DISPATCH #30
Good morning Crew,
Just a friendly wave from your corner of the Gulf. After several days in a row of rough waters and double red flags, the surf has finally decided to calm down. Let’s see what else is happening around the coast this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
It looks like the Gulf's least popular summer visitor is making its appearance. Researchers are warning that sargassum seaweed levels could reach record highs this year, with piles already showing up on beaches from Fort Morgan to Florida. Out in the open ocean, this floating seaweed is actually a good thing — providing habitat for sea turtles, fish, and other marine life. But once it washes ashore and starts piling up, let's just say it loses its charm. More is expected to arrive throughout the summer, so if your beach walk ends up feeling more like a game of dodgeball, you'll know why. the blob returns
Multiple agencies spent Monday practicing for the emergencies they hope never happen. Rescue crews joined forces at Alabama Point for a large-scale rescue drill designed to improve coordination during real-world incidents. The training comes after a busy start to the season, with officials reporting over 100 rescues already this year. When things go wrong, it sure is nice knowing these folks are ready when we need them. beach heroes
Here’s a little good news before the next storm cloud ever shows up on the radar. Foley has secured more than $2 million to move utility lines underground along several blocks of downtown, helping protect critical infrastructure and improve reliability during hurricanes and tropical storms. The goal is simple: fewer outages, faster recovery, and a little more resilience when tropical systems come calling. And as a nice side benefit, downtown might end up looking a little prettier without quite so many wires overhead. power move
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Sometimes the Gulf just shows off…
“Gorgeous sunset from the beach”
Captured by Traci O’Barr in Gulf Shores
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
JUST FOR FUN
I’ve been tinkering with something a little different for the Crew this week: a tiny interactive coastal adventure called Gulf Coast Quest. You’ll start in Fairhope, follow clues from town to town, make a few choices along the way, and meet Fred — a very serious blue heron who seems to know more than he’s letting on.
It’s quick, light, and just for fun. Think of it less like a video game and more like a little coastal choose-your-own-adventure.
ON THE MARKET
This One Is Very… Unique?
Gulf Shores | 6 beds | 3 baths | 4,039 sq ft | bring your imagination
3 Bedrooms Right On The Gulf
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,634 sq ft | chase the sea
9th Fairway In Your Backyard!
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,413 sq ft | fore!
THIS OR THAT?
What's your perfect Saturday on the coast look like?
What do you think the Crew will pick? Cast your vote and I’ll tally up the results next week.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:48 am |
SUNSET 7:51 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 5:00 pm |
HIGH TIDE 6:57 am |
GULF TEMP 82ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Share these guys to anyone you know who needs a new buddy!
Waylon the dog
This handsome hound mix is a gentle companion with a friendly personality who’s ready to find a forever home where he can share quiet loyalty and plenty of love.
Margo the dog
This golden girl is equal parts athlete, comedian, and cuddle buddy—an affectionate, playful pup who’s always ready for an adventure and sure to keep you smiling.
Charlie the dog
A handsome young pup with striking ice-blue eyes, a playful spirit, and a heart full of love, ready to keep an active family smiling with endless affection.
FEATURED EVENT
🌮 The Taste of Baldwin Food Truck Battle & Market is happening Saturday with over a dozen food trucks, local vendors, live music, and a full day of family-friendly fun. Starting at 10am at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta. Admission is free and parking is free — so bring your stretchy pants and vote for your favorite! food battle
Tuesday 9th
Art al Fresco: Beachy Bracelets | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 11am
Sunset Sounds | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | Wafles 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 10th
Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 1pm
Game Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 5pm
Craft & Connect: America 250 | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Pepsi Summer Adventure | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Thursday 11th
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Pier (outside tackle shop) | 7am
Live Animal Show by Freedom Ranch | Orange Beach Rec Center | 2pm
Bubbles & Beats | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Live Music: The Velcro Pygmies | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6:20pm
Friday 12th
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 9am
Kids Pokemon Club | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Live Music: The Jon Kott Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Seemed Smart at the Time | AL Gulf Coast Music Hall | Foley | 7pm
Livin’ and Comin’ Back | South Baldwin Community Theatre | Gulf Shores | 7:30pm
Saturday 13th
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Sea Turtle Rescue Demonstration | Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion | 9am
Taste of Baldwin Food Truck Battle & Market | Baldwin Co Heritage Museum | Elberta | 10am - 3pm
Karaoke Saturday (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
The Bryan Adams Experience | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Zach Top | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7:30pm
Sunday 14th
Live Music: Cadillac Attack | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Live Music: Thin Ice | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Monday 15th
Teen Mario Kart Tournament | Foley Public Library | 1pm
Movie Monday | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.
SHARE THE CREW
If Gulf Coast Crew helps you keep up with what’s happening around here, there’s a good chance one of your friends or family would enjoy it too.
Send this link to someone who loves the Alabama Gulf Coast, whether they live here, visit here, or just wish they were here more often. Thanks for sharing!
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Hope this gives you a few good ideas for the days ahead. Until next time, take care out there and may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. Go chase something small that makes you happy — like seashells or sunsets.