Beginning in 1991, special legislation made it possible for beach youth to attend nearby Gulf Breeze Middle and High School instead of trekking all the way to Pensacola, many more families have relocated to the beach. Official government estimates differ slightly as to the current beach population at the start of the 21st century. In 1996, according to the SRIA general manager, the island population had increased to nearly 6,000 people. These numbers are verified, too, from inferences based on current registered voter data, the Island Authority's annual windshield sticker program , registered auto data, total household occupancy permits, and similar rolls. The Year 2000 U.S. Census, now underway, assuredly will show that growth is continuing rapidly.
Some residents make their beach homes available as tourist rentals for at least a part of the year.
Houses range from modest single story bungalows, apartments, and townhouses to multi-million dollar mansions and high rise condos. Some among the many available beach house area properties are listed for sale on this web site. The people who live on the beach are a varied bunch, too. Some of the latter contribute to our Island Humor section. For visitors as well as permanent beach residents there are a number of community resources for self-help and emergency assistance .