With the new year in full swing, the omicron variant continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty as new developments come to light. But despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, one thing is certain: 2022 is expected to be a big year for travel and tourism in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.
Especially in Perdido Key.
“This is an area that will see significant growth,” said Adam Stergion, owner of Perdido Properties. “It’s already happening.”
According to the 2020 census, there are almost 13,000 homes. Of those units, tenants occupy more than 40% of them.
“If you own a vacation rental and put it into the hands of a property management company, they can manage hundreds or thousands of other rental units,” Stergion said. “Everyone is being bought out by national companies. Now it’s more important than ever to bring it back to a more personal touch.”
While Stergion and his business partner, Cristian Garcia, focus their efforts strictly on Perdido Key, they are also turning to national stock exchange platforms and using their website to expand their digital footprint.
“Our properties are listed on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and hostaway,” says Garcia. “We are also implementing integrated software to ensure there are no double bookings.”

Garcia, who currently studies finance at the University of West Florida, is the numbers cruncher of the dynamic duo. With combined experience in housekeeping, property management and renovations, Garcia and Stergion can also offer maintenance, housekeeping, cleaning and renovation to their portfolio of services.
“These properties can get a bit beat up with constant rental traffic,” Stergion said. “It’s important to put that extra love and attention into them on a regular basis.”
But what really sets Perdido Properties apart from the rest is how it structures its services. Property owners can purchase monthly cleaning, cleaning and maintenance packages from Perdido Properties without ever enrolling their property in the rental program. Offering these services à la carte, while uncommon, opens the door to building a relationship with the owner.
“We see our owners as partners,” Stergion says. “It gives us a foot in the door, because they interview us, just like we interview them. Their vacation home can also be a second home for owners. We want them to come back home too, enjoy their time here, and we even offer a gift basket for our renters and owners as a way to show our appreciation.”
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For Stergion and Garcia, it’s all about family, too.
Perdido Properties recently cut the ribbon with the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce on January 14. But it’s not the only new venture taking shape at 13564 Perdido Key Drive.
Coastal Paradise Real Estate also opened its doors, with Stergion’s mother Agnes acting as the managing agent.
“I’ve been here since 1996, so this is really a rebrand for me,” said Stergion. “I drove by and the name ‘Coastal Paradise Real Estate’ just stuck. It all fell into place. However, I am so excited for Adam and Cristian. Everything is new to them. I have also been friends with Cristian’s mother for years. They have exactly
what it takes to succeed.”
Perdido Properties is open seven days a week from 8am to 7pm. For more information, visit perdido-properties.com or call 404-849-0454.
Kalyn Wolfe is a freelance columnist for the News Journal. Send new business tips to pcolanewbiz@gmail.com.