DISPATCH #11
Good morning Crew,
Just popping in with a friendly hello and a handful of Gulf Coast goodness. Let’s dive on in to what’s been happening since we last met.
TODAY’S CATCH
Baldwin County just took another big step toward smoother trips between here and there by adopting an updated Baldwin Beach Express II Access Management Plan that’s all about keeping traffic moving and folks safer on the road. The 25-mile proposed corridor, stretching north from I-10 to I-65, is designed to link up three U.S. routes, ease congestion (especially on busy beach days), and even help with evacuation routes when the weather gets nasty. Engineers are fine-tuning how cars will get on and off the highway with fewer stoplights and better-placed interchanges so traffic doesn’t feel like a crab crawl on summer weekends. see the plans
After more than 60 years of serving the community, Gulf Shores is starting the process of replacing its well-worn City Hall with a new building that better fits how the city works today. Leaders say the current space has simply run its course, and the goal is a more functional, up-to-date home for city services — one that can take care of everyday business now while leaving a little room to grow with the community down the road. city hall glow up
Pickleball meets Mardi Gras at Pickle Gras 2026, where paddles, beads, and friendly competition all come together for a high-energy weekend on 18 indoor courts at the Foley Event Center. Players from near and far will be serving it up in themed matches, festive vibes, and plenty of Gulf Coast flair. All net profits go to local charities. calling all picklers
CREW ANNOUNCEMENT
Our little community just crossed over 5,000 Crew members, which feels like a good milestone to celebrate by trying something new!
I’m calling it The Crew Collection — a small, occasional series of physical pieces tied to the Gulf Coast and shaped by this community. Not merch for the sake of it, and nothing tacky or touristy. Just thoughtful, limited items that feel worth making.
I’d love your input on what the first piece should be. There’s a quick poll below — your vote actually matters here.
Thanks for being part of this from the beginning. However this unfolds, this first piece will always mark the moment Gulf Coast Crew became something you could keep, not just read.
More soon!
If Gulf Coast Crew created its first physical product, which would you be most likely to buy?
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
I’ve always thought Blue Herons are such amazing creatures. Here’s one captured in action by a fellow Crew member. What a big, beautiful bird!
“Blue heron takes flight”
Captured by Gregg Solms at Gulf State Park
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
5th Fairway Living
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,407 sq ft | fore!
Bear Point with Lots of Balconies
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,325 sq ft | check it out
Riverside Cottage on the Bon Secour
Foley | 5 beds | 5 baths | 3,400 sq ft | take a peek
SNOWBIRD RADAR
Snowbirds are roosting here on the coast, and probably glad they escaped the snowmageddon back home. Each flock has numerous happenings. Check out the links below for complete schedules of fun in the sun.
Wintering on the Gulf Coast? Tell us which state you call home — we’d love to know where our snowbirds are coming from this year.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:43 am |
SUNSET 5:22 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 2:53 am |
HIGH TIDE 2:49 pm |
GULF TEMP 52°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
This week’s reminder that sometimes the best things in life come with paws.
Gambit the dog
A fun-loving pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart, ready for adventures with his future family.
Odie the dog
An easygoing pup with a gentle soul and a heart full of affection, ready to settle into her forever home.
Coco the bunny
A sweet bunny with a calm, curious nature who’s ready to hop into a loving home.
Tuesday 27th
Art al Fresco: Painted Pinecone Flowers | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 10am
Tuesday Jeopardy | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm
Teen Game Night | Orange Beach Public Library | 5pm
Tacos, Tequila & Trivia | Waffles R Wild at OWA | Foley | 6pm
Stargazing at the Pier | Gulf State Park Pier | 6pm
Music Bingo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Winter Concert: 3 Redneck Tenors | Erie Meyer Civic Center | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 28th
Senior Wednesday | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9am - 3pm
Welcome Wednesday | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am
Bingo | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm
Wednesday Karaoke | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 4pm
Bingo w/ Tim Roberts | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Bingo | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 6pm
Open Mic Night w/ Nigel & Company | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm
Thursday 29th
Around the World Book Tasting | Orange Beach Public Library | 2:30pm
Thursday Bingo | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 4pm
Karaoke (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 5pm
Live on the Lawn w/ David Wiley | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Wine Tasting w/ Winston | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Legends and Laughter Show | AL Gulf Coast Music Hall | 7pm
Friday 30th
Hiring Event | CoastAL | Orange Beach | 10am - 5pm
Live: Smokey Otis Band | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm
Bingo w/ Rhonda Hart | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Live: Dan Poer | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm
Lego Club | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Live: Smith & Kern | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Live: Destiny Brown | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Friday Night Karaoke | Cozumel Bar & Grill at OWA | Foley | 6pm
Saturday 31st
Seashell Discovery | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 10am
Puzzle Challenge | Foley Public Library | 10am
Hiring Event | CoastAL | Orange Beach | 10am - 5pm
Mardi Gras Parade | Downtown Elberta | 12pm
Live on the Lawn w/ Cowboy Johnson | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live: Strickley & Flo | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Live: Jesse Duncan Trio | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 1st
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA | Foley | 1pm
Live: Les Linton | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 1pm
Trip Down Memory Lane | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 3pm
Live on the Lawn w/ Austin Thompson | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm
Trivia Night | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Monday 2nd
Art al Fresco: Tie-Dye Mardi Gras Scarf | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 10am
Snowbird Blood Drive Competition | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 10am - 4pm
Meet, Greet & Game | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm
Tech Class: Artificial Intelligence | Orange Beach Public Library | 2:30pm
Winter Concert: Supreme Reflections | Erie Meyer Civic Center | Gulf Shores | 7pm
*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. Go chase something small that makes you happy — like seashells or sunsets.