Summer is here!!

Two months ago there was so much uncertainty on what our summer was going to be here along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.  Well as it appears by the energy and crowds SUMMER IS HERE.  Things are slowly opening up and returning to normal.  I called the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores visitors center to get occupancy rates (I hear we're at 100%) however I was not able to get anyone to confirm that.  Even if we are not completely at 100% occupancy I can tell you we are super close to it!

Earlier this week it was announced that on the Florida side (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Gulf, Franklin and Bay counties) can open vacation rentals.  What a relief  for Florida vacation rental property owners.  I know they are celebrating!  My understanding is there are some limitations as to who they are allowed to rent to.  From what I read, they are not accepting reservations from anyone located in what they consider a "hot spot" or international travelers.  

It's exciting and scary to see so many people coming to the area yet it's also refreshing for our local businesses that have been suffering the last two months.  I am hoping and praying that covid-19 stays at bay and that visitors to the area practice their social distancing.