DISPATCH #40
Good morning Crew,
Tides are turning once again as the busy summer season slides into the rear view. Locals get to settle back into an easier rhythm—there’s breathing room on the roads, parking spaces are easier to find, and your favorite restaurant is easier to get into. Here’s what’s happening along the Gulf this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
The Gulf doesn’t go away in the off-season, and now Gulf Shores lifeguards won’t either. The city is moving to year-round beach coverage, with six lifeguards staffed throughout the year to patrol the shoreline, respond to emergencies, and hopefully prevent trouble before it starts. With warm weather keeping folks on the sand well beyond summer, officials say having trained eyes on the water every month of the year just makes sense. always on watch
A big refresh — and a few burgers — are headed to Tanger Outlets in Foley. The shopping center is undergoing a major renovation that will add about 20,000 square feet of new dining space, including patios, gathering areas, and as many as eight new food and drink spots. The headline addition is Shake Shack, opening only its second location in Alabama. So pretty soon, that outlet shopping trip might involve burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard... which seems like a reasonable reward for carrying all those bags. shake it up
Gulf Shores may be saying goodbye to the Canal Park boat launch beneath the Highway 59 bridge. City leaders are considering removing it due to strong currents, barge traffic, and trailer congestion, especially now that larger, free launches are available at Cotton Creek Drive and County Road 6. The space could instead become additional parking and waterfront improvements as Waterway Village continues to grow into a more walkable district. Nothing’s final yet, but it looks like this old launch may have finally run its course. waterway makeover
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Another amazing Gulf Coast sunrise captured by a member of the Crew and shared so we could all enjoy. Thanks Mike!
“A piece of God's artwork!”
Captured by Mike Nelson at Lillian
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
CREW NEWS
Gulf Coast Crew has a new front porch—so come on up, grab a chair and stay awhile!
The new GCC home page is live, bringing everything we’re doing around here under one roof — the newsletter, local events, and eventually, a few more things I’ve got cooking.
While you’re there, scroll down and check out the brand-new photo gallery, featuring some of my favorite local snapshots you’ve sent in. I’ve received so many amazing photos from around the coast, but with only one making the newsletter each week, many great shots have gone unappreciated.
Well, now they have a permanent home of their own. I hope you’ll enjoy them!
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Beach Home or Rental w/ Deeded Beach Access
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 4 baths | 1,640 sq ft | look inside
Lovely Brick Home w/ Pool + Pond View
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,728 sq ft | take a peek
Light & Bright Ono Island Retreat w/ Pool
Orange Beach | 5 beds | 5 bath | 3,232 sq ft | island life
New Build on 1.86 Acres + Riverfront + No HOA
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,100 sq ft | move-in ready
POLL RESULTS
It looks like the Crew is split between choosing a condo with all the amenities or a quiet little beach cottage for their ideal place to stay.
What is your ideal place to stay at the beach?
Quiet beach cottage - 39%
Condo with amenities - 38%
RV park or campground - 17%
Bay house with boat slip - 6%
Also, it appears we have a healthy number of campers in the Crew. Who knew?
PHIL’S TWO CENTS
Phil’s opinions are entirely his own. Also, he’s a pelican.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:19 am |
SUNSET 7:28 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waxing Crescent |
LOW TIDE 1:44 pm |
HIGH TIDE 12:21 am |
GULF TEMP 88ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Meet some amazing fur buddies who are ready to fill your home with joy and love!
Millie the dog
A sweet little gal who’s come a long way from her difficult start, and with her gentle nature and eager-to-please personality, she’s ready to soak up all the love of a forever home.
Meadow the dog
A gentle girl with an affectionate heart, ready to find a new home where she can enjoy a little independence while always having someone special by her side.
Caine the dog
A sweet boy who may need a little time to feel safe, but once he trusts you, he turns into a devoted cuddle buddy who wants nothing more than to stay close to his favorite person.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 18th
Discover Gulf Sea Turtles | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 1pm
Family LEGO Speed Race| Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 19th
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Wine Wednesday | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | 5pm
Bunco & Bubbles | Tee Off | Orange Beach | 6pm
Thursday 20th
Guided Bike Ride | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead West | Orange Beach | 8:30am
Makerspace Workshop: Make-a-Mug | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
Foley Main Street Third Thursdays | Downtown Foley | 5pm
Friday 21st
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Tee Off Turned Up Live Music Series | Portside at The Wharf | Orange Beach | Time TBA
Live Music: Six Piece Suits | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Goo Goo Dolls in Concert | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 8pm
Saturday 22nd
The Foundation Paddle Classic | Foley Pickleball Courts | 7:45am
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Adult Art | Foley Public Library | 10am
The 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge | Marina Lawn at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 12pm
Saturday Songwriters Series | The Red Haven Live | Orange Beach | 1pm
Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour | Foley Welcome Center | 7pm
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Pajama Party | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 8pm
Sunday 23rd
Goat Agility Training | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 1pm
Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
Monday 24th
Junior Rangers: Pier Explorers | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 10am
Free Bingo | Flora-Bama Lounge & Package | Perdido Key | 1pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’ll do it for now. If you see me out and about, say hi. As always, may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn Swisher
P.S. Sometimes the bravest decision is choosing rest.
P.P.S. If you haven’t played our Gulf Coast Quest game yet, go check it out.