Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – National Beach Safety Week, sponsored annually by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of beach and water safety as the beach season begins. This year, the event runs from May 20 to May 27, coinciding with the week leading up to Memorial Day.

Two more of the area’s most outstanding trees are being recognized by the city of Foley. The Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board and city officials presented a Century Tree plaque to Margaret Krupinski and her family on Tuesday, May 7. The plaque recognizes a live oak on the property of Krupinski Farm on Charolais Road.

Promoting safe streets is one of the top goals of the patrol division of the Gulf Shores Police Department, Deputy Chief Dan Netemeyer said. “The ultimate goal and our main priority, and it’s a large umbrella, is for us to create a safe environment for the residents and guests to the city,” Netemeyer said. “There are several ways we have to do that, but one of the main ways we do that is to enhance our traffic enforcement to reduce accidents. Nobody wants to go on vacation and their primary memory of their vacation here in Gulf Shores is a vehicle accident where sometimes, unfortunately, people get hurt.”

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Those flinging the fish the farthest aren’t the only winners annually at the Flora-Bama’s Interstate Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party. In a longstanding tradition, several local charities and youth sports groups have been winners on the fundraising front for most of the years the toss has happened on the sugar-white sands adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.

National Safe Boating Week is observed from May 18-24, 2024, as announced by the National Safe Boating Council. This annual campaign aims to promote safe and responsible boating practices, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and adhering to safety guidelines.

Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – A mix of green and loggerhead sea turtles, ranging from juveniles to adults, were released Wednesday morning into the Gulf of Mexico after being rehabilitated. The turtles had been accidentally hooked by fishermen off local fishing piers and were treated at the Gulfarium's CARE Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Two requests before the Orange Beach Planning Commission for housing developments near Sam’s store and northwest of Caswell received unfavorable recommendations from the panel. But that doesn’t mean the developments won’t proceed.

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The pedestrian bridge planned in Gulf Shores over the Intracoastal Waterway at East Second Street is still in the design phase, Mayor Robert Craft said following a regular council meeting on May 13. Ryan Shamburger, general manager of Big Beach Brewing and a resident of the neighborhood framed by East Second Street and Canal Road, said several of the residents approached him with questions about the bridge. He asked for an update on the construction.

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – A Foley man was arrested and charged with assault after shooting his brother during an altercation on Monday. According to the Foley Police Department, 28-year-old Deion McMillan was shot in the leg by his brother, Quave McMillan, 31, at their family property on Airport Road.