American Riviera Flying High

Baldwin County, Alabama, tops any of the five Florida Panhandle counties -- as well as any Alabama county -- in lodgings revenue, but the area still faces challenges, local tourism officials said Thursday.

At the Foley Convention and Visitors Bureau's Annual Tourism Lunch, local officials said Baldwin County is one of the regional powerhouses in the tourism industry, generating almost $2 billion a year in local revenue.

The Alabama Coast has made a strong comeback since Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004, and is poised for a record-breaking tourist season. Known for sugar-white sands and clear aqua water - not to mention abundant fresh seafood and luxurious accomodations - the "American Riviera" is in the middle of an unprecedented development boom.

Featuring dining and entertainment spots such as The Flora-Bama Lounge (which launched the career of Taylor Hicks) and Lulu's Homeport (owned by Lucy Buffett, sister of Jimmy) and myriad other popular eateries, the Alabama Coast is now the scene of more than $1 billion in new shopping, dining, hotel, condo, marina, and entertainment development.

But will the rapid growth and construction destroy the charm and tranquility of this coastal gem?