The Best of Green Schools awards aim to inspire others to join the movement towards greener schools. This year's winners, including Talantis, are celebrated for their commitment to creating sustainable learning environments. The awards were announced at the Green Schools Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Gulf Shores Educator Wins Prestigious Sustainability Award
OBA Staff • March 10, 2024
Gulf Shores High's Amanda Talantis Earns National Green Award
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores' own Amanda Talantis has been honored with the 2024 Best of Green Schools Award. This recognition is given to those who lead the way in making schools more sustainable. The award comes from the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Schools National Network. They celebrate efforts to advance the green school movement.
For 17 years, Talantis has taught at Gulf Shores High School, focusing on ecotourism and sustainability. Her work has helped the school district gain national recognition. The district is now known as a USDOE Green Ribbon School, thanks to her efforts.
Talantis also runs the "Small Town, Big Garden" Project. The project allows students to grow vegetables that are used in school meals. She is involved in many school teams and leads various sustainability and wellness programs. These include a farm-to-table event, a greenhouse project, recycling, and fitness programs like the Dolphin Walk and yoga classes.
Jessica Sampley, who directs the school's academies and career and technical education, praises Talantis for her dedication. She highlights how Talantis works beyond school hours, engaging students in sustainability projects. Talantis's work not only impacts the school but also the Gulf Shores community.
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Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Spring is officially underway on the Gulf Coast, and the week ahead offers residents and visitors a lively mix of music, festivities, outdoor adventures, and community spirit. From high-energy concerts and dolphin cruises to relaxing afternoons at the park, there's an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the season and celebrate the vibrant local culture. Whether you're a fan of rock and roll, looking for family-friendly fun, or eager to shop and support local businesses, this week has something special in store for everyone along our scenic shores.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Construction has begun on a new Justice Center in Gulf Shores. The project will combine the police department, jail, and municipal court in one modern complex.
The $20.9 million contract was awarded to Persons Services Corporation. The new center will be located at 312 Medical Village Boulevard.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Junior City Council is planning a Spring Market event in the city’s parking lot in the Waterway Village parking lot at 101 E. 24th Avenue on April 26.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The St. Fatties Day Fishing Rodeo is returning to Gulf Shores. The event is hosted by Bon Secour Butchers. Anglers will compete for cash prizes in three categories: slot-sized speckled trout, slot redfish, and sheepshead. There will also be a sheepshead buy-in jackpot and a total weight award.
Fort Morgan, Ala. – (OBA) – Mobile Bay’s oyster population is getting a much-needed boost, thanks to the efforts of the Oyster Keepers program. This year alone, the program has successfully introduced 61,000 oysters back into the bay, contributing to the restoration of vital oyster reefs that serve as the backbone of the local marine ecosystem.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – A new metal wind sculpture will soon be added to Foley’s Antique Rose Trail. The artwork will be installed along the Perry Wilbourne section of the trail, next to the city’s Post Office just south of U.S. 98.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – In a decisive move to address the challenges posed by rapid urban development, the Orange Beach City Council has enacted a nine-month moratorium on the approval of multifamily residential projects and subdivisions. This temporary halt aims to provide city officials with the necessary timeframe to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the municipality's infrastructure and services, ensuring they can adequately support anticipated growth.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley voters will once again cast their ballots at the Civic Center for the 2025 municipal elections, returning to the location after polling stations were moved in 2020. The municipal elections in Foley, along with most of Alabama, are scheduled for August 26, 2025. If a runoff is required for any race, it will take place on September 23, 2025.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Bushwacker, the beloved frozen cocktail known for fueling beachside fun, is turning 50, and Flora-Bama is throwing a massive birthday bash to celebrate. If you attend the party you could even win a trip to the Virgin Islands or FREE Bushwackers for a year. The event will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Flora-Bama, Flora-Bama Yacht Club, and Ole River Grill.
NAS Pensacola, Fla. – (OBA) – The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, is still at their winter base in El Centro, CA. We expect them to return to NAS Pensacola after their Sacramento, CA Air Show this weekend.
