Pensacola Bay Passenger Ferry Service

Explore the history and culture of this growing waterfront city after relaxing on the sunny

shores of its award-winning, emerald-green coastline.  Now, it is easier then ever!

Recently announced the National Park Service is set to start a passenger ferry service between downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Fort Pickens which is part of the National Park Services Gulf Island National Sea Shore.

The Park Service estimated that over 65,000 passengers will take advantage of the ferry system each year. The ferry service with two – 150 passenger ferry boats will have an estimated cost per ticket for all 3 destinations is approximately $20.00. Adult and children fares will apply. The ferry tickets will include admission to the Gulf Island National Sea Shore and will offer on/off privileges, allowing passengers to travel to all destinations during the day.

The two – 150 passenger catamaran ferry boats will feature climate-controlled enclosed main deck and a shaded observation upper deck, equipped with a snack bar, restrooms, and some bike racks for those wanting to explore by bicycle. Additionally, Pensacola is always thinking about community and had a contest for all 4th graders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to name the 2 boats. 88 names were submitted and the winning names are Turtle Runner and Pelican Perch. The students were invited including their classes and families to the ribbon ceremony and to be the first to ride.

With such growth and innovation, now is the time to plan your trip to discover Pensacola and surrounding areas whether you are thinking of playing, staying or living in our area. Whether a condo, second home, vacation home, investment, job relocation, military move or whatever you are looking for in real estate, rest assured, our expert staff and real estate agents can help. Our real estate agents have first-hand knowledge of the areas and look forward to directing you to the best real estate opportunities in this growing waterfront city we call the EMERALD COAST! We can help you DISCOVER the best of PENSACOLA!

DISCOVER today!  www.FORSALEontheGULFCOAST.com

Discover Pensacola with Pointe South Real Estate Sales

DISCOVER PENSACOLA with SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE SALES

Under the direction of Broker/Owner, Susan Carleton, Southern Real Estate Sales has been selling real estate along the Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. Susan continues to lead by example with sales over $22 M SOLD last year http://www.susancarleton.com and sharing her experience and expertise with her team.

Southern has grown into an industry leader, offering a variety of properties to satisfy every taste, budget and dream of playing, staying and living along the Gulf Coast. Southern Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 short term rentals from Navarre Beach, Florida to the Eastern Shore of the Mobile Bay area while Southern Residential Leasing  maintains more than 650 long term rentals in Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope. With continual growth along the coast from Florida to Alabama, being licensed in both states is standard for her team. “We want to provide the very best service to our clients and showing and sharing with them the possibilities in Alabama is an absolute must!” said Susan. “Our team is committed to helping find the perfect piece of coastal living in a condo, investment or family home.” Southern does this by being “IN” the business and team effort from Broker to Agent, Client to Lender as well as additional vendors is imperative. The success of the team requires cooperation, listening to all parties, understanding the needs, wants and desires, managing all the parts and scheduling the appropriate appointments in a timely fashion. This synergy and an “ALL IN” mindset is paramount on the Southern Real Estate Sales Team. Southern Core Vales:

B e Positive
E xcellence
A daptive and Innovative
C ollaboration and Team Work
H onesty and Integrity

Southern roots infused with our southern hospitality grows outstanding service. Being a native of Pensacola as Susan is or a relocator that now calls Pensacola home, the team calls it paradise! The Southern Team are experts in the real estate field, experts in the area, the market, the developments, events and activities and associations. This confidence is evident when you speak to any of the Southern agents. They want you to enjoy the process of buying or selling real estate and want you to have a sweet Southern experience just as these clients have shared.

Customer “A” Sold a Single Family home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said, It was an Absolute pleasure to work with the team. Great contact throughout process. I lived in a different state as my house being sold, and not once did I worry about anything. Would absolutely recommend again and again!!”

Customer “B” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said,  “There were numerous hurdles to overcome and Susan stayed on top of everything. We needed to extend the closing on two separate occasions and Susan stayed on top of everything keeping us fully informed. The team was responsive to every call and email, communication was simply superb! I cannot thank enough as she helped us get into the retirement home of our dreams.”

Customer “C” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Orange Beach, AL. said, “True professional throughout the purchasing process. We have multiple transactions through Southern and always have 5 star customer service.”

Working with EXPERTS is important!  TRUSTING your EXPERT with one of your biggest financial investments is even more important!

When you are interested in buying, selling or investing, Susan and the Southern Real Estate Sales Team is ready to assist. Learn more today at Meet the Team.

Gulf Coast Biggest Beach Party & Annual Mullet Toss

The infamous Beach Party and Mullet Toss is planned for April!  Hmmm….you may be asking what is a mullet toss?  Well, it’s not the 80’s haircut, but it is one of the largest beach parties on the Gulf Coast that has participants throwing this fish called a mullet.  The mullet toss is hosted and organized by Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar to see who can throw a fish the farthest over the state line between Florida and Alabama.  The farthest throw wins and fans and participants enjoy good fun, live legendary music, people watching, dancing, singing and especially enjoy the Flora-Bama famous concoction drink called the “Bushwacker”.

Mark your calendar for April 27-29, 2018.  All this annual fun is a national event with music, good food and contributes to our local youth charities including local school education and prevention programs, CDAC, community support and to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  More then $40,000 was donated last year for this weekend fun.  Come out and enjoy and support.  The fun starts on Friday with the first throw at noon.  So fling your fish.  The cost to toss is $15.00 including a souvenir t-shirt and then you toss the entire fish which weighs just about 1lb. across the border.  All ages and family fun is had by all.  Let the beach bash begin!

Pensacola-Perdido Key, Florida sees new GROWTH!

Since Don Carlos Siguenza first found the 16-mile long island in 1693 by accident when his ship blew off course, which bore the name “Perdido Key” which is Spanish for “Lost Island”. Today, much of the island and Pensacola in general is remarkably similar to then.  Nature has helped shape and reshape the barrier island which extends 16 miles between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.  Tucked beautifully between Florida and Alabama, Perdido Key escaped the explosion of beach development and was left to appreciative locals who enjoyed the remoteness…as well as the fishing, swimming and sugar-sand white beaches.

But as Florida became more and more developed – especially after the US Navy sold off portions of the now Lost Key Golf & Beach Club in early 1950’s for as little as $3000 an acre, Federal and State agencies bought much of the land and now more than 60 percent of Perdido Key is off limits to development.

With large agreement between the county and federal government, they are allowed to issue permits for development of a limited number of acres on Perdido Key in 5 year intervals.  Escambia County leaders have worked for years to overcome hurdles to develop on the barrier island and are happy with the recent growth.  “There is quite a bit of construction out there now and that’s a good thing,” said Escambia County Commission Chairman Doug Underhill, who applauded developers for working with the county and following the strict guidelines outlined in the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation Plan.

“The developers are doing good work out there and the plan is working the way it was intended to work,” he said. Tim Day, Escambia County’s environmental director, pointed to the Lost Key Resort townhome development as one example of the permitting process working as it was intended to work.  The gated community, which is under construction on the key, includes a golf course, club, pool, and fitness center.  Another project planned on the key is the Meridian, a 41-unit upscale condominium tower.  The 64-unit Vista Del Mar development opened this summer.

Since 2015, Day said 57 permits have been issued under the county’s habitat conservation plan.  The permits account for six of the 11 acres available under the five-year allotment of development permits on the key.  Additional permits for new acreage will be available in November of 2019, he said.

Although a strict permitting process is in place, it protects the beach mouse as well as threatened sea turtles and shore birds.  Monetary requirements fund to protect these species as well as the steady growth of the area.

Southern Real Estate Sales has been serving the area since 1995 and understands the sanctity of the area and how special a place Perdido Key is in addition to Pensacola with the uniqueness of downtown Pensacola, home of the US Navy Blue Angels, it’s closeness to Alabama, Pensacola Beach Pier, amazing fishing, and the most beautiful sugar sand beaches.  Our agents sell both Florida and Alabama real estate and will enjoy showing you the area.  Don’t just take my word for it, let us know when you are coming to stay for a day or stay for a lifetime! pointesouth.com 

Upcoming Events on the Gulf Coast !

What’s Happening on the Gulf Coast!
Celebrate the unique combination of food, history, art, music and beaches that can all be found in and around our city. From the smaller arts and crafts festivals to the larger music festival, these outdoor parties are fun for the whole family! Don’t just take our word for it! Come see Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Destin, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores. Find your perfect place on the Gulf Coast whether you are coming to play, stay or invest, Southern Rentals & Real Estate can help to make your sweet Southern experience memorable!

Our Calendar of Events has some of the fun for the Fall Season!

October
Blue Angels practice : Pensacola
Flora Bama Oktoberfest :
Humane Society’s Barktoberfest : Pensacola
13-15 Annual Shrimp Festival : Gulf Shores
13-15 58th Greek Festival : Pensacola
14-Bridge to Bridge Run 5K : Pensacola
17 UWF Symphonic Band Concert Band : Pensacola
18 Fishing Rodeo : Destin
28 Spooky Movie on the Lawn at The Wharf : Orange Beach
22 Art & Wine Festival : Pensacola Beach
24 Bands on the Beach : consecutive Tuesdays : Pensacola Beach
20 Gallery Night Downtown : Pensacola
28 Boo at the Zoo : Gulf Breeze
28 Halloween at Naval Museum: Pensacola
28 Wahooloween : Blue Wahoo Stadium: Pensacola

November
Ice Flyers Hockey is back.
38th Annual Toys for Tots Run :
02 Foo Foo Festival : Pensacola
03 Umbrella Sky Project : downtown Pensacola
03 Annual Oyster Cook Off at The Hangout : Gulf Shores
04 Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival : Harbor Walk Village : Destin
08 Magic Men Live at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
09 Elf – the musical at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
17 Ice Skating at The Wharf : Orange Beach
10 An Evening with Guitarist, Gene Bertoncini: Pensacola
10 Emerald Coast Theatre Co.-Disney Aristocrats Kids show : Destin
10-11 Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show : Pensacola
11 Repti Day – Reptile and Exotic Animals Expr : Navarre
12 Annual Marathon : Pensacola
16 Palafox Market, recurring weekly : downtown Pensacola
18-19 UTR Tennis Tournament : Orange Beach
24 Magic Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home opens for the month : AL
24 Elf Parade : downtown Pensacola
27-28 Annual Tree Lighting : Orange Beach

December
02 Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks : Pensacola Beach
03 Visit with Santa at the Harbor Walk : Destin
08 Christmas on the Coast : Pensacola Children’s Chorus : downtown Pensacola
09 Christmas Parade : Destin
01-17 Horse and Carriage Riders at The Wharf : Orange Beach
09 Flora Bama Santa Drop
15 Nutcracker at the Saenger Theatre : Pensacola
31 Pelican Drop Celebration – downtown Pensacola

With so much to do around town, whether you are looking to stay for a day or make the move of a lifetime, Southern is dedicated to helping you find the perfect place. Stop by one of our office today.  Southern Rentals and Real Estate

Have a sweet Southern experience !

Pensacola Beach hosts record crowd for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels drew a record crowd to the sugar-white sand and turquoise water of the Gulf Coast earlier in July. The “Blues” annual Homecoming Air Show in Pensacola Beach which has a reputation as a tourist destination is rivaled only by its military heritage. The Blue Angels are hometown heroes to the locals and this amazing elite, high-flying team with their aerial maneuvers and laser point precision is a spectacular show for all ages. Naval Air Station Pensacola is located just west of the city’s downtown and has trained generations of airmen and the home base for the Blue Angels. Pensacola is a city with such deep military roots, few things arouse more pride than the sight of the Blues soaring high above the Gulf Coast.

With record crowds, Southern Rentals and Real Estate has the most productive agents and team to host guests to the area. With multiple offices from Orange Beach, Alabama to Perdido Key, Florida and the Blue Angels back yard of Pensacola Beach, Florida; Southern Rentals and Real Estate is a leading full-service Real Estate Brokerage, Residential Leasing and Vacation Rentals and management Company. Stay with us in a beautiful home, cottage, condo or a resort; we have something for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking to stay for the next Naval Air Show, a weekend retreat, or to make the move of a lifetime, Southern Real Estate Sales is the brokerage for you. Contact Susan Carleton, Broker/Owner today for more information about available properties, the areas we represent and how we can help you find your perfect place at the beach! 850.492.1148

Protecting your Biggest Investment on the Gulf Coast… Family and your home

Hurricane Season officially started June 1st in NW Florida and we need  to be prepared on the Gulf Coast. In protecting our biggest and most important investments, we need to have a plan.  Two keys to weather safely are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.  These are essential pieces to protecting our families and our homes and communities.  Our gorgeous sugar sand beaches can feel some occasional weather.  Hard to believe, I know!  But, when and if it happens, we want our guests and families to be ready.  We have to gather important information.  Especially, Beachfront communities in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores.  We have to know the evacuation plan.  Firstly, know if you live in an evacuation area.  Assess your risks and know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.  Next, plan and take action.  Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected.  Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes.  How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?  Texting is a good tool to use as the phone lines might be saturated.  Furthermore, have a supply kit.  Put together a basic disaster supply kit and consider storage locations for different situations.  Help community members do the same.  That is what we do on the Susan Carleton Real Estate Team.  We prompt one another to do good and take care of one another in all areas of life.  Develop and document plans.  Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan.  Be sure to plan for locations away from home and business.  Business owner, Susan Carleton, survived  the massive hurricane 10 years ago and recalls the importance of the plan.  In all life scenarios, the plan is a guide. We hope we don’t have to use, but if you do, you find yourself responding and acting and taking care of one another.

When waiting out a storm, be careful.  The danger may not be over yet.  Be alert.  Wait until the area is declared safe before returning home.  Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.  The City of Pensacola has incredible resources for our visitors and residence from Alerts to traffic advisories to American Red Cross and additional preparedness.  Be safe!  Enjoy the City of Pensacola and surrounding areas.  We love that you are here and hope you have a sweet Southern Experience. Beachfront Land For Sale in Perdido Key - Susan Carleton

http://www.cityofpensacola.com

http://www.BeReadyEscambia.com

Strike Investment Property Gold In A Perdido Key Luxury Beach Condo

Perdido Key condo living is luxury living.  The beach lifestyle can be enjoyed all year round.  Dipping your toes in the sugar white sand of Perdido Key is life at it’s best!

The gated community at Beach Colony Resort has gorgeous views of the emerald green water of the Gulf of Mexico.

The special amenities at Beach Colony include an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, two outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center. Plus, it’s all just steps away from the beach!

Beach Colony is comprised of three high rise condominiums situated on the Gulf of Mexico.  Located on the Eastern end of Perdido Key, Florida, it is a hidden gem in our area. Each tower offers only Gulf front residences with large private balconies and security-coded elevators for access.  You can relax  and enjoy the tranquil nature of the beautiful Gulf coast and indulge in all the fine amenities that Perdido Key has to offer. Plus, when you invest in a Perdido Key condo, you can enjoy the income from owning a beach rental.

For more details about this or any other condos in the area, visit ForSaleontheGulfCoast.com for comprehensive information on Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach and more  beachfront, waterfront or river front units available in the area.

Our expert agents on the Susan Carleton team are happy to help you. Southern Real Estate Sales is a locally owned and operated powerhouse driven by a single goal: impeccable customer service.

Whether you are looking to rent, buy, or list your home, Southern is the company you trust in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama.

Realtors: How Creative Is Your Approach?

Realtors in Pensacola FL

As a dedicated realtor in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama, you continuously evaluate your marketing strategy and approach. Making sure you reach clients and maximize exposure is all part of the job. But just how creative are you? Do you stick to cold calls and networking functions? Are ISAs your main source of leads?

If either of those rings true, consider the approach of Miami realtor Nick Quay, who is literally in over his head. Inman Real Estate News recently featured Quay for his unique approach to gathering leads: “dock knocking.”

Quay is a paddle-boarder who successfully branded himself in the Miami neighborhoods he wants to represent by paddle boarding right up to the docks. With year-round warm weather and community functions, Quay (and his dog) quickly became familiar faces and built a rapport with locals.

Of course, travel by bay isn’t Quay’s only unique approach. He also makes clients’ dinner reservations, picks them up from the airport, babysits, and as a former chef, even cooks for them. In an interview with Inman.com, Quay notes, “[I] go those extra miles before being asked and also upon request.”

And if you think he’s over the top—well, of course he is, which is why he sets over the top goals: $20 million in sales this year.

Here in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama, our demographic varies from that of Miami, but we share several geographical and lifestyle similarities. These avenues (or should we say waterways) allow for a more creative approach. Not only can you amp up your visibility with local buyers and sellers, but as tourist season extends into the shoulder months, you have the opportunity to reach clients at every beach, restaurant, bookstore, and dog park, 365 days a year.

So what’s your niche? Where do you find yourself on your day off (insert raucous laughter here)? Are you at the gym? A concert? The movie theater? How are you marketing yourself even during “off hours?” Are you building relationships by branding yourself as resource?

However far you decide to take your creativity, the transaction sides will follow. When you’re ready to join a team that maximizes creative approaches to real estate, call Southern Real Estate Sales.