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“Fish and Their Habitat” Coloring Pages Available for Download

By OutdoorAlabama.com

November 10, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Coloring pages about freshwater fish and their habitat are now available from www.outdooralabama.com, the website for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Alabama has more than 300 types of freshwater fish. The numerous types of freshwater habitats, the high number of river basins, Alabama’s five geological provinces, and the high rainfall in Alabama contribute to a diversity of freshwater organisms. Links to the coloring pages may be found at, www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/link.cfm.

Cranking up Gulf Coast Businesses

Submitted by Bill K. Bugg, Jr., Gulf Coast Business Support Center

November 9, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Business Support Center is offering a Workshop designed to help businesses survive, sustain and succeed on Tuesday, November 23, from 8:30 until 11:30 AM at the Gulf Shores Campus of Faulkner State Community College in the Culinary Institute.

“Crank Up Your Business” will be a Hands-on Workshop offering six different Round Table Discussions throughout the morning that can benefit both seasoned businesses and individuals considering a new start up business. Each Round Table will focus on a core business fundamental and will be led by a local business professional experienced in that industry. Participants will be able to take part in any, or all, of the Round Tables to discuss the latest trends and opportunities.

Live Stream - Orange Beach City Council Meeting - November 9, 2010

November 9, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Tonight's Orange Beach City Council Meeting will began at 5:00pm. The meeting tonight is a committee of the whole (C.O.W.) meeting. When the meeting begins, the player below will start the live stream.

A replay of tonight's council meeting will be available shortly after the completion of the live stream.

Live Stream - Orange Beach City Council Meeting - November 16, 2010

November 16, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Tonight's Orange Beach City Council Meeting will began at 5:00pm. The meeting tonight is a committee of the whole (C.O.W.) meeting. When the meeting begins, the player below will start the live stream.

A replay of tonight's council meeting is now available. Click on the link below for the Agenda and video.

Live Stream - Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting

November 8, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Tonight's Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting will began at 5:30pm and run until. Mayors Tony Kennon & Robert Craft provided an update on their recent meeting with Kenneth Feinberg.

In addition to the update on the claims process, representatives from the Coastal Recovery Commission of Alabama provided an update on their progress.

For more information about the Coastal Recovery Commission visit their website at: www.crcalabama.org.

Click the link below to view the video...

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Starts Thursday

November 7, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The 26th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival begins Thursday, November 11th and runs through the 21st. This years' Festival includes over 150 songwriters and musicians from all over the world. During this exciting 11 day festival, performers will play at 25 venues in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and Pensacola (venue map). Performers scheduled for this year's Festival include Grammy Award winning songwriters and the up and coming stars of tomorrow. Many of the songwriters are not household names, but their songs are.

The Festival began in November of 1984 and grew slowly each year until 1996. By 1996 word had spread throughout the country that the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast was the place to be for songwriters to gather, collaborate, and give birth to new music. The year 1996 seemed to be the turning point where the Festival grew from a small gathering to so many songwriters that many had to be turned away.

Alabama to Host a Natural Resource Damage Assessment meeting concerning the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

By Outdoor Alabama

November 7, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The State of Alabama, in conjunction with the other Gulf Coast States and various federal agencies, are conducting a Natural Resource Damage Assessment meeting concerning the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Thursday November 11, 2010, from 6 - 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center Tensaw Theater, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, Ala., 36527.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will be hosting this meeting along with the Geological Survey of Alabama, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The public is invited to attend and learn about the fundamentals of the Natural Resource Damages Assessment process, which will serve as a starting point for determining the restoration needs facing the Gulf Coast. Information about opportunities for public involvement as the oil spill recovery effort moves forward will be discussed.

State Parks to Honor Veterans by Offering Free Admission

By Outdoor Alabama

November 2, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010, Alabama State Parks will waive park entrance fees for veterans as a way of honoring all living Americans who have served their country in a branch of the U.S. Military. Anyone who indicates they are a veteran will be admitted into the park day use areas without charge on Thursday only. No identification will be required.

“This is just a small tribute to those who have helped give us the freedom to enjoy our way of life,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Barnett Lawley said. “We are deeply grateful for their service to our country.”

Beach Lovers Wanted

Volunteers Needed for Biggest Florida Beach Walk and Photo Fest Ever

Submitted by Kris Thoma

November 2, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach Florida volunteer organizations and beach-lovers are invited to join the Great VISIT FLORIDA Beach Walk, coming this Saturday, Nov. 6, when Floridians rally to celebrate the Sunshine State’s sandy shores and show the world – with photos from each of the 825 miles – that Florida’s beaches are as wonderful as ever.

Volunteers can register now at to walk a beach mile and upload a photo. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 4 at: www.VisitFlorida.com/beachwalk, but volunteers are encouraged to register earlier.

Young Adult Author visits South Baldwin Students and the Orange Beach Public Library

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

November 1, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Young Adult author Ted Dunagan, named 2009 Georgia Author of the Year visited South Baldwin Schools and the Orange Beach Public Library. Mr. Dunagan was sponsored by the Orange Beach Public Library. He made seven presentations to nearly 900 students during his three day visit to Orange Beach. Mr. Dunagan writes historical fiction based on his own childhood experiences in the rural South. His presentations focused on the writing process, his novels themes, favorite passages and the history of the books. The audiences he presented to declared his visit informative, inspiring and enjoyable. Mr. Dunagan signed copies of his books, a Yellow Watermelon and Secret of the Satifila after each presentation.

Photo of Ted Dunagan at the Orange Beach Library by Rachel Bobo

Spooks at the Orange Beach Library

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

November 1, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, a number of very spooky little people visited story time at Orange Beach Public Library. Attendees listened to Halloween poetry and stories and made a collage baby ghost. They had treats while they did their artwork and visited with each other. Everyone had fun admiring the creative costumes.

Photo: Noah Berry as Peter Pan and Parker McGuire as Captain Hook

Live Stream - Coastal Recovery Commission Meeting

October 25, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - From the Coastal Recovery Commission Website: Dozens of committee and subcommittee meetings have produced plenty of ideas and proposals intended to strengthen Coastal Alabama’s capacity to bounce back from catastrophes like the recent oil spill. Now comes the sorting.

What concepts deserve to be integrated into final strategies? And by what standards should they be prioritized?

Those are key questions for the next phase of the Coastal Recovery Commission process. That stage begins at Tuesday, October 26, when the full CRC holds its second meeting, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Battle House Hotel.

For more information about the Coastal Recovery Commission visit their website at: www.crcalabama.org.

OPA in OBA - Thunder on the Gulf Photos and Results

October 23, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The 2010 Thunder on the Gulf Offshore Powerboat Races wrapped up this past Sunday in Orange Beach. The OPA sanctioned event attracted almost 50 boats and thousands of spectators.

Below are photo slideshows from the Races on Friday and Sunday, as well as the kick off parties at the Flora-bama, Happy Harbor and Rum Runners. There are also photos of the award ceremony that took place at Live Bait Too on Sunday evening.

NOAA reopens more than 7,000 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico to fishing

October 22, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - NOAA today reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 7,037 square miles of Gulf waters about 80 nautical miles south of the Florida panhandle, between the Florida-Alabama state line and Cape San Blas, Fla. This is the tenth reopening in federal waters since July 22.

This reopening was announced after consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and under a reopening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.

“This is another important area for fishermen who target tuna and mahi mahi,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “Our tests continue to reveal seafood from the reopened areas is safe to eat.”

The total area reopened today is about 3 percent of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico and 22 percent of the current closed area, as last modified on October 15. No oil or sheen has been documented in the area since July 19. At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 60 miles east of the Deepwater Horizon BP wellhead.

Gulf State Park Unveils New Pool, Campground Facilities

October 21, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Alabama State Parks officials unveiled the results of a $4.5 million renovation and upgrade of campground facilities recently at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

State Parks Director Mark Easterwood said the project includes a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool and splash pad. Dressing areas and restrooms are also included in the swimming facility. A new nature center replaces the one destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The campground store and laundry facility were renovated and a large roof added to cover both, which forms a pavilion area between the buildings. Boat docks and boat slips were also renovated on Middle Lake. Easterwood said rental boats will be available in the future, while a classroom area and small amphitheatre will be added to the nature center to accommodate school groups.

HIPPY Baldwin receives Community Foundation Grant

Pictured: HIPPY Baldwin Advisory Council, Hiram Templeton, Bonnie Lee, and Patti Bodenhamer

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

October 20, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The HIPPY Baldwin program received a $3,000 grant from The Community Foundation of South Alabama. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a parent involvement, school readiness program that helps parents prepare their three, four, and five year old children for success in school and beyond.

Orange Beach Library's New Computer Instructor - Daria McDonald, PhD

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

October 18, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Orange Beach Library is proud to announce a change of instructor for our popular Monday morning computer classes. Daria McDonald, PhD, will introduce beginning and intermediate-level computer users to useful Websites, free software, digital cameras, popular office programs, Skype, Facebook and more. Ms. McDonald has designed Websites and taught technology to teachers and students alike in elementary, high school and college. She has more than 10 years experience in teaching technology to all age groups and has redesigned the library's computer class schedule to focus on the programs and tips most useful to retirees.

NOAA Re-opens Federal Waters Offshore from the Florida Panhandle to Commercial and Recreational Fishing

October 15, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Effective October 15, 2010 at 6 p.m. eastern time (5 p.m. central time), NOAA will reopen 6,879 square miles (17,816 sq km) of area it had previously closed to commercial and recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico in response to the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The area closed to all fishing now measures 16,481 sq mi (42,686 sq km) and covers about 7% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. All commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in this closed area. Transit through the closed area is allowed. The next federal re-opening priority is a 7,037-square mile area located about 80 nautical miles south of the Florida panhandle.

Race Week Kicks off in Orange Beach

October 15, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The boats have rolled into town and are being splashed for first day of Thunder on the Gulf Boat races.

There will be two races today, the first at 12 noon and the second begins at 1:30pm.

Saturday is a good time to visit the dry pits at the Gulf State Park Pavilion where you can see the boats up close and meet the crews that drive them.

Sunday's races will also take place at noon and 1:30pm. To view the full schedule visit our Upcoming Events Page.

The last two nights have been busy with pre-race activities around town. Below are photos from the last couple of nights of activities at the Flora-Bama, Happy Harbor Tiki Bar and Run Runners.

Orange Beach Community Center Assoc. Honors Police and Fire of 2010

Submitted by Angela Bateman

October 13, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) — On October 4, 2010, the Orange Beach Community Center Association hosted their annual awards dinner honoring the local Police Department and Fire Department. Awards were presented to an outstanding member of each department chosen by his or her colleagues.

Anglers Land Top Fishing Tournament in Alabama’s Coastal Waters

October 13, 2010- Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – The Gulf Coast will be reeling in a crowd when the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission welcomes approximately 80 anglers for the IFA Redfish Tour Fishing Tournament on October 16th.

The tournament begins at safe light when 40 boats take-off from LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. After a full day of fishing, the captains will return with their prize catches for a 3 p.m. weigh-in at LuLu’s.

On Friday evening, LuLu’s will host registration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. The winners advance to the IFA Championship, which will take place in Orange Beach on November 4-6.

Relay Reef in Mobile Bay to Open for Oyster Harvest

By OutdoorAlabama.com

October 13, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division announces the opening of the Relay Reef in Mobile Bay to the harvest of oysters beginning on October 21, 2010. This reef was created by the oyster relay project conducted in March of this year and the opening will allow the first harvest from this reef.

Little Big Town and Green River Ordinance Added to Concerts for the Coast

October 12, 2010 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Concerts for the Coast have announced the support acts for this weekend’s Bon Jovi and Brad Paisley concerts. Green River Ordinance will open for Bon Jovi this Friday October 15th. Little Big Town will play before Brad Paisley on Sunday night October 17th. The Concerts for the Coast feature music’s biggest names performing free concerts on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “I’m bringing my H2O Tour to Gulf Shores and I can’t wait to see the beautiful beaches.” says Brad Paisley. Indeed, the concert series has become a successful way to attract tens of thousands of tourists back to the beaches and stimulate the local economy.

It's Race Week in Orange Beach

By Beth Strickland

October 11, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association is delighted to announce that the week of Thunder on the Gulf 2010, October 12th – 17th, is jam packed with excitement! The beautiful venue of Orange Beach will host OPA’s World Championships. Come explore the Dry Pits located at the Gulf State Park Pavilion on the beach, which will be open to the public daily. Observe monster race boats and their teams, purchase official race merchandise, and be a part of the festivities and entertainment with a spectacular view of the coast. Register to win a ride in a Geico race boat, Thunder posters, and free tickets to Talladega. “Deadliest Catch” fans check out the Time Bandit race team and race boat!

The “Thunder” will take place on the Gulf of Mexico for four days starting Thursday with two days of racing! During these four days visit Cobalt, www.cobaltrestaurant.com, and watch the cranes “splash” the race boats in the Wet Pits at Outcast Charter Docks and Caribe, www.caribe-resort.net. This will be an exciting week for our coast with boat races, parties, a poker run, and free concerts!

Gulf Coast Robberies Up

Submitted by Tammy R. Rider, Baldwin County Sheriffs' Office

October 8, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Recently we have seen a rise in Robberies along the Gulf Coast. Most of the Robberies have been at businesses such as gas stations, restaurants and small businesses. The most important precaution you can take is be aware of what is going on around you and report suspicious activity immediately. If you see something that looks suspicious or feel a crime may be taking place call your local law enforcement immediately. You are the eyes and ears of community crime prevention, thank you for your assistance.

Organizers Appreciate Dedication of Shrimp Festival Volunteers

By Clayton Wallace

October 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - There are only a few days left until crowds converge on the beaches of Gulf Shores to enjoy the sun, sand, water, entertainment and, of course, shrimp at the 39th Annual National Shrimp Festival, sponsored by Zatarain’s. According to organizers, the Festival, which will run Thursday through Sunday where Ala. Hwy. 59 meets the Gulf of Mexico, would not be possible without the hospitality and community spirit of hundreds of volunteers.

“Volunteers are the gears that make the wheels of the festival turn,” Festival Chairman Ron Kutter said. “I can’t say enough about them. Many of our volunteer staff give up vacation time at their day jobs only to work 50 or more hours during the four days of the festival. They are here before the festival opens and are here after the visitors have left each day.”

NOAA Re-opens Federal Waters South of the Mississippi River Delta to Commercial and Recreational Fishing

October 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Effective October 5, 2010 at 6 p.m. eastern time (5 p.m. central time), NOAA will reopen 2,927 square miles (7,581 sq km) of area it had previously closed to commercial and recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico in response to the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The area closed to all fishing now measures 23,360 sq mi (60,502 sq km) and covers about 10% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. All commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in this closed area. Transit through the closed area is allowed. The next federal re-opening priority is a 6,879-square mile area located about 200 nautical miles south of the Florida panhandle.

Magnolia River Gallery to host Cumbie Solo Exhibition and Charity Event

By Paige Ponder

October 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Magnolia River Gallery will host a solo-art exhibition featuring a private collection of artwork by local artist, Chris Cumbie, Friday, 22 October, 5 to 8 PM. Magnolia River Gallery and Cumbie will donate a percentage of sales to Angel Ride Charity Foundation.

"People have an immediate reaction to Chris's art. It makes me feel good. But the point is it makes you feel. It is heart-work. He can make me think or remember not to think. And he can make you laugh, on purpose. I like that," said Molly Klaas, owner of Magnolia River Gallery.

Baldwin County Radio Stations Merge

October 2, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Gulf Coast Broadcasting of Orange Beach announced today the merger of WBZR-AM (1000AM) in Robertsdale and WBZR-FM (105.9FM) in Atmore with the company’s existing two stations, WCSN-FM (Sunny 105.7) in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores and WABF-AM (1220AM) in Fairhope.

Lee Hagan, President of Gulf Coast Broadcasting said “while Gulf Coast has operated the two stations for several months, following our purchase in November of 2009, we are extremely happy to receive final FCC approval and officially welcome these two additional stations to our already strong group of radio stations”. “We feel this addition will even further enhance our ability to provide high quality local radio service from a group of stations that remain locally owned and totally committed to the communities we serve”.

Boggy Point Boat Ramp Reopens Temporarily

October 2, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division announces the temporary reopening of the Boggy Point Boat Ramp in Orange Beach, Ala., for the fall 2010 Red Snapper Season, effective immediately. The ramp was closed to the public in June 2010, due to the BP oil spill response and recovery activities. The Boggy Point Boat Ramp will remain open for public use until the end of the fall 2010 Red Snapper Season. At that time the ramp will be closed in order to restore the area to its original condition prior to its use during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.