As saltwater fishing for 2024 heads into the peak seasons, a look back at 2023 reveals another record-breaking year for those who fish Alabama’s coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The catch that went viral with news agencies around the world picking up the story was the giant blue marlin caught by “Best Trait,” a 55-foot Viking sportfishing vessel owned by Scott Crump of Jasper. The marlin officially weighed 1,145.6 pounds, which is not only an Alabama but also a Gulf of Mexico record. The Best Trait marlin, which was 145 inches long, easily eclipsed the Alabama state record of 851.9 pounds caught in 2020 by Ginger Myers. The Gulf record was set in 2002 in Mississippi by Barry Carr at 1,054 pounds.

On May 2nd, folks in the Orange Beach community and surrounding areas are invited to gather at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach to observe the National Day of Prayer. The annual event starts at noon and everyone is welcome. Local church leaders will guide prayers on the Center's shaded lawn.

The 20th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take flight this week at OWA Parks & Resort in Foley. The event, running from May 2 through May 4, features more than 50 hot air balloons from across the United States. This marks the fourth consecutive year that OWA will host the festival, adding to its attractions which include an amusement park, water features, and diverse dining and shopping options.

Pursuant to Section 9-12-46, Code of Alabama as stated by Rule 220-3-.01, the Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that as of 6 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2024, all inside waters will close for commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting. All inside waters, not permanently closed by law or regulation, will reopen to shrimp harvest at 6 a.m., on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Anyone who knows anything about Orange Beach knows that the community cares deeply for animals, particularly those in need of help. With this spirit, the Perdido Beach Resort is hosting the inaugural "Paws for a Cause Charity Gala" on May 10, 2024. The event, scheduled from 6 PM to 10 PM, will raise funds for the Safe Harbor Animal Coalition (S.H.A.C.), a local organization dedicated to caring for homeless and abandoned cats and dogs in Baldwin County, Alabama.

One week from today, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-10 and the City of Orange Beach are hosting a Safe Boating class on May 4th at the Orange Beach Fire Department, located at 25855 John M. Snook Drive (near the post office).

Gulf Shores City Schools and the City of Gulf Shores kicked off construction of the new Gulf Shores High School with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 26. The event was attended by city and school leaders, community members, students, and the project team. The new high school is viewed as a key development in the area's educational facilities.

In a recent showcase of global brewing prowess, the World Beer Cup crowned outstanding beers across various categories. The event, known as the largest beer competition globally, was held at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas. It concluded on April 24, 2024, during the final day of the Craft Brewers Conference®.

Matt Young with Alabama State Parks says the target date for the completion of Gulf State Park’s pier is still on schedule to be finished by the end of summer. It was damaged by Hurricane Sally on Sept. 16, 2020. Young is the Southwest District Superintendent and covers Gulf State Park, Meaher State Park in Mobile and Roland Cooper State Park near Camden.