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Pet Bandanas for Sale to Promote Local Troop Support

March 7, 2011 - Fairhope, AL (FA) - In support of the Fairhope based 1165th Company that is deployed in Afghanistan, the Citizens for Local Troop Support Committee are offering bright, yellow pet bandanas to raise funds for the families of the 1165th. A donation of $7 for a large pet bandana and a $5 donation for a small pet bandana will be accepted The bandanas are available at Fairhope Animal Clinic on Greeno Road or at Fairhope City Hall. Fairhope City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and FAC is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

All funds raised will help support activities of the Local Troop Support Committee, the 1165th and the families of the 1165th. For additional information, call 990-0218 or 928-3292.

Pictured is Dr. James Corte of Fairhope Animal Clinic with Margie who is wearing a troop support bandana. Margie is owned by Margo Hancock of Spanish Fort.

EPA Accepting Nominations for the 2011 Gulf Guardian Awards

March 7, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program partnership developed the Gulf Guardian awards as a way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals, and organizations that are taking extraordinary steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. The Gulf Guardian Award recipients exemplify what the Gulf of Mexico Program partnership is all about; innovative solutions that come about when we pool resources and look for creative ways to positively impact our quality of life and economic well being on the Gulf of Mexico.

PBYSA Youth Football Boosters Present 1st Annual Perdido Springfest

March 7, 2011 - Pensacola, FL - The 1st Annual Perdido Springfest & Fair Tuesday March 22nd- Saturday, March 26th. Fair rides including a Ferris Wheel, Himalayan, etc…open at 3 p.m. daily on the grounds of Liberty Church, 2221 S. Blue Angel Parkway. Perdido Springfest & Fair will have full-blown carnival rides, games, concessions, vendors and lots of great live entertainment every week night and throughout the day Saturday.

Video and Photos from the Mystical Order of Mirams Parade

March 6, 2011- Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Mystical Order of Mirams hit the streets in Orange Beach on Friday night for their annual Mardi Gras Parade. With 54 units it was the largest Mardi Gras Parade to-date in Orange Beach. The parade started at Wintzell's Oyster House and ended at the Perdido Pass bridge. The video and photos were shot in front of Turquoise Place Condominiums on Perdido Beach Blvd.

Because of the rain Saturday evening the Mystics of Pleasure parade will parade on Fat Tuesday at 2:00pm in Orange Beach. The parade will start at Wintzell's and end at the Rite Aid at Orange Beach Blvd. (Hwy 161).

Saturday, March 5th Mardi Gras-Weather Update

March 5, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Mystics of Pleasure's parade originally scheduled for tonight at 5:30pm has been cancelled due to heavy storms forecast for our area. The Mystic of Pleasure will parade in the Fat Tuesday parade in Orange Beach at 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 8th.

Strong storms are expected to reach our area at around 5:00pm today.

History of Naval Aviation in Pensacola

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

February 19, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Commander Leo F. Murphy, U.S. Navy (Retired) will present a talk on the History of Naval Aviation in Pensacola at the Orange Beach Adult Activity Center on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.

“In January 1914 an antiquated battleship and sea-worn collier arrived at the abandoned Pensacola Navy Yard with the entire fledgling Naval Flying Corps and its flying machines embarked aboard. Tasked with establishing the U.S. Navy’s first aeronautical station and flying school, Pensacolians soon enjoyed an exclusive front-row seat to the most thrilling flying shows in the world. In honor of the U.S. Navy’s celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation in 2011, this presentation will trace the 97-year history of Naval aviation in Pensacola with all of its adventures, tragedies, and mysteries.”

Murphy is a retired Naval officer whose final assignment after a 30-year career was Director of the Aviation Training School at Naval Air Station Pensacola where he supervised the initial flight training of nearly 2,000 aviators a year. He is currently employed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science. In 2008 he was selected as the 23rd recipient of the prestigious Christa McAuliffe Award as the National Aerospace Teacher of the Year.

NOAA is Seeking Comments on a Proposed Rule to Increase the Red Snapper Quotas in the Gulf of Mexico

February 18, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would adjust the commercial and recreational red snapper quotas in the Gulf of Mexico from 3.542 and 3.403 million pounds (MP) to 3.66 and 3.525 MP in 2011, respectively. A recent red snapper assessment update projected overfishing (rate of removal is too high) ended in 2009, and therefore, the total allowable catch can be increased from the existing 6.945 MP to 7.185 MP. This action was evaluated in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed rule publishes in the Federal Register on February 22, 2011, with the comment period ending March 24, 2011.

If the amendment is approved, the final rule may contain NOAA Fisheries Service’s estimated projection for the number of days in the 2011 recreational fishing season.

Request for Comments:
Written comments on this proposed rule to increase the red snapper commercial and recreational quotas must be received no later than March 24, 2011, to be considered by NOAA Fisheries Service. See the Addresses section for information on where and how to submit comments. All comments received by NOAA Fisheries Service will be addressed in the final rule.

Snapper Season on Gulf Council Agenda

By David Rainer, OutdoorAlabama.com

February 18, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - When the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meets in Orange Beach April 11-14, the agenda will be filled with items that will have significant impacts on saltwater anglers.

At last week’s council meeting in Mississippi, anticipated action on an amberjack season was pushed back until the April meeting because the stock assessment won’t be ready until March, according to Bob Shipp, council chair. He also said early projections appear to indicate there may be a need for additional restrictions on the amberjack catch in 2011.

“If we do have a closure, it will probably be during snapper season so people will have something to fish for when snapper season is closed,” said Shipp, head of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama.

As far as red snapper are concerned, there will be several options on the table at the meeting at Perdido Beach Resort, although any major changes to the season would have to go through the council process.

Theatre West dusts off “The Glass Menagerie”

Submitted by Allison Winschief

February 16, 2011 - Pensacola, FL - This Spring, Theatre West wraps up their celebration of Tennessee Williams’ 100th birthday with a modernized version of “The Glass Menagerie.” The most autobiographical of Williams’ plays, it is also one of the most famous with characters that haunt and ring familiar bells in the mind.

In honor of Williams’ birthday, Paxton McCaghren, Artistic Director of Theatre West, has decided to give “The Glass Menagerie” a good dusting off this year. “We have decided to modernize the show a bit to demonstrate how Williams’ life was forever altered by his sister’s mental illness,” says McCaghren. That haunting did not stop after he wrote this show. McCaghren believes Williams struggled with thoughts of his sister for the rest of his life, and was deeply disturbed by what became of her. “Perhaps it was those thoughts of his troubled past that drove Tennessee Williams to alcohol, sleeping pills, and his need for constant companionship. Whatever the case, Williams’ tortured mind was the driving force behind many of his plays including “The Glass Menagerie,” he said.

Prescribed Burn Planned for Oak Mountain and Gulf State Park

By OutdoorAlabama.com

February 16, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - A prescribed burn on 40 acres within Gulf State Park is planned for February 23, through March 2011, weather permitting. The Alabama State Parks Division, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will conduct this burn to reduce the fuel load within the 40 acre compartment. The burn will take place west of the cabin area off of State Road 2.

Every effort will be made to ensure proper smoke management and safety of surrounding areas during this period. As in past burns, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Fire Departments will assist as needed.

Photo: The image shows smoke floating out over the Gulf of Mexico from a prescribed burn at the Gulf State Park in January of 2003.

Local Artists Featured in Mosaic Art Auction to Benefit Doctors Without Borders

Submitted by Paige Ponder

February 14, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Baldwin County, AL: The creative talents of local artists Carolyn Wagner of Josephine, AL; Jan Johnson of Daphne, AL; and Gila Rayberg of Perdido Key, FL, will join an international group of mosaic artists whose works will be featured and available for bid in an online auction benefit for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières at the online auction website: www.biddingforgood.com/dwb-msf.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization which provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.

Geocaching Presentation in Orange Beach

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

February 14, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Lovers of the outdoors and adventurers of all ages are invited to learn more about geocaching through a presentation by Bob Buckley, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 6:00pm at the Adult Activity Center in Orange Beach.

Foundation Honors Island Teachers of the Year

By Clayton Wallace

February 12, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Many of the area’s top business leaders turned out Friday as the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Educational Foundation honored the recipients of its annual Teachers of the Year awards at the monthly Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Forum. Winners come from the four public schools in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and are nominated by their peers.

“These teachers represent the best of the best in their chosen schools,” said Educational Foundation President Mike Diehl. “We believe our schools are home to the best teachers anywhere, and our winners were picked by their fellow teachers. Congratulations to them all.”

This year’s winners include Kristen Siegel of Orange Beach Elementary, Jalene Dennard of Gulf Shores Elementary, Pamela Tucker of Gulf Shores Middle and Will Randolph on Gulf Shores High.

Sorrento Road's Name Changes to Perdido Key Parkway

Submitted by Lauren Turner

February 11, 2011 - Perdido Key, FL (PKF) - A little more than a year ago, plans were initiated to change the name of a portion of Sorrento Road to Perdido Key Parkway. This was done to better brand this significant business corridor that is the gateway leading into Perdido Key. The first step was to procure an "Official Roadway Designation." Thanks in great part to former State Representative Dave Murzin and Senator Don Gaetz, who co-sponsored an official bill in the Florida Legislature, this major step has been accomplished.

To celebrate the Official State Road Designation of the new Perdido Key Parkway, the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce board and staff cordially invite you to a dedication ceremony. Commissioner Gene Valentino, will be the guest speaker and will unveil the designated roadway sign that will be installed at the intersection of Blue Angel Parkway and Sorrento Road.

E-Reader, Kindle & Nook classes at the Orange Beach Public Library

Submitted by Maria Baroco

February 11, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Due to popular demand, the Orange Beach Public Library is offering another e-Books@OBPL class, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 3pm. The class will introduce CamelliaNet, the library's free, electronic book catalog and guide users through downloading a book to their electronic reading device. Class attendees need to bring a laptop computer, a compatible e-reading device and the cables necessary to connect the two.

19th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival in Orange Beach Feb. 19

Submitted by Angela Bateman

February 11, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - With 40 Arts and Crafts vendors featuring local artisans with handmade wares and an impressive Auto Show including classic cars, hot rods and newer models, the 19th annual Seafood Festival promises to be a delight for young and old. The 2011 Orange Beach Seafood Festival, sponsored by Blalock Seafood, will be held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Saturday, February 19, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. This festival is the major fundraising event for the Orange Beach Sports Association to support youth sports-related activities in Orange Beach. Proceeds from the event are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay officials for the youth t-ball, baseball and softball program. The OBSA also sponsors various tournaments and clinics throughout the year and makes contributions to local youth-based programs.

This will be one of the biggest groups of vendors for the festival, with an assortment of booths selling something for everyone: from candles to metalwork to jewelry to plants. For this year’s car show, along with the various categories of cars on display, the event will have the added feature of a “cruise” through the festival after the awards are presented.

Perdido Key Chamber's March Snowbird Roost

Submitted by Lauren Turner

February 9, 2011 - Perdido Key, FL (PKF) - The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome our returning guests and announce the 3rd and final Snowbird Roost of the season. This event will be held at the Perdido Bay Community Center, 13660 Innerarity Point Rd. The Roost will be held on Thursday, March 3rd starting at 11:30 am till 1:30 pm. There will be two different seating’s, one beginning at 11:30 am and the second at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be provided for a $2 donation to the Community Center.

Thanks to our sponsor Pointe South Vacation Rentals. Sponsors and vendors are still needed for this event. If you are interested please contact the Perdido Key Chamber for more details.

An Afternoon with Edie and Elvis

Submitted by Sally McKinney

February 9, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - There is still time to get tickets for the Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast benefit “An Afternoon with Edie and Elvis” from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Orange Beach Community Center.

Edie Hand, acclaimed speaker, philanthropist and member of The Alliance for Women in Media Communications, has chosen “From Graceland to God’s Amazing Grace” for her presentation.

Local Elvis Tribute Artist Shane Tucker is the featured performer. Assistant principal at Foley High School in Baldwin County, Alabama, Tucker has delighted many local audiences over the past few years with his Elvis Tribute Show. He is a former math teacher and football and baseball coach.

Ms. Hand’s new book, “Women of True Grit”, relates the stories and secrets of women who attained the pinnacles of success in their various fields.

Dr. Gaylon McCollough, President and founder of the McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic, will join Ms. Hand in book signing. He is the author of several books that provide extraordinary insight into the behavior of human beings. His latest book is “The Oath”.

Central Gulf Marine Trade Association Launched

February 9, 2011 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) – A group of recreational marine industry leaders from Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle announce the establishment of a new trade association. The Central Gulf Marine Trades Association will represent businesses involved in the sales, storage, service and utilization of recreational vessels. Goals of the association include promoting the Gulf region as a great place to enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports; advocating on issues that affect the recreational marine community; and increasing awareness about the economic impact of the boat owner and supporting industry.

“Marine recreation is a very important economic engine for the Gulf Coast,” states John Fitzgerald from Saunders Yachtworks in Gulf Shores. “Our 200 miles of coastline is home to 2000 businesses and 15,000 employees involved in recreational marine trades. At our organizational meetings, everyone agreed that we needed a unified voice on major issues affecting our businesses and our customers.”

Fused Glass Class at the Orange Beach Art Center

Submitted by Juli Jordon

February 4, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Learn the basic techniques for kiln-formed glass, including jewelry and home décor pieces. The workshop will begin with exercises in glass cutting, designing and assembling the parts necessary to make one slumped plate, a sun catcher to hang and beautiful wearable pendants, earrings, key chains, and pins. Discussions and demonstrations will cover the basics of kiln-forming, from types of glass and mold materials to kilns and firing schedules. All glass and materials are included, no prior glass experience needed.

100-1000 Program Takes First Step in Mobile Bay

By David Rainer

February 4, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - They came from all over the country, dressed in wet suits, chest waders, hip boots and knee boots and bailed off into Mobile Bay. They emerged covered in enough mud to make a rambunctious 5-year-old boy envious.

But this mud fest was not about play. It was serious business. This was the opening step in a five-year journey to restore habitat in coastal Alabama.

The 100-1000 Restore Coastal Alabama program is designed to build 100 miles of oyster beds that will aid the restoration of 1,000 acres of shoreline habitat. The Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobile Baykeeper, The Nature Conservancy and The Ocean Foundation formed a coalition in 2010 to try to mitigate the environmental impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, as well as reverse years of shoreline habitat damage from pollution, storms, erosion and human interaction.

Gulf Coast Claims Facility Announces Eligibility and Substantiation Criteria

February 2, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Gulf Coast Claims Facility has released their Eligibility and Substantiation Criteria for the Calculation Methodology for Final and Interim Payments; Two to Three Year Gradual Recovery Period. There will be a two week public comment period, with payments to begin thereafter.

Kenneth R. Feinberg, Administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, announced today the proposed eligibility and substantiation criteria and calculation methodology for the payment of Final and Interim GCCF compensation of claims arising out of the BP Oil Spill. The methodology is available at www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com. A two-week public comment period will run through Wednesday, February 16, affording claimants, public officials and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposal. GCCF Final and Interim Payments will begin after the public comment period.

2011 Hangout Music Festival Lineup Announced

Submitted by Crissa Requate

February 1, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - The Hangout Music Festival is thrilled to announce its 2011 lineup featuring Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Flaming Lips, Cee Lo Green, Primus, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, Girl Talk, Ween, Matisyahu and dozens more. The one-of-a-kind music festival takes place May 20th - 22nd on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama - just minutes from the Florida border. Tickets go on-sale this Wednesday at 9 am CST. A confirmed lineup is listed below. More bands, amenities and activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Hangout Music Festival debuted in 2010 and set itself apart from other festivals by featuring a blockbuster lineup of bands performing on stages located directly on the beach. Thousands of condominiums within walking distance add to the exceptional experience shared by music enthusiasts and beach lovers.

This year, the festival is adding a fifth music stage under an air-conditioned tent and creating Hammock Beach, a replenishing salt-water lagoon where music fans will find shade, hammocks, and art installations. Another feature of Hammock Beach will be the Sky-bar tower, a structure built specifically for Hangout offering 360-degree views of the festival. For fans interested in taking their festival experience to the next level, VIP ticket holders are invited to take a dip in Hangout’s new resort style in-ground pool with views of the main stage (deck side bar service is included). Other new attractions include an extended kids’ area, family events, late night deejays, and shuttle service between stages.

What's Your Favorite Jimmy Buffett Song?

February 1, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - As many people know, especially those living here on the Gulf Coast, Jimmy Buffett was born in Pascagoula Mississippi, raised in Mobile Alabama and grew up here on the beaches of the Alabama/Florida/Missippi Gulf Coast.

This past summer, Jimmy played a free concert for 35,000 Parrotheads at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. The Jimmy Buffet & Friends Live From the Gulf Coast concert aired on Country Music Television (CMT) with the audience exceeding seven million viewers. During the concert, Jimmy let the world know, "this is where it all started" and that Gulf Shores was the "home of the original Margaritaville".

The Buffett concert in Gulf Shores is expected to bring a lot of new visitors to the Gulf Coast this spring and summer - Parrotheads looking to experience the place where it all started for their favorite son.

Many of Jimmy's songs were written about his experiences and the places here on the Gulf Coast. Most notably is the song When the Coast is Clear, by Jimmy and Mac McAnally, is about coming down to Gulf Shores at the end of summer... when the Hangout was closed for the winter and the coast was clear. The song was rewritten specifically for the Live from the Gulf Coast concert and is one of the song choicess in our What's Your Favorite Jimmy Buffett Song poll.

Favorable weather leads to high manatee count

January 28, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Gulf Coast - Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported a preliminary count of 4,840 manatees statewide during the annual synoptic survey. The survey took place Jan. 20 and Jan. 24.

A team of 20 observers from 11 organizations counted 2,438 manatees on Florida’s East Coast and 2,402 on the West Coast of the state. The final numbers will be available at the end of February, following verification of the survey data.

In aerial manatee surveys, ideal conditions occur during a warming trend following a prolonged period of cold weather, when manatees gather around warm-water sites.

Big Band Music is back at the National Naval Aviation Museum

Featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra with a Special Tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation

Submitted by Shelley H. Ragsdale

January 27, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Pensacola, FL (PF)- Get ready for big sounds as the National Naval Aviation Museum Concert Series comes in full swing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 3.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, a fully self-contained group consisting of 19 members, will bring unique jazz and big band sounds to the Museum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3. This special concert will include music and swing dancing that will pay tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

The World Famous, Glenn Miller Orchestra, is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. As of January 2011, trombonist Gary Tole is the orchestra's musical director.

Shelby Testifies About Gulf Coast Claims Facility

January 27, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - WASHINGTON, DC - Thursday, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), today testified at a hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery examining the Claims Administration and social services in the aftermath of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

“While the national press has moved on, the Gulf Coast continues to face the challenges from one of the largest disasters in our nation’s history. The damages caused by the oil spill could last years. Our residents and businesses are severely hurting and we need a commitment by all stakeholders to the Gulf Coast’s full recovery. In particular, it is my expectation that the Gulf Coast Claims Facility will uphold and follow through on its obligation to the people of the Gulf Coast.” The text of Senator Shelby’s testimony is below:

“Madame Chairman and Ranking Member Graham, thank you for allowing me to testify before the committee today.

Orange Beach to Host 2011 OPA World Championship Powerboat Races

Submitted by Beth Strickland

January 26, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Offshore Powerboat Association – OPA – announced today the signing of a sponsorship agreement with the producers of Thunder on the Gulf that will allow for Offshore Powerboat Racing to return to the Gulf Coast on Thursday October 6th -. 9th, 2011. This will be a two race World Championship event, meaning the boats will race twice, on Friday and Sunday. The teams with the most combined points between the two days of racing will be crowned OPA World Champions.

“The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association was happy that 2010 went well and is excited to bring OPA back again,” says President Damon Collins. Collins continues, “We were also happy to be able to make donations to the Orange Beach Fire Fighters, First Class Petty Officers Association and Perdido Youth Association.“

“We are really excited about bringing racing back to Orange Beach and we hope to make this an annual event,” said Edward Smith, President of OPA. Smith continues “Orange Beach is the perfect venue for our end of the year World Championships. Our northeastern racers love the southern hospitality that Orange Beach, Al. shares with us.”

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Wrap up Party

Submitted by Kathy Melson

January 26, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Perdido Key, FL (PKF) - IT’S A WRAP!!! This past Sunday, January 16th the Big Tent Stage of the Flora Bama Lounge was the setting for a Wrap Party hosted by Joe Gilchrist, Pat McClellan and the Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival Staff for all of the participants of this year’s festival. Sponsors, Venue owners, Songwriters, Community Partners and Volunteers enjoyed a wonderful buffet, a few cool drinks and lively entertainment by Suzi Ragsdale, Cowboy Johnson and Rick Whaley later at the Silver Moon Café.

Special recognition was given to the AL Gulf Coast CVB for their sponsorship of $19,500 and the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce for their $40,000 sponsorship, the largest sponsorship in FBISF history. British Petroleum granted funds to Gulf Coast States that suffered revenue losses due to the oil spill which occurred in May 2010. A portion of those funds were given to the Songwriters’ Festival to help stage the 26th annual event.

Nation’s First Education Program Launches for Recreational Fishing Industry along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

January 26, 2011 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Charter captains and deckhands along Alabama’s Gulf Coast will have another resource as they prepare for spring fishing trips. The Certified Fisher Invested in Sustainable Harvests (CFISH) program will provide captains with a unique training opportunity, the first of its kind in the nation.

“We are excited to bring this education opportunity to our local fleet and preserve the cultural integrity of our family businesses,” said Joanne McDonough of the Nature Tourism Initiative, which is overseeing this training program. “While there are variations of this program in other countries, CFISH is the first program to be offered in the United States, especially at the comprehensive level of our course that enhances, educates and supports approximately 100 boats in the local charter fleet.”

After the success of the Coastal Nature Guide Program, the Orange Beach Fishing Association approached McDonough with a request for a similar program tailored for charter vessels and the initiative to develop a version that would take the fishing charter experience to the next level was created. This pilot program was prepared and ready to launch in April 2010 until the Deepwater Horizon explosion occurred.