DISPATCH #34
Good morning Crew,
The fireworks and festivities are over, the busiest weekend of the summer is behind us, and the first half of 2026 is now in the books. Grab your coffee, sweet tea, or favorite beverage and kick your feet up for a few minutes. Here’s what’s happening around the coast this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
The new ICW bridge may have made getting to the beach easier—but leaving is still another story. Gulf Shores officials say traffic flowing onto the island has improved, but many drivers still continue to funnel onto the Highway 59 bridge when it's time to go home, leaving backups much like before. It seems most folks leaving Gulf Shores don’t want to drive all the way down to The Wharf in hopes of finding less traffic going north. City leaders hope future changes could eventually make the new bridge two-way (like it was originally planned), but for now, the evening drive off the island still requires a little patience. bridge blues
Downtown Foley just keeps finding new ways to grow. At its recent meeting, Foley Main Street celebrated 12 new downtown businesses since last fall, along with several projects aimed at making the area even more inviting. One of the newest additions is a Downtown Foley Digital Passport, which lets visitors earn points and rewards by exploring local shops and restaurants. Add in new beautification projects, the upcoming library, and continued downtown investment, and it's clear Foley's historic district isn't slowing down anytime soon. downtown buzz
Our little corner of the Gulf is getting some national attention yet again. Perdido Key was recently named the best barrier island in the United States, earning praise for its quiet beaches, protected natural areas, and easygoing coastal charm. Just down the list, Dauphin Island landed at No. 7, recognized for its beaches, birdwatching, and family-friendly attractions. It just goes to show you don't need towering condos and packed shorelines to have a great beach day. coastal bragging rights
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
I’ve been waiting for a great shrimp boat shot—and here it is! Thanks Sherry.
“Shrimp boat going out at sunset”
Captured by Sherry Haynes on Bon Secour Bay
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
THRIFT & TELL
I have a feeling some of you know where the real treasures are hiding.
Over the next few months, I’m putting together a Gulf Coast Crew guide to the area’s best thrift stores, antique shops and treasure hunting spots — and I want to start with your favorites.
Which places should be on my list? Send me the store name, town and anything I should know before I go.
I’ll compile the nominations, visit as many as I can myself (updating you along the way), and eventually put together a ranked guide to the places that truly stand out.
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Turn-Key Investment or 2nd Home
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 1,897 sq ft | rent it out
House, Pool, Barn, 5 Acres & a River
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,386 sq ft | take a peek
4 Bedroom Penthouse w/ Huge Balcony
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 5 baths | 3,504 sq ft | see the views
Move-In-Ready Brick Home w/ Fenced Yard
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,863 sq ft | look inside
BOOK CREW
Bookworms rejoice… it’s book club day!
Well, this one gave us plenty to talk about. When Secrets Come Calling had secrets, complicated relationships and a few moments that made us rethink what we thought we knew.
So here’s the question: Did the ending work for you?
Head on over to the website for our full take on it and a place to share your thoughts if you’d like.
A bit of a housekeeping issue: I find it strange to be discussing June’s book in July, so book clubs will be on the last Tuesday of the month going forward. My apologies.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:54 am |
SUNSET 7:55 pm |
UV INDEX Extreme |
MOON Last Quarter |
LOW TIDE 4:15 pm |
HIGH TIDE 5:09 am |
GULF TEMP 82ºF |
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.
Peaches the dog
This friendly girl has plenty of love left to give, making her the perfect companion for someone looking to share quiet days and cuddles.
Bama the dog
This sweet senior girl is a gentle soul with kind eyes, ready to spend her golden years in a loving home where every day is filled with a little extra kindness.
Dallas the dog
This handsome hound mix has a calm nature and curious spirit, ready to bring warm companionship and plenty of love to his forever home.
Tuesday 7th
Art al Fresco: Decoupage Oyster Shell | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 11am
Free Bingo w/ Rhonda Hart | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Sunset Sounds | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Foley Run Club | Moe’s BBQ | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 8th
Goodbye Library Story Time & Craft | Foley Public Library | 10am
Public Open House | Swift-Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Live Music: Velcro Pygmies | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Pepsi Summer Adventure | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Live Music: Brent Varner | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Thursday 9th
The Science Lady | Orange Beach Recreation Center | 2pm
Bubbles & Beats | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Karaoke Thursday (21+) | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Friday 10th
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Pier | 9:30am
Discover Gulf Sea Turtles | Gulf State Park Nature Center | 10am
Poker Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 6pm
Sunset Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 7pm
Live Music: Swampland Revival | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Saturday 11th
Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers & Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am - 2pm
Children’s Author Emily Cordon | Legacy Books | Summerdale | 10am - 1pm
Pop-Up Park & Block Party | Marjorie Snook Park | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Live Music: Petty Betty | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 12th
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | Pickleball at OWA | Foley | 1pm
Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
Train + Barenaked Ladies | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 6:45pm
Monday 13th
Matinee Art: Landscape Paint & Sip | Orange Beach Public Library | 10am
Movie Monday | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Thanks for reading along this week. Here’s to calm seas and good company, and until next time, may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. Remember: hydration is your friend, humidity is not.
P.P.S. The high score on Gulf Coast Quest is 89 out of 100. Will anyone beat it?