DISPATCH #37
Good morning Crew!
It’s hot out there, y’all. Not regular Gulf Coast hot, either. We’re talking “the air feels like soup” hot. At this point, stepping outside is less of an activity and more of a personal challenge. Stay hydrated, find some shade and remember—the beach may be calling, but so is the air conditioner!
TODAY’S CATCH
Book lovers might want to clear a little space on the calendar. Foley Public Library is opening the doors to its brand-new 40,000-square-foot library on August 4, and it's much more than just a bigger place to check out books. The new facility features a children's Story Grove, a teen area, a sensory room, a STEAM lab, a large community meeting space, and even a second-story porch overlooking the rose trail and dog park. Grand opening festivities include a ribbon cutting, scavenger hunt, crafts, story times, and plenty of chances to explore. Looks like Foley's newest gathering place just happens to have a whole lot of books. check it out
It may not change your drive home tomorrow, but future beach traffic just got a little reason for hope. Gulf Shores has approved a land swap with Gulf State Park that clears the way for a future connector road between Canal Road and Highway 59. The long-term goal is to give through traffic another route and take some of the pressure off the Gulf Pines neighborhood. There's no construction timeline yet, so it won't make this Friday's drive any shorter—but it could help keep future beach playlists from getting quite so long. road to relief
Well... that's one way to get flagged by airport security. TSA officers at Gulf Shores International Airport got quite a surprise after spotting what looked like possible explosives inside a checked bag. Turns out the passenger was carrying five Civil War-era cannonballs that had been taken from Fort Morgan. Thankfully, the cannonballs weren’t dangerous, but they still weren't cleared for takeoff. Deputies were able to return the historic relics to Fort Morgan where they belong. Let's just say that's one souvenir that needs to be left at the fort. cannonball run
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Sunset over the Bon Secour River”
Captured by Bridget Tweedy at The Launch on CR6
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Beautiful Kitchen + Convenient Location
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,323 sq ft | look inside
Live Just Minutes from Everything in Foley
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 2,331 sq ft | take a peek
3 Bed Condo Bigger Than Most 4 Beds
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 4 bath | 2,301 sq ft | island life
Southern Charm + Price Drop
Magnolia Springs | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,942 sq ft | welcome home
These are my top picks for the week. If one of them catches your eye, hit reply and I’ll help you take a closer look.
CREW NEWS
Last week, I mentioned something eventful was coming. Well… it’s here! The Crew now has a new online events calendar, making it even easier to see what’s happening around the coast whenever you’re making plans.
The weekly newsletter events section isn’t going anywhere. I’ll still round up the best picks for the week so you don’t have to sort through everything yourself. But when you want even more options—or need to plan a little further ahead—you can visit the online calendar anytime.
Think of the newsletter as the highlight reel and the calendar as the full lineup.
BOOK CREW
Hey, hey… it’s book club day!
Grab a box of tissues for this one. Libby Page’s This Book Made Me Think of You is an emotional journey through grief, hope, and the healing power of books.
So was it worth the read? What were your thoughts on the last book Tilly received?
Head on over to the website for our full take on it and a place to share your thoughts if you’d like.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:06 am |
SUNSET 7:46 pm |
UV INDEX Extreme |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 7:07 pm |
HIGH TIDE 8:12 am |
GULF TEMP 84ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
There’s a wagging tail or soft purr out there hoping you’ll see this.
Ravioli the dog
A sweet, lovable Chiweenie who's ready to enjoy the life she deserves—a cozy forever home filled with gentle walks, sunny afternoons, and plenty of cuddles by your side.
Buck the dog
This handsome hound mix is a gentle, loyal fellow with a heart full of affection and kisses to share, ready to find a home where he can enjoy plenty of time by your side.
Percy the kitten
A handsome little silver tabby with a larger-than-life personality, always chasing after his favorite toys before happily curling up in your arms for a well-earned nap.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 28th
Bobcat Chat | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Sunset Sounds | Portside on Main at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Music Bingo | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | 7pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 29th
Guided Beach Walk | Beach Pavilion at Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 9am
Summer Kids Club- Pet Fish Glow Lamp | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Game Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 5pm
Pepsi Summer Adventure | The Wharf Orange Beach | 6pm
FREE LIVE MUSIC: The Homies | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Thursday 30th
Little Park Pals: Tortoise Trackers | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 2pm
Tee Off Turned Up Live Music Series | The stage at Portside | Orange Beach | 5pm
Groovy Goat Thursday Night Karaoke | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Beats + Bubbles | Main Street at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Friday 31st
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 7am
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Poker Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles MAGIC SHOW | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | South Baldwin Community Theatre | Gulf Shores | 7:30pm
Saturday 1st
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
BINGO for Books & Prizes | Orange Beach Senior Center | 2pm
Karaoke Saturdays (21+) | Tacky Jack's 2 | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 2nd
Goat Agility Training | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Brunch & Rally | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 1pm
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | South Baldwin Community Theatre | Gulf Shores | 2:30pm
Monday 3rd
Snakes of Gulf State Park | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
BINGO & Birdies | Tee Off | Orange Beach | 6pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Thanks for being part of the Crew — seriously. This little newsletter only works because folks like you love this coast and care about what’s happening around here. If you enjoyed this issue, share it with a friend or neighbor who’d like to join in.
See you next week, and may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. I love hearing from y'all. Have a thought you’d like to share? Reply and say hi!