DISPATCH #42
Good morning Crew!
Just a friendly wave from your corner of the Gulf. Thanks for spending a few minutes here with me. Here's what's happening around the coast this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
Looks like the boat ramp is staying afloat. After packed meetings and plenty of pushback from residents and boaters, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to keep the Canal Park boat launch open beneath the Highway 59 bridge. City staff had previously proposed replacing it with parking, greenspace, and waterfront improvements, but locals made a strong case that the ramp remains important for everyday boating, charter operations, and hurricane preparations. Sometimes showing up and speaking up really does make a difference. power to the people
Exploring Fort Morgan just got a little easier. A new 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail has officially opened, bringing the paved path to about 10.5 miles along Fort Morgan Road. The new stretch includes 12 bridges designed to protect sensitive wetlands, plus a new bathhouse near the west end. Even better, the trail connects into the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, opening the door to miles of additional exploring without having to share the road with beach traffic. Not a bad way to see a quieter side of the coast. hit the trail
A familiar Foley favorite has a fresh start. Portabella’s has reopened under new owners Rich and Pam Lee, with Rich bringing about 40 years of culinary experience. Fans of Portabella’s will still recognize most of the menu, with a few additions like gluten-free pasta and pizza, while rotating specials give the new chef a little room to play. The doors are back open, the kitchen is humming, and there may be a few surprises still to come. back in business
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Dolphins at play”
Captured by Kristen Williams at Gulf Shores
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Lovely Kitchen + Peaceful Neighborhood
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,811 sq ft | look inside
Living Large in Primland
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,896 sq ft | welcome home
RV Coach House Ready for Your Class A
Orange Beach | 1 bath | 275 sq ft | camp in style
Furnished and Ready to Move In or Rent Out
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,696 sq ft | take a peek
TREASURE HUNT
Our little treasure hunting project is moving along nicely, and I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Currently, I have 52 thrift, antique, vintage and consignment shops on our list, and I’ve visited and rated 37 of them so far. I’m taking notes, comparing the browsing experience, looking for the best treasure finds, and slowly building what will become a Best of the Gulf Coast guide.
If you haven’t yet submitted a favorite spot you think I should check out, this is the last chance to do so. I hope to be wrapping this up over the next few weeks and sharing it with the Crew!
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:27 am |
SUNSET 7:12 pm |
UV INDEX High |
MOON Waning Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 8:35 am |
HIGH TIDE 11:53 pm |
GULF TEMP 84ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER Storm Brewing |
*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!
Howie the dog
A handsome, house-trained hound with a big heart, ready to trade kennel life for a forever home with room to explore and plenty of time with his favorite people.
Eden the dog
A sweet Beagle mix who never turns down a little affection—or a good couch nap—making her an easygoing companion for anyone looking for a lovable sidekick.
Bootsie the dog
A happy-go-lucky Heeler mix with energy to spare, always ready to hop in the car, tag along on an adventure, and make a new best friend wherever she goes.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 1st
Preschool Rave Dance Party! | Orange Beach Public Library | 10am
Alabama's Native Tortoise | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 1pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 2nd
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Adult Anime Club | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Thursday 3rd
Explore the Shore | Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion | Gulf Shores | 9am
Fish fry | St. Peter's Episcopal Church | Bon Secour | 5pm
Crafty Adults: Propagation Station | Orange Beach Public Library | 5:30pm
Friday 4th
Stars Stripes & Summer Nights | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 4pm
Live Music Friday with Dan Poer | Picnic Beach | Gulf Shores | 5pm
The Gulf Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
An Evening with Pam Tillis | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 5th
Bloody Mary 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run | Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores | 7:30am
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
OWA Labor Day Car Show | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 9am
Game Day on The Green | Portside on Main at OWA | Orange Beach | 11am
Live Music: The Undertow | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 6th
Goat Agility Training | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Light Up Labor Day | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Monday 7th
Labor Day on the Lanes | Gulf Bowl | Foley | 9am
Coastal Raptors of Gulf State Park | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
BINGO & Birdies | Tee Off | Orange Beach | 6pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s it from me this week. Get out there and enjoy a little sunshine, even if it’s just for a minute or two. Until next time, may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn Swisher
P.S. You’re invited to reply with your favorite local restaurant — I’m taking notes!