Good morning,

Welcome to the very first dispatch of Gulf Coast Crew, I'm so grateful you’re here!

Think of this weekly newsletter as your friendly heads-up about all the good stuff happening around our little slice of paradise. You'll find a bit of everything here – community events, local stories, food reviews, history and maybe a dad joke or two (sorry).

Before we dive in, you might be wondering what Gulf Coast Crew is all about. It’s not just a newsletter — it’s a community for all those who love this place and want to enjoy its music and events, learn about its history and culture, connect with its people and local businesses, admire its scenery and wildlife, and discover its hidden gems.

Whether you’re a long-time local, a recent transplant, a snowbird, a summertime visitor or just wishing you were here, I welcome you to the Crew.

So grab your coffee (or sweet tea), kick back and let's set sail. I'm excited to share this voyage with you!

It's report card time and our local schools are absolutely crushing it! Gulf Shores City Schools just scored a 96 on Alabama's 2025 State Report Card, while Orange Beach City Schools rocketed to an impressive 98, placing them both among the state's elite. Orange Beach students are leading the state in 4th and 8th-grade science proficiency, ranked second in math, and fourth in English Language Arts. Over in Gulf Shores, all four schools in the district earned A ratings for the 3rd year in a row.

The success stories go beyond test scores. Orange Beach Middle & High School made incredible progress tackling chronic absenteeism, dropping it from 27% to less than 12% over two years. Gulf Shores has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School District and continues to excel in STEM programs, with new upgraded facilities set to open in 2026 giving students even more space for hands-on learning.

Big shoutout to our students, teachers, families and everyone in the community who's making our coastal schools some of the best in Alabama!

2023 Smart Home Under $300k
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,425 sq ft | see more

Large Charmer with Fenced Yard
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,676 sq ft | view it

Bayfront Beauty on Wolf Bay with Private Dock
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 5 baths | 2,159 sq ft | take a look

FORECAST: Expect temperatures in the mid to upper 70s this week — perfect for hitting the beach, going for a walk or dining al fresco. Light winds will keep things comfortable. Friday brings our best chance of rain but Saturday and Sunday should be mostly sunny. Get outside and enjoy!

TROPICAL OUTLOOK: All clear — Gulf continues to cool down, nearing the end of hurricane season.

NIGHT SKY: The Leonid Meteor Shower is just past its peak, but you can still expect up to 10–15 meteors per hour under the near-moonless sky. The moon will only be around 3% illumination and will rise late, making after-midnight until dawn the prime viewing window. About 45 minutes before sunrise, a paper-thin crescent moon will appear just above Venus, creating a beautiful early morning sky pairing.

Four amazing pets, one mission: let’s find their forever homes!

Pearl Biscuits the cat
A silky white and gray/silver American Shorthair cat who came in as a stray, raised her kittens, and is now ready to be the star of your household.

Rosa the dog
A warm-hearted Labrador Retriever mix who’s gentle, friendly and playful — ready to become your loyal sidekick. She just needs a loving home to call her own.

Katie the dog
A smart, affectionate young Labrador Retriever mix with a classic medium size, a short cream and black coat, and a bright spirit. She’s described as quiet yet playful and loyal.

Wyatt the dog
A mellow yellow/tan Labrador mix who is affectionate and quiet, the perfect loyal buddy to settle in and share cozy, peaceful moments with you.

Trivia Answer: Common Bottlenose