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orange beach banner logoOct. 19, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Orange Beach Event Center.
 
The meeting will include updates on transportation projects and schools, with Alabama Department of Transportation Director John Cooper and Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler in attendance.
 
“Director Cooper and Vince Calametti will be here from ALDOT, who will announce what's going to happen relative to bridges and roadways,” Kennon said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Eddie Tyler and his staff from the county school system will be there as we discuss the new schools and the split, and answer questions as we can.”

flippers outside
 
October 18, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Flippers’ Chef Mike Myers loves football season. And when it comes to the tourist season, he’ll break out the football analogy.
 
“You go through training camp with spring break, but once game time’s here, it’s on,” he said. “Every night is Friday night. From Monday through Sunday. It’s a battle to execute the way you’re supposed to do, then turn around and do it all over again on six and a half hours sleep.”
 
One reason the staff is working so hard at Flippers is its explosion on the local dining scene during the past few years. It all came together through a little marketing, social media and reviews on the website.
The method Myers likes best are his local customers spreading the word to friends and family which starts a chain reaction to more and happier guests.
 
“Word of mouth starts right here in the taste buds when it comes to food,” he said with a grin. “Not only are they your word of mouth, locals are your fall and winter business.”
 

 
 
October 18, 2017 - Gulf Shores, Ala (GSA) – The Waterway Village Fall Block Party kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Gulf Shores. Locals and visitors are invited to participate in good, old-fashioned family fun at Meyer Park. The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. with carnival games and activities for children.
 
The fun continues all afternoon long with a pet parade sponsored by Magnolia by the Gulf Animal Clinic, children’s costume contests, live DJ and community outreach with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue and the Gulf Shores Police Department.

Several Waterfront Park trees blow down in what may have been a small tornado during Hurricane Nate.
By John Mullen
October 15, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Hurricane Nate’s glancing blow was hardly felt in coastal Baldwin County, but his storm surge still washed out about 200,000 cubic yards of sand off beaches in Orange Beach.
 
On Oct. 10, a special-called city council meeting there authorized the city to spend about $39,700 to have Olsen Associates assess the losses.
 
“The biggest damage is going to be the beach erosion,” city Emergency Management Coordinator Lannie Smith said. “We did lose a good bit of sand on the beach. The surge and wave velocity made it all the way up to the dune and beach area and really eroded the dunes in several places. That’s going to be where we took the most hit.”
 

Devil on the Bayou, center, a deviled egg with pureed Tasso and shrimp with a fried oyster topper, is one of several oyster dishes on the Brick & Spoon menu.
 October 13, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Some menu staples have helped entrench the iconic Brick & Spoon in the Pleasure Island restaurant scene during its first four years.
 
And while you can’t look past an epic Bloody Mary with its countless options, there’s also a traditional dish with a unique twist: deviled eggs topped by a fresh-fried oyster.
 
Twists on traditional fare are the norm in the Brick & Spoon kitchen, and a big reason the franchise was named as one of the top 10 breakfast spots in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine.
But it’s “Devil on the Bayou” that still has the attention of owner Eric Beech.
 
“It’s a deviled egg with a shrimp and Tasso puree,” he said. “Tasso is a Cajun-cured ham. We sauté the shrimp and Tasso and we puree it and we put it in a piping bag with the egg yokes and mayonnaise and sriracha aioli. We pipe it back into the deviled egg and we put a fried oyster on top.
“It’ll change yo’ life. It’ll change yo’ life.”
 

Gulf State Park PierOctober 13, 2017 - Gulf State Park - With only minor repairs remaining, the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is scheduled to reopen Saturday, October 14, 2017. The pier had been closed due to damage received during Hurricane Nate, which made landfall in southeast Louisiana and again near Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
 
During the storm, several wooden panels were blown out along the pier’s walkway. The pier also sustained ruptured water lines and electrical damage. Some sections of the pier’s handrail lighting system remain to be repaired.
 
“Fortunately, the damaged caused by Hurricane Nate was not as bad as it could have been,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. “Thanks to repair crews and our staff we can reopen the pier on Saturday so that visitors can enjoy their planned vacations.”

Mitch and Tanya Blalock's VW bus boat.                                     Photo by: Kevin Starla Sinyard
By John Mullen
October 13, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – At first, building a VW bus pontoon boat started out as kind of a hobby for Mitch Blalock. About $40,000 later he has one of the most eye-catching crafts moving around the back bays of Orange Beach.
 
“I used to tell my wife it’s cheaper than therapy, but I’m not sure I can say that, really, after building it,” Blalock said.
 
The Volkswagen people are sure happy with it.

Gulf Shores
October 11, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) – In light of Hurricane Nate’s effects on the Gulf coast the City of Gulf Shores has elected to cancel Operation: “Dive Against Debris” on Saturday, Oct. 21.
 

This underwater conservation effort and beach cleanup were due to take place at the Gulf State Park Fishing & Education Pier. The pier sustained damage, but the extent is still unknown at this time. Potentially hazardous conditions are present in the Gulf waters.

“For the safety of the divers and all those participating we are canceling the event,” Gulf Shores Police Sgt. Paul Maliska said. “I want to thank the generous sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in coordinating this event.”

 
Information regarding next year’s event will be announced as it becomes available. For more information visit the Gulf Shores or Project Aware on the web.

Candice Duncan, left, and Terri Long of Wildflowers Boutique in Orange Beach.
October 11, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Wildflowers Boutique owners Terri Long and Candice Duncan Toys 4 Children fundraiser will have its fifth edition Nov. 9 at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina. Fisher’s is a partner in the effort and has hosted the event every year.
 
Each year it keeps building and building, Terri said, with donations, toys, and partners. In the previous four years, a total of $50,000 in toys and donations have been collected to help island and Baldwin County children have a great Christmas.
 
Tickets are $25 and are available at Wildflowers Boutique on Canal Road in the Commons Shopping center or on online. The ticket includes a showing of Wildflowers unique fashions, with models donating their time.
 
“Many of the models buy tickets to the event in addition to donating their time,” Terri said. “Last year was the best that we’ve had and this year we’re going try to make it even bigger. Last year we had the Marines with Toys for Tots and they walked each model out. That was just awesome!”
 
The Marine Corps Reserve’s annual toy drive has been a staple of the holiday season since 1947.
 
“Toys for Tots asked to join us last year,” Terri said. “They came to us and wanted to know how can we get involved. I told them we’re about keeping it local. They agreed to take care of our locals.”
 
Wildflowers will provide the entertainment, TriggerProof, a popular regional band from Biloxi. Fisher’s is providing the hors d'oeuvres and will have drink specials.
 

The Alabama Gulf Coast is open for business.
October 9, 2017, Gulf Shores (GSA) and Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – As Hurricane Nate impacted the northern Gulf Coast Oct. 7-8, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT) has the following area update for guests visiting in the coming days or months.
 
“We have been in constant communication with both local cities and the county emergency management agency, and we are thankful to be able to relay to our guests that our beach communities only received minimal impact from Hurricane Nate, and we stand ready to welcome guests to our 32 miles of white-sand beaches,” said Joanie Flynn, vice president of marketing for GSOBT. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those neighbors in other Gulf-front states who were impacted by the tropical system.”
 

Red Snapper David RainerBy David Rainer - Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
 
October 6, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Preliminary numbers from the Alabama Red Snapper Reporting System, aka Snapper Check, indicate the fear that Alabama anglers would exceed the 2017 quota were unfounded.
 
“Using the Alabama Snapper Check numbers, we’re going to be well within the historic allocation for Alabama, so the 39-day season did not put us over, which was a concern for the commercial fishing community and part of the charter fishing community,” said Scott Bannon, Acting Director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD). “Now the concern we have is what the MRIP (Marine Recreational Information Program) numbers will show, and those numbers are not out yet.”
 
Since the inception of the Alabama Snapper Check program, the federally produced MRIP numbers for red snapper caught by private recreational anglers have consistently overestimated the snapper harvest, according to MRD officials. The federal survey overestimated harvest numbers by 81 percent in 2014, 68 percent in 2015 and 79 percent in 2016 compared to Snapper Check numbers.

City of Orange Beach Council meetingBy John Mullen

October 5, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Federal officials are serious about protecting the beach mouse in coastal Alabama, even in the newly constructed island medians on beach road.
 
So that means every project must follow certain rules and regulations not only to protect the habitat of the sensitive critters but enhance it in some cases by planting the right grasses and trees that will be beneficial to the mice.
 
Orange Beach Public Works Director Tim Tucker has experience in this area.
 
“About a year ago we were asked to remove grass on the east side of the pass bridge so the beach mouse would know when it got to the road,” Tucker said. “Now I’ve got to put certain grass in the middle of the road so the beach mouse will know to go to the middle of the road.

Island Time Daiquiris at The Wharf is a great place to watch football.
October 4, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – When Bobby Graves opened his first business that wasn’t a car dealership, he was met with a little skepticism. He opened a bar in Orange Beach anyway.
 
“You’re crazy for opening that place,” Graves said he was told. “And you’re opening it at the end of the season. It’ll never make it.”
 
That was hardly the case. His first foray into the beach economy, Island Time Daiquiris at The Wharf, has been a success story.
 
“It was five years ago this August,” he said.
 

Harvest a festival of giftsOctober 3, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - On Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 3pm, Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mother’s Day Out and Preschool will host its 9th annual fundraiser, “The Harvest—A Festival of Gifts” at its south campus (in Winn-Dixie Parking lot behind Zaxby’s).
 
Profits from The Harvest will benefit the Mother’s Day Out and Preschool Program’s scholarship fund, and for the first time this year, half of the profits will be donated to Hurricane Recovery Efforts!
 
The Harvest will highlight: Local artists and crafters selling their original, homemade creations, an extensive Silent Auction, and the ever-popular Sweet Shop, which will feature decadent confections created by local bakers.

Flora bama Block 250pxwSept. 30, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - All are invited to the Flora-Bama’s Customer Appreciation Day, the 2nd Sunday of each month. On Sunday, October 8th, the popular bar takes on a German flair with a free stein, first drink on the house (to all 21 and up) and complimentary buffet of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad beginning at 2pm. A stein hoisting contest sponsored by Samuel Adams starts at 3pm.
 
There’s no charge for this event so dress up in your favorite German attire and bring the whole family. Silent judging will take place with $50 gift certificate for the best Lederhosen (men) and Dirndl (women). Party and dance like it’s a day in Munich with “The Brats”, a high energy polka band fresh from the Oktoberfest at the Deutches Haus in New Orleans. Music begins at 1pm with Jason Justice in the Main Bar, Al & Cathy under the Tent at 2pm and the Brats 4-8p on the Dome stage.

By Jessica Langston
September 30, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Fall is finally here, for those of you who have been craving Halloween for an entire year. Are you dying to get your fill of ghouls, goblins, witches and werewolves?
 
You can’t stop thinking about candy corn, Jack-O-Lanterns and scary movies? If you’re ready for a night of thrills on the high sea, book your trip to attend Ghost Cruises at Caribe Marina from Sept. 29 to Oct. 31.
This year’s story will immerse guests in a flashback to one of our first cases -- a ghost ship investigation. Get ready for a night of treasure hunting, cursed gold and ghost captains.
 
This family-friendly trip will feature a 45-minute cruise into Wolf Bay, a haunting ghost story told by seasoned actors, along with plenty of Halloween decorations and photo opportunities.
Chris Logel, manager at Caribe Marina, said that attendees are in for a real treat, no trick intended.
 
“The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts of trip,” he said. “When you arrive, you are greeted by creepy music all over the marina. Be on the lookout for some unsavory folks that may be looking for a fishing trip to join. The weather is beautiful this time of the year, especially in the evenings on the water.
 

LuLus banner1
Sept. 29, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) – Everybody would love to have a Crazy Sista to have fun. Even better would be a Crazy Sista who had mad skills in the kitchen. Well, everybody does have that Crazy Sista: Lucy Buffett.
 
What could be zanier than making bread pudding out of Krispy Kreme donuts? Or saner than making a roux-based gumbo in a huge cast iron pot following Lucy’s grandmother’s recipe? It’s the most popular item on the menu. LuLu’s in Gulf Shores offers all this and much, much more.
 
Want to have fun with your Crazy Sista? At LuLu’s you can climb on the three-story Mountain of Youth ropes course, Munchkin Mountain ropes course for little tykes, an arcade brimming with games and revelry and a pile of sand to frolic on.
 
There’s also a fountain for youth play in, beach volleyball, cornhole and ring toss. And live music nightly to get your toes tappin’.

The Romar Inn at Romar Beach in Orange Beach.
By Angela Bateman, City of Orange Beach
September 27, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. on the site of the Original Romar Beach Bed and Breakfast Inn, Orange Beach will honor its historical heritage by unveiling another marker. All are welcome to attend the unveiling ceremony. The historical marker was written by local author Margaret Childress Long.
 
The Marker details the history of Romar Beach named after 1920’s homestead located along the three-mile stretch of beachfront between the Gulf State Park and Highway 161 in Orange Beach. The original owners were Spurgeon Roche and Carl “Zeke” Martin. The roadway to the homestead is now what is called “Power Line Road.”
 
The unveiling of the historical marker is part of the City of Orange Beach’s participation in Alabama 200. According to the official website, Alabama 200 is “the state’s official bicentennial commemoration and will consider a rich and complex history made every day by people like us.
 

Gulf Shores Arts
Sept. 26, 2017 – Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Mark your calendars for the Oct. 7 Art Market, an event of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance.
 
The Art Market, 9 a.m-3 p.m. at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the Waterway Village of Gulf Shores, will feature dozens of local and regional artists who will be displaying their original works of art. Great music and food along with activities for children will top off the day.

The Baldwin Pops will be back for the ninth straight year for a concert in Orange Beach.
September 25, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The City of Orange Beach invites you to a free concert featuring the Baldwin Pops Concert Band. The event will be Sunday, Oct. 15, 4:30-6 p.m. on the lawn behind the Orange Beach Senior Center, located at 26251 Canal Road, less than a quarter mile east of Alabama 161.

September 23, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – There’s something folksy about being Southern and Bayes Southern Bar and Grill embraces the reference in the name.
 
“We put a big emphasis on the word Southern,” General Manager Daniel Unda said. “Southern, in our opinion, comprises kindness, hospitality and good food, some of the best things that you hear whenever the word Southern comes into play. With the term Southern, we want to make sure we provide that to our guests. A good environment, being hospitable to them and put out great food.”

Baldwin County Schools
The new middle school in Orange Beach will be located at the site of the old wastewater treatment plant on Canal Road.
By John Mullen
September 22, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Mayor Tony Kennon patiently waited as other council members made a few customary announcements near the start of the Sept. 19 meeting.
 
Kennon didn’t let on he was like a kid on Christmas, almost bursting with excitement with an announcement and guest he was about to introduce.

juanitaSeptember 21, 2017 –Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets is proud to announce that Juanita Hendrix, one of their managers, will be competing in the World Food Championships Nov. 14-18 at The Wharf in Orange Beach with a chance to win a $300,000 prize purse and the title.
 
BuzzCatz’ team is one of about 500 from across the world who will be seeking the ultimate food crown. Hendrix earned her spot with her Southern Fried Dog: a Nathan hot dog wrapped in Conecuh Bacon with ButterKase cheese, sautéed jalapeno, onions, garlic and fried green tomatoes, topped with Wild Bill's Sauce.
 
“I am very proud to be representing BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets in this renowned competition,” Hendrix said. “I am so thankful for the love and support I have received from my team members and the creativity I am allowed to experience in my job.”
 
Sister restaurants include Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar and Luna’s Eat & Drink located on Canal Road, Cobalt, The Restaurant, nestled under the Perdido Pass Bridge next to Caribe Resort, and GTs On The Bay overlooking Wolf Bay also located off Canal Road.

intracoastal cheeseburger po boy
Sept. 19, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – First, you get a big ol’ hunk of Monterrey Jack cheese.
 
“Everybody comes to eat our fried cheese,” owner Bobby Graves of the Intracoastal says. “It’s not frozen. That cheese is sliced in the back and battered here.”
 
“I buy a fresh 40-pound block and we cut it ourselves,” Manager Pat Wilkenson said.

Jodi and Brian Harsany of Luna's.
September 19, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Local restaurant Luna’s Eat & Drink, located on Canal Road, will host its Second Annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 2-6 p.m.
 
They will feature German-inspired food as well as beer, polka music, stein hoisting and games. Tickets are on sale now at Luna’s Eat & Drink as well as on their website; tickets can also be purchased at Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar, Cobalt, GTs On The Bay and Maggie’s Bottle n’ Tail.
 
They will feature a firkin tapping from Gulf Shores’ Big Beach Brewery. Other brews available include Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, Goose Island, Blue Pants and Yellowhammer.

 
September 15, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Do you want to watch your favorite team play in a sports bar atmosphere, but also want a full menu featuring fresh Gulf seafood?
 
Or maybe you want an icy daiquiri when your team takes the field? You can have the best of both worlds and they are right across the street from each other on the east end of The Wharf entertainment complex.
 
The Intracoastal has more than 50 TVs on the north side of the street and Island Time Daiquiri Bar offers about a dozen more on the south side. Owner Bobby Graves says he has the largest sports restaurant/bar on the island. Both also feature NFL Sunday Ticket.
 
“When football season gets here we’ll go through thousands of wings,” he said.

 Sirens Stormy the bandSeptember 14, 2017 – Orange Beach (OBA) – Football Season is upon us, so mark your calendar for the Sirens of the Sea “Football Tailgate Party” Drawdown. The Band “STORMY’ from Louisiana will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.
Stormy’s song list is as versatile as their musical abilities. They are composed of a solid rhythm section, horns, and keyboard with male and female vocalists, all of which offer a great variety of music for the entire crowd.
Sirens of the Sea, a local women’s Mardi Gras krewe, has lots more than great music in store for this fun filled event. It is their annual drawdown fundraiser and is going to be at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf on Sept. 15. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The Grand Prize is a hefty $5,000.

OB new logoSept. 9, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Due to the large numbers of evacuees associated with Hurricane Irma from across the State of Florida, we are encouraging and requesting that all condo associations and rental properties temporarily modify their policies allowing evacuees with pets to find accommodations here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. In conjunction with the City of Gulf Shores, we make this request due to the magnitude and forecast affecting the entire State of Florida as we anticipate many evacuees during this time. It is crucial we help our neighboring states during the current evacuation of Hurricane Irma and those displaced from Hurricane Harvey in Texas. We encourage and request all the condo associations and rental properties to waive any pet policies to accommodate evacuees during this time.

For the City of Orange Beach,

Sincerely,

Tony Kennon

Mayor

live bait logo
Sept. 8, 2017 - Orange Beach (OBA) – Ida Blake is not afraid to step into any role where she’s needed at Live Bait in Orange Beach.
 
She’ll wash dishes, sweep floors and drive the shuttle bringing customers to and from the back parking lot when there’s a big crowd for dinner. She’s worked for the restaurant for six years, which is fast becoming a favorite family dining and entertainment destination.
 
But she’s mostly known and needed for her cooking skills, particularly bread pudding, house-made sauces and dressings, and her delicious gumbo.
 
“Four days straight this summer I made 28 quarts of gumbo a day,” a smiling Blake said. “Whatever I need to do, I do.”
 
When she gets behind the wheel of the shuttle, she’s checking out how Live Bait is doing from the diner’s perspective.

Harbor Cove parking lotBy John Mullen
September 7, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – A city contractor working to fix seepage and improve drainage behind Fire Station 2 had to do some extra repairs in the parking lot of Harbor Cove Condominiums.
 
“If you’ll recall, we had seepage through the retention pond at Fire Station No. 2,” Community Development Director Kit Alexander said. “It was coming through the pond bank on the south side and the east side. It was crossing their parking lot and causing damage.”
 
During the course of constructing a 10-foot wide drainage underneath the parking lot at Harbor Cove, two underground utility lines were severed. The city discussed paying about $5,500 to repair the damage during a council work session on Sept. 5.

American Clean FuelBy John Mullen
 
September 6, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Now, more than ever, your generator needs to be running on clean fuel that is stored in a clean tank. Same for boats and other watercraft.
 
And chances are if it’s been sitting idle for months or years, the inside of the tank probably needs a good cleaning.
 
As Hurricane Irma churns in the Atlantic and has coastal residents anxious, a healthy fuel system is vital to keeping a generator running in emergencies.
 
“This is one of those things people don’t want to think about and they don’t want to spend the money, but now’s the time to really start looking at it,” Jeramie Bentley of Fuel Pro said. “Especially with this storm coming in and all those condos.”
 
Bentley’s is one of two businesses operating on Alabama’s Gulf Coast that cleans fuel tanks on generators and boats and just about anything else that burns diesel. Chase Cooper of American Clean Fuel cleans both diesel and gas tanks from 30 to 25,000 gallons. Both have offices in Baldwin County and work all over the Southeast and Midwest.