Flora-Bama facts for kids
The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package, often called "The Flora-Bama" or "THE BAMA," is a famous beach bar and music spot. It's located in Perdido Key, Florida, right next to the border between Florida and Alabama. This special location is how it got its name! People call it America's "Last Great Roadhouse" because it's a unique and lively place.
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A Special Bar on the Border
The Flora-Bama first opened in 1964. This was just two years after a new road connected Orange Beach, Alabama, with Perdido Key, Florida. Back then, the Flora-Bama was almost the only building around! As more cars used the new highway, the bar became very popular. It grew bigger and bigger to welcome all the crowds.
When it first opened, the area in Florida where it stands (Escambia County, Florida) allowed alcohol sales. But right across the line in Alabama (Baldwin County, Alabama), selling alcohol was not allowed. This made the Flora-Bama a popular stop for people from both states.
In 1978, Joe Gilchrist and Pat McClellan bought the Flora-Bama. They are still co-owners today! Later, in 2009, John McInnis and Cameron Price also became co-owners.
Many people know the Flora-Bama as a place where "you can have a millionaire sitting next to a biker." This mix of different people is part of its charm. Locals and tourists easily mix and have fun together. On big holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, cars line the highway for miles! The bar draws huge crowds. It's also a favorite spot for young officers from the nearby NAS Pensacola base. The Flora-Bama first became famous when former football star Kenny Stabler called it "The best watering hole in the country."
Locals simply call the place "the Bama." Before Hurricane Ivan hit, it had about 20 different bars! Up to four live bands could play music at the same time. The bar is mostly outdoors, and it used to have a huge deck. From there, you could eat and drink with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. After the hurricane damage in 2004, the bar was rebuilt in 2010. They even used many materials from the original building!
Why Flora-Bama is Famous
For over 50 years, the Flora-Bama has been called one of the best beach bars. Magazines and news channels like Delta Sky, USA Today, CNN, and Fox News have featured it. Many famous writers and musicians have also mentioned it. These include John Grisham, The Wall Street Journal, and Jimmy Buffett.
Despite all the fame, the owners say the Flora-Bama became world-famous because of its visitors. They have a special motto:
- Always be kind and respectful to everyone.
- Treat all guests with equal respect, and expect the same in return.
- Make sure guests enjoy the Flora-Bama's magic. They should leave happy and safe, and want to visit again with new friends.
The Bushwacker Drink
The Bama serves a local favorite drink called the "Bushwacker". For visitors, this is a frozen drink that tastes a bit like coffee. You can find it at many bars in the area. The Flora-Bama's Bushwacker has helped make the bar world-famous. It's a very popular and unique drink!
Hurricane Ivan's Impact
In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan hit the Flora-Bama directly. This caused a lot of damage. The main building was destroyed, and most other parts of the bar were badly hurt. The Flora-Bama had to close for a few days, which was the first time in over 40 years! When it reopened, they could only sell coolers, ice, and beer.
Some parts, like the original Top Deck, survived well. The Stair Bar below it was filled with sand but stayed standing. The main stage area lost its roof, but it was later replaced with a tent. From 2004 to 2010, the Flora-Bama operated out of tents, trailers, and small wooden shacks.
Rebuilding the Bar
In 2010, work began to rebuild the Flora-Bama. The main bar was rebuilt to look similar to the old one. But this time, it was built higher up to help it survive future storms. The owners reused materials from the old bar, like wooden walls and bar tops. Some visitors even donated materials to help fix other areas.
An old tool shed and a camper gazebo were turned into a kitchen and bar. This new spot was named "The Flora-Bama Yacht Club." It's an open-air restaurant right on the water.
Coming Back Stronger
Even though it was closed for repairs, visitors came back as soon as it reopened. The Flora-Bama still has live music every day, often with five bands on Saturdays! It also continues to attract famous visitors. Some of these include Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Kid Rock, Ken Stabler, AJ McCarron, Kenny Chesney, Vince Vaughn, and Jimmy Buffett.
Fun Events at Flora-Bama
The Flora-Bama Lounge hosts many fun events each year. One of the most famous is the World Famous Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. In this event, people stand in a 10-foot circle in Florida and throw a mullet (fish) across the state line into Alabama! It's a fun party weekend, and it also raises money for local charities, especially youth groups. People can throw the fish over 150 feet! This event usually happens on the last full weekend of April.
Other events include the "Polar Bear Dip," the "Mullet Man Triathlon," and the "Super Bowl Chili Cook-off." There's also "Shindig on the Sand," the "Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo," and "Bulls on the Beach." The Flora-Bama is also home to one of the oldest and biggest songwriters festivals in the world, called The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The Flora-Bama has dozens of events every year, and there's always a party going on!
The Jimmy Buffett song "Bama Breeze" was written about this famous roadhouse. Jimmy's sister, Lulu, even played the bar owner in the song's video!
Kenny Chesney held a free concert at the Flora-Bama on August 16, 2014. He was promoting his new album, The Big Revival, and his song "Flora-Bama," which is about the bar. This concert was Chesney's only performance that year.
Songs About Flora-Bama
Many songwriters from all over the world have mentioned or written songs about the Flora-Bama. Here are some of the most well-known artists:
- Kenny Chesney: "Flora-Bama," "Coastal"
- Jimmy Buffett: "Bama Breeze," "Rag Top Day"
- Chris Young: "Lighters in the Air"
- JJ Grey & Mofro: "Florabama"
- Blake Shelton: "Good Ole Boys"
- Jason Aldean: "Tattoo's on this Town" (The music video was filmed at Flora-Bama)
- Neil Dover: "Flora-Bama Time"
- Riley Green: "Bury Me In Dixie"
Gulf Coast Country Artist Neil Dover released his video "FloraBamaTime" in August 2015. This song is from his album "Looking for You." You can often find Neil playing at the Flora-Bama Lounge. His "Neil's Sand Ole Opry" Show takes place across the street at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club every Sunday.
