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

Second Concert Announced for Alabama Beaches

by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Toruism

August 13, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Rowdy Friends 2010 Tour – featuring country legend Hank Williams, Jr., Gretchen Wilson and Lee Brice – will take the stage at The Wharf’s Amphitheater on Saturday, September 25 as part of an on-going concert series sponsored by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. The show begins at 7 p.m.

From 10 a.m. August 18 to 6 p.m. August 19, Baldwin County residents may purchase up to 4 tickets from The Wharf Store located in Shucker’s Oyster Bar, The Wharf’s box office located at the amphitheater or from the Ticketmaster located inside the Orange Beach Publix. Tickets will be $10 each, and Baldwin County residents must present identification at the time of sale.

For Gulf Coast Businesses - a Silver Lining in a Dark Cloud

August 13, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - It has been said that every dark cloud has a silver lining. While it has been hard to find the silver lining in the dark BP Oil cloud, for businesses in Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach one has emerged.

When the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig exploded on April 20th, everyone was focused on the horrible loss of life and injuries of the people working on the oil rig. Then thoughts turned to the environmental disaster that followed. It wasn't until the oil flowed unimpeded into the Gulf of Mexico for several days that people along the Gulf Coast realized that this was not just an environmental disaster a hundred miles out in the gulf, it was one that was going to negatively affect the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas.

Gulf Coast business owners waited and watched as the dark cloud of oil approached our beaches. As the oil moved ever closer to the Alabama Gulf Coast and as the national media endlessly covered the story, phones started ringing with vacationers canceling their reservations. Because our area's primary industry is the $2.6 billion tourism business, people who owned and worked at the local businesses became nervous about the disaster that was unfolding before their eyes. They started wondering how bad this disaster was going to affect them. It didn't take long for these fears to turn into reality.

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting - August 11, 2010

August 13, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Below are the videos from this weeks Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting about the BP Oil Spill. The first video consists of the opening comments by city officials and guest speakers. The second and third videos consist of the questions and answers from the audience.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - Presentation

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - Questions & Answers Part I

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - Questions & Answers Part II

Cleanup Crews Respond Immediately to Clean Up Oil Reported Following Wednesday’s Storm Surge

by Joint Command External Affairs

August 12, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - MOBILE Ala. – Cleanup crews responded immediately to oily material deposited by Wednesday’s storm surge on a 1,000-foot long by 10-foot wide area of Gulf State Park in Alabama. The presence of oily debris on the beaches is a result of rough surf. Storms expose oil that would otherwise be difficult to locate and contain with appropriate cleanup resources.

“Isolated and sporadic shoreline impacts may continue as oil that remains in the Gulf of Mexico continues to break down and biodegrade,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Steven Poulin, Mobile Incident Commander. “We remain fully committed to this response and will remove any oily material from beaches as quickly as possible so that people can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Coast.”

Indian War Monument Dedication

by Gloria Bitto, Baldwin County Dept. of History and Archives

August 11, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - BAY MINETTE, AL – The Baldwin County Commission Department of Archives and History will host the Indian War Monument Dedication on August 21, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park in Stockton, AL. Special Guest speakers will be Representative Harry Shiver and The Honorable Richard Abell. The Order of Indian Wars of the United States will also participating in the dedication. Re-enactors will be performing and the event is free to the public.

NOAA Reopens More than 5,000 Square Miles of Closed Gulf Fishing Area

August 10, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Today NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing. The reopening was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.

Since July 3, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in the last 30 days have also not observed any oil. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil and, most importantly, fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination.

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting - August 4, 2010

August 9, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - This week's BP Oil Spill Town Hall Meeting focused primarily on the Vessels of Opportunity (VOO).

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Presentation

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Questions & Answers Part I

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - Questions & Answers Part II

BP Forms Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Escrow Trust

by BP Press Relations

August 9, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - BP announced today that it has established a trust and made a $3 billion initial deposit of the previously-announced $20 billion escrow account to pay legitimate claims arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident and the resulting oil and gas spill.

“The purpose of the escrow account was to assure those adversely affected by the spill that we indeed intend to stand behind our commitment to them and to the American taxpayers,” said Bob Dudley, CEO of BP’s Gulf Coast Restoration Organization. “Establishing this trust and making the initial deposit ahead of schedule further demonstrates our commitment to making it right in the Gulf Coast.”

Some Alabama Waters to Reopen for Fishing

by Outdoor Alabama

August 8, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division announces that Alabama state waters west of the Dauphin Island Bridge and north of Dauphin Island that were closed as a precautionary measure due to the Deepwater Horizon disaster will reopen for recreational and commercial fishing effective at 6 a.m. August 8, 2010. All areas in Mississippi Sound not permanently closed will also reopen for shrimping at this time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that the conditions for reopening specified in the agreed upon reopening protocol have been met for finfish and shrimp in the area designated in the July 26, 2010, Alabama Marine Resources Division proposal (Mississippi Sound). According to the FDA, such seafood should pose no food safety risk associated with contamination from the Deepwater Horizon explosion, fire and oil spill.

FWC rescuing oil-impacted sea turtles with help from Gulf fishermen

Submitted by Florida Wildlife Commission

August 6, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Although the effects of the oil spill are decreasing in Florida, the threat to wildlife remains. Biologists and commercial charter boat fishermen are teaming up to help oil-impacted sea turtles in the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

In a cooperative effort with Deepwater Horizon Unified Command and partner agencies, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists rescue sea turtles while gathering data to assess the effects of the oil spill on sea turtle populations.

Incoming Spill Claims Czar Will Drop BP's Contractor

by Sasha Chavkin, ProPublica

August 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Kenneth Feinberg, the independent paymaster chosen by President Obama to administer damage claims from the Gulf oil spill, will drop the contractor that BP has been using to manage the claims process and hire two new companies to replace it.

Feinberg is expected to take over the claims system from BP In mid-August. Feinberg He will replace BP's primary contractor for claims, ESIS Inc., with two other firms when he assumes control of the process, said Feinberg's spokeswoman Amy Weiss said. She did not say why ESIS was being replaced.

Fishery Council seeks public input on possible red snapper season reopening

By Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

August 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - This spring, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council increased the overall red snapper quota from 5.0 million pounds to 6.945 million pounds, yet the 2010 recreational red snapper season was open for only 53 days. This shortened season was due, in part, to an increase in catch rates and the average size of red snapper. This increase, coupled with past effort, led to projections that the quota would be filled sooner than in 2009. But the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and subsequent federal fishing area closure may have resulted in reduced effort, possibly leaving the recreational red snapper quota unfilled.

Powerboat Race is Back on in Orange Beach

From www.ThunderOnTheGulf.com

August 4, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association is happy to announce that the powerboat event on the liquid racecourse in the gulf is back on for the week of October 11-17, 2010. After the fright of the oil spill, Thunder on the Gulf is in our forecast for Orange Beach! This spectacular venue known for its sugary white sands and southern hospitality will host an action packed week with multiple races. Boats will begin arriving at the beginning of the week! Come see OPA and the sport of powerboat racing first hand at its finest.

Also, there will be numerous events for the family to attend, don't forget to get your VIP passes, which will be released soon. Come meet the racers or check out massive race boats in the dry pits or settle in to a condo or on the beach to hear the rumble of horsepower across the water.You don't want to miss this amazing experience! There will be more information to come soon. See you at the races!

BP Takes Action to Fast-Track Claims for Gulf Coast Businesses

Submitted by BP Press Relations

August 3, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - HOUSTON – BP said today it has instituted a series of actions to expedite claim payments to businesses impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, including establishing an Immediate Action Claims Team.

“While we have paid thousands of business claims over the past 13 weeks, we recognize the frustration of small business owners who still have claims pending as we transition from the BP claims process to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility,” said Darryl Willis, of the BP Claims Team. “We heard from many businesspeople who are suffering, so we acted. These changes are designed to cut through paperwork and expedite payments.”

After School Arts Program at Orange Beach Art Center

Submitted by Wanda Price

August 3, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - An exciting year has been planned for the After School Arts Program at the Orange Beach Arts Center. The purpose of ASAP is to merge fun arts learning with affordable after school care. Children can come once a week or everyday.

The After School Arts Program (ASAP) at the Orange Beach Arts Center begins Monday August 16th and runs throughout the school year. ASAP is First to Sixth graders operating every school day from 3 pm-6pm with transportation from Gulf Shores Elementary and Orange Beach Elementary.

Cotton Bayou Boat Launch Reopens

August 2, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Another sign that things are returning to normal. Today the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Barnett Lawley announced that Cotton Bayou boat launch in Orange Beach, Alabama is now open. An “Idle Speed Only-No Wake” order is still in effect for Cotton Bayou, Terry Cove and Bayou St. John.

The Hot Shop Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Submitted by Wanda Price

August 1, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Hot Shop at The Orange Beach Arts Center, a public access glass studio, will celebrate its one year anniversary on Friday, August 20, 2010 from 6-9pm by throwing a birthday party. Everyone is invited to The Hot Shop Birthday Bash which will include live glass blowing demos with guest artist Mark Leputa from Orbix Hot Glass. In addition, there will be pottery demonstrations by famed Gulf Shores potters, Steve and Dee Burrow of Sea Oats Studio. Mosaic artist Connie Blum will lead a public art project in which all ages can participate.

Special guest, Bob the Art Car will be on campus after weeks of roaming the community and ready for his new skin designed by “birthday bash-keteers”. Popular Mobile based Roman Street will provide a musical backdrop with their ‘new flemenco’ sound. There will also be a live auction, raffles, and great food.

Video of Ken Feinberg's Town Hall Meeting in Orange Beach

July 30, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Kenneth Feinberg, Claim Czar for the BP Oil Spill Trust Fund, held a Town Hall style meeting here in Orange Beach at 7:00am this morning. The meeting took place in the gym at the Orange Beach Recreation Center.

Mr. Feinberg gave a presentation to the group of about a thousand attendees mainly from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. In his presentation he explained how the claim process was going to work going forward. After his presentation Mr. Feinberg took questions about the claims process from the audience.

Mr. Feinberg also held a press conference at the Orange Beach Community Center and took questions form local and national media.

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting - July 28, 2010

July 28, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Updated on July 30, 2010 @ 10:32am - Today's Town Hall meeting saw Mayor Tony Kennon fired up about BP's poor handling of claims filed by Orange Beach residents. Two citizens told their stories of a lack of response from BP on their claims - one is closing his business and the other is about to lose his home. Mayor Kennon then blasted the attending BP rep saying their positive media campaign has perpetrated a fraud on the American people and calling them "bald faced liars".

The two minute clip below is an excerpt from the meeting with Mayor Kennon's comments.

Below is the full video from Wednesday's Town Hall Meeting.

Questions and Answers from Citizen

St. Peter's of Bon Secour August Fish Fry

July 28, 2010- Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - It's that time again! MULLET TIME! Come on over to St. Peters of Bon Secour on Thursday, August 4, 2010 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. The mullet is still available and it will be GOOD! You know you are tired from getting those kids ready for school and summer vacations, so take the night off from cooking and enjoy delicious food and some great fellowship!

These ladies and gentlemen really know how to fry up some great fish and it'll make you want to come back for more. Again, the mullet is HERE and SAFE to eat! Take a hot summer evening off, come and sit in the air conditioning and enjoy a nice cold glass of sweet tea with your meal! What's better than that? No cleanup! Don't forget about those delicious HOMEMADE desserts! Yummy! Mr. Tom Owen and his delightful jazz will provide a musical backdrop for your listening pleasure.

The St. Peter's Of Bon Secour Episcopal Church's Fish Fry's are held the first Thursday of the month May through September at St. Peters of Bon Secour Episcopal Church starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m.

Orange Beach Flotilla Offers “America’s Boating Course”

submitted by Bob Czyszon,

July 28, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - While the oil spill has restricted boating activities this summer, there are no restrictions on "Boating Safety". The Orange Beach Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a "SAFE BOATING" course on Saturday, August 14th. The course will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center (27235 Canal Road) from 7:45 AM to 4 PM. The Auxiliary will also be doing free Vessel Safety Checks so come to our class and bring your boat to the front of the Orange Beach Community Center and our Vessel Examiners check it.

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting - July 21, 2010

by OBA Editor

July 22, 2010- Orange Beach, AL (OBA)- This week's Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting about the BP Oil Spill provided a lot of new information, including updates on crisis counseling, business consulting, hurricane preparedness, vessel of opportunity, and the claims process.

Coastal Resources Planner Nicole Woerner gave an update on NOAA's assessment of the marine mammals in our backbays. In short, our dolphins appear to be fine and the one dolphin that was found dead appears to have died from natural causes.

Orange Beach Engineer Kit Alexander reported on the air and water testing. In addition to the EPA and the Alabama Dept. of Public Health, the City of Orange Beach is conducting its own water and soil testing. So far, all testing shows that the toxicity levels are below allowable thresholds. The city is continuing to fly double red flags to warn the public that we still have oil in our waters.

Orange Beach Fire Chief Forney Howard reports that the overflights are showing no new oil headed to our shores but there is still light sheen showing up on our waters. Chief Forney also talked about this week's meeting of the emergency managers regarding hurricane preparedness.

All Waters Around Orange Beach are Open to Boating

July 21, 2010- Orange Beach, AL (OBA)- Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Barnett Lawley has issued an order to open all previously closed waters in the Orange Beach area. These waters were previously closed as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Beginning on July 21, 2010 waterways in Cotton Bayou, Terry Cove, Old River Bayou St. John, Perdido Pass and all canals leading into these waters were open to boating traffic. There is a "Idle Speed Only- No Wake" rule still in effect for these waters.

Boggy Point and Cotton Bayou boat launches in Orange Beach is still closed to recreational traffic. Happy Harbor, next to Tacky Jack's in Orange Beach, has limited capacity to allow for launching. And because the waters are open again they have resumed boat rentals. Due to limited space we recommend that you call in advance if you want to launch your boat at Happy Harbor. Their phone number is 251-981-1910.

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Information

We have created a page with all of our Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Information in one place. On this page you will find the following:

1) Live video feed from the BP Oil Spill Cam (the cam works most of the time)
2) Chat window showing people discussion the leak (sometimes it is even intelligent discussion)
3) Interactive Map with overlays related to the spill. Overlays include the 24, 48, and 72 hour oil slick forecasts and the fishing closure boundary. As you can see on the map, waters around Orange Beach are open for fishing.

Click here for the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Information Page.