DISPATCH #09
Good morning Crew,
If you’re reading this with coffee in hand, you’re doing it right! I’m sipping on some BuzzCatz, roasted over in Fairhope. Let’s dive in and catch up on what’s happening around the coast this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
A great white shark named Ernst — about 12 feet long and roughly 1,000 pounds — has shown up off the coast of Gulf Shores, with recent pings showing her about four miles offshore near Dauphin Island. According to researchers with Ocearch, Ernst was first tagged near Nova Scotia in October 2025 and has since traveled down the east coast to the Florida Keys and then up to Alabama. Seeing one so close to shore is uncommon and has biologists paying attention as they continue to monitor her activity. shaaaark!
We’re kicking off cozy winter nights here on the coast as the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach brings back the Acoustic Arts Series with three laid-back live music evenings set for late Jan and early Feb, from smooth jazz with the Gino Rosaria Trio to a cello journey through genres and heart-felt harmonies with Four A Change. Grab your tickets now. enjoy the tunes
Gulf Shores is moving ahead with plans for Laguna Cove Nature Park on Little Lagoon, a 53 acre oasis of restored wetlands, low-impact parking, public restrooms, kayaking and birding spots, plus an interpretive boardwalk to help everyone enjoy our coastal habitat without trampling it. Funded by a grant, this project preserves the land from future development and is set to wrap up by late summer 2026, giving us all another reason to get outside and enjoy that Gulf breeze. see what’s coming
The City of Foley is adding nine new municipal cameras around town as part of its ongoing push to boost public safety, giving local law enforcement a few more helpful sets of eyes at key spots. City officials say cameras have been invaluable over the years and adding more can speed up investigations. say cheese!
CREW SNAPSHOT
“Early morning surf fishing”
Captured by Susan Corley in Fort Morgan
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Lots of Beds + Fenced Back Yard
Gulf Shores | 5 beds | 3 baths | 3,012 sq ft | look inside
Beachfront Beauty with Big Balcony
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,866 sq ft | dive in!
New Construction with 2 Car Garage
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,917 sq ft | take a peek
SNOWBIRD RADAR
Snowbird flocks have landed, and they’re not just here for the weather. Below is a handy roundup of state groups plotting breakfasts, golf, cocktails and good times.
Iowa snowbirds: breakfast, golf and cocktail parties. All Iowans and their guests are welcome, no membership required but registration is. check website for details
Michigan snowbirds: coffee, donuts, golfing, cruises, fellowship and fun. They know how to escape the freeze! check website for details
Minnesota snowbirds: breakfast meetings and golf each week. Registration required. All snowbirds are welcome, old & new. check website for details
Missouri snowbirds: breakfast, golf scrambles and weekly Happy Hours at Cobalt. Open to all who want to join the fun and make new friends. check website for details
Wisconsin snowbirds: breakfasts, singles dinners, trivia, cards and golf. Wintering done right! view event calendar
Wintering on the Gulf Coast? Tell us which state you call home — we’d love to know where our snowbirds are flocking from this year.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:47 am |
SUNSET 5:10 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 3:51 am |
HIGH TIDE 4:14 pm |
GULF TEMP 59°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Looking to add a little more love (and maybe some fur) to your crew?
Cookie the dog
A young black Labrador mix who’s friendly, affectionate, playful and great with kids and other dogs.
Layla the dog
A gentle, loving pup with soulful eyes and a playful nature who’s just waiting for a forever home where she can be part of the family.
Marble the bunny
A sweet bunny who loves head pats and is ready to charm everyone with those soft ears and calm cuddles.
Tuesday 13th
Live: David Wiley | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Bingo & Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Tacos, Tequila & Trivia | Waffles R Wild at OWA | Foley | 6pm - 8pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 14th
Senior Wednesday | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9am - 3pm
Homeschool STEAM: Volcanoes | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
Welcome Wednesday | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am - 2pm
Bingo | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Bingo | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 6pm - 8pm
Local Art Walk | Barometer Waterfront Grille | Orange Beach | 6pm - 9pm
Open Mic Night w/ Nigel & Company | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm - 2am
Thursday 15th
History of Gulf Pirates | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 11am
Live: The Billy Bones Show | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Crafty Adults: Palette Knife Painting | Orange Beach Public Library | 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Coastal Craft Beer Dinner Experience | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 7pm
Live: The Band Wanted | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 9pm
All-Ages Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Friday 16th
Guided Walk at Lake Shelby | Lake Shelby Picnic Area at Gulf State Park | 9am
Pine Needle Basketry Course | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 9am
Live: Smokey Otis Band | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Live: Destiny Brown | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Live: Sugarcane Jane | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 2pm - 6pm
3D Printing Club: Tinkercad Basics | Orange Beach Public Library | 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday Night Karaoke | Cozumel Bar & Grill at OWA | Foley | 6pm - 10pm
Live: Just Roger | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Live: Hunter Myers | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 17th
Aviation Open House | ELEV8 Aviation | Gulf Shores | 10am - 2pm
Cookoff with Saucy FuzZ | Undertow | Orange Beach | 12pm - 3pm
Dine & Shine w/ Chaotic Cruiserz | Sunliner Diner | Orange Beach | 1pm - 4pm
Live: Shawn Williams | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Live: Funky Lampshades | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 10pm
All Country Birthday Show | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 7pm - 10pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 18th
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA | Foley | 1pm - 5pm
Live: Les Linton | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 1pm - 5pm
Trip Down Memory Lane | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 3pm
Blu-ey Dinner | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 7pm
Trivia Night | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Monday 19th
Hands-on Habitat: Sea Creatures | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 10am - 1pm
Meet, Greet & Game | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
The Duel at OWA: Dueling Pianos | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s it for this week, I hope you’re easing into the new year nicely. See ya next Tuesday and may God bless you and your crew!
Shawn
P.S. I wrote this entire issue fueled by caffeine and optimism.