DISPATCH #21

Good morning Crew,

Hope you’re having one of those slow, easy kind of mornings. We’re still in Spring Break mode around here but the crowds seem to have eased up just a bit. Here’s your weekly dose of life along the Gulf.

TODAY’S CATCH

There’s something new to keep an eye (and ear) on at the beach. Baldwin County has rolled out a shark alert system that will notify beachgoers of confirmed shark attacks, with alerts pushed straight to your phone (similar to an Amber Alert) so you know what’s happening in real time. Officials say the goal is to get clear, accurate information out quickly and help the public make safer decisions in the moment. It’s one more layer of awareness along the shore… and maybe a little extra motivation to keep your head on a swivel in the water. shark alert
Well… this one’s udderly unexpected (sorry, I had to). Baldwin County is hosting its first-ever Cowfest in Robertsdale on April 18th, bringing a full day of cattle-themed fun, local vendors, and good old-fashioned farm flavor to the area. Think of it as part festival, part ag appreciation, with a whole lot of fun mixed in. Whether you’re there for the livestock, the tractors, or just to see what exactly happens at a Cowfest… it’s shaping up to be one of those uniquely Baldwin County kind of things. cows get festive
Just another casual stroll through the neighborhood… if your neighbor happens to be an alligator. Folks in Gulf Shores got a bit of a surprise when a “swamp puppy” was spotted wandering down a city street like it had somewhere important to be. Police stepped in to wrangle the unexpected visitor and relocate it somewhere a little more… appropriate. A good reminder to look both ways before crossing the street — just in case. gator crossing

CREW NEWS

Well… the Crew has spoken—and it wasn’t even close.

With a 94% “place the order!” vote, y’all officially gave the green light to the Crew hats. This little project has been built the right way from the start—voted on step by step by this community. Style, color, design… all shaped by your votes.

What’s next? I’ll be finalizing the order ASAP and they should be arriving in around eight weeks. If they turn out anything like I expect, these are going to be the kind of hats you reach for without thinking. I’ll share a first look as soon as they land, along with details on how to grab one.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

“Early morning wildflowers”
Captured by Cindy Baysinger in Gulf State Park

Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?

Share your shot

ON THE MARKET

Craft Farms w/ Lake & Fairway Views
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,406 sq ft | fore!

Wolf Bay Waterfront w/ Dock & No HOA
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,612 sq ft | dive in

Classic Brick Home w/ Big Ol’ Workshop
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 2,267 sq ft | take a peek

WORD SCRAMBLE

LTHEO AAOMLGIN

(Answer at the bottom)

SEA & SKY REPORT

CURRENT CONDITIONS
SUNRISE 6:31 am
SUNSET 7:12 pm
UV INDEX Very High
MOON Waning Gibbous
LOW TIDE 11:59 pm
HIGH TIDE 11:44 am
GULF TEMP 70°F

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

ADOPTABLE FRIENDS

Looking to add a little more love (and maybe some fur) to your crew?

Mason the dog
A playful pup who’s ready to find a forever home where he can share daily adventures and plenty of love.

Ellie the dog
An affectionate pup with a playful heart and friendly eyes, ready to find her forever home.

Mushroom the bunny
A shy girl with a funny name, who needs a calm and gentle home so she can feel comfortable in her surroundings.

PLAY FOR THE PUPS!

If your short game could use a little work (or you just like a good excuse to hang out for a cause), Putts for Mutts is back for round three. Grab a crew of four, head over to Shrimpy's Grill & Golf, and putt your way through a laid-back afternoon that helps local rescue animals at the same time.

Registration gets you mini-golf, a drink ticket, and a t-shirt—plus a shot at prizes for the top teams, raffle goodies, and live music from Justin Colvard to keep things lively. It all tees off at 1pm on Saturday, April 18th, so round up your team and get signed up before the April 12th deadline. Every swing helps a local animal find a better day!

HAPPENINGS

Add an event

Tuesday 7th

Tween Game Bonanza | Foley Public Library | 4pm

Live on the Lawn: Justin Colvardo Duo | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm

Live Music: 3HG | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Music Bingo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 7pm

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

Wednesday 8th

Kids Pokemon Club | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm

Chess Club | Foley Public Library | 4pm

Open Mic Night w/ Nigel & Co | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 5pm

Live Music: Six Piece Suits | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Artwalk | Barometer Waterfront Grille | Orange Beach | 6pm

Live Music: Brent Varner | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm

Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm

Thursday 9th

History of Gulf Coast Pirates | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 11am

Free Bingo w/ Rhonda Hart | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm

Kids Club: LEGO | Foley Public Library | 4pm

Live on the Lawn: Tim Nowell | Doc’s Seafood & Steaks | Orange Beach | 5pm

Cricut Class | Orange Beach Public Library | 5:30pm

Live Music: The Undertow Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Karaoke (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm

Karaoke | Groovy Goat at OWA | Foley | 6pm

Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm

Friday 10th

Guided Walk: Gopher Tortoise Trail | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead | 1pm

Live Music: Lee Yankie | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 5pm

Live Music: Jesse Taylor Perry | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Live Music: Jon Kott Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Live Music: Les Linton | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm

Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm

Hannah Dasher | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm

Saturday 11th

Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm

Baldwin County Strawberry Festival | Loxley Municipal Park | 9am - 5pm

Habitat Hustle 5K & Fun Run | Orange Beach Sportsplex | 9am

Gulf Coast Mustang & Mega Car Show | Downtown OWA | Foley | 10am

Live Music: Les Linton | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 5pm

Live Music: Shawn Williams Trio | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Live Music: Jon Kott Band | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Karaoke Saturday (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm

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

SkynFolks: The Authentic Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm

Sunday 12th

Baldwin County Strawberry Festival | Loxley Municipal Park | 9am - 5pm

Pickleball Brunch & Rally | Pickleball at OWA | Foley | 1pm

Live Music: Damien Lamb | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 5pm

Live Music: Thin Ice | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm

Monday 13th

Unusual Beach Creatures Uncovered | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 10am