Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The East Canal Road widening project in Orange Beach has been completed. The project, stretching from Highway 161 to Wilson Boulevard, expanded much of the 1.4-mile section of the road to three lanes. This includes a middle turn lane east of the roundabout. The roundabout was added near the public library, along with a 10-foot multi-use path on the north side of the road​​.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 28th annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the first big game tournament of the season on the Gulf Coast, rescheduled its fishing days due to unfavorable weather conditions originally planned for this week. Tournament organizers announced last Wednesday that the tournament will now take place starting tomorrow, Monday, May 20th and run through Wednesday, May 22nd. Fishing hours will be continuous beginning at noon on the 20th, with all boats required to clear the Perdido Bridge or Sailboat Bay in Bon Secour by 7 p.m. on the 22nd to qualify for the weigh-in.

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores has welcomed a new culinary genre to the area! The Galway Irish Public House has opened and locals are already enjoying a pint and some Shepherd's Pie. If you have been looking for classic Irish fare and an excursion from the typical beach cuisine, this new hideaway is the answer. Stepping into Galway's will instantly transport you to that historic island in the north Atlantic. You will immediately feel the comfort from the soothing dark wood, pub style setting and even an English phone booth.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – National Beach Safety Week, sponsored annually by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of beach and water safety as the beach season begins. This year, the event runs from May 20 to May 27, coinciding with the week leading up to Memorial Day.

Two more of the area’s most outstanding trees are being recognized by the city of Foley. The Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board and city officials presented a Century Tree plaque to Margaret Krupinski and her family on Tuesday, May 7. The plaque recognizes a live oak on the property of Krupinski Farm on Charolais Road.

Promoting safe streets is one of the top goals of the patrol division of the Gulf Shores Police Department, Deputy Chief Dan Netemeyer said. “The ultimate goal and our main priority, and it’s a large umbrella, is for us to create a safe environment for the residents and guests to the city,” Netemeyer said. “There are several ways we have to do that, but one of the main ways we do that is to enhance our traffic enforcement to reduce accidents. Nobody wants to go on vacation and their primary memory of their vacation here in Gulf Shores is a vehicle accident where sometimes, unfortunately, people get hurt.”

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Those flinging the fish the farthest aren’t the only winners annually at the Flora-Bama’s Interstate Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party. In a longstanding tradition, several local charities and youth sports groups have been winners on the fundraising front for most of the years the toss has happened on the sugar-white sands adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.

National Safe Boating Week is observed from May 18-24, 2024, as announced by the National Safe Boating Council. This annual campaign aims to promote safe and responsible boating practices, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and adhering to safety guidelines.

Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – A mix of green and loggerhead sea turtles, ranging from juveniles to adults, were released Wednesday morning into the Gulf of Mexico after being rehabilitated. The turtles had been accidentally hooked by fishermen off local fishing piers and were treated at the Gulfarium's CARE Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.