Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, OBA News looks back on the top 10 stories that shaped our Gulf Coast community. From major infrastructure changes like the state's acquisition of the Foley Beach Express and the elimination of tolls, to expanded travel opportunities with Allegiant Air's new non-stop flights to six southeastern cities, and the heroic efforts of our first responders, these stories captured the attention of our readers.
Join us as we revisit the most-viewed articles on the OBA News website in 2024, highlighting the events that defined our year.
ALDOT Set to Acquire Beach Express Bridge for $60M
The Beach Express toll bridge, the main artery between Foley and Orange Beach, has recently been the subject of sale discussions with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The bridge currently owned by the Baldwin County Bridge Company (BCBC), a subsidiary of American Roads LLC, serves as a significant route connecting Pleasure Island to the Alabama mainland, providing an alternative to the State Route 59 bridge.
Gulf Shores Drowning Claims Life of 49-Year-Old Man
A 49-year-old man drowned Sunday in Gulf Shores, Alabama. First responders were called to the 1300 block of West Beach Boulevard near 12th Street at 3:14 p.m. after reports of a drowning.
Bystanders pulled the man from the water and began CPR before first responders arrived and took over. Despite their efforts, the man did not survive.
Vehicle Plunges into Water in Fatal Gulf Shores Crash
A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a driver in Gulf Shores early this morning. The accident occurred around 1:24 AM near Tacky Jacks, at the intersection of East Canal Drive and East Second Street. Authorities reported that the vehicle was heading west on East Canal Drive when it breached the guard rail and plunged into the water below. The driver was declared deceased at the scene.
Hurricane Francine Update for the Alabama Gulf Coast
FINAL Update at 7:00pm: As of the 7pm update on Wednesday, September 11th, Hurricane Francine has made landfall near Morgan City, LA. Winds have diminished to 85mph. The forecast track has remained steady since the 10am update on Tuesday. It is moving to the northeast at 17 mph.
Louisiana Man Dies While Cleaning Boat in Alabama
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, a diver from Louisiana was found dead in the water at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach.
According to the Orange Beach Police Department, the diver had been cleaning his boat around 7:30 AM but did not resurface. Officers were called to the scene around 1:00 PM and discovered the diver's body after deploying multiple dive teams.
Iconic Gulf Shores Restaurant Likely Changing Hands
One of the most iconic restaurants on the Alabama Gulf Coast could be making significant changes pending the transfer of a liquor license from Papa Rocco’s Pizza to a business based in Gulf Shores called KJJ Group.
The Gulf Shores City Council will discuss the transfer at its work session on June 17 in council chambers at city hall starting at 4 p.m. There will be a public hearing at the regular session on June 24 and a likely vote on the transfer then.
Woman From Louisiana Killed on Perdido Beach Blvd Sunday Evening
According to Orange Beach Police and posts on social media, a woman was struck and killed on 26600 block of Perdido Beach Blvd. on Sunday evening.
The victim, a 43-year-old woman from Louisiana, was crossing Perdido Beach Boulevard when she was struck and killed.
Allegiant Air Introduces New Routes to Gulf Shores
Allegiant Air has announced a significant expansion, introducing 44 new nonstop routes, including service to Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) in Alabama. This marks the airline's first entry into Gulf Shores, aiming to provide affordable travel options to this popular Gulf Coast destination.
Starting in May 2025, Allegiant will offer nonstop flights from GUF to six cities.
Gulf Shores Police Investigate Fatal Accident on Gulf Shores Parkway
On July 18, 2024, at 10:42 AM, Gulf Shores Police and Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle accident on Gulf Shores Parkway.
A 2016 Lincoln Navigator was traveling north on Gulf Shores Parkway when it left the roadway and sideswiped a light pole in the median. The SUV continued north and hit a boat and trailer being towed by a 2018 Chevy Silverado. The truck was stopped in the left turn lane at Cypress Bend Drive.
Gulf Coast Shark Season Is Making News
The Gulf Coast region draws unwanted attention from April through October, when sharks move closer to shore in the spring and summer. But the month of September has the most frequent, unprovoked shark attacks in the U.S., with south Florida having the most interactions. However, shark bites are still very rare, with humans 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark.
