Orange Beach Doctor Who Saves Teen’s Life from Shark Attack Honored

OBA Staff • June 19, 2024

Doctor Forbess Receives Honor From Orange Beach City Council

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Dr. Ryan Forbess with Orange Beach Family Medicine was honored by the Orange Beach City Council for his heroic actions during a shark attack in Rosemary Beach, Florida. While vacationing, Dr. Forbess and his friend, Dr. Mohammad Ali, heard screams, turned and saw red clouds in the water.

They immediately rushed to help and found two injured teens. One, 15-year-old Lulu Gribbins from Mountain Brook, Alabama, had severe injuries to her right leg and left arm. Dr. Forbess applied tourniquets, which likely saved her life. The City Council presented Dr. Forbess with a Certificate of Recognition and the citizens of Orange Beach gave him a standing ovation.

Dr. Forbess has been part of the Orange Beach community since 2016, providing primary care through the Orange Beach Family Medicine Group. He grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and pursued his medical degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Tropical Storm Birtha's Current Position

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves West Along Gulf Coast; Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Escape Heavy Winds & Rain

By K. Cooper • July 22, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tropical Storm Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, was located due south of Dauphin Island and just southwest of Orange Beach as of 4 a.m. CDT this morning. The NWS National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Advisory 12, placing the storm's center near lati

Gulf Shores International Airport Undergoing $15 Million Terminal Expansion

By Erica Thomas • July 22, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Officials with the Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) broke ground on a $15 million terminal expansion in response to “extraordinary” passenger growth.

Extension - Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities

That Balloon Release May Look Beautiful, but Experts Say It Is Deadly

By K. Cooper • July 22, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Watching a cluster of balloons drift over the Gulf may feel like a fitting tribute or a joyful celebration, but researchers say the practice causes lasting harm to wildlife and the environment. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System published a report, warning that every balloon released

Bertha is the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens Northern Gulf Coast with Surge, Rain, and Rip Currents

By K. Cooper • July 21, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tropical Storm Bertha was about 175 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, as of 7 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued Intermediate Advisory 8A at that time, placing the storm's center near latitude 28.8 North, longitude 86.2 West. Maximum sustain

Judi Bolton Wheat Honored at American Legion Post in Foley

Judi Wheat of Elberta Recognized as American Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year for Alabama

By K. Cooper • July 21, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — An Elberta woman has been named the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year for the State of Alabama. Judi Wheat received the honor at a recent district meeting at American Legion Post 99 in Foley. Alabama State American Legion Auxiliary President Carla Biniecki presented the award. Famil

Foley Lowers Irwin Street Speed Limit to Open Road to Low-Speed Vehicles

By Guy Busby • July 21, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley has lowered the speed limit on Irwin Street to improve access for low-speed vehicles. The Foley City Council gave final approval to an ordinance implementing the change. The new limit is 35 miles per hour, down from 40 miles per hour. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the lower limit wi

Orange Beach Funds Sea Turtle Life Support System and Considers PUD Resort Update

By K. Cooper • July 21, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is taking its next step toward environmental preservation. The City Council will vote on a resolution awarding an $84,297.04 bid to Integrated Aqua Systems, Inc., for life-support equipment at the Coastal Alabama Sea Turtle Facility. This project underscores the city's commitm

Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.

Pick Your Paradise: Seven Days, Seven Ways to Do the Coast

By Jessica A. Taylor • July 20, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Around here, paradise doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all itinerary — and thank goodness for that. One day, you’re chasing treasure with pirates and princesses; the next, you're cruising down Fort Morgan Road with sandy feet and nowhere particularly urgent to be. Add in a whimsical stop

Gulf Shores Considers $604K Christmas Decoration Overhaul To Revitalize Holiday Displays

By K. Cooper • July 20, 2026

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores plans to revamp its seasonal displays as the city's current holiday decorations rapidly deteriorate due to age, harsh conditions, and storage constraints. Public works officials recommend shifting from a diluted citywide approach to a concentrated, professionally managed design

Foley City Council Eyes Airport Terminal Grant and Airfield Upgrades at Tonight’s Work Session

By K. Cooper • July 20, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is positioning its municipal airport for growth as city leaders prepare to advance plans for a new terminal building. The infrastructure push is the main topic in the slate of transit, drainage, and community enhancements aimed at reinforcing the city's long-term development stewardship.