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Special Olympics Returns to Orange Beach Sportsplex on May 7th

R. Ken Cooper • Apr 30, 2024

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Schools Unite for Second Annual Special Olympics

Special Olympics 2023 in Gulf Shores, Photo by Brent Williams

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – One week from today, on May 7, 2024, athletes from Gulf Shores City Schools and Orange Beach City Schools will come together for the second annual Island Schools Special Olympics at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. This event celebrates unity, determination, and the joy of competition for athletes of all abilities.


Superintendent Randy Wilkes expressed gratitude to the teachers, faculty, and staff who worked tirelessly to organize the event. Their dedication helped instill a deep appreciation for the talents of all participants, making the Special Olympics a rewarding and unforgettable experience.


The Island Schools Special Olympics will showcase the talents of student athletes in a supportive and inclusive setting. Beyond athletic feats, the event promotes acceptance and understanding within the community. Sports have the power to transcend barriers and bring people together.


The Opening Ceremony will kick off at 9:30 am on May 7th at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, located at 4385 William Silvers Parkway. The community is invited to attend and support the athletes as they compete and celebrate their achievements.

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Hangout Music Fest 2024

Gulf Shores Council Discusses Hangout Fest at Monday Night’s Meeting

By R. Ken Cooper • 21 May, 2024
At the regularly scheduled Gulf Shores City Council meeting, key topics concerning the Hangout Music Festival were discussed. A number of city officials, including City Manager Grant Brown, Fire Chief Mark Sealy, Police Chief Edward Delmore, and Mayor Robert Craft, approached the podium to deliver reports in their respective areas of expertise.
Alabama’s Free Fishing Day Takes Place June 8

Alabama’s Free Fishing Day Takes Place June 8

By News Staff • 21 May, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Alabamians and out-of-state visitors alike will have the opportunity to fish for free in most public waters including both freshwater and saltwater. Free Fishing Day allows residents and non-residents to enjoy the outstanding fishing Alabama has to offer without purchasing a fishing license. The event is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 1-9.
Orange Beach City Council Stock Photo

Orange Beach Council to Discuss Key Issues in May 21 Meeting

By John Mullen • 21 May, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach City Council will convene for a joint regular/work session on May 21 at 4 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall. The agenda for the regular session includes a variety of items such as a report on city expenditures totaling $2.5 million, a presentation by Ally Mavar, the Orange Beach contestant in the Miss Alabama Volunteer Scholarship Pageant, and the consideration of proclamations for National Cities, Towns and Villages Month and Building Safety Month.
East Verbena Avenue Improvements Will Not Shut Down Area Parking

East Verbena Avenue Improvements Will Not Shut Down Area Parking

By Guy Busby • 21 May, 2024
Work on improvements on East Verbena Avenue will begin soon, but businesses along the road will remain open and parking will be available. The project is planned to improve lighting, parking and drainage as well as work on the roadway. The East Verbena Improvement Project includes reshaping existing parking stalls and making improvements to the concrete, landscaping and right of way near the eastern side of Alabama 59.
Week of Fun Things To Do Kicks Off Summer on the Gulf Coast

Week of Fun Things To Do Kicks Off Summer on the Gulf Coast

By Jessica A. Taylor • 20 May, 2024
As summer kicks off on the Gulf Coast, various events promise to entertain residents and visitors alike. From the grand opening of a new Irish restaurant in Gulf Shores to an exciting fishing tournament, family-friendly happy hours, beachside s'mores, tropical festivities, and live music performances, there's something for everyone.
Gulf Shores City Hall

Gulf Shores City Council Reviews Project Updates and Costs

By John Mullen • 20 May, 2024
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A master agreement with Volkert for engineering and design services for several city projects is still open, but the company wishes to close some of those task orders related to those projects. The total original contract to Volkert for the work was $3.7 million, but cost overruns have raised it to $5 million.
Foley Alabama Welcome Sign

Foley to Address Nuisance Weeds, Tax Reports, and Fire Dept Needs

By John Mullen • 20 May, 2024
The Foley City Council will meet in a combined regular/work session on May 20 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. During the meeting, the council will: Have a public hearing to declare weeds at 607 E. Orange Avenue a public nuisance and order its cleanup. The council will also consider a resolution to allow city workers to enter the property to clean up the nuisance weed.
Celebrating National Rescue Dog Day on the Gulf Coast

Celebrating National Rescue Dog Day on the Gulf Coast

By OBA Staff • 20 May, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. These abandoned and abused animals, known as rescue dogs, all need a forever home. Their potential is limitless.
East Canal Road in Orange Beach Gets A New Look

East Canal Road in Orange Beach Gets A New Look

By R. Ken Cooper • 19 May, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The East Canal Road widening project in Orange Beach has been completed. The project, stretching from Highway 161 to Wilson Boulevard, expanded much of the 1.4-mile section of the road to three lanes. This includes a middle turn lane east of the roundabout. The roundabout was added near the public library, along with a 10-foot multi-use path on the north side of the road​​.
Billfish Classic Boats - Photo by R. Ken Cooper

Orange Beach Billfish Classic Kicks-off Tomorrow at Noon

By R. Ken Cooper • 19 May, 2024
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 28th annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the first big game tournament of the season on the Gulf Coast, rescheduled its fishing days due to unfavorable weather conditions originally planned for this week. Tournament organizers announced last Wednesday that the tournament will now take place starting tomorrow, Monday, May 20th and run through Wednesday, May 22nd. Fishing hours will be continuous beginning at noon on the 20th, with all boats required to clear the Perdido Bridge or Sailboat Bay in Bon Secour by 7 p.m. on the 22nd to qualify for the weigh-in.
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