DISPATCH #18
Good morning Crew and Happy St. Paddy’s Day to ya!
It’s a bit nippy this morning. Apparently winter wants to remind us it’s still around. Despite its efforts, the azalea blooms are popping out and painting the roadsides. Spring cometh.
TODAY’S CATCH
Sea turtle nesting season is right around the corner, and the folks at Alabama Coastal Foundation are looking for volunteers to help with their Share the Beach program. Each summer, trained volunteers walk assigned stretches of beach at sunrise looking for turtle tracks, marking nests, and helping protect hatchlings along the coast. It’s one of those quiet but important efforts that helps keep our sea turtle population thriving. If you enjoy early mornings on the beach and want to lend a hand to some of the coast’s most beloved wildlife, this is a great way to get involved. help a turtle
The Alabama coast picked up another nice nod this week. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were ranked #2 on Southern Living’s list of the Best Beach Getaways for 2026, putting our stretch of the sand near the very top of the South’s favorite coastal escapes. Between the Gulf views, tasty seafood, numerous festivals, and big-name entertainment, it’s not hard to see why folks love it here. see the list
The $350 million Margaritaville project in Orange Beach is moving along faster than anticipated and is expected to bring an additional 300 units of lodging space and hundreds of new jobs to the area. The resort will unfold in phases — waterfront district and marina first, followed by restaurants and amenities, with the full project expected to wrap up in late 2027. The Margaritaville brand grew out of the music and coastal lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, who grew up just across the bay in Mobile and spent childhood summers soaking up life along Alabama’s beaches. progress in paradise
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“1st sunset of the year”
Captured by Shannon White in Orange Beach
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
WORD SCRAMBLE
DRE RPSENPA
(Answer at the bottom)
ON THE MARKET
Bon Secour Bayfront Living
Fort Morgan | 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,100 sq ft | dive in!
Ono Island Smart Home w/ Pool
Orange Beach | 5 beds | 4 baths | 3,234 sq ft | island life
Large Pantry, Gas Range, and Golf!
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,996 sq ft | take a peek
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:57 am |
SUNSET 6:59 pm |
UV INDEX High |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 5:07 am |
HIGH TIDE 10:15 pm |
GULF TEMP 64°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
There’s a wagging tail or soft purr out there hoping you’ll see this.
Bongo the dog
A happy hound, ready to bring plenty of tail wags and fun to his forever family.
Christina the dog
A funny and playful gal with bright eyes, ready to leave shelter life behind.
Frankie the cat
A gentle old soul with a calm, loving nature, ready to spend her golden years in a loving home.
CREW POLL RESULTS
Last week’s votes have been tallied and the debate has been settled — 83% of the Crew prefers shrimp over oysters. Oysters may be fancy, but shrimp is clearly the everyday favorite around here.
Tuesday 17th
St. Patrick’s Day | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 10am - 10pm
Free Bingo | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Live Music: Rachel Lane | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | Waffles R WIld | Foley | 6pm
Music Bingo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 18th
Midday Melodies | Heritage Park | Foley | 11am
Live Music: Adam Tyler Brown | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Live: Zach Dunlap | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
John Allen Memorial Scholarship Concert | Orange Beach Performing Arts Center | 7pm
Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm
Thursday 19th
Third Thursday | Downtown Foley | 5pm
Live Music: Six Piece Suits | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Karaoke (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Live! at Waterfront: Jellyfish Cowboys | Orange Beach Waterfront Park | 6pm
Karaoke | Groovy Goat at OWA | Foley | 6pm
Sister Hazel | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Friday 20th
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 6pm
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 1pm
Live Music: Hippy Jim | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live Music: Petty & Raines | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Live Music: I-10 Bound Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Saturday 21st
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 6pm
Moneyball Pickleball Tournament | Pickleball at OWA | Foley | 11am
Weird Fiction Book Club | Gulf Babe at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 3:30
Live on the Lawn w/ Matt Erdman | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live Music: Les Linton | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Live Music: Thomas Cain | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 22nd
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am - 4pm
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA | Foley | 1pm
Southern Charm Home Tour | Community Hall | Magnolia Springs | 1pm
Live on the Lawn w/ Cedric Brooks | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live Music: Chase Mitchell | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Monday 23rd
Free Bingo | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Live Music: The Homies | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s all I’ve got for now — short, sweet, and coastal. Catch you next week and as always, may God bless you and your crew!
Shawn
P.S. Spring Break crowds are here. Be kind, be patient, be early.
How did you like today's dispatch?
Word Scramble Answer: Red Snapper