DISPATCH #28

Happy Tuesday! I hope y’all had a great Memorial Day weekend. The beaches were packed, the water looked like a boat parade, and the roads were busy as ever. Get out the sunscreen folks, cause summertime is upon us. Let’s dive in to what’s happening around the coast this week.

TODAY’S CATCH
Looks like the pirate ship has run aground… at least for now. The proposed Pirates Voyage Dinner Theater in Orange Beach has been deferred by the developer. The project sparked heavy public discussion over traffic, drainage, environmental concerns, and whether it fit the long-term vision for Orange Beach, with residents packing a recent town hall to voice their opinions. Important note: deferred doesn’t mean denied — the project could return later with changes and restart the approval process. pirates turned away
One year in, and it looks like the airport gamble is paying off. Gulf Shores International Airport just wrapped up its first year of commercial service with more than 104,000 passengers, already making it Alabama’s fifth-largest commercial airport. Officials say the growth has exceeded expectations, helped along by new nonstop routes and the arrival of plenty of first-time visitors discovering the Alabama coast by air instead of bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-65. more flights inbound
Nest Fest returns to Orange Beach Waterfront Park on Sunday, bringing live music, free food, family activities, and hands-on exhibits focused on the beach-nesting birds that call the Alabama coast home each year. Hosted by local conservation groups and city partners, the event is all about helping folks understand how to enjoy the beach while also protecting the wildlife that shares it with us. Get ready for a little music, a little wildlife, and a good excuse to spend the afternoon by the water. for the birds

LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Herons are a symbol of patience, self-reliance, and the ability to thrive through quiet observation rather than following the crowd.

“Great Heron looking for lunch”
Captured by Ken Newton at Graham Creek
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?

ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
West Beach Rental Property w/ 5-Star Reviews
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 1,897 sq ft | rent it out
Gulf-Front Condo w/ Potential Owner Financing
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,260 sq ft | dive in
Light & Bright w/ Fenced Backyard
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,787 sq ft | take a peek

SUMMER READS
A couple months ago, y’all said your #1 favorite beach activity was reading a book. That got me thinking, would you be interested in a little summer reading corner here in Gulf Coast Crew? No deep literary analysis — just a monthly pick with a short recap the following month. What say you?
Thinking about adding a summer reading pick to Gulf Coast Crew… should we do it?

THE BULLETIN

The Taste of Baldwin Food Truck Battle & Market is happening in Elberta on June 13th. Come hungry, stay awhile, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite truck in the People’s Choice battle. see what’s cooking
Be on the lookout — it’s turtle nesting season along the coast. If you see turtle tracks or a nest on the beach, keep your distance and contact wildlife authorities.♥️ turtle hotline

SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:50 am |
SUNSET 7:44 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 5:17 pm |
HIGH TIDE 7:23 am |
GULF TEMP 80ºF |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.

ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Let’s help these little guys find a place to call home — for good!
Dolly the dog
This sweet girl is full of playful energy and affectionate cuddles, ready to find a forever home where loyal companionship is part of everyday life.
Pirate the dog
This gentle boy is full of loyalty and heart, proving every day that a little resilience and a whole lot of love make for an unforgettable companion.
Hope the dog
This sweet girl has stunning crystal blue eyes and an even sweeter personality, combining gentle affection and playful energy into one unforgettable pup.
Tuesday 26th
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 9am
Books & Brews: The Berry Pickers | Luna’s | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Sunset Sounds | Portside @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Pier (picnic table outside tackle shop) | 6pm
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | Wafles R Wild | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 27th
Demo Day at Kiva Dunes | Kiva Dunes Golf Course Driving Range | Gulf Shores | 9am
Kids Board Games | Foley Public Library | 4pm
Game Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 5pm
The Black Crowes | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
Live Music: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm
Thursday 28th
Birding for Beginners | Gulf State Park Learning Academy | 1pm
Bubbles & Beats | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Karaoke (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Friday 29th
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 10am
Guided Alligator Walk | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead @ Gulf State Park | 1pm
Live Music: TN Tim & Doug Drake | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 6pm
Live Music: Swampland Revival | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Don Louis | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 30th
#GardnerStrong Fishing Tournament | Gulf State Park Fishing Pier | 5am - 8am
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Splash Bash | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
2026 Annual Pier Picnic | Gulf State Park Pier | 12pm
Live Music: Gringo Fife | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Marvin Lee | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Sunday 31st
Teen Gameapalooza | Foley Public Library | 1pm
Nest Fest | Orange Beach Waterfront Park | 2pm
Memorial Day Concert | Heritage Park | Foley | 6pm
Live Music: Hippy Jim | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Monday 1st
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Pier (picnic table outside tackle shop) | 6pm
Movie Monday | Portside @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s all for this week’s dispatch. See ya next Tuesday — same Crew, same coast. And as always, may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. A Gulf breeze can fix more than people give it credit for.
Word Scramble Answer: Lake Shelby

