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Principals named for Orange Beach high, middle schools

Cindy Veazey and Kyle McCartney have been named principals of the new Orange Beach, Alabama, high school and middle school. By John Mullen

January 18, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – There was an audible gasp from teachers and other Gulf Shores school staff when they heard who the new principals would be in Orange Beach’s new school.

During the Gulf Shores Board of Education meeting to vote for and sign the separation agreement with the Baldwin County Board of Education word came from Bay Minette. Gulf Shores High School Principal Chris Veazy and Gulf Shores Middle School Principal Kyle McCartney would be transferred to Orange Beach.

The new Orange Beach school won’t be finished until the fall of 2020 but the county plans on opening portable village across the street from Orange Beach Elementary School to house seventh through 10^th graders. Also, any students outside of Gulf Shores city limits in grades K through nine will attend school in Orange Beach.

Orange Beach to fund $7.2 million for center at new school

Rendering of the Performing Arts Center planned for the new Orange Beach High/Middle School. By John Mullen

January 17, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – The Orange Beach City Council voted on Jan. 15 to spend $7.2 million toward the construction of an $8.6 million performing arts building on the campus of a new high-middle school. The Baldwin County Board of Education will pay the remaining $1.4 million.

“I was so happy everybody was in agreement and I think it’s a tremendous step forward for Orange Beach,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. “It’s going to be something special and with us being able to utilize it as we see fit at the school, I would think it’s really going to be a nice community asset.”

Kennon said the center will serve the community in a variety of ways but first and foremost be used by students and faculty of the new school. The new school is expected to open in August of 2020 and Kennon said the performing arts center should be ready then, too.

Snowbird Hootenanny Returns to Perdido Key

Flora-Bama Perdido Key Chamber Snowbird Event

January 18, 2019 –Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - Snowbirds will flock to the Florida-Alabama State-Line once again for the Second Annual Snowbird Hootenanny at the Flora-Bama! The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Perdido Realty is excited to once again host a hoe-down for their favorite winter guests! Starting at 11 AM, attendees will be welcomed into the main tent stage at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar by excited vendors from local businesses in the Perdido Key Area. A delicious southern Barbeque styled lunch will be provided by the legendary Flora-Bama chefs, guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

Bay Circle historical marker dedication set for Jan. 29

By City of Orange Beach

January 18, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The public is invited to a historical marker unveiling ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 29th on Bay Circle. All are welcome to attend the ceremony at the corner of Bay Circle and Canal Road, near Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Orange Beach Surf Rescue seeks lifeguards

By City of Orange Beach

January 18, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Are you looking for a rewarding job this summer? If so, contact the Orange Beach Surf Rescue division at 251-747-1051 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Also, see the current City of Orange Beach job posting at www.orangebeachal.gov/jobs/lifeguard-beach-safety-temporary.

Music at Meyer Park Line Up

By City of Gulf Shores

January 17, 2019 – Gulf Shores, Ala – (OBA^®) – The City of Gulf Shores is excited to announce the 2019 lineup for the Music at Meyer Park concert series. These free springtime concerts have become a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike.

The Little Zoo’s Beloved Salt Has Died

Salt, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's Tiger has died

By the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

January 17, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has lost one of its most treasured and popular animals. Salt, the 17-year-old female Amur (Siberian) tiger was euthanized January 6 at 3:45 p.m. According to Zoo Director Dr. Adam Langston, also the zoo veterinarian, “While we await a final pathology report, Salt suffered from severe hindlimb weakness most likely caused by a spinal cord disease. For the last several months, as her walking became more labored, medications were administered to improved her quality of life, but sadly her condition worsened beyond help. The difficult decision was made to end her suffering.” Zoo Curator Cyndi Johnson and many of the zookeepers who cared for Salt during her later years were also with her when she passed. Said Dr. Langston, “She will forever live on in our hearts and memories.”

2019 National Shrimp Festival Poster Contest is Underway

January 16, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - As 2019 begins, we are already gearing up for the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival happening October 10th through 13th. One of the biggest things that helps the Annual National Shrimp Festival stand out is its unique poster design every year.

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade March 5th

By City of Gulf Shores

January 16, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. We are working hard to plan this event, and we will provide more details as the parade date gets closer.

Art Classes Galore at the Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach

Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach Art Classes

January 14, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - From drawing to painting to hot glass to photography and much more. The Coastal Art Center has a lot of classes set up to bring out the aspiring artist in everyone.

Check out the classes and schedule below.

Orange Beach in line for $40 million in RESTORE Act funds covering 8 projects

January 12, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The widening and improvement of Canal Road, environmental restoration of Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, the creation of the Gulf Coast Environment Research Station, the designing and planning of the Gulf Coast Wildlife Recovery and Interpretive Center, expansion of the Orange Beach Wildlife Center, seawall repairs at Alabama Point, and sewer main upgrades - these are projects totaling $40 million that the City of Orange Beach is poised to receive from RESTORE Act funds.

Orange Beach Planning Commission to meet January 14th

January 12, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Monday, January 14th for its regular meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Orange Beach, Gulf Shores welcome Gov. Ivey celebration

The Lodge at Gulf State Park will host Gov. Kay Ivey's pre-inauguration party on Jan. 12. By John Mullen

January 10, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Gov. Kay Ivey is going to kick her inauguration celebration with a bang here on the Gulf Coast and officials from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are happy to help play host.

On Saturday dignitaries from all over the state as well as citizens will gather at the gleaming new Gulf State Park Lodge for Ivey’s party. Platinum-selling country artist Neal McCoy will sing and fireworks will light up the night. Both cities will contribute $10,000 to the celebration with Gulf Shores’ portion paying for the fireworks show.

The fireworks show will be between 8:45 and 9:00 pm. They will be shot from the Gulf State Park Pier.

Mardi Gras parades in Orange Beach begin March 1st

January 10, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Mardi Gras parades in Orange Beach will begin to roll with The Mystical Order of Mirams Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, March 1st. The parade begins on Perdido Beach Boulevard at 6:30 p.m. at the traffic signal just east of Phoenix West and it will end at intersection at Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard. Please note where the new medians begin the parades will move to the westbound lanes (north side of the beach highway).

Dogs not allowed on public beaches in Gulf Shores

City Logos Gulf Shores1 January 9, 2019 – Gulf Shores, Ala – (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores would like to make all residents and visitors aware that no dogs or animals are allowed on any of the public sand beaches or at any part of the public beach accesses, including the newly renovated Gulf Place, as in the Code of Ordinances – Section 6-8.

Orange Beach group helps effort for S. Baldwin animal shelter

The Orange Beach Animal Care and Control Program helping in effort for South Baldwin animal shelter.

By John Mullen

January 8, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – An effort started as a trap, neuter, return program for feral cats in Orange Beach has blossomed into a regional effort to get a new South Baldwin animal shelter.

On Jan. 16 representatives from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Foley will meet at the Graham Creek Center in Foley to come up with ideas about how to make that happen. The Orange Beach Animal Care and Control Program is urging citizens through its Facebook page to contact their local government officials in support of the plan.

“There is a serious initiative underway for an all-inclusive animal campus to serve the tri-city area of Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach,” the post said.

2019 Annual Electronic Recycling & Shred Day

Orange Beach & Gulf Shores Recycle Day January 7, 2019 - Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - (OBA^®) - The Annual Electronic Recycling and Shred Day will be held on Saturday, January 19, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Gulf State Park Pavilion.

This event is sponsored by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, the City of Orange Beach and the City of Gulf Shores.

Orange Beach council meeting agenda for January 8th

orange beach boat logo January 5, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach City Council will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 8th, followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday, January 1st due to the New Year’s Day holiday.

OBFD Resident Volunteer Firefighter Program accepting applications

January 4, 2019 - _Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Fire Department Resident Volunteer Firefighter Program (RVFP) is an exciting opportunity! The RVFP is designed to give young men and women who are interested in pursuing a career in Fire and Emergency Services.

Senior Snowbird Potluck begins 23rd year

Orange Beach Community Center Snowbird Potluck

January 3, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - For the 23rd consecutive year, the Senior Snowbird potluck will run each Thursday from January 17th to March 28th.

The weekly meetings will move to the Orange Beach Community Center on Canal Road. Set-up time will be 11 a.m. and serving time will be at noon.

Tacky Sweater Beach Getaway Giveaway

December 30, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Baby, it's cold outside! Who wouldn't like to trade in their white snow for white sand? Beach lovers have a chance to eat, drink and be TACKY this winter! Tacky Jacks is giving away a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway to one creative crafter. Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to make a tacky sweater using duct tape. “The idea came from years of teaching Ductigami classes at Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores,” Tara McMeans said. “The restaurant is unique because it has colorful duct tape from floor to ceiling, each with a message that our guests leave behind. We have always wanted to incorporate a tacky sweater theme into our winter program. So, we bounced the idea around with our team and guess what? It stuck!”

Gulf Coast Wildlife Symposium returns Feb. 12-14

December 29, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Calling all wildlife veterinarians, veterinarian techs, and rehabbers: join the Orange Beach Wildlife Center for the 4th Annual Gulf Coast Wildlife Symposium on Feb. 12-14 at the Orange Beach Event Center.

Orange Beach Seafood Festival Set for February 23rd

Orange Beach Seafood Festival & Car Show

December 28, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The 27th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 at The Wharf on Main Street.

Garden Club announces ‘Light Up Orange Beach’ winners

December 27, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Garden Club has named the winners of the 2018 “Light Up Orange Beach” contest.

In the residential category, which includes a cash prize, the winners are:

January community potluck to feature ballet dancers

Orange Beach Community Potluck for January

December 26, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Monthly Community Potluck will be held on Monday, January 7th at the Orange Beach Community Center, featuring ballet dancers from the Coastal Ballet Academy demonstrating several types of dance narrated by the academy's artistic director.

One bullet, two legs in accidental shooting in Bear Point

One injured in accidental Bear Point shooting in Orange Beach, Alabama.

By John Mullen

December 22, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Orange Beach police say an accidental shooting in Bear Point on Friday night is still under investigation but Lt. Carl Bradley said they believe it was just that – an accident.

“Two male subjects in a trailer there at 5699 Perdido Avenue and one of the male subjects had a Springfield .40 caliber compact and thought it was unloaded because he had unloaded it earlier,” Bradley said. “He pulled the slide back and when he released it a round fired off from it. His friend was standing beside him and the round went through both of his legs and came out the other side. If had been an inch closer he would have hit a main artery in his leg and he would have likely bled out.”

Orange Beach Community Yard & Craft Sale set for Jan. 19

December 22, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The 2019 Big Community Yard & Craft Sale will be held on Saturday, January 19, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Orange Beach Community Center. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Booth space is $30 and is limited to one space per individual. An application for booth space can be picked up at Orange Beach City Hall. Applications with payment can be dropped off at City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd., or mailed to the following:

Attn: Angela Bateman, Coordinator
P.O. Box 458
Orange Beach, AL 36561

Make checks payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 251-981-6629.

Eat at these OBA restaurants Christmas and Christmas Eve

Flora-Bama Christmas Day potluck buffet in Orange Beach, Alabama.

By John Mullen

December 21, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - At least 13 OBA Community Website restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and three of those will be serving on Christmas Day as well.

Those three are iconic names on the Gulf Coast with Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar and the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar in Orange Beach and Hazel’s Nook in Gulf Shores open on the holiday.

Serving on Christmas Eve will be three Tacky Jack locations in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, Bill’s By the Beach, Brick and Spoon, The Ruby Slipper, Bayes Southern Bar and Grill, Barefoot Island Grill, Duck’s Diner and Gilbey’s Seafood and Steak.

Police Chase from Foley through Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key

Police chase through Alabama and Florida

By Foley Police Dept.

December 20, 2018 - Foley, AL - (OBA^®) - On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at approximately 6 p.m. a Foley Police Officer observed a vehicle stopped in the southbound lane of Highway 59 at the intersection of Highway 98.

As the officer approached what he suspected was a disable vehicle, he observed that the driver was passed out behind the wheel.

Recognized for Outstanding Accomplishments in 2018

December 18, 2018 - Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - What did the Perdido Chamber accomplish in 2018? Members and Community members attended the Perdido Chamber’s Annual meeting on November 30, 2018 to reflect on how far we have come within the past year, discover what’s next for our area, and of course hear the winners for the 2018 Keys to Success Awards.

The 2018 Annual Meeting and Awards program began with a welcome by the 2018 Chairman of the Board, Cameron Price of the Flora-Bama. After leading a successful year as chairman of the board, he wistfully reflected on how far the chamber has come in such a short period of time, and shared excitement about where we are headed in the future.