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

Gulf Shores announces 41st Annual Mardi Gras Parade Route & Info

February 6, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores will continue the tradition and celebrate the 41^st Anniversary of the Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at Clubhouse Drive and continue down Highway 59 to Gulf Place.

A Night on the Wild Side event to be held March 9th

February 5, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Second Annual “A NIGHT ON THE WILD SIDE” is scheduled for March 9th, 2019 at the SaltAir Aviation Center, Jack Edwards Airport from 6:30-10:00 p.m. The “wildest” fundraiser of the year, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's jungle inspired affair offers a rare opportunity for guests to experience up-close encounters with zoo animals while enjoying an evening of culinary treats, live music, and dancing in an unique setting.

Orange Beach eyes Restore money for research center

Orange Beach, Alabama, Director of Coastal Resources Phillip West. By John Mullen

February 5, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Since at least 2005 the City of Orange Beach has been exploring ways to use property on Terry Cove that was once home to Walker Marina. The property is due east of Sportsman Marina and is currently used as a dog park and Frisbee golf course.

U.S. Blue Angels 2019 Air Show & Practice Schedules Released

February 4, 2019 - Pensacola NAS - (OBA^®) - We're not yet sure what date the Blues will be returning to Pendacola NAS from their winter training at NAF El Centro. They usually return arount mid-March but they yave a show in Salinas, CA on the 23rd & 24th. We'll keep our eyes and ears open and post updates as soon as we hear or see any news.

UPDATE March 24, 2019 - The Blue Angels will be returning from California on Monday, March 25th. The current estimated timeframe is between 2:30 & 3:30 pm.

Sports group to be academic, athletic booster for Orange Beach Schools

The Orange Beach Sports Association will become the Makos Arts, Academic and Athletic Club to support programs at the new Orange Beach schools. By John Mullen

February 4, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Robert Stuart has been involved in city athletics through the Orange Beach Sports Association for 25 years.

“I’ve got three sons and I’ve had a child in Gulf Shores High School since the doors opened,” Stuart said. “My youngest is a senior this year.”

And he looks to stay involved for many years to come.

Orange Beach City Council meet on Feb. 5th

Orange Beach Council Meeting February 2, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach City Council will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 5th, followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Following are the agendas for the meetings. Please note that the information below may not be the most up-to-date information.

Doc's opening new restaurant on Perdido Beach Blvd.

Doc's Seafood opening new restaurant February 1, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Doc’s Seafood Shack is pleased to announce a new addition to the family, Doc’s Seafood and Steaks!

We are excited to bring you a diverse selection including all your favorites from our original location as well as fresh catch Gulf Seafood and 28 day aged Certified Angus Beef steaks. Make plans to join us at our newest location opening in March 2019, located at 24221 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach.

Lemonade Day Kick Off Party Happening February 6 at LuLu's

By the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber

January 31, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is excited about hosting Lemonade Day for the second year in the Coastal Alabama region.

"Lemonade Day is a FREE educational program designed to teach children about financial literacy and entrepreneurship, teaching them how to start, own, and operate their own business – a lemonade stand," said Nick Wilmott, Past Chairman of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and City Champion for Lemonade Day - Coastal Alabama. "Through this program they will take the same steps that we as adults do when starting our own business."

Orange Beach School Information Meeting

By City of Orange Beach

January 30, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA®) - Mayor Tony Kennon hosted a school information meeting on Tuesday, January 29th at the Orange Beach Community Center with Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler and his key staff.

Alabama Reefs topic of Feb. 4th Community Potluck

January 30, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Monthly Community Potluck will be held on Monday, February 4th at the Orange Beach Community Center, featuring a divemaster.

Update: Transferred Orange Beach principals hired by Gulf Shores

Cindy Veazey, left, has been named principal of Gulf Shores, Alabama, high school and Kyle McCartney has been named the principal of Gulf Shores, Alabama, middle school.

January 29, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - In a specially called meeting on Jan. 28 the Gulf Shores Board of Education recommended the hiring of Cindy Veazey as principal of Gulf Shores High School and Kyle McCartney as principal for Gulf Shores Middle School.

Flora-Bama hosting job fair for 200+ positions

Januray 28, 2019 - Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - Tuesday, February 5^th and Saturday, February 9^th from 11am – 3pm, Flora-Bama will be hosting a job fair seeking to hire more than 200 positions across their five businesses: Flora-Bama, Flora-Bama Liquor & Lotto, Flora-Bama Yacht Club, Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, and Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports. Managers from each business and department will be on site doing open interviews and fulfilling jobs within the week!

Orange Beach School Meeting set for Jan. 29th

By the City of Orange Beach

January 28, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The public is invited to a meeting to discuss the new Orange Beach Middle/High School at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 29th at the Orange Beach Community Center.

Blue Angels Pilot safe after emergency landing

From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs

January 22, 2019 - (OBA^®) - CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A pilot attached to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, made an emergency landing at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, Jan. 22, with no injuries.

The mishap occurred when the F/A-18 Hornet’s main landing gear did not extend on approach to the airfield following a training flight.

Gulf Shores Garden Club seeks applicants for its annual scholarship

By Sue Foskett

January 21, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - As members of the Gulf Shores Garden Club, we would like to award a $1,000 scholarship to a 2019 graduating senior of the Gulf Shores High School, as well as a scholarship to a former Gulf Shores High School student who is currently enrolled in a community college or university.

Sandy Roots Kicks off 4th Year with National Songwriter Series

January 21, 2019 - Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - Sandy Roots Music Productions will for the 4^thconsecutive year be managing and producing a yearlong original music series at The Point Restaurant, 14340 Innerarity Point Road in Perdido Key, FL. The series will continue to showcase six songwriting artists each month, featuring local, regional and national touring songwriters. There will also be a Nashville hit songwriter featured quarterly. Local singer/songwriters will have the opportunity to showcase their talents with the best singer/songwriters from around the country.

Principals named for Orange Beach high, middle schools

Cindy Veazey and Kyle McCartney have been named principals of the new Orange Beach, Alabama, high school and middle school. By John Mullen

January 18, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – There was an audible gasp from teachers and other Gulf Shores school staff when they heard who the new principals would be in Orange Beach’s new school.

During the Gulf Shores Board of Education meeting to vote for and sign the separation agreement with the Baldwin County Board of Education word came from Bay Minette. Gulf Shores High School Principal Cindy Veazy and Gulf Shores Middle School Principal Kyle McCartney would be transferred to Orange Beach.

“Kyle and Cindy's experience in the community was a strong determining factor in their selection for the two principal positions at the new Orange Beach Middle/High school,” Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler said. “Both were aware that I was recommending them for these two positions.”

Orange Beach to fund $7.2 million for center at new school

Rendering of the Performing Arts Center planned for the new Orange Beach High/Middle School. By John Mullen

January 17, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – The Orange Beach City Council voted on Jan. 15 to spend $7.2 million toward the construction of an $8.6 million performing arts building on the campus of a new high-middle school. The Baldwin County Board of Education will pay the remaining $1.4 million.

“I was so happy everybody was in agreement and I think it’s a tremendous step forward for Orange Beach,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. “It’s going to be something special and with us being able to utilize it as we see fit at the school, I would think it’s really going to be a nice community asset.”

Kennon said the center will serve the community in a variety of ways but first and foremost be used by students and faculty of the new school. The new school is expected to open in August of 2020 and Kennon said the performing arts center should be ready then, too.

Snowbird Hootenanny Returns to Perdido Key

Flora-Bama Perdido Key Chamber Snowbird Event

January 18, 2019 –Perdido Key, FL - (OBA^®) - Snowbirds will flock to the Florida-Alabama State-Line once again for the Second Annual Snowbird Hootenanny at the Flora-Bama! The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Perdido Realty is excited to once again host a hoe-down for their favorite winter guests! Starting at 11 AM, attendees will be welcomed into the main tent stage at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar by excited vendors from local businesses in the Perdido Key Area. A delicious southern Barbeque styled lunch will be provided by the legendary Flora-Bama chefs, guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

Bay Circle historical marker dedication set for Jan. 29

By City of Orange Beach

January 18, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The public is invited to a historical marker unveiling ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 29th on Bay Circle. All are welcome to attend the ceremony at the corner of Bay Circle and Canal Road, near Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Orange Beach Surf Rescue seeks lifeguards

By City of Orange Beach

January 18, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Are you looking for a rewarding job this summer? If so, contact the Orange Beach Surf Rescue division at 251-747-1051 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Also, see the current City of Orange Beach job posting at www.orangebeachal.gov/jobs/lifeguard-beach-safety-temporary.

Music at Meyer Park Line Up

By City of Gulf Shores

January 17, 2019 – Gulf Shores, Ala – (OBA^®) – The City of Gulf Shores is excited to announce the 2019 lineup for the Music at Meyer Park concert series. These free springtime concerts have become a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike.

The Little Zoo’s Beloved Salt Has Died

Salt, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's Tiger has died

By the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

January 17, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has lost one of its most treasured and popular animals. Salt, the 17-year-old female Amur (Siberian) tiger was euthanized January 6 at 3:45 p.m. According to Zoo Director Dr. Adam Langston, also the zoo veterinarian, “While we await a final pathology report, Salt suffered from severe hindlimb weakness most likely caused by a spinal cord disease. For the last several months, as her walking became more labored, medications were administered to improved her quality of life, but sadly her condition worsened beyond help. The difficult decision was made to end her suffering.” Zoo Curator Cyndi Johnson and many of the zookeepers who cared for Salt during her later years were also with her when she passed. Said Dr. Langston, “She will forever live on in our hearts and memories.”

2019 National Shrimp Festival Poster Contest is Underway

January 16, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - As 2019 begins, we are already gearing up for the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival happening October 10th through 13th. One of the biggest things that helps the Annual National Shrimp Festival stand out is its unique poster design every year.

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade March 5th

By City of Gulf Shores

January 16, 2019 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. We are working hard to plan this event, and we will provide more details as the parade date gets closer.

Art Classes Galore at the Coastal Art Center in Orange Beach

Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach Art Classes

January 14, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - From drawing to painting to hot glass to photography and much more. The Coastal Art Center has a lot of classes set up to bring out the aspiring artist in everyone.

Check out the classes and schedule below.

Orange Beach in line for $40 million in RESTORE Act funds covering 8 projects

January 12, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The widening and improvement of Canal Road, environmental restoration of Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, the creation of the Gulf Coast Environment Research Station, the designing and planning of the Gulf Coast Wildlife Recovery and Interpretive Center, expansion of the Orange Beach Wildlife Center, seawall repairs at Alabama Point, and sewer main upgrades - these are projects totaling $40 million that the City of Orange Beach is poised to receive from RESTORE Act funds.

Orange Beach Planning Commission to meet January 14th

January 12, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Monday, January 14th for its regular meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Orange Beach, Gulf Shores welcome Gov. Ivey celebration

The Lodge at Gulf State Park will host Gov. Kay Ivey's pre-inauguration party on Jan. 12. By John Mullen

January 10, 2019 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Gov. Kay Ivey is going to kick her inauguration celebration with a bang here on the Gulf Coast and officials from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are happy to help play host.

On Saturday dignitaries from all over the state as well as citizens will gather at the gleaming new Gulf State Park Lodge for Ivey’s party. Platinum-selling country artist Neal McCoy will sing and fireworks will light up the night. Both cities will contribute $10,000 to the celebration with Gulf Shores’ portion paying for the fireworks show.

The fireworks show will be between 8:45 and 9:00 pm. They will be shot from the Gulf State Park Pier.

Mardi Gras parades in Orange Beach begin March 1st

January 10, 2019 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - Mardi Gras parades in Orange Beach will begin to roll with The Mystical Order of Mirams Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, March 1st. The parade begins on Perdido Beach Boulevard at 6:30 p.m. at the traffic signal just east of Phoenix West and it will end at intersection at Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard. Please note where the new medians begin the parades will move to the westbound lanes (north side of the beach highway).