Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As 2023 winds to a close, the OBA News staff reflects on a year filled with community-centric stories in the Orange Beach Area. From the shocking shooting near the bustling Hangout in Gulf Shores to Kenny Chesney's impromptu performance and the record-shattering Blue Marlin catch and more. 

Here's a look back at the top 10 articles that captured viewers’ attention, sparked conversations.

Gulf Shores shooting near Hangout

Gulf Shores police were on the scene of a shooting that took place Monday night outside The Hangout on Beach Boulevard. Multiple agencies including the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue, and the Orange Beach Police Department responded to the popular location, which was packed with spring breakers. The roads around the restaurant were shut down while police secured the area and investigated the event.

Two found dead at condo in Orange Beach

“The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened and are mourning the loss of two of our employees. Earlier today, the CCSO was contacted by the Orange Beach Police Department to inform us of the tragic incident. An apparent argument seemingly escalated to a point where Kenneth Booth, a Cullman County Deputy, drew a weapon and killed the victim. The victim was also an employee of the Sheriff’s Office and the two were involved in a dating relationship. Booth then turned the weapon on himself, taking his life. 

Kenny Chesney Surprises Fans with Performance at Flora-Bama

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney, known for his love of the Gulf Coast lifestyle, recently added a spontaneous twist to his two-night performance at the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama. The prolific artist, who has recorded more than 20 albums and produced over 40 Top 10 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs, took a break between his concerts to pay a surprise visit to the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge​​.

Exciting Hammerhead Shark Encounter on Bird Island today

Today, we bring you a thrilling video capturing a remarkable encounter with hammerhead sharks on Bird Island in Orange Beach. While this may sound alarming to some, it is important to note that sharks in our area are not man-eaters. The video showcases the natural behavior of these majestic creatures as they search for their preferred prey, such as stingrays and flounder.

Parrot Heads will be flocking into Gulf Shores

Today, we bring you a thrilling video capturing a remarkable encounter with hammerhead sharks on Bird Island in Orange Beach. While this may sound alarming to some, it is important to note that sharks in our area are not man-eaters. The video showcases the natural behavior of these majestic creatures as they search for their preferred prey, such as stingrays and flounder.

Fisher’s Restaurant in Orange Beach to close November 7th

Fisher’s Restaurant, a beloved local establishment in the Orange Beach, just announced that it’s closing its doors for the final time on November 7, 2023.

Orange Beach Angler Shatters Blue Marlin Record

At about 9:30am this morning, a potential record Blue Marlin was weighed in at The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s docks. The Blue Marlin was caught yesterday on the Best Trait boat out of Orange Beach by angler Scooter Anderson, from Houston, Texas.

Boat crash on the Intracoastal Waterway leaves two in critical condition

According to Deputy Chief Jeff Smith, a boat approximately 24-foot long was carrying five passengers when it struck a parked barge in the Intracoastal Waterway. The accident has left two individuals in critical condition and three others injured.

Search resumes for a missing swimmer in Orange Beach this morning

Orange Beach officials resumed searching in the morning on Aug. 6 for a male swimmer who disappeared in Perdido Pass in the late afternoon of Aug. 5.

Traffic continues to declines at the Beach Express after the rate hike

Traffic through the toll booths continues to trend downward in the two months after the Baldwin County Bridge Company raised the price for cash and debit card customers to $5 on Aug. 30. Through August 2023 monthly traffic exceeded the monthly traffic totals in 2022 but the September total – after the toll was raised – was about 50,000 less than in September 2022.

As we look forward to a new year with hope and anticipation, the OBA News staff remains committed to bringing you the stories that matter, the news that informs, and the coverage that connects our community. 

Happy New Year from the OBA News Team!