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.

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.

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, 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.

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, 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, 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.

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.

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.