DISPATCH #02

Good morning Crew,

Thanksgiving week is here and I hope everyone is feeling extra thankful for salty air, small-town moments and the kind of community that feels more like family. Whether you’re stuffing a turkey, cheering on your favorite team or just enjoying a slower pace along the coast, I’m glad you’re here.

TODAY’S CATCH

Main Dish

Gulf Shores schools just got a very special new team member — and she’s got four legs and a wagging tail. Phin, a 10-month-old Goldendoodle has officially joined the school system as its first comfort dog. Her job? Helping students feel calm, supported, and safe whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just need a little extra encouragement during the school day.

Phin isn’t just there for cute photo ops (although she’s clearly qualified for that role too). She’ll work alongside trained staff to provide emotional support, help reduce stress and bring a little bit of joy into classrooms and hallways. Programs like this have been popping up around the country, and they’re proven to help kids feel more relaxed and ready to focus.

Honestly, it might be the best new hire any local school system has ever made — no meetings, no complaints, just unconditional support and top-tier tail wags. Meet Phin!

Small Bites

  • Gulf Shores International Airport is spreading its wings again as Allegiant Air announces five new seasonal nonstop routes starting May 2026. These new routes bring the airport’s total nonstop destinations to 13, making it easier than ever for visitors to find their way to our sugar-white sands. Alongside the new flights, the airport is continuing plans for a $15 million terminal expansion, featuring new gates, expanded baggage areas and improved curb access, with completion targeted for May 2027. Now boarding.

  • Foley just got a little more neighborly with the launch of the new “Sharing Shed,” where approved local nonprofits and community groups can borrow tables, chairs, tents and other event gear completely free. No more scrambling to rent overpriced folding tables for fundraisers or bingo nights. Created by Lee Charities, it’s a simple idea with a big heart, and a great win for local groups trying to do good without blowing their budgets. Sharing is caring.

  • If you’ve got strong swimming skills and main-character beach energy, Orange Beach Surf Rescue is already looking for future lifeguards for next year. They’re calling on fast runners, confident swimmers and beach lovers who want to help keep locals and visitors safe while getting paid to hang out in paradise. It’s a great opportunity for teens, college students and anyone who’s always wanted to rock the whistle and shades combo. Go save lives.

  • Gulf State Park made a national wildlife list this week — and let’s just say it had a little extra sssizzle. World Atlas highlighted the park as a place with a notable snake population, reminding everyone that while our trails are beautiful, nature is still very much in charge out there. It’s not about fear, just awareness — so keep your eyes open, stay on trails and maybe don’t wander blindly into tall grass looking for the perfect selfie spot. Yikesss!

GIVING THANKS

As Thanksgiving rolls in, the Gulf Coast has its own way of reminding us what gratitude feels like. Maybe it's the quiet mornings when the air is cool, the golden light on the water at sunset or the simple joy of gathering together around a table full of food (even if it's seafood instead of turkey).

Wherever and however you celebrate, I hope this week gives you a little space to relax, laugh and enjoy the people who make your life brighter. Here’s to full plates, full bellies and a time that reminds us what truly matters — good food, good company and a place we’re grateful to call home.

WHO YA GOT?

It’s officially Iron Bowl week, and bragging rights are on the line. Households are divided, friendships are tested and jerseys are coming out of the closets. Cast your vote and tell us which side you’re on!

ON THE MARKET

Craft Farms North with Wood Floors & Fenced Yard
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 2,357 sq ft | see more

Beach Investment Condo Under $450k
Gulf Shores | 2 beds | 2 baths | 828 sq ft | dive in

Tranquil Retreat with Backyard River & Dock
Foley | 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,143 sq ft | this is cool

SEA & SKY REPORT

CURRENT CONDITIONS

SUNRISE 6:24 am

SUNSET 4:50 pm

AIR QUALITY Good

MOON Waxing Crescent

LOW TIDE 9:30 am

HIGH TIDE 10:47 pm

GULF TEMP 72°F

*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.

FORECAST: A good chance of storms later today, mostly sunny tomorrow. Thanksgiving looks to be sunny and cool with temps in the low 60s. This weekend, Friday and Saturday look nice with some sunshine and highs in the 60s, while Sunday turns cloudier with a chance of scattered showers.

TROPICAL OUTLOOK: All clear — hurricane season officially ends on Sunday.

NIGHT SKY: Before sunrise, head out facing the east-southeast horizon and you might spot the bright Venus rising early, and just above it the faint but tricky to spot Mercury, which is emerging from the Sun’s glare — if your horizon’s clear, it’s a fun binocular target. Later at night, after dark, the giant Jupiter pops up in the east-northeast and climbs high as the evening progresses, while Saturn sits in the western evening sky glowing softly.

ADOPTABLE FRIENDS

Meet some amazing fur buddies who are ready to fill your home with joy and love!

Lady the dog
A smart, gentle apricot Labrador mix who adores companionship and is ready to find her forever home.

Misty the bunny
A cuddly, curious baby Rex-mix rabbit with a velvet-soft coat and a heart full of love.

Bear the dog
A handsome husky/shepherd mix who may be a little shy at first, but warms up fast and is loyal, playful and ready to be your best friend.

HAPPENINGS

This Week’s Spotlight

🦃 Special Pre-Thanksgiving Market
Swing by the Pre-Thanksgiving Market in Foley this morning and snag those last-minute goodies — fresh produce, local treats and maybe even something special for your Thanksgiving guests. It’s all happening at the Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market on 781 Farmers Market Ln from 9am to 1pm.

Tuesday 25th

Kevin Swanson | Tacky Jack’s | Fort Morgan | 5pm - 8pm

Thanksgiving Bingo by the Bay | Coastal Arts Center | Orange Beach | 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Tree Lighting | Honey Bee Park | Robertsdale | 6pm - 7pm

Music Bingo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm - 9pm

Wednesday 26th

Turkey Fry for Toys for Tots | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 10am - 4pm

Hoppy Hour | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 4pm - 7pm

Bingo | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 6pm - 8pm

Saucy Experience | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm - 2am

Thursday 27th

Thanksgiving Celebration | Zeke’s Restaurant | Orange Beach |10am - 4pm

Thanksgiving Dinner | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 10:30am - 4pm

Thanksgiving Feast | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 11am - 4pm

Thanksgiving + Elvis Tribute | AL Gulf Coast Music Hall | Foley | 11am - 3pm

Thanksgiving Potluck | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am

Live on the Lawn w/ Matt Erdman | Doc’s Seafood | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm

Friday 28th

Black Friday Holiday Shopping | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 6pm

Photos with Santa | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 3pm - 6pm

Sugarcane Jane | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 3pm - 6pm

Live Music w/ Lane Warren | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 4pm - 7pm

Live on the Lawn w/ Tim Nowell | Doc’s Seafood | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm

Saturday 29th

Saturdays in the SEC | CoastAL | Orange Beach | 8am - 11am

Holiday Market | Community Center | Orange Beach | 9am - 5pm

Guided Bike Ride | Interpretive Center @ Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 9am - 10:30am

Live on the Lawn w/ Tori Atkinson | Doc’s Seafood | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm

The Band Wanted | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 10pm

Ryan Dyer Band | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 10pm - 2am

Sunday 30th

Pickleball Brunch & Rally | Downtown OWA | Foley | 1pm - 5pm

Live on the Lawn w/ Austin Thompson | Doc’s Seafood | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm

Monday 1st

Christmas Card Lane | Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 6pm

*Event details are subject to change.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

Thanks for reading this week’s dispatch. I hope you have a happy and restful Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your crew.
Shawn

P.S. I know this is a busy week so thank you for giving me a few minutes of your time. I am truly grateful.

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