A little traffic shuffle is coming before the summer crowds hit the beaches. Starting May 10, the old toll bridge next to The Wharf will be closed for a few days while crews change it over to northbound-only. The new ICW bridge just to the west will be opened in phases, with full access expected by May 13th. During the changeover, Orange Beach traffic will be routed through Gulf Shores. It will mean a few detours in the short term, but the goal is a much smoother flow heading into Memorial Day. get the details

Things are about to get busier at Gulf Shores International Airport. With several new nonstop routes launching this month — including flights from places like Omaha, Oklahoma City, Huntsville, and Louisville — the airport is gearing up for its busiest summer yet, with up to 30 flights per week. To keep things moving, they’ve added parking, adjusted traffic flow, and even brought in a few local touches like live music and food for arriving travelers. Looking ahead, a $15 million terminal expansion is on deck to handle the growing demand… a pretty clear sign that more and more folks are finding their way to our stretch of the coast. jet to the beach

Something a little lighter is fluttering into Foley. The city is hosting its first “Welcome Back Monarchs” event on May 9th, bringing together local experts, hands-on activities, and tours of the pollinator garden to celebrate the return of migrating butterflies. It’s part of a bigger push to support monarch habitats along the Gulf Coast. Like bees, these butterflies play an important role as pollinators that help keep plants and ecosystems thriving. It’s a nice reminder that sometimes the smallest visitors can make the biggest impact. welcome back monarchs

Avoid using flashlights at night (or use red filters)

Turn off or shield bright beach-facing lights

Give nesting turtles plenty of space (30+ feet)

Leave nests and tracks undisturbed

Don’t leave holes dug in the sand