The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has been named the best recreational trail in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Every April 17, the Gulf Coast celebrates National Crawfish Day. This festive day is dedicated to the humble crawfish, a staple in Southern cuisine and a cultural icon in coastal communities. Crawfish, also known as crayfish, crawdads, or mudbugs, are not just delicious treats; they are a reason for gathering and celebration. The festivities typically center around the crawfish boil, a social event that combines cooking and community. A typical boil includes pounds of live crawfish boiled in large pots with potatoes, corn, and a blend of spicy seasonings, creating a flavorful and communal meal usually enjoyed outdoors.

As part of an environmental initiative, the beaches on Perdido Key have become the starting point for a project aimed at planting 453,000 shoreline plants along the coastline. This undertaking began in early spring and is scheduled to progress through the end of May.

Gulf Shores is making moves to start on phase two of the project adding a third southbound lane on State Route 59. Phase two of the project will be adding the lane from Cypress Bend Drive or the Target intersection to just north of County Road 6. To make this happen water and sewer mains will have to be moved from West 34th Avenue to County Road six. The portion from Cypress Bend Drive south to Fort Morgan Road has already been bid out.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has announced the lifting of the swimming advisories for Arnica Bay at Pirate's Cove, effective immediately. Issued on April 11, 2024, the advisories were a precautionary measure due to elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, which have now significantly dropped below the safety thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Following extensive testing and water quality assessments by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the waters have been declared safe for public use, reassuring the community and visitors of the area's environmental health.

Gulf State Park has unveiled 20 new lakeside cabins after a major renovation project. The $8.8 million project replaced 17 damaged cabins with modern accommodations on the north shore of Lake Shelby.

Orange Beach City Schools (OBCS) is just announced the expansion of its early education program, adding another prekindergarten class for the 2024-2025 school year in response to overwhelming demand in the community for prekindergarten education.

The Orange Beach City Council is set to convene for a joint regular and work session on April 16 in the council chambers at city hall, where numerous significant issues are on the agenda. Key topics include reviewing the toll bridge revenue, appointing a new fire chief, approving various licenses and permits, and considering major expenditures for city infrastructure and services.

Orange Beach Middle High School (OBMHS) has been recognized as a 2024 Purple Star School. This honor was awarded by the Alabama State Board of Education in a ceremony held on April 11th, reflecting the school’s dedicated efforts in supporting military students and their families.