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Gulf Shores K9 Unit Shines at Police Dog Competition

R. Ken Cooper • April 6, 2024

Gulf Shores K9s Show Skills in Escambia County Trials

Gulf Shores K9 Units Compete in Escambia County Florida.

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Police Department's K9 unit recently placed high in a regional competition. Command Sergeant B. Hancock, Sergeant L. Coker, Officer C. Childress, and Officer S. Andrews, along with their K9 partners, competed in the United States Police Canine Association Region 1 Field Trials. The event was hosted by the Escambia County, FL Sheriff's Office.


Competing against about 70 K9 teams from across the Gulf Coast, the Gulf Shores team demonstrated exceptional skill. K9 Mara secured 13th place in narcotic detection and an impressive 5th in vehicle narcotic detection. K9 Cairo was awarded 5th place for obedience and 19th for patrol. K9 Edo was recognized with a 14th place finish in narcotic detection. Notably, K9 Flex outperformed in patrol search, earning 1st place, and also took 15th place in patrol.


Collectively, the GSPD K9 team was awarded 3rd place in the 4-man team patrol category, showcasing their overall talent and training in the field. This achievement also highlights the dedication and hard work of the Gulf Shores Police Department's K9 unit.

Gulf Shores Police Dept. K9 Unit Team

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The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy

The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy

By Guy Busby • March 29, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley is making progress in bringing back the trees lost nearly five years ago when Hurricane Sally hit the area. City crews have started replanting trees to help restore the urban forest.
Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today

Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today

By OBA Staff • March 29, 2025
Elberta, Ala. – (OBA) – The Elberta German Sausage Festival kicks off today, March 29th at 8 am and runs until 5 pm. The Festival takes place at Elberta Town Park. This biannual event, held every March and October, celebrates Elberta's German heritage and supports the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department.
Orange Beach Honors Longtime Coach David McLain at During Opening Day Celebrations

Orange Beach Honors Longtime Coach David McLain at During Opening Day Celebrations

By R. Ken Cooper • March 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Orange Beach kicked off its 2025 Baseball and Softball Season with a heartfelt tribute to longtime volunteer coach, David McLain. During the opening ceremony, Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council surprised Coach McLain by dedicating Field 5 in his honor. Unaware of the plan, McLain read aloud the plaque's inscription at the center of Field 5, realizing the field now bears his name. He then threw the ceremonial first pitch, marking the official start of the season.
Lake Shelby Park from Google Maps

LOL Festival Kicks Off Today in Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • March 28, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach community will be celebrating this weekend at the inaugural L.O.L. Festival (Love Our Locals). The Festival kicks off today at the Gulf State Park’s Lake Shelby Picnic Area. This three-day event is dedicated to honoring local artists, musicians, food vendors, and businesses that make the coastal community thrive.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich presents author Colleen Coble with the key to the city.

City of Foley Honors Bestselling Author Colleen Coble

By Guy Busby • March 28, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley recently honored celebrated Christian author Colleen Coble during a special presentation hosted by the Foley Public Library. Coble, along with her co-author Rick Acker, participated in a series of events organized by the library. On Saturday, March 22, the Foley Civic Center hosted a book launch, author talk, and signing to celebrate the release of their latest novel, Ambush, which debuted on March 4.
Velcro Pygmies Inspire Career Exploration in Gulf Shores

Velcro Pygmies Inspire Career Exploration in Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • March 27, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Velcro Pygmies, known for their dynamic performances, will entertain and engage students in an interactive experience that promotes career exploration. This initiative offers insights into various industries, including music, production, and business, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Announce C.A.K.E. Day

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Announce C.A.K.E. Day

By OBA Staff • March 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Mayors from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have declared May 10, 2025, as C.A.K.E. Day. The event supports young entrepreneurs in starting and running their own businesses in the local community. C.A.K.E. stands for "Creating And Keeping Enterprises." The program teaches students how to create and manage a business, including planning, marketing, and customer service skills.
Hot Air Balloons to Fill Foley Skies During Annual Festival

Hot Air Balloons to Fill Foley Skies During Annual Festival

By OBA Staff • March 27, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will return to Foley in the first weekend of May, bringing three days of live music, family activities, and hot air balloon displays to the area. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the annual event remains free to the public and continues to draw thousands of visitors from across the region.
City of Foley Extends Midday Melodies into April

City of Foley Extends Midday Melodies into April

By Guy Busby • March 27, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's Midday Melodies, a free weekly music series held at Heritage Park, is extending its schedule by two weeks into April due to popular demand. The series, which featured performances each Wednesday in March, attracted large lunchtime crowds. Organizers decided to continue the concerts with two additional performances into April.
Mobile Manatee Network tracks coastal manatee visits

Manatee Appreciation Day: Honoring the Gentle Giants of the Gulf

By OBA Staff • March 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Today is Manatee Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation and protection of one of the most iconic and gentle marine mammals in our coastal waters — the West Indian manatee. While these slow-moving, plant-eating sea cows are often associated with Florida’s springs and lagoons, they also make their way west during the warmer months, becoming seasonal visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
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