DISPATCH #41
Good morning Crew!
Another week, another reason to love living near the Gulf. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s get to it—here’s your coastal catch-up.
TODAY’S CATCH
Two Gulf Coast residents are finally back where they belong. Skipper, a young loggerhead turtle, and Pudge, an endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, were released back into the Gulf after months of rehabilitation for injuries caused by fishing gear. Their stories come with a sobering reminder: Gulf State Park has recorded 59 turtle hookings this year, with only 14 successful outcomes. Pudge is heading home with a satellite tracker attached to her shell, so researchers can follow her travels from here. Here’s hoping her next adventure involves a whole lot of open water and no fishing line. swim free
Looks like the Canal Park boat launch isn’t going away quietly. After Gulf Shores staff recommended removing the launch beneath the Highway 59 bridge over safety concerns, residents packed last week’s work session asking the city to keep it open. Many called it a valuable community resource, pointing to its convenient location and years of use by experienced local boaters. Interestingly, the city’s fire chief said he wasn’t aware of any injuries or incidents at the ramp. No final decision has been made yet, so for now, this one’s still afloat. boat ramp battle
Who knew a skid steer could have bragging rights? Foley is hosting the Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo at OWA on Sept. 25, bringing public works crews from more than 20 cities and agencies together to see who really knows their way around the big toys. Operators will tackle precision challenges using excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, and other heavy machinery. It’s free to watch…and how often do you get to see a rodeo involving heavy equipment? heavy competition
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“King of the pilings!”
Captured by Gregg Solms at Lake Shelby, Gulf State Park
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Brand New Construction + Under Appraisal Value
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,522 sq ft | look inside
Beachfront Condo w/ $80k+ Gross Rentals
Gulf Shores | 2 beds | 2 baths | 1,161 sq ft | surf’s up!
Boat Lover’s Dream in Heart of Orange Beach
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 4 bath | 1,632 sq ft | island life
Convenient Location + Private Backyard & Shed
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 2,280 sq ft | take a peek
SUMMER BOOK CLUB
This month’s book was Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan.
When Dolly Brick returned to Rhode Island, she was determined to keep her father from losing the family home. But an unexpected "Pretty Woman" style arrangement with a wealthy local man turned her summer into something she never expected.
How did you like it? Head on over to the website for the full book review and discussion.
WORD SCRAMBLE
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:23 am |
SUNSET 7:20 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 5:59 pm |
HIGH TIDE 7:51 am |
GULF TEMP 85ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Let’s help these little guys find the loving families they deserve — maybe their perfect match is reading this right now.
Lucy the dog
A smart, playful girl with plenty of kisses to share, ready to bring lots of affection and everyday fun to her forever family.
Sissy the dog
A gentle blond girl with a heart of gold—equally happy chasing a game of fetch or simply staying close to her favorite people and soaking up the love.
Phil the cat
A gentle fellow who’s put his rough days behind him and is ready for the good life—a home filled with soft places to nap and all the love his sweet heart can handle.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 25th
Karaoke Tuesday | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 5pm
Foley Run Club | Moe’s Original BBQ | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 26th
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Pokémon Club | Foley Public Library | 4pm
Game Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 5pm
Jack Johnson in Concert | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7:30pm
Thursday 27th
Teen & Tween D&D Adventurers League | Foley Public Library | 4pm
Tee Off Turned Up Live Music Series | Portside at The Wharf| Orange Beach | 5pm
Friday 28th
33rd Annual Golf Challenge for Education | Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club | Gulf Shores | 7am
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
MJ: The Illusion | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 29th
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
Harry Potter Day | Foley Community Library | 10am
Game Day on The Green | Portside at The Wharf | Orange Beach | 11am
Live Music: Nashville South | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Vegas McGraw: A Tribute to Tim McGraw | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Jason Aldean in Concert | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7:30pm
Sunday 30th
Goat Agility Training | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Free Live Music: Petty Betty | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm
Monday 31st
Bird Chat At South American Adventure | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9:15am
Kids Board Games | Foley Public Library | 4pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Appreciate you being here, truly. Until next time, take it easy and enjoy this place we’re lucky to call home. May God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn Swisher
P.S. Life feels clearer when you’re standing near the waterline.
How did you like today's dispatch?
Word Scramble Answer: Osprey