DISPATCH #48

Good morning Crew!

Well, it’s been an eventful week since we last met. Folks around here piled into the grocery stores and gas stations, preparing for an incoming hurricane nobody could pronounce. Thankfully, it scooted just far enough east that we only had to deal with tropical storm force winds and minor damage. The sun has returned now, the waters have calmed down, and things are back to normal along the coast, so here’s what you need to know this week.

TODAY’S CATCH

  • Coastal Alabama came through Hurricane Isaias with relatively minor damage. The beaches and local businesses are back open and the Governor’s previous evacuation order for non-residents has been lifted, though some cleanup is still underway. Our neighbors to the east weren't quite as fortunate, and our thoughts are with those facing a much tougher recovery. We're all very thankful this one wasn't worse than it was. dodged a bullet

  • Getting to the airport from Foley may soon involve a lot fewer brake lights. Work is nearing completion on the Waterway East Blvd extension, which will connect directly to the Beach Express and give drivers an easier route to Gulf Shores International Airport without battling the traffic on Hwy 59. Most of the new roadway is already in place, with final intersection improvements expected to wrap up before the end of the year. It's one more step toward making air travel a little easier around here. airport shortcut

  • Boo at the Zoo returns to Gulf Shores this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 am to noon, bringing trick-or-treating, animal meet-and-greets, costumes, and plenty of family-friendly fun—without the scary stuff. Kids (and grown-ups) are encouraged to dress up, bring a treat bag, and enjoy a morning among the animals. The festivities are included with regular zoo admission and proceeds help support the zoo's animals and programs. Sounds like a pretty good excuse to monkey around for a few hours. boo at the zoo

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

“Sunset from the Pavilion”
Captured by Joyce Judd at Gulf State Park

Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool photos around town?

ON THE MARKET

Presented by REMAX on the Coast

Brick Home w/ Screened Porch, Shed & Fenced Yard
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 2,005 sq ft | welcome home

Lagoon Front Condo w/ Private Beach & Pier
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,988 sq ft | look inside

Raised Beach House in Bear Point — Nearly New
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,160 sq ft | island life

55+ Community + Zero-Entry Shower & Fenced Yard
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,667 sq ft | take a peek

SEA & SKY REPORT

CURRENT CONDITIONS

SUNRISE 6:51 am

SUNSET 6:21 pm

UV INDEX Moderate

MOON Waxing Crescent

LOW TIDE 7:29 am

HIGH TIDE 10:00 pm

GULF TEMP 79ºF

TROPICAL TRACKER All Clear

*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.

ADOPTABLE FRIENDS

Your next best friend might just be waiting down the road.

Buddy the dog
A brave survivor who’s overcome more than any dog should, but beneath that tough past is a trusting heart and a playful spirit—ready to enjoy the love and security of a forever home.

Destiny the dog
A sweet girl who may be shy at first, but with a patient family, a fenced yard, and a canine buddy by her side, she’s ready to blossom into the loving companion she was always meant to be.

Joey the dog
A happy-go-lucky boy who’s never met a stranger, loves a good game of fetch, and has enough energy and affection to keep his forever family smiling—especially if there’s a tennis ball involved.

HAPPENINGS

Tuesday 13th

TEEN Paint & Movie Night | Orange Beach Public Library | 5pm

Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm

Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm

Wednesday 14th

Pages & Paper | Orange Beach Public Library | 10am

Midday Melodies | Heritage Park | Foley | 11am

Craft & Connect: Spa Day | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm

Thursday 15th

USA Archery Collegiate 3D Nationals | Foley Event Center | 8am

Explore Alabama's Marine Fossils | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 1pm

Foley Main Street Third Thursdays | Downtown Foley | 5pm

Live Music: Pineapple Express | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm

Friday 16th

Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am

Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm

Family Bingo | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm

Primal Fear | OWA | Foley | 6pm

Saturday 17th

7th Annual Magnolia Springs Firefighter Festival | Magnolia Springs Firefighter Festival | 8am

CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am

Boo at the Zoo | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9am - 12pm

Blessing of the Pets | Orange Beach Presbyterian Church | 9am

Not Your Book Club | Foley Public Library | 10am

BCHM Haunted Forest | Baldwin County Heritage Museum | Elberta | 6pm

Graham Creek’s Haunted Forest | Graham Creek Nature Preserve | Foley | 7pm

Sunday 18th

Orange Beach Pop-Up Farmers Market: Fall Edition | Waterfront Park | Orange Beach | 10am

Trip Down Memory Lane | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 3pm

Monday 19th

Mahjong Mondays | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | All day

Unbound: Writing Circle | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm

Devon Gilfillian: Time Will Tell Tour | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 7pm


*Event details are subject to change.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

Thanks for sticking around to the end. I hope you found something useful. Have a great week and may God bless you and your crew!

—Shawn Swisher

P.S. I appreciate you being part of the Crew. It really means a lot.