Blog Layout

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Boosted by ALEA's Memorial Day Assistance

R. Ken Cooper • May 25, 2023

ALEA Bolsters Safety Measures for Memorial Day Beach Weekend

ALEA Helicopter in Orange Beach - Photo by Brent Williams

Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Memorial Day weekend is a time of remembrance, celebration, and, for many, a much-anticipated beach getaway. This year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is taking significant steps to ensure the safety of all beach goers at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.


ALEA's Aviation Unit to the Rescue:

The ALEA's Aviation Unit will station a Bell 407 helicopter at the Gulf State Park Pavilion during the busy Memorial Day weekend, from May 26-29. This strategic positioning is to assist the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Fire Departments with any necessary rapid response water rescues. The partnership between ALEA and the local fire departments is a testament to the commitment to keeping all beach goers safe during the holiday weekend.


Historical Context and Recent Developments:

Historically, ALEA has been proactive in ensuring safety during the Memorial Day weekend. In 2022, ALEA kicked off its '101 Days of Safety' campaign during the Memorial Day weekend, emphasizing safety throughout the summer. The Aviation Unit has been instrumental in this endeavor, lending its services to the fire departments in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to patrol the shorelines.


Last year, ALEA also beefed up marine patrols for the Memorial Day weekend, with extra marine troopers out on Alabama's waters. The official Memorial Day travel period begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Monday, with troopers on the roads and waterways ensuring safety.


In a trial period, ALEA's Aviation Unit joined with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, rescuing 38 people over Memorial Day weekend. This successful collaboration led to plans for expanding the use of ALEA helicopters in beach rescues.


Safety First:

While the beach is a place for fun and relaxation, ALEA urges vacationers to be careful in the water during the Memorial Day weekend. The agency's efforts, including the deployment of the Aviation Unit and marine patrols, are aimed at preventing accidents and responding rapidly to any emergencies.


Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are grateful for ALEA's partnership and the additional safety measures being implemented. As we commemorate Memorial Day, let's also remember to prioritize safety and look out for each other. Enjoy the beach, but always keep safety in mind.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting Spotlights Growth and Community Wins

Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting Spotlights Growth and Community Wins

By R. Ken Cooper • April 4, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Town Hall Meeting held on April 2nd, 2025, covered a wide range of topics, from celebrating student achievements to discussing infrastructure improvements and addressing concerns about the city's future growth and character. The meeting kicked off with special recognitions.
Experience the Blessing of the Fleet at Zeke's Marina

Experience the Blessing of the Fleet at Zeke's Marina

By R. Ken Cooper • April 4, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition that began in Mediterranean fishing communities, where local clergy would bless fishing vessels to ensure a safe and bountiful season. This practice was brought to the United States by Catholic immigrants and has been embraced by various coastal communities. One of the earliest recorded Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies in the U.S. took place in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1929.
Audience members enjoy a previous presentation of Music and a Movie in Heritage Park in Foley.

Foley Music and Movie Nights Return This Spring

By Guy Busby • April 4, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley Music and a Movie event is returning to Heritage Park. The event will include food vendors and free bounce houses for kids.
Walking tour participants listen to Tim and Sandy Russell during one of the 2024 history tours.

Foley Hosts Free Downtown History Walking Tours

By Guy Busby • April 3, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley residents and visitors will get the chance to explore more than 100 years of local history this April during guided walking tours of the city’s historic downtown.
Gulf Shores High Students Host Farm to Table Event

Gulf Shores High Students Host Farm to Table Event

By OBA Staff • April 3, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores High School is preparing for its annual Farm to Table event, a program that connects students with local agriculture and supports fresh, healthy meals in the school cafeteria.
Longtime Favorite Bubba's Seafood Has Closed

Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach Closes Permanently After 27 Years

By R. Ken Cooper • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Bubba's Seafood House, a beloved fixture in Orange Beach, Alabama, has permanently closed its doors following the recent sale of the property. Established in 1997, Bubba's quickly became a favorite among both locals and tourists for its fresh seafood and laid-back, coastal charm.
Orange Beach City Hall

Officials Push for Clear Rules on Beach Business Use Restrictions

By John Mullen • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will take a new city ordinance to further prohibit “commercial activity” on beaches, shorelines and waterways in the city. “There have been some business licenses that have come through recently that we needed some clarification on,” Deputy Coastal Resources Director Nicole Woerner said. “We just don’t want our beaches to be overrun and our waterways with people just selling and doing all kinds of things.”
Orange Beach High School Shooting Team Targets State Championship

Orange Beach High School Shooting Team Targets State Championship

By Erica Thomas • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach High School shooting team has "banged out" several state championships over the past four years, but now the team is getting more attention and will soon share the wealth.
Photo from Reach and Teach Facebook Page

Students Rock the Classroom with the Reach and Teach Program

By Allison Marlow • April 1, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Part classroom lesson, part real life problem-solving and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll has defined the school day for students at Foley and Gulf Shores high schools recently.
Your Guide to Easter Events Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Your Guide to Easter Events Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

By R. Ken Cooper • April 1, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Easter is just around the corner, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the celebrations are already taking shape. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 this year, families have nearly three full weeks to enjoy a growing list of seasonal events stretching from Fort Morgan to Foley and over to Perdido Key. From egg hunts and bunny brunches to waterfront worship services and photo ops with live animals, the coast is gearing up for a busy and festive spring.
Show More
Share by: