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Orange Beach City Hall Historical Marker going up June 19th

By Alex Wilkerson for the City of Orange Beach

June 6, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - On June 19, 2018, at noon at Orange Beach City Hall, the city will honor its heritage by unveiling a municipal complex historical marker. All are welcome to attend the unveiling ceremony. The historical marker was written by local author Margaret Childress Long.

The marker details a brief history of the incorporation of the City of Orange Beach and the community-changing property donation made by John M. Snook and his wife Marjorie. It also details the growth that followed. From the introduction of the nation’s first wireless telephone service, to the building boom following Hurricane Fredric, to the movement to incorporate in 1984, Orange Beach continues to grow to this day with the municipal complex as its hub.

Orange Beach has two contestants in Miss Alabama

Bailey Kennon, left, and Alexia Williams from Orange Beach are Miss Alabama contestants.

By John Mullen

June 4, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) – Two contestants from Orange Beach will be competing this week in the Miss Alabama Pageant starting Tuesday at Samford University in Birmingham.

Alexia Williams is the reigning Miss Coastal Alabama and will be competing in her first state pageant. A former Miss Coastal Alabama and reigning Miss Leeds Bailey Kennon will be competing in her third straight Miss Alabama.

“I ‘ve actually been able to be excited about it,” Kennon said. “In past years I’ve just been so nervous. I’m prepared, I’ve done the work and I’m ready to enjoy the week.”

USSSA youth baseball, softball make lasting economic impact

USAAA Softball May 31, 2018 - Alabama Gulf Coast – (OBA^®) - Since 2009, the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) has crowned numerous Global Sports World Series champions and left behind millions in economic impact for south Baldwin County. During the summer of 2018, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will welcome 968 teams to the area for more sluggers and summer fun.

Over the years, USSSA has attracted thousands of youth athletes and their families to Alabama’s beaches. The event series’ room night numbers have grown tremendously from 8,013 in 2009 to more than 67,718 in 2017. Additionally, USSSA contributed $80.44 million in direct visitor spending to the area’s economy in 2017.

“USSSA reflects the core of our beach visitor base – families,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “Each summer, we have the privilege of welcoming thousands of the families to Alabama’s beaches to experience quality competition on the fields and new adventures in the destination. Those guests take home lifelong memories and leave behind economic impact.”

52nd Annual BBQ set June 9 at Orange Beach Community Center

May 31, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - The 52nd Annual Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department BBQ will take place on Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - or until the 'Que runs out - at the Orange Beach Community Center, located at 27235 Canal Road, across the street from Fire Station No. 2.

This year it was decided to change up the BBQ fundraiser to reduce costs and waste. The fire department will be selling 4,500 pounds of pork, as follows:

Great food and waterfront fun are on the menu at Tacky Jacks

Tacky Jacks has locations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, Alabama. — Tacky Jacks has been an island instutition since the 1980s.

By John Mullen

May 30, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) – Tacky Jacks offers a triple-play of options when it comes to good food and good times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at three waterfront locations accessible by land or by sea.

Hit a home run with breakfast on Cotton Bayou at the original Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach, find family fun and a hearty lunch on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores and watch the sunset over Mobile Bay with a world famous bushwacker in Fort Morgan.

Gov. Ivey Presents First Look at Gulf State Park Interpretive Center & East Pedestrian Bridge

May 25, 2018 - Gulf Shores, AL - (OBA^®) - Yesterday, Governor Kay Ivey introduced two major parts of the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project, the Interpretive Center and East Pedestrian Bridge. The first look took place at the newly constructed Interpretive Center located at 22250-A East Beach Boulevard, adjacent to the Beach Pavilion. These facilities create a gateway to Gulf State Park, inspiring visitors to explore the park’s 6,150 acres and connect to nature.

“There is simply no place like Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast, which is why I’m committed to protecting its natural beauty and furthering its growth. Today, I am glad to join Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship and Tourism Director Lee Sentell at Gulf State Park to receive a first look at the progress we’re making on the construction of the Interpretive Center and Pedestrian Bridge,” Governor Ivey said. “The Gulf State Park is a crown jewel in Alabama tourism, and I very much look forward to the success these enhancements will bring.”

Cosmo's means great food, giving back to the community

Jodi and Brian Harsany of Cosmo's Restaurant and Bar in Orange Beach, Alabama. — Jodi and Brian Harsany of Cosmo's.

The namesake of Cosmo's restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama. — Cosmo's namesake, Cosmo.

By John Mullen

May 24, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) - Brian and Jodi Harsany have built a solid reputation for community involvement in more than 20 years of being in the restaurant business in Orange Beach.

But there’s a really good reason for that, Brian says.

“We’re just very fortunate and happy the locals have been in our favor, the community,” Brian said. “People say ‘you do so much for the community’ and I say because the community does so much for us. If we take care of each other then we’ll all be all right.”

Harsany was relaxing in the bar area of his iconic Cosmo’s restaurant on Canal Road, the flagship of the five restaurants he and Jodi now own in the city. They took over the Ivan-ravished courtyard-type building in 2006 and built it into an icon of the Gulf Coast culinary scene.

Sea, Sand, & Stars will reopen to public this summer

May 21, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Thanks to funding approved by the Orange Beach City Council, the Sea, Sand, & Stars Science and Nature Center at Orange Beach Elementary School will be open to the public for free for the third summer in a row.

The center will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 11-28 and July 9-26. Staff members will offer the public a rotating schedule for guided tours, night sky presentations and IMAX type movies in the planetarium.

The facility features a 6,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, 1,500-gallon marine life touch tank, 800-foot nature boardwalk with a weather station, the planetarium, a microscope lab, a library and a gift shop.

Rehabilitated Green sea turtle, Obi, set to be released May 23 in Orange Beach

By City of Orange Beach

May 23, 2018 - UPDATE - Video from the release by Ben Taylor...

May 21, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - A rehabilitated Green sea turtle, named Obi, is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 23^rd in Orange Beach, according to the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network.

Obi was rehabilitated at the Gulfarium C.A.R.E Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida after being being rescued in Orange Beach in December 2017 by Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network volunteers Cathy O’Brien Howle and Lisa Graham, who are also part of the Orange Beach Coastal Resources Department.

Alabama & Baldwin County Primary

May 21, 2018 - (OBA^®) - Below are all of the links we could find for everyone running for office in the upcoming primary in two weeks. The primary will be held on June 5th. The runoff election will take place on July 17th and the general election takes place on November 6th.

There are a few at the bottom of this list that we could not find a website or a social media page for. If you have the links please share them with us and we'll update this page.

Blue Angel fan wins flight landing, tour on aircraft carrier

John Mason-Smith flew onto the Stennis aircraft carrier aboard a plane like this Grumman.

By John Mullen

May 18, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®)- Landing on an aircraft carrier is unlike any landing 99 percent of the population will ever experience. The plane is not slowing down to gently light on the runway.

Oh, no. It’s speeding up, going all out just in case.

“They’ve got one chance to catch the hook so you’re accelerating into your landing because they want to keep going if they miss,” John Mason-Smith of Perdido Key said.

Mason-Smith was enjoying a specialty coffee at BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets one bright morning reveling in the memories from a trip landing aboard and taking off from the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier.

Mason-Smith’s once-in-a-lifetime experience came from simply being a fan of the Navy’s Blue Angel Flight Demonstration team. Well, maybe not a simple fan.

“I follow the Blue Angels,” he said. “I’m just a huge, fanatical fan of theirs. I follow them so close – I follow all the social media for the Blue Angels, the navy, naval aviation and all that.”

Orange Beach gives $54,500 to elementary reading program

Orange Beach Alabama council gives $54,500 to OBES reading program.

By John Mullen

May 16, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) - Educational opportunities continue to grow in Orange Beach and the city council continues to provide a helping hand with programs for the local school which is part of the Baldwin County system.

During the May 15 meeting, the council voted to give Orange Beach Elementary School $54,500 to expand its Guided Reading Program. During the same meeting, the council also voted to spend $175,000 to fund the city’s free afterschool program Expect Excellence through the end of the year. That program provides tutoring, athletics and instruction in more than 20 fields at the Recreation Center.

Both actions come on the heels of a groundbreaking for the new seventh-through-12th-grade school on Canal Road in Orange Beach on May 11. The city donated 40 acres the city says is valued at $5 million to the Baldwin County Board of Education.

Mayor Tony Kennon said its all a part of the city’s ongoing commitment to make Orange Beach schools top notch. He was ready to move forward immediately on the reading program, one he hadn’t known about.

Summer of Fun at Tacky Jacks

May 16, 2018 - (OBA^®) - 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 5. A monthly schedule of events is online at www.tackyjacks.com and below.

Tuesdays
Hands on Habitat is a fun and educational hands on nature series presented by Gulf State Park Nature Center, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Share the Beach, Orange Beach Wildlife Center, Birmingham Audubon and more! Kids & adults alike can learn about our ecosystem and interact with the animals that live here with us. The event is free for all ages from 11am-12pm (arrive 15 minutes early), no RSVP required.

County may buy land for boat ramps near The Wharf

Baldwin County is looking to develop a boat ramp and recreational area near The Wharf in Orange Beach.

By John Mullen

May 15, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - The Baldwin County Commission announced on May 15 it is looking to buy a piece of property on the north side of the Intracoastal Canal and west of the Foley Beach Express toll bridge for recreational use.

According to post on Commissioner Chris Elliott’s website, the county has executed a letter of intent to purchase parcels totaling about 45 acres. Preliminary plans are to build 12 boat ramps with parking for 450 boat trailers and parking for about 50 vehicles. The site would also include two kayak launches.

A map released by the county shows some other areas for development of future amenities including picnic pavilions along the water. It is expected to be a more than $10 million dollar project paid for with money from oil and gas lease proceeds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Securities Act to purchase and develop the land.

Orange Beach Animal Care and Control Program making a difference

May 14, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - What a difference a year can make. Before September 2017, officials in Orange Beach, Alabama, didn’t have a procedure in place for addressing people’s concerns about outdoor cats. Today, the city has a thriving Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. The Orange Beach Animal Care and Control Program (OBACCP) has spayed or neutered more than 150 cats and kittens and adopted out at least 30 to date. The amazing turnaround is due to the hard work of Tom Conerly, Orange Beach’s newest animal control officer.

Conerly, a former military colonel, began his work with TNR in January 2017 — after he and his wife spotted three kittens in their driveway. Three kittens became five, and then nine. Conerly knew something had to be done. Read An Amazing ACO: Tom Conerly Changes City’s Approach to Community Cats on Alleycat.org.

Wolf Bay Bridge design, permitting to cost more than $3M

A rendering of the future Wolf Bay Bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama. — A rendering of the future Wolf Bay Bridge in Orange Beach.

Orange Beach, Alabama, Mayor Tony Kennon. — Mayor Tony Kennon

By John Mullen

May 4, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA®) – Mayor Tony Kennon wants a Wolf Bay Bridge and he wants it now. But he’s not is so much of a rush to move forward without making sure all parties are on board and understand the process.

Orange Beach is poised to spend a little over $3 million on survey work as well as design, engineering and permitting to kick off the process leading to construction of the long-awaited span. During the May 1 work session, the council also discussed funding for the Expect Excellence after-school program through December.

Kennon said before moving forward with the preliminary spending to start the bridge project he wants to sit down with property owners George Barber and David Lawrenz and officials with the state.

Bubba’s Seafood House ‘is a good ol’ place to go’

Bubba's Seafood House on beach road in Orange Beach, Alabama.

By John Mullen

May 3, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Jay Schenck has been serving up scrumptious seafood platters in Bubba’s Seafood House on beach road since 1998. And while he wants the seafood to draw ‘em in, he wants them to have fun during their visit.

“We wanted it to be just a good ol’ place to go,” Schenck said. “Everybody knows a Bubba.”

But the veteran restaurateur knows it’s more than food bringing people in the door and keeps ‘em coming back. He has been running restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the better part of 30 years and has owned or been a partner in a dozen or more. Today he’s pared it down to Bubba’s.

“There are four or five things in the restaurant business you have to do to be good,” he said. “Your food has got to be good, but the food is the third or fourth thing. The first thing is the presentation and environment of the building outside.”

Orange Beach Middle & High School Groundbreaking set for May 11th

May 2, 2018 - Ornage Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler and City of Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon invite citizens to the groundbreaking for the new Orange Beach Middle and High School on Friday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. The architectural renderings will also be unveiled during the ceremony at the construction site.

The public is invited to the event at the site off Williams Silvers Parkway at the entrance of the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The address for parking is 23908 Canal Road.

“We are ecstatic to reveal the artist renderings and to break ground,” said Superintendent Tyler. "This is a historic, exciting moment for Baldwin County Public Schools."

Mayor Tony Kennon called the new county school facilities a "game changer for the citizens of Orange Beach."

34th Annual Flora-Bama Beach Party & Mullet Toss, April 27 - 29th

By Flora-Bama

April 23, 2018 - Perdido Key, FL. (OBA^®) - Tens of thousands of folks from throughout the nation & all walks of life will descend upon the crystal white sands of this iconic roadhouse for a three day frenzy of food, fun and frivolity to throw fish at the 34th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party, April 27-29th. Designed to attract tourism during the "bumper" season, it's now a 3-day event and one of the busiest weekends of the year contributing over $10 million to the local economy while raising over $25,000 for local schools and charities.

The week long event starts off with the Mullet Man Triathlon Saturday, April 21st benefiting Leukemia Lymphoma Society and the Mullet Swing Golf Classic Wednesday, April 25th benefiting Multiple Sclerosis Society. A special performance brought to you by 95KSJ with the James Barker Band keeps the bash going in the tent Wednesday night. Then the party kick off to Mullet Toss begins Thursday with people flocking in to listen to the popular sounds of Wes Loper, Red Clay Strays, Velcro Pygmies, and Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah.

Orange Beach, Baldwin land swap postponed one last time?

By John Mullen

April 19, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®)- Finally, all seemed to be in order for the transfer of land. And then it wasn’t.

Since a meeting in December, an action to transfer land from Orange Beach to the Baldwin County Board of Education has been ever present on every city council agenda. And every time it was postponed.

Also, during the April 17 regular meeting City Administrator Ken Grimes announced an upgrade in the city’s bond rating to AA1 by Moody’s Investor Service, one step below the top rating available.

When land transfer came up, Councilman Jeff Silvers began a motion the council has approved every meeting since Dec. 12.

“Move to postpone consideration …” Silvers began but was interrupted by City Clerk Renee Eberly and City Attorney Wanda Cochran.

“We’re ready,” Cochran said.

Cochran said the deed was prepared and the conditions of use agreement was ready to go as well. But the councilmembers hadn’t received those documents.

Your Italian family experience awaits you at Franco’s

Franco's Italian Restaurant in Orange Beach, AL.

By John Mullen

April 18, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - Clorinda Bassolino Meadlock wants you to feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy family place when you visit Franco’s Italian Restaurant. All over the walls are pictures of her family – parents, grandparents uncles and cousins from the 1930s to the present.

It’s her family’s tradition that continues today. On a recent afternoon, she following her toddler daughter around the restaurant and chatting up a tableful of diners who were exchanging smiles with the youngster.

At Franco’s you could easily think you’ve stepped into a ristorante tucked away in a borough of New York City. Precisely the feeling Clorinda wants you to have visiting Franco’s.

Happy birthday to the Flora-Bama's Joe Gilchrist

Joe Gilchrist of the iconic Flora-Bama beach bar.

By John Mullen

Fish will be flying, Joe will be smiling and a good time will be had by all. Just like Joe has wanted and expected since he took over a shack on the beach and turned it into one of the world’s most famous beach bars.

Happy 76th birthday to Joe Gilchrist, the lifeblood, heart and soul of the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, Package Store and Oyster Bar. After Joe took over in 1978 the Bama has started and grown several must-see events, parties and holiday celebrations.

One of the most famous, the Interstate Mullet Toss, is just a week away. It’ll be a 4 day celebration of the mullet – the fish and the hairdo – also known as the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. It’s also been likened to an adult spring break.

Gladys B sunk in Gulf on Thursday, April 12th

by Alabama Marine Resources

April 13, 2018 - Fort Morgan, AL (OBA^®)- The 102’ tugboat Gladys B was built in 1937 and donated to the Alabama Marine Resources Artificial Reef Program by Steiner’s Shipyard from Bayou la Batre, AL. The Gladys B was scuttled in the Tatum-Winn North reef zone approximately 20 nautical miles south of Fort Morgan, AL in 100’ of water with the superstructure of the vessel at approximately 62’ below the surface.

Go CoastAL in new Gulf Shores Restaurant

By John Mullen

April 10, 2018 – Gulf Shores, AL (OBA^®) – CoastAL, a new sprawling, family-friendly space with live music, exciting events and great eats is now open in Gulf Shores.

John McInnis of Flora-Bama fame and an investment group recently bought the Sawgrass Center and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo property on the east side of Alabama 59 at 12th Avenue with plans for a diverse format. The center was the former home to both Nolan’s and Doc’s Seafood Shack.

CoastAL will have three components including a restaurant featuring a popular local chef, an ice cream shop with a variety of cold treats and a retail store in the space closest to Alabama 59.

Picnic Beach bringing BBQ with fresh, healthy options

April 9, 2018 - Gulf Shores, AL (OBA^®) - Picnic Beach is bringing something fresh, healthy and new to Gulf Shores, Alabama! Picnic Beach restaurant focuses on fresh, clean ingredients, from premium smoked meats and BBQ - smoked onsite in the smokehouse - to healthy green drinks, organic cocktails and smoothies.

Picnic Beach will offer something delicious for the whole family in a relaxed, beachy environment. Gather family and friends around a picnic table at the casual indoor/outdoor picnic-themed restaurant with gulf views in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Alabama to Manage Recreational Red Snapper Seasons for 2018 & 2019

From the Governor's Desk...

April 6, 2018 — (OBA^®) — Montgomery, AL - Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that the National Marine Fisheries Service has granted Alabama’s request for an Exempted Fishing Permit, thereby allowing the state of Alabama to manage the recreational red snapper fishing dates for 2018 and 2019.

One-of-a-kind Tiki bar offers views, brews, live music and good food

Pleasure Island Tiki Bar in Orange Beach

By John Mullen

April 5, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - If you travel the Western Caribbean and the Mexican Caribbean you’re likely to encounter an endless number of palapa tiki huts on the landscape. But on the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’ll find just one.

“There’s nothing like that in Orange Beach, nothing that’s actually an authentic tiki bar,” Sportsman Marina General Manager Brian Wells said.

Pleasure Island Tiki Bar at Sportsman was Wells’ brainchild and is getting ready to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The square structures are centered on a huge center king pole and the roof is layered with almost two feet of thatched, dried palm leaves.

“The way the leaves are weaved, at a certain wind velocity the wind just goes through them,” Wells said. “The Caribbean is where they developed this type of structure so that when the wind comes, they lose a few leaves. All the stuff that’s in it may be in the backyard, but they still have the structure.”

Local and visitors alike have gravitated to the sultry breezes off Terry Cove and the breath-taking views of the islands of Perdido Pass and beyond to the Gulf. There they enjoy cold drinks, good times and music with friends and a menu that has evolved into one of the tastiest on the coast.

Orange Beach limits residential vacation rentals

By John Mullen

April 4, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA^®) - A determined mayor and Orange Beach City Council began the effort to limit expansion of vacation rentals in residential areas in December. And, that determination did not wane through meeting after meeting and opposition from national and state Realtor organizations.

On April 3, two new ordinances breezed through with hardly a whimper with no speakers in opposition but two surprise votes against from Councilman Jeff Silvers. The measures, one to establish a short-term rental category of 14 days or less and another to establish a $500-per-year business license to operate one, each passed 5-1.

Also, during the following work session, the city revealed final plans for landscaping in the medians along Alabama 182, or beach road.

“You’re opposed to it?” Mayor Tony Kennon asked Silvers. “The vacation rentals we’ve been talking about for two months?”

“I’m opposed to it,” Silvers answered.

Turtle season opens with April 5 meeting

Sea Turtle volunteers on the Alabama Gulf Coast have distinctive green T-Shirts.

By Mike Reynolds

Share the Beach

April 2, 2018 - Orange Beach/Gulf Shores/Ft Morgan/Dauphin Island, Al - (OBA^®) – The Alabama Gulf Coast is expecting some special visitors in a couple of months. Every year as the days get longer and the soft sand heats up along the Gulf Coast, female loggerhead sea turtles, some weighing as much as 400 pounds, pull themselves from their watery habitat onto our sandy beaches to lay their nests. When complete she will use her large front flippers to scatter sand around to hide her work then make her way back to the Gulf. The 2018 nesting season starts on May 1st and volunteers are needed to patrol the beaches at sunup to locate the nests laid the night before.

Share the Beach, Alabama’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program has been working for more than 16 years to protect the nests and nesting habitat. The Program has a new home this year with the Alabama Coastal Foundation (www.joinACF.org) serving as the host organization. The volunteers help mitigate the effects of human development such as lights on Alabama’s beaches. Sea Turtle nesting season starts on May 1. Most sea turtle nests are laid by the end of August, but the hatching will continue until through the end of October. Last year, Share the Beach documented over 170 nests in Alabama, our second-best nest count since the start of the program.

Fin&Fork brings fun and fresh, great food to the Gulf Coast

By John Mullen

March 30, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The latest restaurant concept from Gulf Coast culinary veteran husband-wife team Matt and Regina Shipp, Fin&Fork, opened March 30 in Orange Beach.

There are new items and some items similar to ones from their former restaurant at Sportsman Marina.

But there was no doubt about the return of a popular house-made dressing.

“We’re going to have some tomato-feta dressing,” Regina said. “That’s one thing Matt said we’re not changing because that’s everybody’s favorite. That’s good stuff.”

After a fire at the Terry Cove restaurant and the sell of that business, the pair recently renovated the old Wintzell’s Restaurant on beach road enclosing the outside bar to create a fun space for a bar and live music. There’s also a large sand play area to entertain the kids.