DISPATCH #07
Hello and good morning Crew! With Christmas wrapped up and the calendar just about ready to turn, this feels like one of those weeks meant for slowing down and reflecting on what’s next. Before the new year arrives, here’s what’s been happening around the coast.
TODAY’S CATCH
Main Dish
If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a little sparkle, The Wharf has you covered. Their New Year’s Eve celebration is shaping up to be a full evening of live music, festive cocktails, a Marlin drop, fireworks and plenty of reasons to clink a glass as the clock counts down. It’s the kind of night where you can dress it up, keep it casual or land somewhere in between and still feel right at home.
The fun builds throughout the evening with entertainment for all ages earlier on, then shifts into a lively, grown-up celebration as midnight approaches. Whether you’re chasing that perfect countdown moment, enjoying waterfront views with friends, or just soaking up the energy, it’s an easy way to send off the old year and welcome the new one with Gulf Coast style. cheers!
Small Bites
Before you drag that Christmas tree to the curb, the Gulf Coast has a better idea. Residents are being encouraged to recycle real Christmas trees for dune restoration, where they’ll be used to help trap sand, reduce erosion, and strengthen our natural coastal defenses. It’s a simple, feel-good way to turn holiday leftovers into something that protects our beaches long after the ornaments are packed away. recycle it
Even with a little cooling from last year, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores still rank among the most expensive places to live in Baldwin County. Recent data shows home prices in both beach towns have dipped year over year. Prices may have come down a notch, but living near the sand is still very much a premium address. beach life isn’t cheap
Things are getting a little heated in Orange Beach, where the city is now facing a lawsuit alleging violations of Alabama’s Open Meetings Act tied to behind-the-scenes discussions involving land adjacent to Turquoise Place Condominiums. The complaint claims key conversations and decisions happened out of public view, cutting residents and the resort out of the process. breaking the law?
A little slice of Parrothead history is coming to the coast, as Jimmy Buffett’s Last Mango Bar & Chill is set to open at The Wharf next spring, bringing laid-back island vibes, tropical drinks and even more of that unmistakable Buffett spirit to the area. The spot aims to carry on Jimmy’s legacy of good music and toes-in-the-sand fun. cheeseburger in paradise
DO YOU KNOW?
What railroad line connected Foley to Bay Minette from the early 1900s through the 1970s, fueling its growth by moving people and farm goods in and out of town?
ON THE MARKET
Little Lagoon with Private Pier
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,460 sq ft | dive in!
Ono Island New Construction
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,550 sq ft | island life
Cozy Front Porch on Cul-de-sac
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,934 sq ft | take a look
CREW SNAPSHOT
If you needed a reminder to slow down this week, here it is. Captured by a member of the Crew and shared with us all.
“God’s masterpiece is breathtaking”
Captured by Danielle Mcree in Orange Beach
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:46 am |
SUNSET 4:59 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 3:40 am |
HIGH TIDE 4:37 pm |
GULF TEMP 59°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
FORECAST: The week starts sunny but cold, with brisk winds Tuesday and overnight lows near freezing, then gradually warms through midweek with plenty of sunshine. New Year’s Day looks bright with highs in the low 60s before clouds and a chance of showers arrive late Friday into Saturday. Skies clear again by Sunday.
TROPICAL OUTLOOK: Nothing to worry about, winter is here.
NIGHT SKY: The sky is firmly in its winter groove, with long, dark evenings perfect for casual stargazing. After dusk, look for bright Venus glowing low in the western sky, while Jupiter shines higher and steals the show as the brightest point overhead.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Share these guys to anyone you know who needs a new buddy!
Howie the dog
A gentle, lovable pup with a soulful gaze who’s ready to trade rescue life for a forever home filled with plenty of tail-wagging moments.
Rosa the dog
A sweet, friendly girl with a happy spirit who loves people and other dogs, and she’s ready to bring loyalty and joy to a forever home of her own.
Mushroom the bunny
A gentle, curious little bunny with a soft presence and a growing love for companionship, ready to thrive in a calm, patient home where she can feel safe.
🥶 Polar Bear Dip at Flora-Bama
The Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip is a New Year’s Day Gulf Coast tradition where a big crowd gathers on the beach, counts down to noon and charges into the chilly Gulf together. Brave enough to fully dunk? Dive in New Year’s Day at 12pm.
Tuesday 30th
Taco & Trivia | Macho Taco | Foley | 5:30pm - 8pm
Holiday Laser Light Experience | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm - 7pm
Bingo & Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 31st
Noon Year’s Eve | LuLu’s | Gulf Shores | 10am - 1pm
Kids’ Confetti Drop | Portside at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 2pm
Eco Art Class: Vitamin SEA | Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | 2:30pm
Beer Release: Flight of the Snowbirds Bushwhacker Stout | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 10pm
Upside Down in Paradise NYE | Captain Crazy’s Paradise | Foley | 5pm - 2:30am
Reelin’ in the New Year | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5pm - 12am
Live: The Voice Mindy Miller | Tiki & Raw Bar | Orange Beach | 6pm - 9pm
New Year’s Eve Bash (21+) | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 6pm | $80
Bushwhacker Balloon Drop (21+) | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm | $50
Disco New Year’s Eve Party (21+) | Tacky Jack’s | Fort Morgan | 6pm - 12am
New Year’s Eve (21+) | Perdido Beach Resort | Orange Beach | 6pm - 12:30am
NYE at The Hangout (21+) | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 8pm - 1:30am
Thursday 1st
Annual First Day Hike 2026 | Orange Beach Sportsplex | 9am
Polar Bear Dip | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 10am - 1pm
Polar Bear Dip | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 12pm
Friday 2nd
Guided Walk at Lake Shelby | Gulf State Park | 9am
Live: Mike Estep | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Live: The Band Wanted | Groovy Goat | Foley | 6pm - 10pm
Bee Gees NOW! | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 3rd
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Trivia | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 3pm - 4pm
Live: Benjamin Stokes | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 4th
Live: Les Linton | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 1pm - 5pm
Bingo | American Legion | Foley | 2pm
Monday 5th
Art al Fresco: Painted Rocks | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 10am - 1pm | $20
Tech Lecture: 3D Printing Basics | Orange Beach Public Library | 2:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s all for this week — and for this year! Thanks for spending another Tuesday here with me. Have a Happy New Year and may God bless you and your crew.
See ya next Tuesday!
Shawn
P.S. I hope the new year brings you health, happiness and more beautiful sunsets than you can count.
How did you like today's dispatch?
Trivia Answer: L&N Railroad