DISPATCH #32
Good morning Crew,
Just popping in with a friendly hello and a handful of Gulf Coast goodness. After a week of heavy rain, storms, and flooding across the area, life is beginning to get back to normal. Let’s dive on in to what’s been happening since we last met.
TODAY’S CATCH
Looks like Foley is about to make a splash year-round. The city plans to begin construction on a new indoor aquatics center before the end of 2026, giving swimmers a place to practice, compete, exercise, and cool off no matter what the weather is doing outside. The facility will include both a competition pool and a therapy pool, two features residents specifically requested during the planning process. The current outdoor pool will remain open during construction, and once the new center opens, city leaders are considering turning the old pool site into a splash pad or another recreational space. making a splash
Most people come home from vacation with a T-shirt, a coffee mug, or a little too much sun. In Orange Beach, you can come home with something you made yourself. The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is drawing visitors looking for a more hands-on experience, offering glassblowing and pottery classes where you can create your own coastal keepsake. It's a reminder that there's more to the Gulf Coast than sand and seafood. Sometimes the best souvenir is the one you made with your own two hands. beyond the beach
A splash of world-class art has arrived in Gulf Shores. Renowned marine artist Robert Wyland recently unveiled a large-scale mural at the corner of Highway 59 and East Beach Blvd, featuring manta rays, coral reefs, and other marine life inspired by his famous "Blue Ballet" artwork. Wyland is known around the world for his massive ocean-themed murals, which are seen by an estimated one billion people each year. Not bad company for a Gulf Shores intersection. sea it yourself
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
This was one ominous looking storm!
Captured by Mitch Abbott in Orange Beach
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
CREW FAVORITES
We asked. You answered. Stomachs have spoken. Here are the top 10 restaurants Gulf Coast Crew readers love the most right now. Next time someone asks “Where should we eat?” — you know where to go!
The Tin Top
DeSoto's
Cobalt
GTs on the Bay
Wolf Bay
Mikee’s
Jesse’s
Coastal
Big Fish
Cosmo’s
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
West Beach Corner Unit Condo w/ 2 Balconies
Gulf Shores | 2 beds | 2 baths | 1,203 sq ft | see the views
Ono Island Beauty w/ Screened Porch & Pool
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,503 sq ft | island life
Primland Craftsman w/ Saltwater Pool
Foley | 5 beds | 3 baths | 3,113 sq ft | take a peek
3 Bedrooms Under $400k
Foley | Gulf Shores | Elberta
PHIL’S TWO CENTS
Say hello to Phil, the newest member of the Crew. He’ll pop in from time to time with a bit of PHILosophy — sometimes wise, sometimes snarky, and usually more accurate than we’d like to admit.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:49 am |
SUNSET 7:55 pm |
UV INDEX Extreme |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 4:39 pm |
HIGH TIDE 6:08 am |
GULF TEMP 86ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Got room in your heart, and on the couch, for one more?
Honey Peanut the dog
A gentle little girl with a heart full of affection, happiest when she's soaking up cuddles, making her the perfect companion for someone looking for a loving best friend.
Betty the dog
A smart young pup who loves fetch, adores her people, and has a talent for being your constant shadow—proof that even after a rough start, her heart is still full of love.
Benjamin Button the bunny
A gentle giant with an easygoing personality who loves sunny naps, quiet companionship, and relaxing by your side—the perfect bunny for a slower pace of life.
Tuesday 23rd
Art al Fresco: Pine Cone Flower | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 11am
Teen Book & Movie Club | Foley Public Library | 1pm
Sunset Sounds | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Foley Run Club | Moe’s BBQ | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 24th
Seine Net Experience | Lake Shelby Picnic Pavilion | 9am
Lunch & Learn | ELEV8 Aviation | Gulf Shores | 11:20am
Free Bingo w/ Rhonda Hart | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Pepsi Summer Adventure | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Live Music: Tim Roberts | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Thursday 25th
Hurricane Preparedness Expo | Erie Meyer Civic Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
Art MESS-tival | Orange Beach Public Library | 2pm
Shark Fest | Gulf State Park Pier | 2pm
Live Music: Diamond Dixie | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Bubbles & Beats | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Friday 26th
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Poker Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 6pm
Live Music: I-10 Bound Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Dustin Sims: Hilariously Relatable | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 27th
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Goat Agility Training | AL Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Summer Spirits & Shadows | Swift-Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 7pm
Live Music: Nashville South | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 28th
Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 1pm
Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live Music: Petty Betty | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Monday 29th
Teen STEM Challenge | Foley Public Library | 1pm
Books & Brews | Luna’s Eat & Drink | Orange Beach | 5pm
Movie Monday | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
Monday Night Trivia | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s the latest from around our corner of the Gulf. Take it easy and see you soon. And as always, may God bless you and your Crew.
-Shawn
P.S. The ocean called — it wants you to relax.