St. George Island

Look to your left and inhale the fresh breezes from the white capped gulf waves. Glance to your right and fall in awe of the pristine bay that houses the best seafood you will ever eat. Of course, look straight ahead and fall in love with the earth all over again as you watch the Gulf, the Bay and Sikes Cut collide together in an effortless dance of Mother Nature.

St. George Island, also known as The Uncommon Florida and Dog Friendly Beaches, is without question in a class by itself. The island, shaped very similar to a giant check mark, was accessible only by boat until 1965 when a bridge was erected. In 1955 St. George Island divided in two when Sikes Cut was dug to allow boats better access to Apalachicola. Today the Island has become an elite getaway for wealthy businessmen, celebrities and those fortunate enough to call it home either year-round or during the season.

St. George Island is astounding in many facets. It is rich in history as well as folklore. St. George Island, which spans 29 miles and is less than a mile in width, erected its first structure in 1833-a lighthouse. The historical icon was built on the extreme west end of the island where it marked the entrance into Apalachicola Bay. During World War II, troops trained on the island. However, the area's history runs deeper than most would imagine. In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Pirates paraded along the Island, and through the years numerous artifacts from these eras have washed along shore. Rumor has it that the remains of many a buried treasure remain hidden from the likes of the Spaniards that sought after the pirate and their bounty.

Simple coastal cottages to elegant beach homes co-mingle in an area that has exploded with appreciable value. Although the Island is currently booming, only half of the 2,700-plotted lots have been developed. Assessed property value of the area grew 38 percent last year, with many waterfront lots jumping several hundred thousands of dollars. As with any waterfront living, a safe assumption is that the value will continue to soar.