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John Mason-Smith leaves Blue Angel, Flora-Bama Church legacy

John Mason-Smith, Blue Angels Forecaster for the OBA Website, Retires.

By John Mullen

May 30, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Every Sunday afternoon during Blue Angels season for the past few years have been busy ones for mega fan John Mason-Smith in his role forecasting when the Navy’s flight team would return home from each weekend’s show.

His forecasts – and he’s been quite accurate during the years – have been posted on the OBA Community Website Facebook page. Visitors and locals alike head to the beach after seeing the forecasts with an eye on the sky during the window of time Mason-Smith has given.

Model Train Exhibit is the jewel of Foley Depot museum

Bob Irwin's replica of his family's potato shed that sat along the railroad tracks in Foley, Alabama.

By John Mullen

May 29, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – When Bob Irwin was a kid his family had a farming business near Foley in Baldwin County. A vital part of that business was a potato shed alongside the railroad tracks in Foley.

“There were many along the railroad from here up to Loxley, Alabama,” Irwin, a member of the train volunteer group the Caboose Club, said.

Like the railroads – service to Foley stopped in the 1970's – the potato sheds are but a distant memory. But Irwin resurrected one alongside the tracks in the city’s Model Train Exhibit in the Foley Railroad Museum.

Perdido Key Provides Opportunity to Celebrate our World’s Oceans

By Perdido Key Chamber

May 29, 2019 - Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - World Oceans Day is an opportunity for people around our blue planet to celebrate and honor the oceans which connect us all. Since 1992 the event has drawn attention to the benefits and wonders of the oceans, but also to threats to ocean health.

Free Sunscreen Available at Gulf Shores City Beaches

By City of Gulf Shores

May 28, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) – The City of Gulf Shores is excited to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to provide free sunscreen at Gulf Shores’ public beaches and community parks in order to protect the health of its residents and visitors.

Ride to honor first responders winds up in Orange Beach

First responders in the Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride rolling through Gautier, Mississippi.

By John Mullen

May 24, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – A new bicycle ride to honor fallen first responders finished off in Orange Beach on May 24 with a stop at The Wharf and then the Orange Beach Police Department.

“We rested a bit before riding to the police department to make an honor stop for Mike Stockwell,” Orange Beach Assistant Chief Kevin Lanford said.

Orange Beach moves to regulate small-cell technology

By John Mullen

May 24, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – When phone providers start coming to town looking to expand small-cell technology in Orange Beach the city wants to have an ordinance ready for them.

“No carrier is just going to come in there and say I’m going to put the pole here because I have the right to do it because the FCC says so,” Councilman Jerry Johnson said. The city council discussed the ordinance during its work session on May 21. The city holds dual sessions the first and third Tuesdays of the month starting with a regular session and ending up with the work session. This ordinance will likely be voted on at the next regular session on June 4.

Alabama Opens for Red Snapper Fishing on June 1

By Outdoor Alabama

May 23, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds private vessel anglers that Alabama state waters and federal waters will open for red snapper fishing on Saturday, June 1. The season will consist of weekends, Friday through Sunday, June 1, 2019, to July 28, 2019, and Thursday, July 4.

School's Out For Summer

By Baldwin County Schools

May 23, 2019 - Baldwin County, AL - (OBA^®) - Thursday will mark the final day of classes for all students in Baldwin County for the 2018-2019 school year. This year has been a record-setting year on many fronts, and we celebrate tremendous progress in Baldwin County.

We graduated more seniors than ever before in the history of Baldwin County with early estimates showing impressive increases in graduation rates, test scores and student attendance.

Brotherhood Riders roll into Orange Beach Friday

May 22, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - This Friday afternoon, a group of first responders is scheduled to roll into Orange Beach, capping off a 450-mile trek that began on Monday, May 20th in Eunice, Louisiana in honor of fallen colleagues.

Rouses Crawfish Eating Championship coming to Flora-Bama

May 21, 2019 - (OBA^®) - More than 500 pounds of crawfish will be boiled for the Rouses Crawfish Eating World Championship scheduled to occur on Saturday, June 1^st at the legendary Flora-Bama bar. Sanctioned by Major League Eating, the contest will feature top competitive eaters from as far away as London, Arizona and New York City. The current favorite is Adrian “The Rabbit” Morgan, an eater from New Orleans who is a two-time Rouses Crawfish Champion.

Gulf Shores Police Department Investigating Death

Gulf Shores Police Dept. April 21, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - On May 19th, 2019 at about 11:30 p.m. Gulf Shores Police Officers responded to a report of an adult male unconscious in the roadway near the intersection of Cove Avenue and Gulf Shores Parkway. County 911 operators advised GSPD Telecommunications that the initial caller reported the victim may have taken drugs.

2019 Full Moon Paddles on Wolf Bay announced

By City of Orange Beach

April 20, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Orange Beach - Relay for Life Team is gearing up for their 5^th summer of fun on the water with the popular Full Moon Paddles. The paddles have become the number one fundraising effort for the Orange Beach Team.

Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores Summer Fun Schedule

Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores Summer Schedule of Fun

May 20, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores presents the 7th Annual Summer of Fun featuring art classes, a hands on nature series, beach games, and a waterfront oyster bake with live music at lunch. Hands on Habitat, Art al Fresco, Tacky Jacks Beach Games, and Oyster Bake Fridays make up a series of weekly lunch time activities offered at the waterfront venue.

If you are looking for some afternoon fun this summer then look no further than Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. The Summer of Fun series will feature different events to include regional artists, local organizations, and musicians each Tuesday through Friday this summer beginning June 4. A monthly schedule of events is online at www.tackyjacks.com and below.

Orange Beach school group seeks to promote, fund excellence

The Orange Beach, Alabama, Education Foundation is helping fund extra at local schools.

By John Mullen
May 16, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Obviously, the new Orange Beach schools will need books and desks and chalk and other staples – and staples – to run a school.

Orange Beach’s MAAAC raises $445,000 for schools

MAAAC of Orange Beach raised $445,000 for schools at a gala on May 11. By John Mullen

May 15, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Excitement for the new Orange Beach High School and Middle School spilled out in waves at the Makos Arts, Academics and Athletics Club’s fundraising gala May 11 at the Perdido Beach Resort.

“The energy and excitement in the room that night was electric,” Executive Director Jenni Starling of MAAAC said. “We hope to take that energy and raise even more money for the kids in our community.”

The Port at Zeke’s is new meetings, weddings, party space

The Port at Zeke's Landing Marina is a new party, meeting and wedding venue. By John Mullen

May 13, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – A new event venue, The Port at Zeke’s is now open at one the Gulf Coast’s most popular marinas. The Port can accommodate an event for up to 300 people and is located above Wolf Bay Restaurant at Zeke's Landing Marina.

“We can host any special event,” Zeke’s Operations Manager Mandy Langley said. “So far, we have booked several weddings, a company Christmas party and have spoken to a few people about Mardi Gras balls/parties. We are getting a lot of inquiries for next spring already. The space is very versatile and the colors are crisp and clean looking so it can be easily decorated for any event/theme.”

Orange Beach Planning Commission to meet Monday, May 13th

Orange Beach Planning Commission Meeting

May 5, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 13th for a work session followed by the 4 p.m. regular meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Arrest in stolen truck incident, chase

By Foley Police Dept.

May 10, 2019 - Foley, AL - (OBA^®) - Late yesterday afternoon, Elberta PD was able to locate William McGinley in the Miflin Community. He was still in the white pickup that was later confirmed to be stolen from the City of Foley within the last few days. McGinley once again took off and drove into Florida. Officers did not pursue into Florida because his identity was already known.

Experience the Magic of Flight at the 2019 Pensacola Beach Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

May 10, 2019 - Pensacola Beach, FL - (OBA^®) - Feeling the need for speed? Hang onto your hat and experience the magic of flight as half a dozen civilian stunt pilots and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels zip and zoom above the Pensacola Beach skies July 12-13 at the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA).

Baldwin County Disaster Preparedness Expo set May 15 at Orange Beach Event Center

May 10, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency will host a Disaster Preparedness Expo on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at 4617 Wharf Parkway West in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Advisory Board Approves Flounder, Seatrout Changes

Under regulations that are expected to go into effect August 1, anglers will be allowed only one spotted seatrout larger than 22 inches. Photo by David Rainer

By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

May 10, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The length and bag limits of two of Alabama’s most popular inshore fish species will likely change soon after proposals by the Alabama Marine Resources Division were approved last weekend by the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board.

Under the new regulations, spotted seatrout (speckled trout) and southern flounder will have reduced bag limits to deal with concerns that the species are not able to sustain healthy populations.

Orange Beach’s Pete Peterson served his country and his city

Pete Peterson and Jodi and Brian Harsany riding in the vintage Huey.

By John Mullen

May 10, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – On April 20 in Orange Beach, a Vietnam-era vintage Huey helicopter was taking folks up for rides from The Wharf for rollicking tours over Gulf State Park complete with combat-like dips and rolls.

In August, Pete Peterson got what his wife said was one of the best thrills of his life by being a passenger on one of those flights during a 2018 stop at The Wharf.

Plastic bag ban big topic at Orange Beach council

By John Mullen

May 9, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) – A report on the environmental damage caused by millions of discarded plastic bags by 17-year-old Cameron Blanchard sparked a lively discussion at the May 7 Orange Beach City Council regular session.

The end result was a pledge from the city to study a ban on plastic bags and movement toward elimination of them from city businesses. A bill in the Alabama Senate to prevent city’s from banning the bags and other single-use plastic products failed to get out of committee on the same day as the city council meeting.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge adds more land

Dunes on Perdue Unit at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by USFWS.

By Mark Davis, public affairs specialist, USFWS

May 9, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - A jewel of an ecosystem just grew by more than 350 football fields, thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and several partners.

53rd annual OBFD BBQ fundraiser set for June 8th with over 4,000 pounds of pork

Orange Beach Fire Dept. BBQ Fundraiser 2019

May 8, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The 53rd Annual Orange Beach Fire Department BBQ will take place Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - or until the 'Que runs out - at Fire Station No. 1, behind City Hall. (Please note that the original location was the Community Center but had to be moved due to planned construction at the Recreation Center.)

Pirates and Princesses fun returns to the Hangout May 24

Pirates and Princesses fun returns to The Hangout May 24. Submitted

May 7, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) –The Hangout in Gulf Shores is once again hosting its Pirates and Princesses Breakfast Adventure series every morning this summer. The Pirates and Princesses Breakfast is a three-time daily show that features treasure hunts, sing-along songs, games, magic tricks, laughs and more.

May 24 through Aug. 15, get immersed in the fun-filled adventure story of Cap’n Sch’meagull as he guides you around his lost island and searches for treasure. But beware, his magical nemesis Captain Blackhart is lurking around the corner.

Zeke’s headquarters for Alabama Slam fishing tourney

Alabama Gulf Coast Slam weigh-in headquarters is at Zeke's Landing Marina. By John Mullen

May 3, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – A new and unique fishing tournament is going on in the Gulf Coast region with Zeke’s Landing Marina as the official weigh-in sponsor for Orange Beach. The tournament is presented by the Alabama Fishing Charter Association and the Mystics of Pleasure.

At end of the tournament on May 18, some lucky angler could win a Chevy truck from Southern Chevrolet. The awards party will be at Zeke’s on May 25.

Gulf Shores Road & Beach Closures for Hangout Music Fest

Gulf Shores City Logo By the City of Gulf Shores

May 3, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores would like to make all residents and visitors aware of the following road closures, beach closures and traffic flow modifications related to the Hangout Music Festival.

Gulf Shores plan to five-lane Canal Road changes

Gulf Shores changes plan to five-lane Canal Road By John Mullen

May 2, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – A project long in the works along State Route 180 typically called for the widening of the road from State Route 161 in Orange Beach to State Route 59 Gulf Shores.

But with a new state bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway planned to land on the route between the two cities, planners in Gulf Shores think they can scale back any widening of the roadway there. Citizens will get a look at the project and make suggestions on May 7 at the Gulf Shores Activities Center from 5:30-7 p.m.

Pet-friendly restaurants? No such animal in Baldwin County

Service dogs perform tasks that are directly related to a person's disability. By John Mullen

May 2, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Want to bring the puppy to the restaurant? Legally in Baldwin County, that’s really not possible unless it is a bona fide service that helps a patron with a disability. A proliferation of “comfort animals” has muddied the waters on animals in restaurants of late.

Kip Kaiser, the Public Health Environmental Supervisor and Inspector with Baldwin County, said there are very few dogs that should be allowed in.

“There’s no such thing as a pet-friendly food establishment,” Kaiser said. “It does not exist by our regulations. If a restaurant presents themselves as a pet-friendly establishment it’s a false statement they are giving to the customers.”