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

Feeding time at the Eagle's Nest

Feb. 16, 2018 (OBA)-Shirley captured a couple of great photos yesterday at the Gulf State Park eagle's nest off of the Eagle Loop Trail...

Photo 1 is right after Dad brought in a fish.
Photo 2 shows Mom preparing it and feeding it to the eaglet.

Thank you to Shirley Hallman for sharing these great pics!

Orange Beach Festival of Art returns March 10-11

Feb. 14, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA^®) - While any day is a good day to go to the beach, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is offering a great excuse to visit Pleasure Island in March — the 44th annual Orange Beach Festival of Art is set for March 10-11. The festival will feature 100 booths of local and regional fine art, plus exciting acts on the performing arts and music stages. Festival goers may also enjoy live visual arts demonstrations including hot glass and clay. Savory gourmet offerings will be presented in the Culinary Arts area and children can dive into fun hands-on experiences in the Kids Art Alley.

‘Expect Excellence’ after-school program set for Orange Beach

Orange Beach City Administrator Ken Grimes.

By John Mullen

February 9, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – City Administrator Ken Grimes says city leaders have been considering ways to enhance and upgrade the campus of the recreation center and community for the past few years.

But one of the considerations included the possibility of an expansion of the nearby elementary school to house middle school students. Or would land across the street from the elementary school be needed for a middle school?

With a solid school plan now in place and Baldwin County planning a seventh-through-12th-grade school on Canal Road near the Sportsplex, Grimes said the city can now start studying plans for improvements.

Beachside cottage development draws scrutiny

By John Mullen
February 8, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Hammock Dunes, a proposed nine-home development on the Gulf on the western end of Orange Beach is drawing scrutiny from at least one councilmember.

“I don’t think it’s safe,” Councilmember Annette Mitchell said. “The bottom line for me is this is too dense of a project for that small piece of land. There is one street down the center.”

Mitchell said although the plans meet requirements for the number of parking spaces, she believes the single road would become clogged by on-street parking and hinder first responders in an emergency.

Feb. 6 was the first reading of an ordinance to establish a planned unit development for the site. Ordinances must have at least two readings before being voted on by the council unless the panel agrees by unanimous consent to suspend the rules and consider it immediately.

2018 Valentine's Day Ideas

Updated: Feb 13, 2018 - Valentine's Day is Wednesday, February 14th. This year it falls on the day after Fat Tuesday.

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your favorite person in the Orange Beach Area there are a number of great things to choose from, here are some ideas to consider...

(We will be updating this page as additional info becomes available.)

Island Spirit Award earned by Donald Gulley of Summerchase Condos

February 6, 2018 - Coastal Alabama - (OBA) - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber recently presented its Island Spirit Award for February to Donald Gulley of Summerchase Condominium Assocation.

Megan Smith, VP of Business Development for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, cited Gulleys' dedication to his job and the Coastal Alabama area. The person who nominated Mr. Gulley had this to say about him, "Donald comes to work every day with a smile on his face. He greets every owner and guest with a "Hello", "Good Morning", or a "How are you doing today?". I am forever grateful to have Donald as an employee, but today I am thankful for the endless job he has as a ground keeper and custodian."

Expect Excellence Meeting in Orange Beach

Februray 5, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL - (OBA) - Full video of the Expect Excellence meeting at the council chambers in Orange Beach.

Hiring Season Kicks Off on the Gulf Coast

Updated on February 12, 2018 - Orange Beach Area (OBA) - Every year at this time local businesses start hiring for the season. Below are Facebook posts from businesses in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Perdido Key and Foley that are hiring. We will be adding more employment posts as they come available.

Fort Morgan Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed Starting Feb. 12

January 26, 2018 - Fort Morgan, AL (OBA) - The Alabama Marine Resources Division will close the Fort Morgan Boat Ramp in Baldwin County for renovations on February 12, 2018. Access to the ramp will not be permitted throughout the renovation process.

Renovations to the Fort Morgan Boat Ramp include replacing the existing two single-lane launch ramps and one finger pier with two double-lane launch ramps and three finger piers. When completed, the renovations are expected to alleviate much of the congestion experienced during heavily utilized periods.

Alabama Submits Request to NOAA to Manage Recreational Red Snapper Seasons

January 25, 2018 - (OBA) - The Gulf States, including Alabama, have submitted proposals for an alternative style of red snapper management for private and state charter vessel anglers during 2018 and 2019. If approved by NOAA Fisheries, each state would have the ability to establish fishing season start and end dates in federal waters off their respective state’s coast.

Under the proposals, each state has requested a portion of the total allowable catch for private recreational anglers in the Gulf and they would each be responsible for monitoring landings so they do not exceed their portion.

Alabama will use Snapper Check to monitor its landings and determine if 1) the season will close as anticipated; 2) the season will close earlier than anticipated due to daily landings exceeding forecasted totals; or 3) the original season length should be increased if daily landings do not meet anticipated levels (i.e. due to smaller fish size or inclement weather).

OBACCP Releases 100th Cat

January 24, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - After 120 days in action, the Orange Beach Animal Care and Control Program (OBACCP) and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program returns its 100th cat, Centennial, to the outdoor location where it was found.

Denise Beicker, OBACCP volunteer, put forth extraordinary effort in catching OBACCP’s 100th cat on Sunday, January 21st in Orange Beach. Denise spent over a week voluntarily coordinating the effort. After trapped, Centennial was taken to Canal Road Animal Hospital for neutering and vaccinating before being returned to its outdoor location.

“Dr. Julie Taylor, Dr. Teresa Russell and the highly experienced team at Canal Road Animal Hospital are a valuable asset to our community and the TNR program”, said Thomas L. "Tom" Conerly, Animal Control Officer, Orange Beach Police Department.

Facebook is changing (again)

January 23, 2018 - (OBA) - According to Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook is going to start showing "Pages" (like ours) to even fewer people in your news feed. It is apparent the reason is to get pages to pay for the exposure but it is too expensive to pay for every post, every day to show you folks what is happening in the Orange Beach Area.

So, if you'd like to see more of our posts instead of less, here's what you can do. (This works with any Facebook "Page" you'd like to follow.)

Orange Beach to build city marina near Sportsman

A wayward truck recently found its way into the boat basin where the city plans to put a marina on property it owns east of Sportsman Marina.

By John Mullen

January 22, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – The first move may seem like baby steps, but Coastal Resources Director Phillip West envisions big things for city-owned property on Terry Cove.

At the Jan. 16 city council work session, the city of Orange Beach discussed initial moves it is planning to bring development to the former Walker Marina property east of Sportsman Marina. The city bought the waterfront parcel in 2005 and uses it now for a disc golf course and a dog park.

The council also heard a report from the Orange Beach Animal and Care and Control program and Animal Officer Tom Conerly.

Two firms will be hired to design and get the permitting settled to improve the boat basin with some covered slips, seawall, boat ramp and an office and storage building. The cost of this initial project at the property will be about $1.5 million, West said.

Fisher’s Playa to have Caribbean food, sights and sounds

By John Mullen

January 18, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Johnny Fisher knows about the legacy his new venture is trying to follow.

“We have some big shoes to fill,” he said from the opulent dining room of Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina.

His restaurant, with fine dining upstairs and casual downstairs, has become a jewel of the emerging culinary scene on the Gulf Coast and has a national reputation.

But his next move will be to open Playa, or Spanish for beach (pronounced Ply-uh), into another iconic location on the coastal dining scene. He and partners Earl and Bennett Long, Executive Chef Bill Briand, and Director of Operations and Wine Buyer Sara Kavanaugh are preparing to open a new concept in the old Shipp’s Harbour Grill. They are shooting for a March opening.

“Shipp’s had such a loyal following,” Fisher said. “We, too, have had a loyal following and we’ve had a tremendous amount of positive remarks and people can’t wait to see what we do.”

Chamber Awards Island Spirit to Charlie Williams - City of Gulf Shores

January 16, 2018 - Gulf Shores, AL (GSA) - Coastal Alabama - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber recently presented its Island Spirit Award for January to Charlie Williams - City of Gulf Shores.

Megan Smith, VP of Business Development for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, cited Williams' dedication to her job and the Coastal Alabama area. The person who nominated Ms. Williams had this to say about her, "Charlie is the friendliest and most courteous of all workers. She always stops what she is doing to visit with walkers, team members and families. Her instant smile endears her to all she meets."

Orange Beach Festival of Art named 2018 'Must-Attend' show by Sunshine Artist magazine

2018 Orange Beach Art Festival January 15, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The 44th Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art, set for March 10-11, is making waves in the arts and crafts world after being named by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of "11 Must-Attend Shows for Artists and Craftspeople" in 2018.

In the magazine’s January 2018 issue, the Orange Beach Festival of Art is the first show highlighted on the “2018 Contenders” list. The event is hosted each March on the grounds of Waterfront Park and the adjacent Coastal Arts Center on picturesque Wolf Bay.

Explaining “Why It’s Worth a Look,” writer Stephanie Hintz said, “While the festival showcases only a little over 100 artists, the variety and size of the event is perfect for attracting buyers to this small city (population 5,682). This festival is free to attend.”

Orange Beach to host Snowbird Town Hall meeting on Feb. 6

January 12, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the Orange Beach City Council will host a Snowbird Town Hall meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 6 at the Orange Beach Event Center.

The meeting will be an opportunity for winter guests, affectionately known as snowbirds, and citizens to hear first-hand what major projects are underway or planned in Orange Beach. A presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Funeral arrangements announced for Ed Rodriguez

January 8, 2018 - Gulf Shores, AL – Edward M. Rodriguez, 56, died peacefully on Jan. 7, 2018, at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola following a brief illness.

Mr. Rodriguez believed in lifelong learning and was awarded many certifications over the years. The following are worth noting: Leadership Miami – Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Institute for Organizational Management - U.S Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Robins Region – Robins Regional Chamber; Georgia Certified Chamber Executive - Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives; Georgia Regional Economic & Leadership Development - Georgia Academy for Economic Development; Skills for Success - Dale Carnegie Course; and Disney’s Approach to Quality Service - Disney Institute. Away from the office, he enjoyed music, travel and remaining in contact with hundreds of friends across the United States. He was devoted to his family, including his late grandmothers, Carmen Cano and Margaret Rodriguez. He also maintained close relationships with extended family member throughout the United States and traveled often to his ancestral home in Alcoi, Spain.

Gulf State Park Falcon at Nature Center

Via Gulf State Park social media

January 8, 2018 - (OBA) - Hawkeye became a falconry bird when he was just a hatchling in 2015. Falconry goes back many years in some cultures and it’s a sport that involves hunting with a bird of prey (hawks, falcons, owls, etc.). Hawkeye at the Gulf State Park Nature Center.

He learned to trust his handler and started going on his own hunts to find food. Sadly, Hawkeye got West Nile virus while out hunting, which effected his depth perception.

Since being able to see correctly is key in surviving, a decision was made to keep him in captivity. Hawkeye is now partaking in our Radical Raptors program series.

Orange Beach debating residential vacation rentals

By John Mullen

January 7, 2018 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Problems with vacation rentals in city neighborhoods have been festering for years, councilmembers told a packed house at a Jan. 4 Orange Beach City Council meeting.

Crowding the chambers were Realtors from around the city and county to learn more about a proposed ban of new vacation rental licenses in residential sections of the city. A new ordinance is being written by the city to limit areas of town where vacationers can rent a place to stay for 14 or fewer days.

You're never too old for a Red Rider BB gun Christmas

John Mullen's grandparents Ed and Nellie Mullen.

A Christmas Story by John Mullen

January 3, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The holidays taught me you are never too old to have a Red Rider BB Gun Christmas.

Somehow in my early teens, I became the proud owner of my grandfather’s antiquated and simple .22 rifle. It was a bolt action model which you cocked by pulling back on a knob on the back of the bolt. Slide it open, slip in a round, push the bolt forward, pull back the knob, aim and fire.

I wasn’t much into firearms and still don’t hold any fascination for them. I don’t hate them, they’re just not my thing. As far as I can recall, my grandfather had little interest in them. Which makes it all the weirder he had a gun at all or that I somehow ended up with it.

2018 Orange Beach Festival of Arts Poster

January 3, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach and The Friends of The Arts are sponsoring a design competition to select the official 2018 Orange Beach Festival of Art poster.

The winning artist receives a $100 cash award and recognition through all social media. Creative Artists of all ages are encouraged to submit their designs. Entries should be appropriate for replication for posters, T-Shirts, and other Festival of Art promotional items.

Submission Requirements:

All entries must be a 12” x 14” hard-backed image. A digital jpeg image file also needs to be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The design should include the words: 44th Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018.

Each submission must be an original design including elements of food, music, and art.

Each entry must include the artist’s name, address, email, and telephone number adhered to the back the entry.

Only one per artist may be submitted.

Orange Beach Public Library Winter Program

OB color logo new January 3, 2018 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The Orange Beach Public Library will be hosting a series of presentations every Thursday in January and February. These presentations are open to the public, and are free of charge, with the exception of the Peter Fletcher Concert on February 8^th. Tickets to this event are $7.00, and will be available for purchase at the Orange Beach Public Library.

All programs will take place at the Senior Center, next to the library, and will start at 6pm lasting for approximately one hour. If you have any questions about these presentations please feel free to call or email Dustin at Orange Beach Public Library.

Community Sales coming up in January

December 28, 2017 - (OBA) - Big Community Yard Sale returns to Orange Beach on January 13th and the Annual Book Sale is coming up January 19th-20th.

The 2018 Big Community Yard & Craft Sale will be held on Saturday, January 13th, from 7am to noon at the Orange Beach Community Center. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Annual Book Sale set January 19th-20th at Orange Beach Community Center

Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library will hold its Annual Book and Bake Sale on Friday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, January 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange Beach Community Center.

A Members-Only Preview Sale, with wine and snacks, will be held Thursday, January 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Membership purchase will be available at the door.

Orange Beach votes in short-term license moratorium

By John Mullen

December 15, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – Amid growing concerns about short-term vacation rentals in neighborhoods the city council put a moratorium on short-term rental business licenses.

The moratorium was passed on a 5-0 vote at a specially called council meeting on Dec . 15. It will go into effect on Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.

Orange Beach leaders say they will use the moratorium period to draft a new ordinance to further restrict using individual homes for vacation rentals. Some residents have been using vrbo.com and Airbnb to rent out their homes to vacationers.

December Island Spirit Award goes to Billy Hickman of GT's on The Bay

Dec. 14, 2017 - Coastal Alabama (OBA) - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber recently presented its Island Spirit Award for December to Billy Hickman of GT's on The Bay.

The person who nominated Mr Hickman had this to say about him, "Billy is an ambassador of hospitality, an exemplary leader of teamwork, and a true Southern Gentleman who is the epitome of the Hard Working Man. Day in and Day out he shows up with a smile on his face ready to serve in any way he can. As far as we're concerned, he sets the example that all of us should follow for being just a plain ole good person."

November Island Spirit Award goes to Tammy Acreman of Hancock Bank

Nov. 27, 2017 - Coastal Alabama (OBA) - The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber recently presented its Island Spirit Award for November to Tammy Acreman of Hancock Bank in Gulf Shores, AL.

The person who nominated Ms. Acreman's had this to say about her, "Tammy always greets our customers with a smile and like family. She knows most by name and always goes above and beyond to help everyone, including her co-workers."

Orange Beach applies for RESTORE funding for Wildlife Center

Sewer, road, seawall and wildlife center on city's list of projects seeking funding.

Coastal Resources Director Phillip West.

December 13, 2017 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – The city is taking aim at RESTORE Act money with an eye on funding five projects in Orange Beach including expansion and relocation of the Wildlife Center.

Applications for the current round of projects will go to the Natural Resource Damage Assessment arm of NOAA, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and RESTORE funds. These will be the preliminary application, Coastal Resources Director Phillip West said.

“There’s an extraordinary amount of paperwork that goes along with these grant applications and they are not obligated to fund,” West said. “This is just the first round for full consideration. And if they make that level of scrutiny they’ll go to the RESTORE council and we’ll come back with the grant funding obligation paperwork. “

Asian steamed buns make Buns in the Sun a unique option

Buns in the Sun's homemade chicken salad sandwich with house-made mayonnaise.

Buns in the Sun chef and owner Joon Reid.

By John Mullen
December 12, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – The unique thing about Buns in the Sun is most definitely the handmade and house steamed buns.

Yes, they are really steamed. In fact, when you order something at Buns in the Sun, everything you eat, except the bagged chips, is made in-house from the bun up.

“It’s my own recipe,” chef and owner Joon Reid said of his buns. “I hand roll ‘em. I steam ‘em fresh daily to order. It’s still bread, it’s just not baked. It’s just prepared differently. It still has yeast, flour, salt and water, among other things.”

City seeking RESTORE money for Terry Cove research center

Orange Beach had a swearing in for three new police officers on Dec. 5. From left are Assistant Chief Steve Brown, new Officer Michael McBrayer, new Officer John Paul Burnside, Chief Joe Fierro, City Judge Brackin and new Officer Alex Monce.

By John Mullen
December 7, 2017 – Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – The city is pursuing RESTORE Act money to fund a sea lab and research center at property on Terry Cove east of Sportsman Marina and Pleasure Island Tiki Bar.

In other business, the council announced a new loop to the Backcountry Trail near the Sportsplex, said it is seeking bids on the refurbishing of the Sea Duster 1930s era charter fishing boat, and authorized Kennon to negotiate the purchase of property near the police station.

On the RESTORE Act project, Kennon said several universities and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab have all expressed interest in the lab. It is just one of several projects totaling about $50 million the city is seeking RESTORE Act money to complete.