DISPATCH #27
Good morning Crew,
Hope you’re doing well and soaking up a little Gulf Coast sunshine today. Crowds (and traffic) are beginning to inch up around here. A couple more weeks of this, then summer season will be upon us. Let’s get to it — here’s your rundown on what’s happening along the Gulf this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
The new ICW Bridge on State Route 161 is now open, creating a new traffic pattern getting in and out of Orange Beach. There’s still some construction happening near the north roundabout and the south side of the old toll bridge, so officials are asking drivers to slow down and have a little patience while everyone adjusts. I can tell you one thing — it sure feels strange using that left lane going north across the old bridge. Right now, most folks are still sticking to the right lane out of habit. Hopefully, all these changes will mean fewer backups this summer! new traffic pattern
S’mores on the Shore returns to Gulf Shores on Thursday at Gulf Place, bringing campfires, toasted marshmallows, music, watermelon, and a whole lineup of family-friendly fun to the public beach. There’ll be face painting, balloon artists, local vendors, and plenty of reasons to pull up a chair and stay awhile. In other words, one of those simple coastal evenings that feels like summer officially settling in. s’more please
Apparently the secret’s getting harder to keep. Foley was just ranked the 14th fastest-growing city in the country among cities with at least 20,000 residents, growing nearly 8% in a single year. Since 2020, Foley has added close to 10,000 new residents and is now the second-largest city in Baldwin County. Between the location, new development, and easy access to the beach… it’s not hard to see why people are settling in and sticking around. growing fast
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
If your perfect Saturday involves good food, good people, and maybe loosening your belt a notch or two by the end of the day… this one’s for you. The Taste of Baldwin Food Truck Battle & Market is rolling into Elberta on June 13th with delicious food trucks, local vendors, live music, and family fun.
Taste food from over a dozen different food trucks and vote on your favorite for People’s Choice. It’s free to attend and free to park, so mark your calendars.
Come hungry. Leave happy! get the details
P.S. Additional sponsors are still needed, so if you have a local business, this is a great way to help support the community and get your name out there.
ON THE MARKET
Charming Craftsman w/ Lots of Style
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,828 sq ft | look inside
New-ish Construction in Bear Point
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,440 sq ft | island life
4 Beds and a Pool!
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,892 sq ft | take a peek
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Foggy morning fishing”
Captured by Benny Sims at Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
The votes from last week’s poll have been tallied and the results are in. Looks like the Gulf Coast Crew is exactly what we suspected: half locals, half trying to figure out how to stay here longer!
How many days a year do you think you spend here along the Gulf?
👙 Just a few days - <1%
🏖️ A couple weeks - 5%
🐬 Around a month - 7%
🌴 More than a month - 39%
⚓️ I live here - 48%
UNSCRAMBLE ME
BTARELE
(Answer at the bottom)
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:54 am |
SUNSET 7:39 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waxing Crescent |
LOW TIDE 10:09 pm |
HIGH TIDE 10:24 am |
GULF TEMP 78ºF |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Let’s help these little guys find the loving families they deserve — maybe their perfect match is reading this right now.
Toby the dog
This sweet boy is gentle, affectionate, and curious — ready to become a loyal companion for someone looking for a loving friend by their side.
Allie the dog
A sweet girl who’s full of quiet affection and ready to find a forever home where she can share cozy moments and plenty of love.
Rocky the dog
This big lovable Lab mix is a playful companion with an affectionate heart, ready to bring fun, loyalty, and tail-wagging joy to his forever family.
Tuesday 19th
Book Tasting Around the World | Orange Beach Public Library | 2:30pm
Two Step Classes | American Legion Post 99 | Foley | 6pm
Live Music: Rockstar Fish | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | Wafles R Wild | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 20th
Guided Hike | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead @ Gulf State Park | 9am
Hurricane Preparedness w/ Riviera Utilities | Foley Public Library | 10am
Game Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 5pm
Live Music: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm
Thursday 21st
Third Thursday: Ladies Night | Downtown Foley | 5pm
S’mores on the Shore | Gulf Place | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Karaoke (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Friday 22nd
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Organic Gardening & Composting | Learning Campus @ Gulf State Park | 9am
Music and a Movie | Heritage Park | Foley | 6pm
Spark into Summer | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Live Music: Zoe Burdett | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 6pm
Saturday 23rd
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Goat Agility Training | AL Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
LuLuPalooza | LuLu’s | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 10pm
Karaoke Saturday | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Live Music: Petty Betty | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Hardy | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7pm
The Rocky Horror Picture Show | OWA Theater | Foley | 8pm
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show | Downtown OWA | Foley | 8:50pm
Sunday 24th
Seine Net Experience | Lake Shelby Picnic Pavilion @ Gulf State Park | 9am
Live Music: Frank Fletcher | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Live Music: Smith & Kern | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 6pm
Monday 25th
Guided Beach Walk | Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion | 9am
Veterans Memorial Ribbon Cutting | Orange Beach Veterans Memorial | 9am
Live Music: The Stephen Bros Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Dave Matthews Band | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s a wrap for this week. Hope the Gulf treats you kindly until we catch up again. See ya out there, and may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. You officially have great taste for reading to the end.
Word Scramble Answer: Elberta