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?

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.

HAPPENINGS

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

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