Contact Info
Contact Information
RoKa Property Rain Residential
Office: (850)830.4830 Cell: (850)699.4290
Local Happenings
Join us at the Keesler Air Show! MS Select Realty is one of the proud sponsors of the Keesler Air Show.
KEESLER AFB, MISS. -- 'Thunder on the Bay,' the base's first air show since April 2004 comes to Keesler April 4-5, 2009.
"We are excited to be hosting the first air show at Keesler Air Force
Base in five years," said Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing
commander. "We have organized a dedicated air show committee who are
working diligently to solidify two days of amazing aerial acrobatics as
well as impressive static display aircraft."
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Barrier Islands |
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 Just
a few miles off the mainland you'll discover Mississippi's treasured
barrier islands: Ship, Cat, Round, Horn, and Petit Bois, which are part
of Gulf Islands National Seashore. The islands, with pristinegulf
water, sparkling-white beaches, are known for their remoteness. They
are only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry, but they are
well worth the trip. Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, nature
photography, birdwatching, and exploring are just some of the
activities enjoyed on the islands.
How the barrier islands were
formed is something of a mystery involving the work of waves, winds,
and fluctuating sea levels. Though the history of their creation
remains elusive, weathering and currents are responsible for the
topographic changes and shifting that persistently occur. Amazingly,
storms have caused islands to change shape and even vanish entirely.
Despite
the continual changes that occur, the islands remain to buffer the
mainland from storms and provide habitat for the rich, diverse wildlife
residing within the area. In the island interiors, marshes collect
fresh rainwater to help support its inhabitants. Blue crab, fiddler
crab, and lined hermit crab are often seen on the beaches and in the
marshes. The islands also provide ideal nesting grounds for the
loggerhead sea turtle, which feeds on crabs and other crustaceans
common to the area.
Behind these islands, waters of the sounds,
bays, and bayous are less salty than the Gulf waters. Nutrients washed
down from the mainland give rise to a wealth of marine life. In
addition to shrimp and fish, which are valuable to commercial fishing,
you'll discover creatures such as herons and egrets, which reproduce
and flourish in these areas.
The clear waters surrounding the
islands provide perfect habitat for southern flounder, Florida
pompano,sheepshead, red drum, and speckled trout. If you're lucky, you
may even catch sight of a dolphin frolicking in the water.
For
visitors interested in birding, more than 260 species of birds have
been identified within the boundaries of Gulf Islands National
Seashore. It is home to the brown pelican, great blue heron, and osprey
to name a few.
Near the water, plants, such as sea oats, which
are tolerant of high salt levels, thrive. Behind the primary dunes,
trees and shrubs can be found, but they never grow much higher than the
dunes that protect them from the salt spray. Farther back, freshwater
collects in marshes among old dunes, which supplies trees with water.
Without the nourishment and protection vegetation provides, the
wildlife residing in the area would quickly succumb to the islands'
oftentimes harsh, unforgiving environment.
Ship Island, one of
the most popular island destinations for visitors, is approximately 12
miles offshore. It is host to Fort Massachusetts. Confederate soldiers
occupied Fort Massachusetts for six months during the Civil War. It is
one of the last masonry forts built by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
Although Fort Massachusetts is no longer a viable military fort, its
beauty and craftsmanship remain as symbols of a strong, yet passive
coastal defense. Tours are available during spring, summer, and fall.
Please
note that daily passenger service to Gulf Islands National Seashore is
only available from March through October. Don't miss out on your
chance to experience this phenomenal string of islands.
For more information contact:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 6128
Gulfport, MS 39506
PH: 228-896-6699
e-mail: tourism@gulfcoast.org
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