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Tanger Outlets Foley Welcomes More National Retailers
Tanger Outlets Foley continues to grow its lineup of sought-after retailers with the openings of Victoria’s Secret and Pandora. The new additions build on the center’s momentum as renovation work continues this year, improving connectivity, elevating dining and gathering spaces, and modernizing the look of the Alabama Gulf Coast shopping destination.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our retail mix with top national brands that resonate with our shoppers, while investing in updates that enhance the overall guest experience,” said Debra Brown, Marketing Director at Tanger Foley. “Victoria’s Secret and Pandora bring new retail experiences that complement our existing lineup and reinforce Tanger Foley as the region’s premier shopping destination.”
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Now open in a 7,281-square-foot store near Ann Taylor, Victoria’s Secret offers guests an elevated destination for modern, fashion-inspired collections. As the leading specialty retailer of lingerie and beauty products, the brand features best-selling intimates, fine fragrances, body care and loungewear. Shoppers can also enjoy personalized, one-on-one bra fitting appointments with specially trained Bra Fit Experts. Bra fittings are complimentary, and no appointment is required. Alongside its signature lingerie collections, the store will carry Victoria’s Secret Beauty products, including popular scents, mists and fine fragrances.
Joining the center’s retail lineup this November, Pandora will bring its iconic hand-finished jewelry to a 2,000-square-foot space next to Bath & Body Works, featuring signature charm bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings designed to celebrate personal style and meaningful moments. Founded more than 40 years ago as a small jewelry shop in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora has grown into a globally recognized brand with a presence in more than 100 countries.
The new retailers join a growing roster of recent additions, including Buckle, Toys”R”Us and the upcoming Shake Shack, as construction continues on Tanger Foley’s multi-phase renovation. Designed to enhance connectivity and create a more seamless guest experience across the 532,000-square-foot center, the project includes modernized exteriors, enhanced access points and new dining and gathering spaces that better integrate retail and food and beverage offerings. These updates reinforce the center’s role as a community hub while creating a stronger foundation for future retail and restaurant additions.
About Tanger Foley
Tanger Foley is an upscale, open-air outlet shopping destination in Alabama’s Baldwin County that features an extensive collection of top brands and local shops. The more than 500,000-square-foot center features nearly 100 stores and eateries, including shopper-favorite brands like Nike, Crocs, TJ Maxx, J.Crew, and Aerie. For a full store listing and map, as well as directions, events, and offers, visit https://t.co/I0DOpU7lz2, download the Tanger App, or connect on Facebook and Instagram. Guests can access even more by joining TangerClub, Tanger’s exclusive loyalty program, for curated offers and rewards.
Baldwin County Fair Returns to Robertsdale for Five Days
The Baldwin County Fair has been a fixture in south Alabama since 1948, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Robertsdale each fall. Organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association, the event features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and locally prepared food. It is held at the Baldwin County Fairgrounds on Fairground Road. This year marks the fair’s 75th edition.
The 2026 fair runs from Tuesday, September 22, through Saturday, September 26, at 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and the fairgrounds close at 11 p.m. Friday hours extend to 1 a.m., and Saturday hours run from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Adult admission is $10 at the gate. Seniors 65 and older, active military, veterans, and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Parking is free for all attendees. The Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association can be reached at (251) 947-3247.
The carnival midway will feature rides from Arnold Amusements. Area 51 is a spinning attraction that lifts riders off the ground through centrifugal force. The Cliff Hanger simulates hang gliding, carrying three-passenger vehicles into the air once the ride reaches full speed.
The Freak Out is a pendulum-style ride that swings riders back and forth while their feet hang beneath the seat. Riders sit in open chairs that rotate as the pendulum accelerates. The ride is marketed to thrill-seekers seeking a high-energy experience.
Beyond the midway, the fair features agricultural and educational exhibits, contests, and food prepared by local vendors. Organizers expect more than 30,000 visitors over the five-day run. Additional information is available at https://t.co/KQYBtVmpWN.
Local Pub Crawl For Charity
Get ready to combine your love for community and good times at the upcoming Local Pour Tour ’26! This exciting one-day pub crawl is the perfect way to support a worthy cause while enjoying a Saturday filled with refreshing drinks, live music, and delicious local food. By joining this charity event, you’ll be helping Lee Charities continue their vital work supporting nonprofits across Baldwin County, all while connecting with neighbors and making the most of your weekend in Gulf Shores.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Check-in at American Legion Post 44 in Gulf Shores runs from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants will receive an event T-shirt, wristband, and koozie at check-in.
After check-in, the tour heads to The Galley on the River from noon to 2 p.m. The next stop is Bier Shack Taproom from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by Scuttlebutt Pub from 4 to 6 p.m.
Participants return to American Legion Post 44 at 6 p.m. for the wrap party. The celebration will include live music and prize drawings for all registered attendees. The full event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All registered Local Pour Tour participants are eligible for the prize drawings. Organizers say the drawings will take place at the start of the wrap party.
Prizes include an autographed Luke Combs guitar and an autographed Kenny Chesney item described as a “Silver Sands Marina” album. Gift baskets from Scuttlebutt, The Galley on the River, and Bier Shack Taproom are also planned. Organizers say additional prizes may be added before the event.
Tickets are $30, plus a 75-cent service fee, and include the T-shirt, koozie, and wristband. Ticket sales for the main event will end on Sept. 16 at 10 p.m.
Coast Cab is offering a $20 shuttle day pass for those who want to skip the drive between stops. The first shuttles are scheduled to depart from American Legion Post 44 at 11:30 a.m., follow the event route, and then return for the wrap party. The shuttle serves The Galley on the River, Bier Shack Taproom, and Scuttlebutt Pub before returning to the American Legion. Shuttle riders will receive a Coast Cab wristband at check-in. Shuttle-pass sales will end on Sept. 16 at 7:03 p.m.
Lee Charities partners with more than 40 nonprofit organizations across Baldwin County. The Foley-based nonprofit reports investing more than $1 million of its own funds directly into local nonprofits and has also helped raise more than $2 million for local organizations.
Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for locals to meet neighbors and support the community. Funds raised through the Local Pour Tour will be distributed to local organizations via Lee Charities.
More information and tickets are available on Bier Shack Taproom’s Local Pour Tour ’26 event page.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve Reviews Invasive Flora at Foley Library
The Foley Community Library is set to launch its “Bites and Insights” discussion series on September 15 with an opening presentation by the Graham Creek Nature Preserve. This inaugural session will focus on a critical ecological challenge facing the Gulf Coast: the spread of invasive plant species.
The Graham Creek Nature Preserve, which protects hundreds of acres of the Wolf Bay watershed and native habitats like pine savannas and pitcher plant bogs, is at the forefront of managing these non-native species. While these plants originally arrived with the promise of economic, agricultural, or aesthetic benefits, they have since escaped cultivation to disrupt local ecosystems.
Here is a look at some of the most prominent invasive plants in the coastal region, the purposes they were originally intended to provide, and the ecological disruption they now cause:
The Chinese Tallowtree
What It Was Meant to Provide: Native to Eastern Asia, the tallowtree was introduced to the Gulf Coast in the early 1900s through federally sponsored plantings. It was primarily intended to establish a seed oil industry. Additionally, because of its rapid growth and colorful autumn foliage, it became a highly popular ornamental choice for local landscaping.
The Ecological Reality: The hoped-for seed oil industry failed, and the tallowtree quickly became a major environmental threat. Its highly prolific seeds are easily spread by birds and water, allowing it to invade wet areas, stream banks, and forests across southern Alabama. It crowds out native plants and alters local hydrology, transforming diverse wetlands into monocultures.
Kudzu
What It Was Meant to Provide: Known infamously as “the vine that ate the South,” kudzu was extensively planted throughout the region during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. It was widely promoted to provide high-quality livestock forage and to control severe soil erosion along hillsides and embankments.
The Ecological Reality: Without natural checks, kudzu grows up to a foot a day during the spring. This rapid growth enables it to blanket entire landscapes, smothering native plants, trees, and even utility poles under heavy mats of vegetation, completely blocking out the sunlight needed for other species to survive.
Cogongrass
What It Was Meant to Provide: Native to Asia, cogongrass was introduced to the Mobile area in the early 1900s, often as packing material. Later, it was intentionally planted to stabilize soils and provide forage for livestock.
The Ecological Reality: Cogongrass is now designated as a federal and state noxious weed, spreading rapidly through windblown seeds and contaminated soil. It forms dense, circular infestations that completely exclude native wildlife forage and plant species. Furthermore, because of its high silica content and thick standing dead biomass, cogongrass provides a severe fire hazard, burning at extremely high temperatures that threaten both human property and native ecosystems.
Chinese Privet
What It Was Meant to Provide: Imported from China in the 1850s, Chinese privet was widely cultivated to provide a fast-growing ornamental shrub and privacy hedges for residential properties.
The Ecological Reality: Privet spreads rapidly through root suckering and seeds distributed by birds and water. It forms massive, dense thickets up to 30 feet tall along fencerows, creek bottoms, and upland forests. These thickets completely displace native understory plants and prevent the natural regeneration of native trees.
The upcoming presentation by the Graham Creek Nature Preserve at the Foley Community Library will detail how conservationists are working to combat these aggressive species and how local residents can participate in preserving Alabama’s native biodiversity.
Foley Police Department Opens Registration For Citizens Police Academy
The Foley Police Department is offering community members a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how law enforcement operates. The department has opened registration for its Citizens Police Academy, a free program that educates residents about daily police operations. The academy runs for eight weeks and covers a wide range of topics. Spaces are limited, and the department encourages interested residents to sign up soon.
Classes begin Monday, October 5, 2026, and meet every Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The program runs for eight consecutive weeks. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Foley community officers.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 19 years old and pass a criminal background check. The program is open exclusively to individuals who have not previously attended the Citizens Police Academy. Those who have completed the program in a prior year are not eligible to apply again.
The curriculum covers a broad range of law enforcement topics. Participants can expect sessions on patrol procedures, active shooter training, corrections, courtroom procedures, and narcotics. The lineup also includes K-9 demonstrations, DUI detection, crime scene investigations, and SWAT operations.
The Citizens Police Academy offers everyday residents a look at what officers encounter on the job, far beyond what is typically portrayed on television. The program is designed to build understanding and strengthen the relationship between the police department and the community it serves. All instruction is delivered by Foley Police Department personnel.
Interested residents can register by scanning the QR code on the official program flyer or by visiting the registration link in Google Docs provided by the Foley Police Department. Because seating is limited, the department advises applicants to submit their information as early as possible to secure a spot in the fall session.
Alabama State Parks Unveils New Trail Section Near Fort Morgan
Gulf State Park is home to an award-winning network of trails, including the nationally recognized Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which has been named Alabama’s Attraction of the Year. Building on this success, Alabama State Parks has officially opened a 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail.
The new section extends westward from Plantation Boulevard to a terminus near Fort Morgan Pizza along Alabama Highway 180 (Fort Morgan Road), bringing the total length of the Fort Morgan Trail to approximately 10.5 miles. Community leaders, elected officials, and Alabama State Parks staff gathered on Friday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of this new paved, 10-foot-wide route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the project’s impact, noting, “This is a great day for South Baldwin County. Extending the Fort Morgan Trail gives residents and visitors more opportunities to walk, bike and enjoy the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Projects like this create new ways for people to experience the outdoors, support tourism and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve.”
The extension includes 12 bridges designed to help preserve critical coastal wetlands along the route. At the new western terminus, trail users will find a bathhouse featuring four private, family-style suites designed for comfort and convenience. The Fort Morgan Trail now connects to the broader Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, providing visitors access to a larger network of approximately 28 miles of paved trails throughout Gulf State Park and extending into Orange Beach.
State Sen. Chris Elliott also highlighted the value of the investment. “Extending the Fort Morgan Trail is a win for residents and visitors alike. Trails like this draw tourists to our coast, support local businesses and give our families a safe, beautiful place to be outside together.”
The $5.6 million project was funded through the federal RESTORE Act, which uses civil and administrative penalties assessed under the Clean Water Act against companies responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to restore and protect the Gulf Coast region’s environment and economy.
Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps noted that the extension reflects ongoing investments across the state. “We’re thrilled to see the Fort Morgan Trail extended because trails like this one bring people outside, connect them to nature and give everyone another reason to spend time on our gorgeous Gulf Coast. We’re continuing to invest in places that give families and visitors opportunities to explore, make memories and experience what makes Alabama special.”
Recent projects by Alabama State Parks include a new RV Resort at Gulf State Park, a new access road at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and a total renovation and reopening of Lake Lurleen State Park. A new 32-room bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park is scheduled to open later this year.
The Alabama State Parks Division manages 21 state parks covering more than 50,000 acres across the state. More information is available at https://t.co/aZHKJyT7JI.
Springsteen Lane in Foley Closed for Six-Week Widening and Repaving Project
A portion of Springsteen Lane in Foley, Alabama, has been closed to northbound and southbound traffic for essential road widening and paving operations. According to a traffic advisory from the City of Foley Municipal Government, the closure went into effect on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 5:00 a.m..
The construction work is scheduled to last for approximately six weeks. The road is expected to remain closed to through traffic until Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m..
The targeted closure is required to facilitate safety and infrastructure improvements, specifically road widening and repaving projects designed to enhance traffic flow and durability.
Local municipal authorities have issued the following guidance for area drivers:
Plan for Delays: Travelers are advised to plan alternative routes in advance to minimize potential commute delays.
Follow Detours: Motorists must follow the posted detour routes designated around the construction zone.
Exercise Caution: Drivers should use extra caution and remain highly alert for construction crews and equipment when traveling near the impacted area.
Gulf Shores Police Chief Defends Flock Cameras and Promises Strict Oversight
After weeks of questions and concerns from Gulf Shores residents about the city’s growing network of Flock Safety cameras, Police Chief Dan Netemeyer is defending the technology while acknowledging that safeguards against misuse are essential.
The city currently has 87 Flock cameras throughout Gulf Shores after the City Council approved an $81,000 purchase of cameras and software. The system is designed primarily to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics and alert law enforcement when it detects vehicles connected to investigations or law-enforcement hotlists. Flock’s technology can also allow investigators to search for specific vehicle characteristics and other visual details.
The cameras were approved before growing national scrutiny over the privacy implications of the system and the handling of the information they collect. Flock Safety officials completed full training with the Gulf Shores Police Department this week.
City officials say the system is already proving useful. The cameras have assisted with investigations involving stolen property and stolen vehicles and have helped police locate at least two people with dementia.
RELATED ARTICLE: Have You Been Flocked? Some Audit Logs Open To Public
But as residents have brought their concerns to the Gulf Shores City Council, questions about privacy, access and potential misuse have remained at the center of the debate.
Netemeyer, a retired FBI agent, said some of the concerns circulating about the technology are based on misinformation. At the same time, he acknowledged that improper use by law enforcement officers is a legitimate concern.
“I did 24 years in the FBI, six of which were working public corruption and we used to have cases of misuse of government computer systems that we would work and indict people all the time,” Netemeyer said. “This is nothing new.”
Netemeyer said Gulf Shores has established policies governing how officers can use the system and that he has zero tolerance for unauthorized searches.
“This community knows its police department. This chief knows his officers and the officers know this chief,” he said. “We have zero tolerance on any type of misbehavior with regard to these systems that we were entrusted to protect the citizens of this city with.”
According to the city’s Flock Safety information page, officers are required to have authorization and an active incident number before conducting a query. The city says searches are logged and subject to regular audits, with unauthorized access subject to termination and prosecution.
Netemeyer said Flock Safety also has an auditing system designed to identify potential misuse.
A small city with millions of visitors
Gulf Shores has a year-round population of just over 17,000, but millions of tourists visit the beach community each year. That creates a unique challenge for a relatively small police department. Netemeyer hopes Flock can help fill the gaps.
“We are a destination city,” he said. “Allow your police department to have the advantage of knowing if criminals, registered sex offenders or stolen vehicles are coming into this town to allow us to do our jobs more effectively and keep this city safe.”
The city says Flock cameras are not used for automated speeding or red-light enforcement and do not use facial-recognition technology. The city’s FAQ also states that non-evidentiary vehicle data is automatically deleted after 30 days unless it is preserved as evidence in an active criminal investigation.
Those safeguards, however, have not eliminated concerns among residents about the amount of surveillance technology being deployed throughout the city.
Netemeyer said he understands that residents need answers and that the department is continuing to make adjustments as it gains experience with the system.
Transparency portal coming
In the next few weeks, the Gulf Shores Police Department plans to launch a new transparency portal intended to give residents a closer look at how the technology is being used.
Netemeyer said the portal will provide information about crimes solved using the system, searches conducted by officers and the number of license-plate reads.
The city says residents with questions about camera locations, privacy or oversight can contact the city or police department directly.
“I’d be glad to speak to anybody about them because the big problem that I see that’s going on is the misinformation that’s out there on these cameras,” Netemeyer said. “These are a tremendous tool in our belt that allows us to serve this community in a better way.”
Elberta Town Leadership Links Up with Iconic Sausage Festival
A major transition is underway for one of Elberta’s most cherished traditions. The Town of Elberta, alongside its municipal volunteer fire department, is set to assume full management of the Elberta German Sausage Festival starting with the upcoming October 2026 event. The nonprofit Elberta Community Partners (ECP), which previously organized the festival, has agreed to step aside and support a smooth handover.
The shift comes after town leadership expressed a preference for municipal employees and volunteer fire department staff to direct future festivals. The fire department, which has long been the primary beneficiary of the fundraiser, was officially integrated under town control as a municipal department in August 2025. Historically, the festival was operated by the department itself, making this transition a return to its original operational roots.
Seth Fuller, Chairman of ECP, noted that while the nonprofit felt uniquely qualified due to its team’s extensive experience—collectively totaling nearly a century of service with the volunteer fire department and festival management—they chose to step aside without conflict.
“While we do feel that ECP is better suited to manage this event… we also feel that it is in nobody’s best interest to fight,” Fuller remarked, emphasizing that ECP’s primary goal is to ensure the festival remains a success for the community.
To protect the festival’s continuity, ECP is actively collaborating with town officials. Because agreements with entertainment and supply vendors for the October event had not yet been finalized, the Town of Elberta will take over with a “clean slate” to make its own planning and vendor decisions.
The transition will also include:
Asset Transfers: All festival funds currently held by EVFD Inc. and ECP will be moved to the town once formal written agreements are finalized.
Intellectual Property: ECP will transfer ownership of the festival’s trademarks, wordmarks, and a newly developed mobile app.
Vendor Operations: A verbal agreement is in place for the town to honor existing terms for arts and crafts vendors. Plans for food vendors, however, remain undecided as the town evaluates its options.
Sponsorships: All current festival sponsors have been refunded. It is not yet clear if the town will launch a replacement sponsorship program.
Continued Support for Local Heroes
Despite the operational changes, Fuller offered high praise for Fire Chief Vanbrimmer and Deputy Chief Staimpel, calling them exceptional leaders who grew up in the firehouse and serve with great passion. ECP is encouraging residents to continue volunteering and donating to support the department and the festival under its new leadership.
“We wish nothing but the best for this event, and we would never do anything to harm something that we, and many others, have all worked so hard over the past almost 3 decades to help build,” Fuller added.
Local Farmers Markets See Surging Demand Amid National Food Outbreaks
The ongoing national concern over large-scale foodborne illness outbreaks has sparked a significant shift in consumer behavior, leading to a major surge in the usage of local farmers markets. As health agencies grapple with widespread contamination in the commercial food supply chain, more residents are looking toward local growers and neighborhood stands as trusted, safer alternatives.
This renewed appreciation for locally grown food is largely driven by a massive, ongoing nationwide Cyclospora outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have investigated thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis—a parasitic intestinal illness—that has sickened thousands across multiple states. The primary source of this outbreak was traced back to imported, precut, bagged iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which led to a massive national recall. Additionally, a Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico has heightened food safety concerns.
Because industrial food systems ship fresh produce over long distances on a massive scale, a single point of contamination can expose thousands of consumers before the source is identified. In response, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner, Rick Pate, issued a consumer advisory encouraging Alabamians to purchase fresh, Alabama-grown produce from trusted local farmers as one of the best ways to protect themselves.
LOCAL CHOICES:
In Foley, Alabama, the Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market (CAFFM) has seen a steady rise in popularity as residents seek reliable food sources. Located at 781 Farmers Market Lane (just off County Road 20, between Highway 59 and Foley Beach Express), CAFFM is open every Saturday year-round from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
The market has gained significant regional and national acclaim, recently earning the first runner-up (No. 2 spot) in the prestigious Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Farmers Market. To accommodate its growing popularity, the City of Foley has approved substantial property-wide upgrades. These include permanent restrooms, walking paths, a scenic fountain, and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. The kitchen will serve as an incubator for local food entrepreneurs, providing professional infrastructure to help them meet the growing demand for local, safely handled foods.
Further south, the Orange Beach Pop-Up Farmers Market has quickly became a community favorite. Organized by the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department, this curated market is held seasonally at Waterfront Park (26425 Canal Road) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
It features a carefully selected group of local growers, value-added vendors, and home processors offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handmade artisan crafts. Local residents are encouraged to access the waterfront venue by golf cart to ease traffic. The market also has a built-in contingency for weather: if inclement weather arises, it moves indoors to the nearby Orange Beach Community Center at 27235 Canal Road. This neighborhood setup offers families a relaxed way to secure fresh, transparently sourced food directly from the people who grow it.
For Wednesday thru Saturday convenience, local consumers also frequent smaller, informal setups like the open-air market located at the corner of Highway 59 and County Road 10 in Foley, situated at the local Shell Gas Station.
Operating as Orlando & Son’s Roadside Produce, this location specializes in loading down tables with fresh, high-quality local produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, seedless watermelon, and Allman Farms Amish Grown items.
For a year-round, daily local shopping experience, consumers in Foley also turn to The Farmhouse Market. Located at 3910 S. McKenzie Street (Highway 59), this family-owned specialty grocery business offers an impressive intersection of local agriculture and daily convenience. The market brings Baldwin County’s growers together, supplying local tables with fresh produce like red and green tomatoes, okra, and corn.
Beyond produce, The Farmhouse Market features a full butchery and meat market, freshly baked bread, Amish goods, and unique items like specialty jams, jellies, and teas. It also has a deli with quick bites like brisket mac ‘n’ cheese and crawfish corn maque choux, making it a robust, daily alternative to traditional supermarkets. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m..
In an era where national food safety concerns make supermarket shopping feel increasingly uncertain, Baldwin County’s thriving local food economy provides valuable peace of mind, nourishing the community while directly supporting local farmers, fishers, and purveyors.
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Altitudes: Why Locals Want the New Mobile Bay Bridge Named After Jimmy Buffett
A growing movement along the Alabama Gulf Coast is advocating to name the highly anticipated future I-10 Mobile River bridge in honor of the late musical icon and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett. While some political figures have proposed other names, a popular proposal by an Alabama state senator suggests that the massive bridge should instead celebrate the legacy of Mobile’s own “son of a son of a sailor.” The idea has resonated deeply with locals and fans, who view the “Buffett Bridge” as a unifying, non-political tribute to a legend who spent his life celebrating the coastal lifestyle.
Naming the Mobile Bay crossing after Jimmy Buffett is a natural fit, given his deep, lifelong ties to the region. Raised in Mobile, Buffett spent his formative years exploring the shores of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, including the Gulf Shores area. The region’s distinct coastal culture and “banana wind” shores shaped his unique worldview and ultimately inspired the signature “island escapism” that defined his musical career. Throughout his life, Buffett maintained a strong connection to the local community, frequently returning to perform, visit family, and support the area during times of crisis—such as headlining a televised benefit concert on the Gulf Shores Public Beach in 2010 following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
While many associate the Margaritaville brand with Key West, Florida, the true history of Buffett’s multi-billion dollar empire points directly back to the heart of the small town of Gulf Shores.
In June 1984, before any retail shops or restaurants opened in Key West, Buffett helped his friend Dan Sweet open a 180-seat nightclub called “J.B.’s Margaritaville.” The venue was located at the corner of Highway 59 and Fort Morgan Road, right in the heart of the small beach community. Buffett was actively involved in the setup, insisting on serving six-ounce Coca-Cola bottles for mixed drinks, and even performed a three-hour set with the Coral Reefer Band on opening night.
During his 2010 benefit concert in Gulf Shores, Buffett himself proudly reminded the crowd of this piece of history: “A lot of people don’t know, if you study your history… that the actual first Margaritaville was in Gulf Shores, Alabama before it was in Key West, Florida.”
A Fitting Coastal Tribute
As planning and debates continue over the new Mobile Bay crossing, naming the bridge after Jimmy Buffett would celebrate a legacy of fun, coastal preservation, and local pride. For a structure designed to connect communities across the water, honoring the man who spent decades bridging the gap between everyday life and a tropical state of mind seems like the ultimate tribute.
Program Helps Baldwin County Residents Affected by Hurricanes Sally and Zeta
Baldwin County has launched a new Homeownership Assistance Program to help residents affected by Hurricanes Sally and Zeta. The program, known as HAP, is designed for income-qualified households countywide. It is part of a broader effort to support housing stability and long-term recovery in the area. The Baldwin County Commission announced the program, with applications opening next month.
The application portal will go live on September 21, 2026, on the Baldwin County website. Public meetings will be held on September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. and on September 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. The September 15 meeting will be at the Baldwin County Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E Section Ave, Foley. The September 16 meeting will be at the Baldwin County Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope.
Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is distributed through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The program falls under HUD’s disaster recovery and resiliency funding guidelines.
To qualify, a household must have earned 80% or less of the Area Median Income at the time of the storms. Applicants must also have been Baldwin County residents during Hurricanes Sally or Zeta. Former residents seeking to return, as well as those purchasing a storm-damaged home at the time of the disaster, may also be eligible.
The program can provide several types of financial assistance. Assistance includes up to 20% toward a home down payment. It can also cover interest rate buy-downs, principal write-downs, and closing costs, such as inspections, appraisals, surveys, and legal services. Initial home warranty premiums are also included.
Family Promise of Baldwin County has been selected to administer the program. The organization will also provide homebuyer counseling and case management to applicants throughout the process. Family Promise serves families facing housing instability across the county.
Alabama’s Best High Schools List and the New Wave of Coastal Classrooms
The release of the annual U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings has spotlighted academic excellence across Alabama. Out of nearly 18,000 public high schools ranked nationwide, several Alabama schools demonstrated outstanding student performance.
According to the latest 2026–2027 U.S. News rankings, the top ten public high schools in Alabama are:
New Century Tech Demo High School (Huntsville) – National Rank: #131
Homewood High School (Homewood) – National Rank: #212
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) – National Rank: #215
Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills) – National Rank: #533
Hewitt-Trussville High School (Trussville) – National Rank: #679
Fairhope High School (Fairhope) – National Rank: #701
Spain Park High School (Hoover) – National Rank: #782
Oak Mountain High School (Shelby County) – National Rank: #818
James Clemens High School (Madison) – National Rank: #942
Arab High School (Arab) – National Rank: #991
These rankings reflect critical academic metrics including college readiness, graduation rates, and student performance on state assessments.
Securing the #6 spot in the state, Fairhope High School made waves as a local academic powerhouse. Fairhope was the only Baldwin County school to achieve a top-10 ranking this year. While other local institutions like Spanish Fort High School placed well in the top 25 (at #15), Fairhope’s impressive standing highlights its continued commitment to rigorous education and college prep. It should be noted that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach operate as ‘City School’ systems.
While the current list recognizes established educational leaders, the landscape on the Alabama Gulf Coast is evolving rapidly. Newly opened schools and independent city districts in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are introducing state-of-the-art facilities designed to redefine coastal education.
In August 2026, Gulf Shores City Schools celebrated the opening of its brand-new, $157 million, 287,000-square-foot high school campus. This facility features collaborative learning spaces, an engineering lab, a marine biology program, and the Gaylon and Susan McCollough Performing Arts Center.
Meanwhile, Orange Beach City Schools, which also transitioned into an independent city district, continues to expand its academic and career-tech offerings at its state-of-the-art Orange Beach Middle & High School campus on Canal Road.
As these coastal districts settle into their new homes and expand their academic and career-tech offerings, they are positioned for growth. With these resources now active, it will be fascinating to see where these local schools rank as the school year progresses.
Alabama’s Top High Schools In City Systems:
According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings for public high schools operating specifically within city school systems in Alabama:
New Century Technology High School (Huntsville City Schools)
Homewood High School (Homewood City Schools)
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook City Schools)
Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills City Schools)
Hewitt-Trussville High School (Trussville City Schools)
Spain Park High School (Hoover City Schools)
James Clemens High School (Madison City Schools)
Arab High School (Arab City Schools)
Huntsville High School (Huntsville City Schools)
T.R. Miller High School (Brewton City Schools)
* METHODOLOGY *
Talk About Wishful Thinking: Foley Replaces Reindeer For Christmas Parade
Although the holiday season is still months away, the city of Foley is already preparing for its annual Christmas Parade with some exciting upgrades. The Foley City Council has approved the purchase of nine new reindeer to pull Santa’s sleigh, replacing the iconic figures that have been part of the parade for the past 45 years.
The annual parade, organized by the Foley Kiwanis Club, is a major highlight of the local holiday season and rolls through downtown Foley each December. Santa’s float traditionally features a sleigh pulled by nine reindeer: the classic eight from “The Night Before Christmas” plus Rudolph.
Following a detailed review by the Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board, city officials determined that the current 45-year-old reindeer had reached the end of their service and needed replacement. Brenda Shambo, the city’s liaison to the advisory board, emphasized the cultural significance of the parade during a recent council meeting.
“The Foley Christmas Parade is the city’s only Christmas parade and is a cherished tradition that brings families, businesses, schools and community organizations together,” Shambo said. “The Kiwanis reindeer have become a familiar and beloved part of that tradition. New reindeer would allow us to continue creating these special memories for children and families for many years to come”.
While the new reindeer are set to debut this winter, the original figures will not be forgotten. The city and the Kiwanis Club are currently developing plans to preserve and display the historic reindeer in a local museum or other public venue to honor their nearly half-century contribution to Foley’s holiday celebrations.
The parade serves as the centerpiece of a festive, action-packed holiday weekend in Foley. Other events planned for the weekend include Christmas in the Park, the lighting of the Foley Christmas Tree, and the city’s “Let It Snow” event. Additionally, the city will host its annual Christmas tree decoration contest, with winners announced on Friday evening just before the Saturday parade.
Foley to hold Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment ‘Roadeo’ Sept. 25
Local public works crews will show off the equipment skills developed to serve their communities while competing for bragging rights during the Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo on Friday, Sept. 25.
The city of Foley is hosting the event at the OWA Parks and Resort. OWA is a sponsor of the Roadeo. Activities will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The event is open to the public. Admission is free.
Participants will compete in challenges testing their skill with heavy equipment used in their jobs. A series of competitions will demonstrate the abilities that local workers have developed. The contest will highlight accuracy, control and technical ability while operating several types of heavy machinery.
Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the Roadeo is a chance for workers who are often not in the public eye to demonstrate the skills they use serving the community.
“It’s something that gives all the public employees a real sense of pride,” Hellmich said. “They don’t always get a lot of public recognition in their jobs and this is a chance to get together and show what they can do.”
Events will include competitions using mini-excavators, bull dozers, excavators and skid steers – small tracked vehicles with blades like a fork-lift.
In addition to contests between public works crews, the mayors of several municipalities are also scheduled to take part in a special competition during the event.
More than 20 cities and other agencies have registered so far to take part in the event. Registration continues until Friday, Aug. 21.
The event will also feature live music by the band “Chitlin Switch,” and food sales. Proceeds from the lunch food sales will benefit Youth Reach Gulf Coast.
Foley Recognizes Conservation Commissioner Blankenship
The city of Foley recognized state Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship for his work improving the environment and preserving and promoting the natural resources in the region.
Blankenship was appointed commissioner by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2017.
On Monday, Aug. 17, the Foley City Council presented a proclamation and keys to the city to the commissioner in recognition of his service.
The University of South Alabama recently established the Blankenship Scholarship Program in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences to honor Blankenship’s legacy.
The Foley City Council also voted to donate $10,000 to the scholarship to promote conservation education for future generations.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said that in his six years as mayor, only seven keys to the city have been presented. He said that while Blankenship began his career in the Mobile Bay area, he has worked to improve conservation and state parks throughout the state.
“This proclamation talks about South Alabama, but your impact has been on the entire state of Alabama,” Hellmich said. “During my 40 years of knowing various commissioners, I don’t know of another commissioner who has had such an impact on our state parks and that’s not counting the partnerships with the cities and other things that you have accomplished.”
Hellmich said Blankenship strengthened partnerships among local governments, state and federal agencies, universities and conservation organizations. His work advanced projects to protect Alabama’s natural resources.
Blankenship said he has enjoyed working with Foley to improve environmental facilities such as the city’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve.
“I’ve appreciated our partnerships with Foley,” Blankenship said. “Y’all have been fantastic partners in the work at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve and other things that we’ve been able to to work with you on. These are things that are going to have lasting impacts long after we’re all gone – what’s happening out there the land that y’all preserved and the good things that have happened here, how y’all are managing growth and the good job that y’all are doing as a city.”
Blankenship has worked in state conservation for more than 30 years.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Talks Hometown Robertsdale and Future Manufacturing Hubs
In a recent interview on CNBC’s “Mad Money,” Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the critical role of manufacturing in rural America, drawing on his personal upbringing in his Baldwin County hometown of Robertsdale, Alabama. The interview highlighted Apple’s ongoing domestic economic efforts and sparked speculation regarding where the tech giant might position its next production facilities.
Speaking with host Jim Cramer, Cook reflected on his roots in Robertsdale, describing it as a small community of a few thousand “salt-of-the-earth” people. Coming from a blue-collar family—with a father who worked in the shipbuilding industry—Cook noted that he has seen firsthand what happens to rural communities when major employers leave.
Cook emphasized the necessity of creating a “hub” of economic activity to revitalize these areas. According to Cook, a central manufacturing plant triggers a virtuous economic cycle, stimulating local growth by generating demand for new restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops. Apple is currently establishing these types of economic hubs across the United States, supporting production in 79 factories.
Apple is directly and indirectly responsible for creating and supporting more than 2.9 million U.S. jobs across all 50 states.
The interview also opened the door to speculation regarding Apple’s future industrial footprint. Journalist Jeff Poor of 1819 News highlighted Cook’s responses regarding where future Apple investments might land. When asked directly by Cramer if Apple plans to target cities with a qualified workforce that has been “left behind” by previous companies, Cook confirmed the strategy, stating, “There will definitely be different places that have those characteristics, yes”.
While no specific new locations in Baldwin County or Alabama were officially announced, Cook’s explicit focus on communities with underutilized workforces suggests that rural hubs mirroring his hometown profile remain a key component of Apple’s domestic manufacturing strategy.
SEE VIDEO: https://t.co/K2PCUfgYce
Have You Been Flocked? Some Audit Logs Open To Public
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) have rapidly expanded across the United States, a phenomenon often referred to as being “Flocked” due to the market prominence of the surveillance technology company Flock Safety. A defining and contentious characteristic of this network is that these AI-powered cameras are primarily installed on public roads, highways, and intersections rather than private properties. This positioning allows the cameras to passively scan, log, and catalog the movements of ordinary citizens utilizing public thoroughfares.
As public awareness grows, grassroots tools have emerged to help citizens understand the scale of local surveillance infrastructure. Drivers can check if their cars have been recorded or searched by visiting the Have I Been Flocked website. (This website is a 3rd party location and not affiliated with any news outlet or Flock cameras)
Although Flock Safety has dominated recent headlines, the foundational technology behind license plate recognition is not a modern invention. License plate reading cameras originally started in 1976, when the technology was invented by the Police Scientific Development Branch in the United Kingdom to combat terrorism, leading to working prototypes by 1979. Over the subsequent decades, advances in machine learning and computer vision evolved these systems from expensive, fixed-base applications into powerful AI tools capable of recording not just plate numbers, but unique vehicle identifiers such as make, model, color, roof racks, and bumper stickers.
Flock has been heavily featured in the recent news due to mounting bipartisan backlash from civil liberties advocates, citizens, and lawmakers over data privacy and systemic abuse. High-profile scandals involving law enforcement officers misusing the database for personal tracking and stalking, alongside concerns regarding data sharing with federal immigration authorities, have thrust the company into public scrutiny. In an effort to quell these concerns, Flock recently announced platform changes, including shortening its standard data retention window from 30 days to seven days and making search audit tools mandatory for law enforcement users. Nevertheless, dozens of communities nationwide have moved to cancel or suspend their contracts.
How do you feel about the use of cameras in your community?
VOTE NOW: https://t.co/BolkjVNrHU
Lane Closed on Hwy. 59 In Foley
One southbound lane of Alabama 59 between 9th Avenue and Pride Blvd in Foley will be closed during daytime hours on weekdays through Sept. 4 as crews complete sidewalk construction along the highway.
The lane will be closed from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The work hours were intentionally scheduled to avoid lane closures during morning school traffic due to the project’s proximity to Foley High School and Florence B. Mathis Elementary School. All lanes will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.
The project is now entering its final section between 9th Avenue and Pride Blvd. This portion of the project is more complex due to the narrow right of way and open drainage ditches, which limit the available work area. The temporary lane closure will provide crews with additional space to work safely.
The project will add 1.25 miles of sidewalk on Alabama 59 through the center of Foley when completed.
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