Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Many restaurants in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area are preparing special menus and offerings for Mother's Day next Sunday. From waterfront venues offering panoramic views of the Gulf to cozy, inland eateries serving up local flavors, the variety of options ensures that there's something special for every mom to enjoy. This list of options below will help you navigate you through the top dining destinations with the details of their Mother's Day specials.

This week in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, the coastal calendar is full of diverse activities that cater to all tastes and interests. From the adrenaline-pumping dolphin cruises captained by the ever-entertaining Captain Dean to the relaxed, acoustic vibes at Big Beach Brewing Company, the region promises something for everyone. As the week unfolds, locals and visitors alike can engage in creative DIY projects at Orange Beach Hardware, compete in a spirited sandcastle contest at Flora-Bama, or soak in the melodious tunes of music legends at the Wharf Amphitheater. And don’t forget Mom. Lots of restaurants are planning a special day, just for her.

As part of the agreement for the Alabama Department of Transportation to buy the Foley Beach Express toll bridge, Foley is turning over maintenance of its portion to the state. Since the expressway and toll bridge were built, Foley was responsible for maintaining the roadway from its beginning at State Route 59 to its intersection with County Road 12. As part of the purchase agreement, this portion will be taken over for maintenance by the state as part of an extended State Route 161.

A lot of changes are in the works in the Gulf Pines neighborhood in the area framed by the 90-degree turn at Tacky Jacks including a detour around the turn through the neighborhood and streetscapes planned to improve the streets with landscaping, benches and other amenities. The latest could be the inclusion of the streets there in the golf cart ordinance for the city. Adding those streets will be discussed at the May 6 council work session at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola will be closed to the public from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a recent announcement. The National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and Fort Barrancas will all be closed to the public for these three days.

May at The Wharf in Orange Beach promises to be an exciting time filled with a variety of events catering to seafood enthusiasts, music lovers, and fishing aficionados. From the annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off to high-profile concerts by country legends Alabama and rising star Cole Swindell, as well as the thrilling Orange Beach Billfish Classic tournament, this coastal community is set to come alive with a diverse array of activities throughout the month.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon provided a detailed update on the State of the City at the Coastal Alabama Chamber First Friday Forum Breakfast, held at the Orange Beach Event Center, this past Friday. His presentation underscored the city's financial resilience, key infrastructure developments, and plans for enhancing community facilities and public services. Some of the highlights include…

The Foley Police Department and Foley High School are collaborating to introduce a new public safety program aimed at students interested in law enforcement careers. This initiative adds a specialized track to the school's curriculum, helping students explore potential careers in public safety.

The reconstruction of the Gulf State Park Pier reached a milestone recently when the walkway to the octagon on the end was partially completed. Lamar Pendergrass, the South Region Operations Supervisor for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks Division, said missing pilings and decking components have been replaced all the way to the octagon, which will allow construction workers much easier access to the entire 1,544-foot pier.