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

Saying goodbye to a childhood hero who was also your brother

OBA Editor's note: John Mullen, who writes most of our articles, recounts memories of his big brother in a heartfelt column following his passing today, Feb.14, Valentine's Day.

By John Mullen

February 15, 2019, - Orange Beach, AL - You do silly things when you’re a child. Like when you’re scared at night.

I had a brother who was five years older than me and we shared a bed as youngsters. I had typical childhood nighttime fears for no reason whatsoever.

Gulf Shores PD Community Video Surveillance Program

Press Release by Gulf Shores Police Dept.

February 14, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing a crime. Installing video surveillance is a great example of community-police partnerships and is something we highly value as a police agency serving our community.

Columbus Ships Pinta & Nina coming to Orange Beach

Columbus Ships February 13, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - On Friday, February 15 the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas of Columbus’ Ships, will open in Orange Beach. The ships will be docked at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, until their departure early Monday morning, February 25th.

The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” In 2005, the ‘Pinta’, also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to sight land in the New World. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

Future firefighters sought; spring recruit school starts March 15 in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Fire Dept. Training By City of Orange Beach

February 12, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Fire Department is looking for motivated, hardworking individuals who are interested in a career in the fire service.

The department’s spring recruit school starts March 15th, and space is limited. Completion of this 9-week recruit school provides the individual with Firefighter I/II certifications, as well as experience in a career fire department. The only prerequisite required to apply is having an up-to-date CPAT certification. Housing and a stipend is provided for the residents.

Charter boats can fish 7 days a week for red snapper

Red snapper season for charter boats starts on June 1 in Orange Beach, Alabama. By John Mullen

February 12, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – It gets lost in the confusion, Kelly Annan says, when the recreational red snapper fishing is announced as only three-day weekends June 1 through July 28.

“The news came on and flashed on the screen ‘snapper season starts June 1, three-day weekend only,’” Annan said. “I’m like, why are they doing that?”

Preparation Begins for the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival

Velcro Pygmies at Shrimp Fest in Gulf Shores

February 11, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Annual National Shrimp Festival has recently begun accepting applications to take part in the 48th edition of the festival happening October 10th through 13th in Gulf Shores.

The festival draws an average of 250,000 people during a four day period and has been a tradition in the area since 1971. Merchandise, food, activities, and musical acts from all different genres are just a few things that fill the action packed weekend.

People of Orange Beach: Meet Public Works Director Tim Tucker

By the City of Orange Beach

February 11, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The city is excited to introduce a new series of profiles highlighting Orange Beach employees, officials, and community movers and shakers.

Our city is successful because of the hard work of many individuals inside and outside of City Hall and this is an effort to get to know them.

Orange Beach Public Works Director Tim Tucker was gracious enough to kick off the series and sat down for an interview at his office in the Public Works building on William Silvers Parkway. To keep this simple, only five questions are asked.

WhiteSky latest to explore Orange Beach fiber options

Jerry Johnson, Orange Beach, Alabama, councilman

By John Mullen

February 11, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Orange Beach continues to look for options to bring fiber internet cable into its neighborhoods and is working with several companies to make that happen.

The latest entry in the fiber sweepstakes is one called WhiteSky out of Tuscaloosa which is planning to start asking residents of specific neighborhoods if they are interested in having fiber in their homes. If enough agree to sign up then efforts can begin in earnest.

“Once we get the marketing materials together and get the name out there in the area we are going to start marketing ourselves as a fiber to the home provider,” WhiteSky’s Matt Amick said. “Within the next month or two we’re really going to start working on it.”

Reef Naming Ceremony at Gulf State Park Feb. 22

By Outdoor Alabama

February 10, 2019 - Gulf State Park, AL - (OBA^®) - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will hold an artificial reef zone naming ceremony at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Ala., on February 22, 2019. The ceremony will take place at the Dunes Terrace at the Gulf State Park Lodge at 2 p.m. The media is invited to attend.

Orange Beach Planning Commission meet February 11th

February 9, 2019 - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Monday, February 11th for its regular meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Bay Circle historical marker unveiled as part of Alabama 200 celebration

February 9, 2019 - (OBA^®) - City officials and the Orange Beach community gathered on February 5th to unveil the city’s newest historical marker at Bay Circle and Canal Road, adjacent to Waterfront Park.

As the Bay Circle marker states, “This area, located along the southern shore of Wolf Bay, was the original ‘DOWNTOWN’ of Orange Beach.” Before automobile industry took hold, the bayfront was the city’s main thoroughfare.

Local farmer/inventor revolutionizing the world of organic farming

Eddie Boy Woerner's steam pasteurization of soil is revolutionizing organic farming. By John Mullen

February 7, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) – The infectious laughter of Eddie Boy Woerner filled the upstairs dining room and bar at Flipper’s Seafood and Oyster Bar to the rafters.

Eddie Boy was talking about one his favorite topics: How a farm boy from Elberta is changing the world of organic farming by treating soil with steam.

“I’ve invented a process that’s going to change agriculture forever,” Eddie Boy told a visiting group who requested an audience with the farming innovator. “Until I die, I’m going to be the Coca Cola of soil pasteurization.”

Orange Beach working on land swap, tax deal with The Wharf

Orange Beach, Alabama, city logo. By John Mullen

February 7, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) – The Orange Beach City Council bought one parcel of land at its Feb. 5 meeting and announced it is making moves to acquire two others in an expenditure of about $2 million.

A deal working with The Wharf may allow for a land swap getting the city a parcel between the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach and the Wind and Water Learning Center. The proposal, if carried out, will give the city ownership of Wolf Bay waterfront from Waterfront Park west to the Adult Activity Center.

“It’s the waterfront property that adjoins our art center complex,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. “It will connect and all of that will be ours. It’s a really good win for us, I think.”

Intertwined in the transaction will be an extension of the tax rebate deal The Wharf received when it was built just more than 10 years ago. In the agreement, the development will keep 50 percent of the city’s sales and lodging taxes generated.

5th Annual Zydeco & Crawfish Festival coming April 20

February 6, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Waterway Village Zydeco and Crawfish Festival boils up a beaucoup of fun on Saturday, April 20 in Gulf Shores. Locals and visitors are invited to sink their teeth into hot, juicy crawfish throughout the day while dancing to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South. There will be arts and crafts vendors and children's activities.

Alabama Announces 2019 Private Angler Red Snapper Fishing Season

Red Snapper Season 2019 February 6, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - For the second year, Alabama is operating under an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) from NOAA Fisheries to allow state fisheries management agencies more flexibility to set private angler red snapper fishing seasons.

In accordance with the EFP requirements, the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces the following red snapper season information:

Gulf Shores announces 41st Annual Mardi Gras Parade Route & Info

February 6, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores will continue the tradition and celebrate the 41^st Anniversary of the Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue down Highway 59 to Gulf Place.

A Night on the Wild Side event to be held March 9th

February 5, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Second Annual “A NIGHT ON THE WILD SIDE” is scheduled for March 9th, 2019 at the SaltAir Aviation Center, Jack Edwards Airport from 6:30-10:00 p.m. The “wildest” fundraiser of the year, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's jungle inspired affair offers a rare opportunity for guests to experience up-close encounters with zoo animals while enjoying an evening of culinary treats, live music, and dancing in an unique setting.

Orange Beach eyes Restore money for research center

Orange Beach, Alabama, Director of Coastal Resources Phillip West. By John Mullen

February 5, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Since at least 2005 the City of Orange Beach has been exploring ways to use property on Terry Cove that was once home to Walker Marina. The property is due east of Sportsman Marina and is currently used as a dog park and Frisbee golf course.

U.S. Blue Angels 2019 Air Show & Practice Schedules Released

February 4, 2019 - Pensacola NAT - (OBA^®) - We're not yet sure what date the Blues will be returning to Pendacola NAS from their winter training at NAF El Centro. They usually return arount mid-March but they yave a show in Salinas, CA on the 23rd & 24th. We'll keep our eyes and ears open and post updates as soon as we hear or see any news.

Sports group to be academic, athletic booster for Orange Beach Schools

The Orange Beach Sports Association will become the Makos Arts, Academic and Athletic Club to support programs at the new Orange Beach schools. By John Mullen

February 4, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Robert Stuart has been involved in city athletics through the Orange Beach Sports Association for 25 years.

“I’ve got three sons and I’ve had a child in Gulf Shores High School since the doors opened,” Stuart said. “My youngest is a senior this year.”

And he looks to stay involved for many years to come.

Orange Beach City Council meet on Feb. 5th

Orange Beach Council Meeting February 2, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach City Council will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 5th, followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Following are the agendas for the meetings. Please note that the information below may not be the most up-to-date information.

Doc's opening new restaurant on Perdido Beach Blvd.

Doc's Seafood opening new restaurant February 1, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Doc’s Seafood Shack is pleased to announce a new addition to the family, Doc’s Seafood and Steaks!

We are excited to bring you a diverse selection including all your favorites from our original location as well as fresh catch Gulf Seafood and 28 day aged Certified Angus Beef steaks. Make plans to join us at our newest location opening in March 2019, located at 24221 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach.

Lemonade Day Kick Off Party Happening February 6 at LuLu's

By the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber

January 31, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is excited about hosting Lemonade Day for the second year in the Coastal Alabama region.

"Lemonade Day is a FREE educational program designed to teach children about financial literacy and entrepreneurship, teaching them how to start, own, and operate their own business – a lemonade stand," said Nick Wilmott, Past Chairman of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and City Champion for Lemonade Day - Coastal Alabama. "Through this program they will take the same steps that we as adults do when starting our own business."

Orange Beach School Information Meeting

By City of Orange Beach

January 30, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA®) - Mayor Tony Kennon hosted a school information meeting on Tuesday, January 29th at the Orange Beach Community Center with Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler and his key staff.

Alabama Reefs topic of Feb. 4th Community Potluck

January 30, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Monthly Community Potluck will be held on Monday, February 4th at the Orange Beach Community Center, featuring a divemaster.

Update: Transferred Orange Beach principals hired by Gulf Shores

Cindy Veazey, left, has been named principal of Gulf Shores, Alabama, high school and Kyle McCartney has been named the principal of Gulf Shores, Alabama, middle school.

January 29, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - In a specially called meeting on Jan. 28 the Gulf Shores Board of Education recommended the hiring of Cindy Veazey as principal of Gulf Shores High School and Kyle McCartney as principal for Gulf Shores Middle School.

Flora-Bama hosting job fair for 200+ positions

Januray 28, 2019 - Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - Tuesday, February 5^th and Saturday, February 9^th from 11am – 3pm, Flora-Bama will be hosting a job fair seeking to hire more than 200 positions across their five businesses: Flora-Bama, Flora-Bama Liquor & Lotto, Flora-Bama Yacht Club, Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, and Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports. Managers from each business and department will be on site doing open interviews and fulfilling jobs within the week!

Orange Beach School Meeting set for Jan. 29th

By the City of Orange Beach

January 28, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The public is invited to a meeting to discuss the new Orange Beach Middle/High School at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 29th at the Orange Beach Community Center.

Blue Angels Pilot safe after emergency landing

From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs

January 22, 2019 - (OBA^®) - CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A pilot attached to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, made an emergency landing at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, Jan. 22, with no injuries.

The mishap occurred when the F/A-18 Hornet’s main landing gear did not extend on approach to the airfield following a training flight.

Gulf Shores Garden Club seeks applicants for its annual scholarship

By Sue Foskett

January 21, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - As members of the Gulf Shores Garden Club, we would like to award a $1,000 scholarship to a 2019 graduating senior of the Gulf Shores High School, as well as a scholarship to a former Gulf Shores High School student who is currently enrolled in a community college or university.