Hammock Bay, a 3,000-acre “master plan” community developed by Jay and Hayley Odom, consists of over 13 separate neighborhoods. Martin Owen, marketing and advertising director for Crystal Beach Development, promises that over a third of the land will always be maintained as wilderness. “We want to keep the place as a beautiful environment — to always have beautiful wildlife around,” he says.

At the moment, there are 100 homes in Hammock Bay and a population of about 300 residents. Owen says more homes are being built and new neighborhoods are in the works. “Each neighborhood is different,” he says. Schooner’s Landing pays tribute to the boats that docked at Freeport Landing, while the streets in the Symphony neighborhood are all named after musical elements.

Odom acquired the land in 2002, and construction of the first home began in October 2005. “Jay has incredible vision,” says Owen. “He knew this piece of land was very special, with a lot of history going back to the earliest settlers. This was pine plantation for the paper industry.”

Odom had a bit of foresight, too, considering the realignment of U.S. 331, the continued growth of Destin and the area surrounding Eglin Air Force Base, and the upcoming international airport in Panama City. Hammock Bay is a 20-minute drive from the beaches and 24 miles from Eglin’s front gate. “It takes less time than going from Eglin to Crestview,” says Owen.

“Freeport itself will develop quite a bit,” adds Owen.

Odom created the infrastructure of Hammock Bay first. The roads and amenities were in place before any homes were built.

Amenities include the Lake Club with its resort pool and a $250,000 children’s playground; a 4000 square foot fitness center containing state-of-the-art equipment, an exercise pool, lighted tennis court, a baseball park; and Canine Commons, which offers “green space” for pets and their owners. Architect James Baker designed most of the landscaping.

A town square with commercial properties, boutiques, and stores is slated to open this spring. Hammock Bay also contains the Freeport Regional Sports Park, a 60-acre facility that Odom donated to the city for soccer, baseball, and other activities. The public park will also open this spring.

For golf enthusiasts, there is a putting green and driving range. “We researched and asked if they wanted a golf course,” says Owen. “And most of the people who said yes only did so because they wanted to protect (Hammock Bay) from further development.”

As little league season gets underway, Hammock Bay plans to host a huge party to open the sports park. Special events are also planned for Easter and Independence Day. This summer, the community looks forward to something called the “Golf Cart Grand Prix.”

Hammock Bay employs what Owen calls “a big work force.” There is a full-time naturalist, a team of realty brokers, and a dedicated “podcaster” on the community’s Web site.

The site also contains downloadable maps of the community’s nature trails and continuously updated property listings. Most of the homes here range from $190,000 to $600,000, and lots start from $50,000.

“Even at the moment when the market is soft, we’re doing really well,” says Owen. He says the affordability of Hammock Bay homes is a chief factor. “We have a very broad spectrum of people living here — single people, young military families, retirees, locals, and some who’ve moved from outside the county and state.

“The important thing, compared with other developments in the area, is this is up and running. Anyone who moves in today—and they can move in today—all this stuff is here.” Additional information is available at www.hammockbayfreeport.com.