Gulf Shores / Orange Beach Real Estate

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Alabama Gulf Coast Area Information

Attractions

Beaches

Beyond the Beach

Fishing

Fishing Information

Gulf Coast Area Information

Gulf Shores Demographics

Gulf Shores Information

History

Marinas

Orange Beach Demographics

Orange Beach Information

Restaurants

Weather

 

Welcome to Gulf Shores

 
As Mayor of the City of Gulf Shores, I welcome you to the Alabama Gulf Coast. In Gulf Shores, our pleasant climate, natural beauty and Southern hospitality unite to form what visitors and residents fondly call “Pleasure Island”. We strive to maintain our family atmosphere and hometown flavor. Please enjoy your visit and return often.

-G.W. (Billy) Duke III,
Mayor of Gulf Shores
 

GULF SHORES CITY HALL
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 1905 W. 1st St., Gulf Shores, AL 36542
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 299, Gulf Shores, AL 36547
PHONE: 968-2425
WEBSITE: www.gulfshoresal.gov
Gulf Shores has a mayor/council form of government. Council members are elected at large.

Mayor—G.W. Duke III
City Administrator—Ernie Smith
Place 1 Council Member—Joe Garris
Place 2 Council Member—Carolyn Doughty
Place 3 Council Member—Philip Harris
Place 4 Council Member—Robert Craft
Place 5 Council Member—Stephen E. Jones

DIRECTORY
Mayor’s Office Secretary 968-1124
City Clerk 968-1125
Administrative Assistant 968-1121
Accounting 968-1128
Civil Defense 968-1124
Community Development Dept. 968-1150
Library 968-1176
Municipal Court 968-6780
Parks & Recreation 968-1422
Recreation Center 968-4420
Tennis Complex 968-1431
Personnel 968-2425
Public Works Department/Engineering 968-1156
Division Receptionist 968-1440
Revenue Department/Business License 968-2425
Special Events /Entertainment Series 968-1172
Public Facility Rentals 968-1173
Utilities Board 968-6323
Building Permits/Inspection Code Enforcement/
Planning and Zoning/Economic Development 968-1160

Police And Emergency Numbers
Emergency Fire and Rescue 968-7411 or 911
Fire Chief 968-1166
Police Department 968-2431 or 911
Chief of Police 968-2431
Police Dept. Records Division 968-1136

Business Meetings
City Council - 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, 5 p.m. at City Hall.
Committee of the Whole - 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 4 p.m. at City Hall.
Planning Commission - 4th Tuesday of every month, 5 p.m. at City Hall.

City Business Licenses
Licenses can be obtained at City Hall Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or online at
www.ci.gulf-shores.al.us. For information, call (251) 968-2425.

Building Permit Information
When property owners or authorized agents want to construct, alter or add to a building, they must apply for and secure a building permit in accordance with state, federal and city requirements. Building permits are issued by the Community Development Department. Because Gulf Shores is located in an environmentally sensitive area and many areas are located in flood zones or high hazard zones, building requirements are not the same in all areas. Properties in Gulf Shores are located in the following flood zones: A Zones, B Zones, C Zones, V Zones. For more information on Building Permits, contact the Community Development Department at 968-1150.

Burning Permit
Permits are issued by the Gulf Shores Fire Department. Fees are charged for commercial burning, but not for residential burning. For more information, call 968-1166.

Post Office
2149 W. First St. 800-275-8777

Gulf Shores Museum
244 W. 19th St. 967-4733

Library
Thomas B. Norton Library 221 W. 19th Ave. 968-1176 Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Wednesday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. To obtain a library card, Baldwin County residents must provide proof of residence and fill out an application. Residents pay no fee. Non-residents must pay $10 for a one-year card.

Hurricane Passes
Gulf Shores residents, property owners and business owners may purchase hurricane passes to allow the holder re-entry onto the island after the mayor has given the “all-clear.” Passes may be obtained at the front desk at City Hall. Show proof of residence and/or business ownership. You may use a driver’s license showing a Gulf Shores physical address, a business license, voter registration card, current lease or rent receipt, deed or utility bill. The cost for the pass is $1.

RECREATION & BOAT LAUNCH INFORMATION
Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
12295 Hwy. 180540-7720 The refuge features 6,200 acres of natural oasis. Highlights include five miles of gulf beach, fresh- and saltwater fishing, five miles of walking trails, and a museum. Trails are open year-round, 7 days a week, during daylight hours. Museum hours: Monday–Friday 8–4

Gulf State Park
State Hwy. 135 948-7275 This 6,000-acre park features picnic areas, an 18-hole golf course, an 825-foot fishing pier, a nature center, cabins, campsites, and a 144-room motel and convention center on Hwy. 182. Activities include fishing, swimming, biking, tennis and canoeing.

Canal Park Boat Ramp
Located south of the canal. From Hwy. 59, turn west on 20th Ave., right on E. 1st Ave., right on Canal Rd. No fee.

Lake Shelby at Gulf State Park
Hwy. 135 off Hwy. 182. Picnic area. Entrance fee is $1 for adults, 50¢ for seniors and children ages 6–12; $2 fishing fee plus AL fishing license; $2 launch fee.

CITY OF GULF SHORES PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION
David L. Bodenhamer Center
310 W. 19th Ave. 968-4420 Hours: Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–9 p.m. (weight room opens at 5:30 a.m.), Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 1–6 p.m. Office hours: Monday–Friday 8–5. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and seasonal passes available as well as annual memberships. Includes fitness center, gymnasium (with spectator seating), indoor pool, indoor track, racquetball courts, aerobic area, saunas, locker/shower facilities, game/activity area (table and board games; TV/VCR) and commons with telephones, vending machines and seating area. Many types of activity and exercise classes with trained staff is offered. Leagues and pick-up games in basketball and volleyball are available. Watch for special programs for family fun.

Meyer Park
E. 24th Ave. 968-4420 This 12-acre city park features picnic shelters, individual picnic tables, playground equipment, a softball field, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard court.

Johnnie Sims Park & Kids Park
244 W. 19th Ave. 968-4420
Tennis Courts: 968-1431.
Tennis lessons are available for juniors to adults; private, semi-private or group.
Charge for lighted nighttime play: 25¢ every 30 minutes; coin-operated.
Five city-sponsored tournaments per year.
Basketball Courts: Charge for lighted play: 25¢ every 15 minutes; coin-operated.

Wade Ward Nature Park
Hwy. 59 S. 968-4420 This city park overlooking a canal features a small pavilion and bench seating.

Beach Parking Passes
Gulf Shores offers beach parking passes each summer, effective March–September. Passes can be obtained at Gulf Shores City Hall. Resident passes are $10 (proof of physical address is required for resident passes). Non-resident passes are $20. Daily passes are $5. For additional info, call 968-1120.

UTILITIES
Electric
Baldwin Electric Membership Corporation
200 W. 22nd Ave., P.O. Box 2939 Gulf Shores, 36547 968-7585 After-hours, holidays, weekends, emergencies. 989-6247 Hours: Monday–Friday 8–4:30 Call for deposit information. Deposits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Natural Gas
Riviera Utilities
413 E. Laurel Ave. Foley, AL 36535 943-5001 Hours: Monday–Friday 8–5 Deposits are $85 for homeowners and $165 for renters. Deposit amount may vary. You will need an outline of the physical location, a driver’s license and Social Security number.

Water and Sewer
Utilities Board, City of Gulf Shores
149 E. 16th Ave. 968-6323 Hours: Monday–Friday 8–4:30. Come in person. Deposits are $50 for owners and $100 for non-owners. You will need a meter number or the former owner’s name and street address. Transfer fee $25. Bills are sent on a monthly basis.

Telephone
Gulf Telephone Company
208 W. Fort Morgan Rd. 952-5100 Gulf Telephone Directory Assistance: 1-411 Hours: Monday–Friday 8–5. Come in person. You will need your Social Security number, driver’s license number, previous phone number and street address. If you have had phone service previously and are in good standing, there is generally no deposit. Those without previous service are charged a deposit fee based on their credit rating.

Cable Television
Mediacom
2320 E. 2nd St. 800-239-8411 Please call for information.
Fort Morgan Cable
2033 W. 1st St. Mailing address: P.O. Box 660199 Birmingham, AL 35266 540-7221
For residents between Mile Marker 2 and Mile Marker 11 on Fort Morgan Road.

Garbage Pickup and Recycling
BFI
800-752-4092 Residential and non-residential.
Waste Management of Alabama, Inc.
800-972-2631 Non-residential refuse collection and disposal.

*ALL TELEPHONE AREA CODES ARE 251 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

 

 

*The above information is from the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce website. Be sure to visit their site for more detailed information.

About Allen Johnson – aka The Beachman

Attain that ultimate goal
My passion for real estate guides everything I do. It brings me joy to help my clients achieve their real estate dreams. Let me help you attain that ultimate goal here in beautiful Pleasure Island which includes the areas of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key Florida.

The secret to my success is no secret at all
To me the real estate business is simple. The secret to my success is no secret at all. I treat my customers like family. I strive to be consistent and thorough when working with clients. I know the market and the properties for sale. And, most importantly, I love what I do. Real estate here on Paradise Island and the surrounding areas is not just my profession; it's my passion.

I can help make your dreams a reality
Whether you are selling property, buying a place to build your dream home, purchasing a vacation getaway, seeking a real estate investment or interested in development opportunities, I bring the experience and knowledge you desire. Whatever your needs, I can help make your dreams a reality. Call me at (251) 609-1574 or Email Me to discuss the possibilities. Check out my favorite picks, or perform a custom search for Gulf Shores real estate or Orange Beach Real Estate.

Licensed in Alabama and Florida.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Area Info

Climate
The Gulf Coast Area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average temperature in January is 51.4 degrees. The average temperature in July is 81.8 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days.

Education
Education is a fundamental block in building a bright future. The Gulf Coast Area opened a brand new high school during 1999 in Gulf Shores (ph. 251.968.4747). The area has two elementary schools; they are Gulf Shores Elementary (ph. 251.968.7375) and Orange Beach Elementary (ph. 251.981.5662). Gulf Shores Middle School (ph. 251.968.8719) offers an excellent curriculum in preparation for high school. All public schools are part of the Baldwin County school system. If you are interested in private education, you also have the option of Bayside Academy (ph. 251.955.5211), which includes age 3yrs – Grade 4.

Healthcare
The nearest hospital is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (ph. 800.580.3627) located in Foley. South Baldwin Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency services (ph. 251.952.3400). Numerous medical professionals practice in the area providing both family practice and specialized care.

Airports
Corporate and Private air service is available in Gulf Shores from the Jack Edwards Municipal Airport, with a full Instrument Landing System and the longest paved runway being 7000 feet. The closest commercial air service is available in Pensacola, roughly 30 miles away, at the Pensacola Regional Airport (ph. 850.435.1746). Major carriers serving the airport are Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest, and American. Other commercial airports are located in Mobile (ph. 251.633.0313) and Gulf Port, Mississippi (ph. 228.863.5951).

Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores in Foley.

Parks and Recreation
The nearest state park is the Gulf State Park (ph. 251.948.7275). The 6,000-acre park area offers campsites, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, 825 foot fishing pier, 144 room hotel and convention center. Other parks in the area include Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge (ph. 251.540.7720), Meyer Park (ph. 251.968.4420), Johnnie Sims Park and Kids Park (ph. 251.968.4420), and Wade Ward Nature Park (ph. 251.968.4420).

State/Local Income Tax
For detailed information about Alabama income tax, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual and Corporate Tax Division (ph. 251.242.1000). In most instances, local governments in Alabama do not levy city, town, or county income taxes.

Property Taxes
Property (Ad Valorem) taxes are taxes on real business and/or personal property. “Ad Valorem” means “according to value”. For details, call the Revenue Commissioner’s office (ph. 251.943.5061, ext. 2840).