DISPATCH #05
Hey y’all, hope you’re having a good week so far. Let’s take a quick look at what’s happening around the coast.
TODAY’S CATCH
Main Dish
The beloved Hangout Music Festival, including last year’s “Sand in My Boots” rebrand, won’t take place on the Gulf Coast in 2026 after organizers were unable to secure a lineup that met city expectations and permitting timelines — a move that has some local business owners and leaders worried about the economic ripple effect from losing an event that typically pours tens of millions into hotels, restaurants and shops each spring.
At a recent city council meeting, Gulf Shores officials said the pause gives organizers more time to plan for a stronger comeback in 2027, while balancing community concerns about crowd behavior and event quality.
In the meantime, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon says he’s exploring ways to fill that festival-sized gap in 2026, potentially with a smaller-scale music event that captures some of the feel of Sand in My Boots without trying to replicate the big-ticket beachfront draw. It’s early, but local leaders seem committed to keeping live music and visitor energy buzzing on the coast while the region awaits the festival’s full return. Bring it back
Small Bites
Gulf Shores is earning national attention as a top retirement spot, and honestly, we get it. Between the sunshine, sugar-white beaches and a cost of living that’s still reasonable by coastal standards, it checks a lot of boxes for folks ready to slow things down without giving up the good life. With retirement-friendly tax policies, nearby healthcare options and endless ways to stay active, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to trade their snow boots for flip-flops and call the Gulf Coast home. Learn why
Getting to the beach keeps getting easier. Allegiant Air has announced new nonstop service between Louisville and Gulf Shores, giving folks up north a straight shot to our soft sand and salty air. The seasonal route adds yet another direct connection into Gulf Shores International Airport, which keeps quietly leveling up as a convenient gateway to the coast. Cleared for takeoff
The future BJ’s Wholesale Club site in Foley was issued a stop-work order after construction runoff reached nearby waterways leading to the Bon Secour River. This is the same area where crews allegedly destroyed a federally protected Osprey nest back in October. I personally observed the nest, perched atop a pole left standing alone as everything else on the property was razed to the ground. A neighboring business caught workers knocking the nest down on a security camera. The project has sparked plenty of community discussion online, highlighting ongoing concerns about growth, environmental protection and how new development is handled as the area continues to grow. Progress > Ospreys
WORD SCRAMBLE
C P N A L E I
(Answer at the bottom)
LOCAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
If you missed it last week, I rounded up some of the best Christmas light displays around the area and put all the locations on a Google map so you can easily get directions and plan your route. If you know any great spots that aren’t on the list, reply and I’ll get them added. Christmas is almost here so take some time to make some memories with someone special!
ON THE MARKET
Southern Charm in the Springs
Magnolia Springs | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,786 sq ft | take a look
Private Dock and Boat Launch on Little Lagoon
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 3 baths | 1,650 sq ft | bring the boat
New Build in Bear Point
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,173 sq ft | welcome home
CREW SNAPSHOT
One of the best things about this place is how often the sky shows off. This sunset was captured by a member of the Crew and shared so we could all enjoy it together. Thanks Lisa!
God’s beautiful colors
Captured by Lisa Roach at Lighthouse Condos, Gulf Shores
Capture any Christmas lights, sunsets or cool shots around town?
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:40 am |
SUNSET 4:52 pm |
AIR QUALITY Good |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 4:20 am |
HIGH TIDE 5:42 pm |
GULF TEMP 62°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
FORECAST: A sunny, cool start on Tuesday gives way to cloudier midweek weather with warming temps and the best chance for rain on Thursday, including possible thunderstorms. Sunshine returns Friday and carries into a mostly pleasant weekend with highs in the upper 60s to around 70 and only a slight rain chance Sunday.
TROPICAL OUTLOOK: All clear — hurricane season has officially ended.
NIGHT SKY: Jupiter will dominate the evening and overnight sky, visible after sunset and through much of the night, while Saturn will be visible after sunset in the early night and Uranus with binoculars later in the evening. The tail end of the Geminid meteor shower may still produce occasional meteors.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Meet a few amazing pets who are ready to fill your home with love!
Cookie the dog
A sweet, loving pup with a gentle soul who’s ready to trade rescue life for belly rubs, daily walks and a forever family to call her own.
Timmy the cat
A sweet, easygoing boy who enjoys gentle affection and quiet companionship, and he’s ready to settle into a loving home where he can feel safe, relaxed and truly part of the family.
Marina the dog
A sweet, affectionate girl with a friendly spirit who’s ready to leave shelter life behind and become someone’s loyal sidekick for walks, cuddles and everyday adventures.
🎄 Christmas Fest - Downtown Foley
Expect twinkly lights, cheerful crowds, and downtown shops rolling out last-minute gift ideas, special deals and plenty of holiday treats along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to stroll Main Street, knock out that final bit of Christmas shopping and soak up all the small-town magic. Thursday 18th 5pm - 7pm
Tuesday 16th
Afternoon Art: Marbled Ornaments | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm - 7pm
Live: Rachel Lane | Tacky Jack’s | Fort Morgan | 5pm - 8pm
Christmas Carols at the Museum | Orange Beach History Museum | 5:30pm
Music Bingo Night | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm - 9-pm
Wednesday 17th
Open Mic Night with Nigel & Co | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Bingo | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 6pm - 8pm
Thursday 18th
Live Music: Group Therapy | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 9pm
Live on the Lawn with David Wiley | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Live: Brent Varner | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 9pm
A Rocky Mountain Christmas | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Friday 19th
Live Music: Ronnie Presley | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 4pm - 7pm
Graham Creek’s Christmas Trail | Graham Creek Nature Preserve | Foley | 5pm - 8pm
Live: Petty & Raines | Tacky Jack’s | Fort Morgan | 5pm - 8pm
Christmas Dance | AL Gulf Coast Music Hall | Foley | 5pm
Tree Show & Snow | Downtown OWA | Foley | 5pm - 8pm
Live: Just Roger | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Holiday Laser Light Experience | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm - 7pm
Saturday 20th
Interactive Santa Brunch | Sunliner Diner | Gulf Shores | 9am - 2pm
Holiday Breakfast | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9:30am - 11am
Photos with Santa | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 6pm
Family Christmas Laser Tag | Orange Beach Public Library | 3pm - 6pm
Graham Creek’s Christmas Trail | Graham Creek Nature Preserve | Foley | 5pm - 8pm
Holiday Laser Light Experience | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm - 7pm
Live on the Lawn with Tori Atkinson | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Sunday 21st
Live on the Lawn with Austin Thompson | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Monday 22nd
Christmas Themed Trivia | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm - 9pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s it for this week. Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. See ya next Tuesday and may God bless you and your crew.
Shawn
P.S. If you skimmed… it’s okay. I can't prove it.
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Word Scramble Answer: Pelican