The OBA Community Website

Covering the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast (AFGC)tm since 2006!

Patriotic Spirit and Naval Fighter Jets Soar at Annual Pensacola Beach Air Show

Pensacola’s very own Blue Angels highlight Red, White and Blues Week with a spectacular air show over Pensacola Beach

Blue Angels PhotoJune 19, 2017 Pensacola, FL — Thousands flock to the sugar-white sand and turquoise water of this Gulf Coast destination each July to see the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron perform at their annual Pensacola Beach Air Show.

The Blue Angels — or “Blues,” as locals call their hometown heroes — are known across the country for their high-flying aerial maneuvers and laser-point precision. Started in 1946, the team celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016 — a long legacy in a city whose reputation as a tourist destination is rivaled only by its military heritage.

Indeed, Pensacola is known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Naval Air Station Pensacola — located just west of the city’s colonial-era downtown — has trained generations of airmen and is the home base for the Blue Angels. In a city with such deep military roots, few things arouse more pride than the sight of the Blues soaring high above the Gulf of Mexico.

That pride will be on full display in days leading up to this year’s air show, to be held July 8 on Santa Rosa Island, just 15 minutes from downtown and a half-hour from the Navy base.

Fresh off of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, the largest country music festival in the world, Karen Waldrop is returning to the gulf coast with six performances. She'll be performing three shows in Panama City and three shows at the Flora-Bama between June 15th & 24th. Full schedule here: www.KarenWaldrup.com 
 
Karen WaldrupJune 14, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Singer/Songwriter/Performer Karen Waldrup from New Orleans is currently living in Nashville Tennessee pursuing her music career. Karen has been performing gulf coast tours, including the Flora-Bama, with her band for the last 7 years.  
 
Karen says in her bio that the artists who have influenced her music include Alanis Morissette, Ingrid Michaelson, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Otis Redding and Janis Joplin. I detetected a hint of a young Dolly Parton, with an (from her website) "in-your-face" style of country music. She's across the USA and Europe... her stage presence mesmerizes her audiences; often receiving standing ovations.   
 
Karen has made huge strides in her career over this last year. Since her last visit to the gulf coast she's been discovered by CMT and Country Rebel, exposing her to millions of new fans. Based on the views, likes and comments on Karen's videos, she's on the fast-track to national recognition. It's not unusual for Karen's videos to exceed 10 million views and several have received over 20 million.  

Perdido Beach Resort Fireworks
 
June 9, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The 2017 Gulf Coast Dental Conference and 148th ALDA Annual Session is taking place at the Perdido Beach Resort this week.
 
As usual they're having their 4th-of-July quality fireworks show Saturday evening at 9pm (weather permitting, and it looks like beautiful weather this weekend).
 
At the Resort, it's a private show for the folks at the dental conference but, if you'd like to watch, here are some great spots: the decks of Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern, Cobalt the Restaurant or out on Alabama Point East.
 
If you have pets that are spooked by fireworks, you'll want to secure them Saturday evening. We almost always get posts about lost dogs after this display.


Kiel Thomas arrested at Hangout FestMay 24, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - For the second year in a row, Kiel Thomas Sheppard, 32, of Newport, Florida left the Hangout Music Festival in handcuffs. Sheppard was arrested on Sunday, May 21, 2017 for doing business without a license after he was discovered selling Hangout Music Fest wristbands just outside the venue. Sheppard was also arrested in 2016 under similar circumstances.

His 2017 arrest is different and significantly more concerning to law enforcement. This year Sheppard was selling stolen Staff and Vendor wristbands. Police said these wristbands could potentially allow anyone that obtained one into secure areas. When apprehended by Gulf Shores Police Officers Sheppard had 9 authentic staff wristbands and 4 vendor wristbands. How many he sold prior to being caught on the last day of the festival is still unknown.

Kim Asbury International Biscuit WinnerMay 23, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA) - The International Biscuit Festival took place last weekend in Knoxville Tennessee. Kimberly Asbury, manager of BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets here in Orange Beach, not only participated in the biscuit competition... she walked away as the International Biscuit Grand Champion.
 
So if you live along the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast or you're visiting our area, you can try out this world class biscuit every Saturday and Sunday at BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets, 25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach (Cosmo's Courtyard).
 
Kim's Scotch Egg Biscuit is getting a lot of attention by the media as well as on social media...

May 17, 2017 - Foley, AL (FA) - OWA announced today that Wahlburgers will be one of the anchor locations at the new amusement park. Whalburgers is expected to open in mid-August. The roller coaster is expected to open in mid-July.

May 14, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Lately when the Blue Angels are flying to their home base at Pensacola NAS they can be seen Buzzin' the Beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast and Perdido Key. Below are videos and photos captured by our fans who have their cameras ready for their fast fly-bys.
Thank you to all of our fans who capture and share your great videos and photos with us.

May 14, 2017 - Gulf State Park (GSP) - Michael Thomas with MicDesigns took a 20 minute ride around Lake Shelby and recorded his trek.