The Hammock Bay neighborhood in Freeport, Florida is buzzing with excitement as the Marcella Stefani Team, in partnership with ERA American Real Estate, prepares to plant their one-millionth American flag this year. 

• The event, scheduled for June 24th, 2023, at 10:00am in the Hammock Bay pool parking lot, promises a festive atmosphere, complete with free ice cream and an opportunity for community members to pick up their very own flags for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations.

Marcella Stefani, a resident and real estate expert in Hammock Bay, has been a driving force behind numerous community events over the past nine years. As a creator and major sponsor, she has made it her mission to promote neighborhood unity and patriotism. “My team has personally handed out over 25,000 flags over the past nine years at events, flag plantings, and more,” Marcella shared. “We’ve done Memorial Day events, given out flags at our Fallen Heroes grave sites, and we hand them out on parade routes in Freeport.”

ERA American Real Estate, headquartered in Shalimar, Florida, has been instrumental in spreading a patriotic wave of red, white, and blue across communities from 30A to Pensacola. The company’s tradition of planting American flags began with a modest 5,000 flags in Fort Walton Beach and has now grown to an impressive 30,000 flags distributed annually. 

As part of their commitment to community outreach, ERA American Real Estate’s staff and agents, including Marcella’s team, will dedicate their time and energy to planting flags throughout various neighborhoods, turning their offices into American flag hubs, and distributing flags at intersections. Each ERA office will feature flag bouquets, encouraging locals to collect a flag to proudly display at home.

Hammock Bay, with its world-class amenities such as resort-style swimming pools and a fitness complex, has earned a reputation as a community within a community. Stefani emphasized the neighborhood’s appeal, stating, “We have a lot of events, neighbors helping other neighbors. It’s a great place to live. There’s really something for everyone, with different clubs for people of all ages and interests.”

The upcoming event on June 24th marks the 9th year that The Marcella Stefani Team has provided each Hammock Bay home with a flag for the 4th of July. In addition to community members’ support, volunteers from Hammock Bay will lend a hand in placing flags, earning valuable volunteer hours for school or work. 

• The event will serve as a platform for residents, both old and new, to connect and celebrate their shared love for their country. “I am looking forward to meeting some of the new neighbors that have moved in and just spreading patriotism this time of year as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” Stefani expressed.

The Flag Planting event not only fosters a sense of unity and patriotism but also highlights the remarkable growth Freeport has experienced in recent years. According to Stefani, the average home is on the market for 45 days, covering a range of home prices from just under $400,000 up to $1 million+.

“Freeport, as a whole, has grown immensely in the time that I’ve been doing real estate, over the past nine years,” said Stefani. “It’s gone from a sleepy little town to a growing area. We have more things that are being built, especially with the 331 bridge becoming a four-lane bridge, which has helped a lot with just the accessibility to our town. It’s one of the places in our area that has more affordable options for newer homes.”

As the event draws near, the Marcella Stefani Team and ERA American Real Estate invite everyone to join them at the Hammock Bay pool parking lot on June 24th at 10:00am to celebrate Independence Day, embrace community spirit, and honor the nation’s flag.

“I am looking forward to meeting some of the new neighbors that have moved in and just spreading patriotism this time of year as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” she added.