November 2, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - After 5 days of trying to get the beached boat floating again the owner called David Walter with Walter Marine, Reef Maker.
Within 3 hours of arriving on the scene the Walter Marine Crew had the boat floating again.
November 2, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, City of Orange Beach staff, led by the Coastal Resources Division, held a meeting with the representative of a sport-fishing vessel that beached on the state-owned shoreline, behind the Hampton Inn, over the weekend.
Efforts to remove the boat had been unsuccessful up to that point. As of Wednesday afternoon, the vessel’s owner had negotiated a contract with David Walter Marine of Orange Beach to safely remove it from the beach. The city, in coordination with state agencies, approved the scope work and will ensure the beach is returned to its previous condition by the responsible party.
From left are Church of God members and CSC volunteers Julie Reed, Teresa Luginbill, Stan Moss, Larry Luginbill and Lonnie Gjesvold.
November 1, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - For the fourth year in a row, the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, met at the Orange Beach Events Center. The group desires to bless the communities where they meet and again chose the Christian Service Center as the recipient of their outreach. Each day of their meeting, the group collected food, household supplies, personal hygiene items, baby supplies and cash donations for the CSC.
Hurricane Nate didn’t dampen their spirits at all because the group contributed 6,120 pounds of food and supplies. In addition, their generous cash donation will allow the CSC to purchase more than 20,000 pounds of food from the area food bank. All of this was accomplished in only seven days, in spite of Hurricane Nate.
October 30, 2017 – Bay Minette, AL – (OBA) Twelve Baldwin County Public Schools are the recipients of after school care grants – they each will receive $150,000 for three years, constituting $1.8 million annually – $5.4 million in total Federal grant dollars.
The new grant means savings to parents who use after school care services at these schools:
October 29, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On the morning of October 28th beach goers saw something they didn't expect... A large fishing boat out of Destin sitting on the beach in front of the Breakers Condos.
A story, that at this point doesn't appear to be accurate, started circulating through some media outlets that the captain had the boat on autopilot, fell asleep and hit a sandbar.
According to a member of the Makaira Fishing Charters crew, Patrick Michael Murphy Jr., on his Facebook post here's what happened...
by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
October 26, 2017 - Virginia Beach, Va. - A 2009 Mary G. Montgomery High School graduate and Saint Leo University graduate with an associate's degree in liberal arts, Wilmer, Alabama native, was recently recognized as the 2017 Training Support Center Hampton Road (TSCHR) Sailor of the Year.
Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Pugh (middle), an operations specialist, is the TSCHR Naval Military Training Instructor for the N7 training directorate. He managed 29,217 course reservations, ensuring all east coast deployable forces exceeded their training requirements. Additionally as the barracks leading petty officer, he conducted 200 room inspections, tracked 30 maintenance actions and ensured the safety and security of 400 Sailors.
October 26, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Ruby Slipper runs a scratch kitchen and the buttermilk biscuits are a staple in many dishes from a traditional breakfast to the platform for the restaurant’s unique Benedicts.
But maybe the most interesting – and tasty – use for the biscuits is how they are recycled.
“Everything here is from scratch,” Head Chef David Bundock said. “With the recipes, there’s no frozen product, or cooking in a microwave, nothing at all. Biscuits from scratch.”
Somewhere along the line, somebody in the eight-store chain decided leftover biscuits would make an excellent breading for frying green tomatoes and cheddar grits cakes.
“You can be really creative here,” Bundock said. “They really let you go. We can create things. We take our leftover biscuits, crumble ‘em, bake ‘em off, mix in our seasonings and use it for our breading for frying. It’s really dynamic. We rebake them to dry them out and put them in a mixer, put them in a big bin, add seasonings.”
Oct. 24, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - We're at that time of year when the white pelicans are passing our way on their annual migration. Several groups of white pelicans were flying high in the sky through Orange Beach on Monday. Phillip West, Coastal Resources Manage for Orange Beach, spotted 6 groups of white pelicans passing over throughout the day. Phillip said we may see more over the next few days. The cold front that passed through has them on the move south.
Sheila Creech captured the photo on the right about a week ago showing white pelicans resting on the west end of Walker Island.
While the white pelicans we saw today were too high to get good photos or video, we've collected a few videos showing the characteristics of the white pelicans' life and migration.
October 24, 2017 – Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is excited to announce its upcoming Art Market Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Holiday Open House 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Gulf Shores’ Waterway Village and view artwork by local and regional vendors. The market will take place on the grassy area across from the gallery at 225 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores.
Local musicians will be an added entertainment to the festivities. Live demonstrations by artists will take
place throughout the day as well as crafts for the kids and delicious food.
The GCAA will also host its annual Holiday Open House the day of the market from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The gallery will be open for tours and will be filled with Christmas appropriate gifts.
Transportation and education will be the big topics in Orange Beach on Nov. 7.
By John Mullen
October 20, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Orange Beach Councilman Jerry Johnson is hoping for a big crowd at the city’s next town hall meeting on Nov. 7.
“We’re hoping to have more than 1,000 people attending because of two very passionate subjects, transportation and education, are going to be on the agenda,” Johnson said.
Oct. 19, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Orange Beach Event Center.
The meeting will include updates on transportation projects and schools, with Alabama Department of Transportation Director John Cooper and Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler in attendance.
“Director Cooper and Vince Calametti will be here from ALDOT, who will announce what's going to happen relative to bridges and roadways,” Kennon said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Eddie Tyler and his staff from the county school system will be there as we discuss the new schools and the split, and answer questions as we can.”
October 18, 2017 - Gulf Shores, Ala (GSA) – The Waterway Village Fall Block Party kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Gulf Shores. Locals and visitors are invited to participate in good, old-fashioned family fun at Meyer Park. The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. with carnival games and activities for children.
The fun continues all afternoon long with a pet parade sponsored by Magnolia by the Gulf Animal Clinic, children’s costume contests, live DJ and community outreach with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue and the Gulf Shores Police Department.
October 18, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Flippers’ Chef Mike Myers loves football season. And when it comes to the tourist season, he’ll break out the football analogy.
“You go through training camp with spring break, but once game time’s here, it’s on,” he said. “Every night is Friday night. From Monday through Sunday. It’s a battle to execute the way you’re supposed to do, then turn around and do it all over again on six and a half hours sleep.”
One reason the staff is working so hard at Flippers is its explosion on the local dining scene during the past few years. It all came together through a little marketing, social media and reviews on the website.
The method Myers likes best are his local customers spreading the word to friends and family which starts a chain reaction to more and happier guests.
“Word of mouth starts right here in the taste buds when it comes to food,” he said with a grin. “Not only are they your word of mouth, locals are your fall and winter business.”
Several Waterfront Park trees blow down in what may have been a small tornado during Hurricane Nate.By John MullenOctober 15, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Hurricane Nate’s glancing blow was hardly felt in coastal Baldwin County, but his storm surge still washed out about 200,000 cubic yards of sand off beaches in Orange Beach.
On Oct. 10, a special-called city council meeting there authorized the city to spend about $39,700 to have Olsen Associates assess the losses.
“The biggest damage is going to be the beach erosion,” city Emergency Management Coordinator Lannie Smith said. “We did lose a good bit of sand on the beach. The surge and wave velocity made it all the way up to the dune and beach area and really eroded the dunes in several places. That’s going to be where we took the most hit.”
Devil on the Bayou, center, a deviled egg with pureed Tasso and shrimp with a fried oyster topper, is one of several oyster dishes on the Brick & Spoon menu.
By John Mullen
October 13, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Some menu staples have helped entrench the iconic Brick & Spoon in the Pleasure Island restaurant scene during its first four years.
And while you can’t look past an epic Bloody Mary with its countless options, there’s also a traditional dish with a unique twist: deviled eggs topped by a fresh-fried oyster.
Twists on traditional fare are the norm in the Brick & Spoon kitchen, and a big reason the franchise was named as one of the top 10 breakfast spots in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine. But it’s “Devil on the Bayou” that still has the attention of owner Eric Beech.
“It’s a deviled egg with a shrimp and Tasso puree,” he said. “Tasso is a Cajun-cured ham. We sauté the shrimp and Tasso and we puree it and we put it in a piping bag with the egg yokes and mayonnaise and sriracha aioli. We pipe it back into the deviled egg and we put a fried oyster on top. “It’ll change yo’ life. It’ll change yo’ life.”
October 13, 2017 - Gulf State Park - With only minor repairs remaining, the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is scheduled to reopen Saturday, October 14, 2017. The pier had been closed due to damage received during Hurricane Nate, which made landfall in southeast Louisiana and again near Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
During the storm, several wooden panels were blown out along the pier’s walkway. The pier also sustained ruptured water lines and electrical damage. Some sections of the pier’s handrail lighting system remain to be repaired.
“Fortunately, the damaged caused by Hurricane Nate was not as bad as it could have been,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. “Thanks to repair crews and our staff we can reopen the pier on Saturday so that visitors can enjoy their planned vacations.”
Mitch and Tanya Blalock's VW bus boat. Photo by: Kevin Starla Sinyard
By John Mullen October 13, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – At first, building a VW bus pontoon boat started out as kind of a hobby for Mitch Blalock. About $40,000 later he has one of the most eye-catching crafts moving around the back bays of Orange Beach.
“I used to tell my wife it’s cheaper than therapy, but I’m not sure I can say that, really, after building it,” Blalock said.
October 11, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) – In light of Hurricane Nate’s effects on the Gulf coast the City of Gulf Shores has elected to cancel Operation: “Dive Against Debris” on Saturday, Oct. 21.
This underwater conservation effort and beach cleanup were due to take place at the Gulf State Park Fishing & Education Pier. The pier sustained damage, but the extent is still unknown at this time. Potentially hazardous conditions are present in the Gulf waters.
“For the safety of the divers and all those participating we are canceling the event,” Gulf Shores Police Sgt. Paul Maliska said. “I want to thank the generous sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in coordinating this event.”
Information regarding next year’s event will be announced as it becomes available. For more information visit the Gulf Shores or Project Aware on the web.
Candice Duncan, left, and Terri Long of Wildflowers Boutique in Orange Beach.
October 11, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Wildflowers Boutique owners Terri Long and Candice Duncan Toys 4 Children fundraiser will have its fifth edition Nov. 9 at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina. Fisher’s is a partner in the effort and has hosted the event every year.
Each year it keeps building and building, Terri said, with donations, toys, and partners. In the previous four years, a total of $50,000 in toys and donations have been collected to help island and Baldwin County children have a great Christmas.
Tickets are $25 and are available at Wildflowers Boutique on Canal Road in the Commons Shopping center or on online. The ticket includes a showing of Wildflowers unique fashions, with models donating their time.
“Many of the models buy tickets to the event in addition to donating their time,” Terri said. “Last year was the best that we’ve had and this year we’re going try to make it even bigger. Last year we had the Marines with Toys for Tots and they walked each model out. That was just awesome!”
The Marine Corps Reserve’s annual toy drive has been a staple of the holiday season since 1947.
“Toys for Tots asked to join us last year,” Terri said. “They came to us and wanted to know how can we get involved. I told them we’re about keeping it local. They agreed to take care of our locals.”
Wildflowers will provide the entertainment, TriggerProof, a popular regional band from Biloxi. Fisher’s is providing the hors d'oeuvres and will have drink specials.
The Alabama Gulf Coast is open for business.
October 9, 2017, Gulf Shores (GSA) and Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – As Hurricane Nate impacted the northern Gulf Coast Oct. 7-8, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT) has the following area update for guests visiting in the coming days or months.
“We have been in constant communication with both local cities and the county emergency management agency, and we are thankful to be able to relay to our guests that our beach communities only received minimal impact from Hurricane Nate, and we stand ready to welcome guests to our 32 miles of white-sand beaches,” said Joanie Flynn, vice president of marketing for GSOBT. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those neighbors in other Gulf-front states who were impacted by the tropical system.”
By David Rainer - Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
October 6, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Preliminary numbers from the Alabama Red Snapper Reporting System, aka Snapper Check, indicate the fear that Alabama anglers would exceed the 2017 quota were unfounded.
“Using the Alabama Snapper Check numbers, we’re going to be well within the historic allocation for Alabama, so the 39-day season did not put us over, which was a concern for the commercial fishing community and part of the charter fishing community,” said Scott Bannon, Acting Director of the Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD). “Now the concern we have is what the MRIP (Marine Recreational Information Program) numbers will show, and those numbers are not out yet.”
Since the inception of the Alabama Snapper Check program, the federally produced MRIP numbers for red snapper caught by private recreational anglers have consistently overestimated the snapper harvest, according to MRD officials. The federal survey overestimated harvest numbers by 81 percent in 2014, 68 percent in 2015 and 79 percent in 2016 compared to Snapper Check numbers.
October 5, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Federal officials are serious about protecting the beach mouse in coastal Alabama, even in the newly constructed island medians on beach road.
So that means every project must follow certain rules and regulations not only to protect the habitat of the sensitive critters but enhance it in some cases by planting the right grasses and trees that will be beneficial to the mice.
Orange Beach Public Works Director Tim Tucker has experience in this area.
“About a year ago we were asked to remove grass on the east side of the pass bridge so the beach mouse would know when it got to the road,” Tucker said. “Now I’ve got to put certain grass in the middle of the road so the beach mouse will know to go to the middle of the road.
Island Time Daiquiris at The Wharf is a great place to watch football.
By John Mullen
October 4, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – When Bobby Graves opened his first business that wasn’t a car dealership, he was met with a little skepticism. He opened a bar in Orange Beach anyway.
“You’re crazy for opening that place,” Graves said he was told. “And you’re opening it at the end of the season. It’ll never make it.”
That was hardly the case. His first foray into the beach economy, Island Time Daiquiris at The Wharf, has been a success story.
October 3, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - On Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 3pm, Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mother’s Day Out and Preschool will host its 9th annual fundraiser, “The Harvest—A Festival of Gifts” at its south campus (in Winn-Dixie Parking lot behind Zaxby’s).
Profits from The Harvest will benefit the Mother’s Day Out and Preschool Program’s scholarship fund, and for the first time this year, half of the profits will be donated to Hurricane Recovery Efforts!
The Harvest will highlight: Local artists and crafters selling their original, homemade creations, an extensive Silent Auction, and the ever-popular Sweet Shop, which will feature decadent confections created by local bakers.
September 30, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Fall is finally here, for those of you who have been craving Halloween for an entire year. Are you dying to get your fill of ghouls, goblins, witches and werewolves?
You can’t stop thinking about candy corn, Jack-O-Lanterns and scary movies? If you’re ready for a night of thrills on the high sea, book your trip to attend Ghost Cruises at Caribe Marina from Sept. 29 to Oct. 31.
This year’s story will immerse guests in a flashback to one of our first cases -- a ghost ship investigation. Get ready for a night of treasure hunting, cursed gold and ghost captains.
This family-friendly trip will feature a 45-minute cruise into Wolf Bay, a haunting ghost story told by seasoned actors, along with plenty of Halloween decorations and photo opportunities.
Chris Logel, manager at Caribe Marina, said that attendees are in for a real treat, no trick intended.
“The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts of trip,” he said. “When you arrive, you are greeted by creepy music all over the marina. Be on the lookout for some unsavory folks that may be looking for a fishing trip to join. The weather is beautiful this time of the year, especially in the evenings on the water.
Sept. 30, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - All are invited to the Flora-Bama’s Customer Appreciation Day, the 2nd Sunday of each month. On Sunday, October 8th, the popular bar takes on a German flair with a free stein, first drink on the house (to all 21 and up) and complimentary buffet of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad beginning at 2pm. A stein hoisting contest sponsored by Samuel Adams starts at 3pm.
There’s no charge for this event so dress up in your favorite German attire and bring the whole family. Silent judging will take place with $50 gift certificate for the best Lederhosen (men) and Dirndl (women). Party and dance like it’s a day in Munich with “The Brats”, a high energy polka band fresh from the Oktoberfest at the Deutches Haus in New Orleans. Music begins at 1pm with Jason Justice in the Main Bar, Al & Cathy under the Tent at 2pm and the Brats 4-8p on the Dome stage.
Sept. 29, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) – Everybody would love to have a Crazy Sista to have fun. Even better would be a Crazy Sista who had mad skills in the kitchen. Well, everybody does have that Crazy Sista: Lucy Buffett.
What could be zanier than making bread pudding out of Krispy Kreme donuts? Or saner than making a roux-based gumbo in a huge cast iron pot following Lucy’s grandmother’s recipe? It’s the most popular item on the menu. LuLu’s in Gulf Shores offers all this and much, much more.
Want to have fun with your Crazy Sista? At LuLu’s you can climb on the three-story Mountain of Youth ropes course, Munchkin Mountain ropes course for little tykes, an arcade brimming with games and revelry and a pile of sand to frolic on.
There’s also a fountain for youth play in, beach volleyball, cornhole and ring toss. And live music nightly to get your toes tappin’.
The Romar Inn at Romar Beach in Orange Beach.By Angela Bateman, City of Orange BeachSeptember 27, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - On Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. on the site of the Original Romar Beach Bed and Breakfast Inn, Orange Beach will honor its historical heritage by unveiling another marker. All are welcome to attend the unveiling ceremony. The historical marker was written by local author Margaret Childress Long.
The Marker details the history of Romar Beach named after 1920’s homestead located along the three-mile stretch of beachfront between the Gulf State Park and Highway 161 in Orange Beach. The original owners were Spurgeon Roche and Carl “Zeke” Martin. The roadway to the homestead is now what is called “Power Line Road.”
The unveiling of the historical marker is part of the City of Orange Beach’s participation in Alabama 200. According to the official website, Alabama 200 is “the state’s official bicentennial commemoration and will consider a rich and complex history made every day by people like us.
Sept. 26, 2017 – Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Mark your calendars for the Oct. 7 Art Market, an event of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance.
The Art Market, 9 a.m-3 p.m. at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the Waterway Village of Gulf Shores, will feature dozens of local and regional artists who will be displaying their original works of art. Great music and food along with activities for children will top off the day.
The Baldwin Pops will be back for the ninth straight year for a concert in Orange Beach.
September 25, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The City of Orange Beach invites you to a free concert featuring the Baldwin Pops Concert Band. The event will be Sunday, Oct. 15, 4:30-6 p.m. on the lawn behind the Orange Beach Senior Center, located at 26251 Canal Road, less than a quarter mile east of Alabama 161.
by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
Oct. 24, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - We're at that time of year when the white pelicans are passing our way on their annual migration. Several groups of white pelicans were flying high in the sky through Orange Beach on Monday. Phillip West, Coastal Resources Manage for Orange Beach, spotted 6 groups of white pelicans passing over throughout the day. Phillip said we may see more over the next few days. The cold front that passed through has them on the move south. 
October 24, 2017 – Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is excited to announce its upcoming Art Market Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Holiday Open House 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct. 19, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Orange Beach Event Center.
October 13, 2017 - Gulf State Park - With only minor repairs remaining, the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is scheduled to reopen Saturday, October 14, 2017. The pier had been closed due to damage received during Hurricane Nate, which made landfall in southeast Louisiana and again near Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
Tickets are $25 and are available at Wildflowers Boutique on Canal Road in the Commons Shopping center or on online. The ticket includes a showing of Wildflowers unique fashions, with models donating their time.
By David Rainer - Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
By John Mullen
October 3, 2017 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - On Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 3pm, Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mother’s Day Out and Preschool will host its 9th annual fundraiser, “The Harvest—A Festival of Gifts” at its south campus (in Winn-Dixie Parking lot behind Zaxby’s).
Sept. 30, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - All are invited to the Flora-Bama’s Customer Appreciation Day, the 2nd Sunday of each month. On Sunday, October 8th, the popular bar takes on a German flair with a free stein, first drink on the house (to all 21 and up) and complimentary buffet of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad beginning at 2pm. A stein hoisting contest sponsored by Samuel Adams starts at 3pm.
This family-friendly trip will feature a 45-minute cruise into Wolf Bay, a haunting ghost story told by seasoned actors, along with plenty of Halloween decorations and photo opportunities.
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