many other “great views” in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach which draw residents and visitors from around the world. Let me help you find a Gulf Shores or Orange Beach location where you can enjoy the views for many years to come. Give me a call today. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.

Now that the fire no longer burns in Gulf State Park near Gulf Shores, one of the stories that emerges from the week is that of "saving mama gator and her babies". During the wildfire a family of alligators took cover in a mud hole while the area around them burned to ash. When Conservation Officer, Roger Reetz, took his first walk around the grounds after the fire was extinguished, he didn't see signs of life until he spotted a mud hole almost dried up. Inside the mud hole was a mother alligator and at least nine babies.

The Orange Beach Fire Department came to the alligator family's rescue and filled the mud hole with water to aid their survival. The Fire Department is filling the mud hole until the rains come and the family can get back to their natural living conditions. A series of photographs was taken and shared on Facebook by John Mullen.

The fire was started by an ember, and this serves as an unfortunate reminder of how important it is for all park visitors to be vigilant and cautious regarding campfires and grilling. Luckily this fire did not pose a threat to homes or property, and no one was injured. But, it will take time for the ecosystem to return to normal, especially the 50-year-old Spanish Live Oak trees.

The fire departments of both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are now looking back and studying what worked well in their containment of the fire. They are looking ahead to planning public education topics regarding the interface of urban settings bordering large natural settings such as Gulf State Park. I commend our local fire departments for their hard work in containing and stopping the fire.

This beautiful park and all the wildlife we enjoy so close to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is one of the reasons we chose to live here. I thank our local fire departments for "watering down mama gator" and protecting this great park for us.

The beauty of the area and the attention to caring for the natural beauty ensures that real estate here is a wise investment. I have many real estate options now for you to consider. Give me a call today. Lance Steffek: 251-981-2225.

Photo courtesy of Facebook - John Mullen

Remember my GOOD NEWS FLASH about Turquoise Place earlier this spring? "BP inducements have allowed developer Larry Wireman to discount luxurious condominiums on the 13th floor and below to an unheard of $725,000 asking price! Units above the 13th floor are being offered for the incredible price of $775,000.

The 3 bedroom units originally started at 1.25 million. Now, even the luxurious 4-bedroom corner units are discounted to $1.3 million for the east corner locations and $1.2 million for west corner locations."

The BP inducement did catch buyers' attention - the Turquoise Condominiums are selling very quickly! As of June 13, 2011, 50 units have closed with additional units under contract. Don't miss out on this opportunity. We don't know how long the BP inducements will continue to be offered.

This short video about Turquoise Place gives just a hint of the elegance and amenities. Turquoise Place sets a new standard for elegance along the Alabama Gulf Coast with its two towers, encased in shimmering turquoise glass, housing condominiums that range from 2,300-5,900 square feet. Each unit is complete with gourmet kitchen, high-end appliances, Jacuzzi hot tub, HD digital television mounted above a gas fireplace, and outdoor kitchen on the balcony. Every unit is equipped with wireless internet, and over 100 cable TV channels including HD and movie. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide incredible panoramic scenes of Gulf waters and white beaches.

For those interested in fully furnished and decorated condominiums, a special offer is available on 3-bedroom units. For an additional $25,000 the units come fully outfitted with a designer furniture package and everything down to the silverware and linens to make the unit completely ready for occupancy. Many of the units are bought with an eye to renting them out to vacationers when the owners can pry themselves away, so this special offer makes the property ready to rent right after closing. The deal does not stop there, however. The developer is also offering a guarantee that owners wishing to rent will net $20,000 per year for 3 years if the unit is put into the rental program.

Turquoise Place amenities are the ultimate with a lazy river to enjoy on the huge sundeck/lounge area overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, indoor and outdoor pools, 4-story water-wall, sauna and steam rooms, fully equipped fitness room, large outdoor playground area, and covered parking. High technology is a unique feature of the Turquoise Place units. The buildings have smart-key security and owners can manage their units from a computer anywhere in the world.

All of the features, lifestyle and beauty of Turquoise Place are impressive at original asking prices. The fact that units are still available for the huge discounts offered by this developer is truly an investor's or individual buyer's dream. Now is the time to take advantage of the BP inducements - call me today to further explore this opportunity to own a part of elegant Turquoise Place. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd - - it's time to enjoy three fun baseball tournaments in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Alabama USSSA is an active state division of The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are enthusiastic hosts of three tournaments coming up in June and July. All of these tournaments are for youths and promise to be exciting to watch.

The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is the nation's largest multi-sport athletic association. It was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida. The association includes over 13 primary sports programs and was created to allow players of all levels to compete in national play. One of the largest of the sports programs, USSSA Baseball, has divisions based on skill level from the Major Division for the top competitive teams in the country to A Division which is recreational teams only. All teams must play in their state tournaments to qualify for USSSA World Series.

Orange Beach will host the 2011 USSSA Gulf Coast Global State Championships (ages 7-14) on June 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Over 30 high-level baseball teams will compete in this tournament which will be held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex at 4385 William Silvers Parkway.

The 2011 World Series for Coach Pitch Baseball (ages 8 and under) will be held from June 28- July 3. Games will be played at the sports complex in Foley, The Gulf Shores Sportsplex on Oak Road West, and The Orange Beach Sportsplex. Opening ceremonies on June 28th will be held at The Hangout located at 101 Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores.

The 2011 Global Sports Baseball World Series, with over 100 youth teams (ages 7-14) will be held July 2-6. Games will be played at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex and the Orange Beach Sportsplex. Opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday, July 2. Check out the excitement in this video of last year's series.

Take a break from the beach, kick the sand off your sandals, and head to the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Sportsplex. Enjoy a fun day watching some very talented young baseball players.

We are fortunate to have these excellent sport complexes in our area. They add to the variety of outdoor activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. And these many outdoor activities help create the great lifestyle enjoyed in our area! Check out the wonderful Gulf Shores or Orange Beach lifestyle for yourself - I'm ready to help you get started. Give me a call today. Lance Steffek: 251-981-2225.

It's totally unscientific research, but it does make sense. In order to "measure" the numbers of tourists enjoying our beaches and hospitality, the tourism leaders count cars in the parking lots. A check of license plates shows where visitors are from and how far they have traveled to Gulf Shores.

According to AL.com, on June 15, 2011, the tourism group reported that parking lots have been full and all tourism indicators are looking very good. In a Pleasure Island tourism report, it was stated that this past winter the lodging revenue was higher than it has ever been! The report on AL.com stated that this winter revenue reached $20.7 million. Prior to winter 2010-11, the highest lodging revenue reported occurred in the winter of 2007, and that amount was $17.5 million.

USA Today reported on April 22, 2011 that, "A year after the worst oil spill in U.S. history, tourism is returning to the Gulf Coast." They reported that fall revenue from lodging is up 15% over the same time last year in the Pensacola and Perdido Key area.

A quote from Freddie Marzan who manages Peg Leg Pete's Oyster Bar in Pensacola said that their business is back up to where it was prior to the oil spill.

The highest tourism revenues are reached in the summer months and those remain to be seen, however the indicators are promising. The mayor of Gulf Shores, Robert Craft, stated that, "Gulf Shores saw a 12 percent increase in tax collections from January - April." The mayor of Orange Beach said that crowds were returning from later in the fall throughout the winter to spring.

Both mayors agree that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will keep the red carpet out for summer visitors. The oil spill devastated the summer business last year, but all are optimistic that crowds will return to their favorite local resorts and beaches. There were large crowds for the Hangout Music Festival and Memorial Weekend this May. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will bring many visitors in mid-June. July is filled with concerts and fishing tournaments as well as all the special July 4th weekend events.

Whether its counting cars in the parking lots or reading area tourism reports, the news is good in Gulf Shores! This is a great time to invest in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach real estate. I am ready with the information and options to help - give me a call today. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.

photo courtesy nola.agent - flickr creative commons