Thursday, June 28, 2007

Keaton Beach Gaining Popularity

Keaton Beach was spotlighted in two magazines this month, Florida Sportsman and Premier Monthly, a real estate publication. Florida Sportsman (pgs. 58-64) focuses on fishing, of course, and commented that "Keaton Beach is noted for the size and abundance of its spotted seatrout." I can attest to that, as seldom do we go out fishing and not come back with more than enough trout for dinner. Ever tried "trout amandine"? Also known as "trout with almond sauce." Mmmmm! Love redfish? Blackened, grilled, broiled, fried, anyway you like it... Only problem is a one-per-person limit; so then you move on to hook something else. Other catches might include cobia, seabass, Spanish mackerel and bluefish. And July 1 brings Scallop Season which runs through September 10. My next blog entry will feature the pleasures and fundamentals of "scalloping." Whether you enjoy fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, diving, or simply pleasure boating, set your sails for the calm Gulf waters of Keaton Beach. It'll be good for your soul!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Magnolia Bay Update

Magnolia Bay Marina & Resort has altered its development plans because of ongoing challenges in obtaining necessary permits from state and federal authorities to build the marina and two-mile channel through the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. Rather than continuing the time-consuming push for the marina at this point, Magnolia Bay is switching its focus to the development of its golf course, which was intended to come later into the project. Reports indicate that current development plans will continue to include a hotel, restaurant and single-family housing along with the golf course. Permit applications for the marina have not been withdrawn.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Miami Beach & Keaton Beach - Apples & Oranges

A quote from my last blog entry: "I could write a book on the differences in Miami Beach and Keaton Beach, both beautiful places in their own rights, and both at different ends of the spectrum in all aspects of coastal living in Florida. " However, I will instead offer a short list of the attributes of both of these wonderful places, and you can decide which most appeals to your fantasy of coastal living in Florida.

Miami Beach is for the person that loves: the big city; cell phones; high-rise condos and stuccoed homes with Spanish tile roofs; a multi-ethnic population; shopping; more shopping; nights out on the town with all its clubs, glitz and glamour; the finest in dining; spotting famous people; attending multi-cultural events and both college and professional ballgames; the Atlantic Ocean; watersports; fishing; walking along miles of sandy beaches and teak boardwalks; swimming in deep bluegreen waters with rolling waves; and admiring beautiful bodies in thong swimsuits -- and who doesn't mind: congested traffic; honking horns; six lane highways; toll-booths; lots of traffic lights; walking your dog on a leash three times a day to go potty; avoiding doggie poop beside the sidewalks when you enter or exit your car; envying beautiful bodies in thong swimsuits; topless sunbathers; getting lost in an unfamiliar area of the city; and difficulty finding someone that speaks your language.

Keaton Beach is for the person that loves: a small town atmosphere; easily recognizing the geographic distinctions from one small beach community to the next; quiet, rural living; stilt homes with metal roofs; eating at the local hotdog stand; watching gorgeous sunrises and sunsets; attending high school football games; gossiping with your neighbors; a place where everyone speaks the same language; the Gulf of Mexico's saltwater flats and marsh grasses; spotting eagles and many species of waterfowl; watersports; fishing; scalloping; crabbing; throwing a castnet to catch mullet; watching children safely swim in the shallow though not so blue waters; taking your boat to the sandbar to swim in crystal clear bluegreen waters -- and who doesn't mind: driving 20 miles to dine in a real restaurant or shop at a Super Wal-Mart; driving 70 miles to shop at a mall; the lack of cell phone service at the beach; walking the entire length of the public beach in less than a minute; walking up the stairs to your stilt home; and taking your boat to the sandbar to swim in the crystal clear bluegreen waters.