Gulf Coast Media

02/02/2025

01/31/2025

A (Fairhope) man of the people! Scenes from a pep rally in honor of Riley Leonard back at his alma mater Fairhope High School. Mom, Coach, Mayor and a gym full of support as the senior Notre Dame quarterback prepares to play in the .

📷: / Gulf Coast Media

01/31/2025

🪴The latest from Kitti Cooper's expertise at Cooper Farm.
After a chilly Gulf Coast freeze, there's nothing like the sight of lush, green plants to lift your spirits and shake off those winter blues.

When your outdoor garden takes a hit, houseplants step in, bringing life, color and fresh air to every corner. They're like little pockets of spring that keep you company while you wait for warmer days. Whether you're reviving your green thumb or just looking for a cheerful distraction, houseplants are the perfect way to make your indoor space feel vibrant and alive all winter long. Let's explore how to grow and care for your indoor jungle during the Gulf Coast's cool months!

After a chilly Gulf Coast freeze, there's nothing like the sight of lush, green plants to lift your spirits and shake off those winter blues. When your outdoor garden takes a hit, houseplants …

01/31/2025

Construction is almost complete at Baldwin County's new 62,000-square-foot material recovery facility, according to Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance The Solid Waste Disposal Authority's $28+ million investment will provide Class A services for the community and help power Alabama's manufacturers like Novelis with high-quality recycled materials starting in the first quarter of this year.

Renderings from BCEDA.

01/31/2025

A 33-year-old Mobile man has been identified as the victim in a homicide investigation after his body was found in the lower Delta near Spanish Fort yesterday morning. Donald Neece was located around 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol Division troopers, according to a news release from ALEA. State Bureau of Investigation special agents are saying his vehicle was taken from the scene.

SBI has developed a person of interest, and special agents are working with law enforcement in Florida to locate the vehicle and person of interest, the news release says.

If anyone has information concerning the death of Donald Neece, contact SBI’s Mobile Office at (251) 850-0005.

01/31/2025

Curious how animals from all over the world reacted to the snow last week? We checked with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo!

Hamilton said once the temperature dropped into the "mid-20s and teens," most animals had to stay inside their indoor enclosures, though some animals that are suited for colder weather were given free reign between indoor and outdoor enclosures to enjoy the snow as needed.

Overall, different animals responded differently, Hamilton said. The zoo's gray wolf, Jake, "didn't mind the cold at all." Other animals enjoyed playing in the snow as it fell on Tuesday, Jan. 21, like the Eurasian lynx, the camels and the lions, "even though they're not a northern climate animal." The cheetahs, brought out after the snow had fallen so their keepers could clean the indoor enclosure, also seemed to have fun in the snow.

Outside of the zoo in wild waters, Mackenzie Russell and Dr. Ruth Carmichael with the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network said no cold-stressed strandings were reported during the "historically rare" cold weather seen last week, a different outcome than has been reported in Texas and Florida. However, "all living resources" feel the effects of "extreme and sustained cold."

01/30/2025

Baldwin County is growing, if you haven't heard, and Bay Minette is getting in on the action.

Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike's Steakhouse are coming to the county seat in Baldwin's northern area, marking a milestone in the city's downtown revitalization efforts through an ongoing collaboration between the City of Bay Minette, North Baldwin Utilities, the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and other local partners. The development is fueled by the momentum of Novelis's transformative investment in the area.

"The City of Bay Minette is very excited about the decision of Big Mike's Restaurant and Cobblestone Hotels to locate in our downtown area," Mayor Bob Wills said. "We have been working very hard over the past several years to bring new restaurants and hotels, not only for our city but in particular for our downtown. We believe that the addition of Big Mike's and Cobblestone will act as a catalyst to bring more people to our downtown area, which will, in turn, make it more attractive for other restaurants and retailers to locate here."

01/30/2025

Green Health Laboratories will open a cannabis and h**p testing facility in Foley, bringing 50 high-paying jobs and a $3.4 million investment to the city.

Operations are set to begin in early 2025, according to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA). The state-of-the-art facility, located on Section Avenue, will specialize in advanced testing for cannabis and h**p products. As one of Alabama's exclusive testing sites for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, the laboratory will conduct compliance tests to ensure product quality and safety for cultivators, processors and manufacturers.

"This project is a collaboration between the City of Foley and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and is a direct result of the creation of the health and wellness zone in North Foley," Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. "Our efforts are focused on bringing medical services and technologies to our citizens and our area. Green Health Laboratories is a perfect example of the high-tech industries we want to see in Foley. I welcome them and any others to our city."

01/29/2025

The FruitGuys Community Fund (TFGCF) is expanding its mission to support small, sustainable farms across the U.S., including those in Alabama.

Since its inception in 2012, the fund has awarded over $700,000 in grants to 143 projects, helping farmers enhance local food systems, promote diversity and protect the environment. Each year, the fund offers grants up to $5,000 for projects that support sustainability on small, independent farms and through agricultural nonprofits.

The FruitGuys Community Fund believes that small farms are crucial to building an equitable food system and maintaining environmental sustainability. The fund has awarded grants in 38 states and territories to date, with a significant focus on supporting women and BIPOC farmers — 87% of its grants have gone to those communities. As part of its 2025 grant cycle, TFGCF is targeting states where it has not yet provided funding, including Alabama, to expand its reach and impact.

The FruitGuys Community Fund (TFGCF) is expanding its mission to support small, sustainable farms across the U.S., including those in Alabama. Since its inception in 2012, the fund has awarded …

01/29/2025

UPDATE ON COLLAPSE AT GULF SHORES HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SITE:

The City of Gulf Shores and the project's contractor released statements Wednesday afternoon on the collapse of a portion of the outdoor sports practice pavilion under construction at the new high school off the Foley Beach Express.

"While we are disappointed that this occurred, we are incredibly thankful that no workers were on-site at the time of the collapse and no one was injured. Ensuring the safety of the workers during construction and, ultimately, everyone who will be enjoying the new Gulf Shores High School campus is our highest priority. Currently, an independent team of structural engineers is assessing the site to determine the factors that led to the collapse. Once their investigation is complete, the City of Gulf Shores will determine the appropriate next steps based on their findings. We will provide additional information once the cause of the collapse is determined.

"We understand that an incident like this raises questions and concerns about the safety of this facility. While the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, we want to reassure the public that this facility was designed to a 174 mph wind load rating, will be constructed in strict compliance with building codes and will be required to pass all inspections from the Alabama Department of Construction Management (ADCM). These inspections occur at critical milestones during and after construction to ensure all State Building Codes are adhered to, and the ADCM will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy for this facility or any other portion of the new Gulf Shores High School until all required inspections have been completed and passed."

To read the rest of statement from the city as well as the statement from Rabren General Contractors, find this story on our website. Link in comments.

📸: Micah Green / Gulf Coast Media

01/29/2025

Happening tomorrow:
The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Career Center System have joined forces again to present this year's annual Veterans Job Expo, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This event aims to assist not only local veterans but also all individuals seeking employment in finding companies within the community that offer well-paying jobs. The expo will be held at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center, with over 50 employers on-site.

The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Career Center System have joined forces again to present this year's annual Veterans Job Expo, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to …

01/29/2025

NCAA beach volleyball national championship returning to Gulf Shores this year in wake of Southern California fires 🏐🏆
“In light of the ongoing recovery efforts approximately 50 miles up north in Los Angeles County, our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need,” Orange County Sports Commission Executive Director Anthony Brenneman said in a Wednesday release.
Since Lower Alabama has crowned every NCAA national champion since the association sanctioned the sport in 2016, Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events, said the group would have no problem crowning one more champion.
“When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years,” Gendler said in the release. “Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores.”

Visit gulfcoastmedia.com/sports for more!

✍️: Cole McNanna / Gulf Coast Media
📸: Micah Green / Gulf Coast Media

01/29/2025

Gulf Shores City Schools (GSCS) announced its designation as an Apple Distinguished School District, a prestigious recognition awarded by Apple, Inc., for leadership in creating technology-rich learning environments that inspire creativity, foster collaboration and personalize learning.

The award will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 9:00 a.m. in the Hangout Music Production Lab at Gulf Shores High School. GSCS is one of two Apple Distinguished School Districts in Alabama joining a select group of schools worldwide celebrated for creating dynamic, future-ready learning environments.

01/29/2025

Wednesday, Jan. 29, is the start of the Lunar New Year, a time of family reunions and cultural traditions, marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Celebrated across China, South Korea, Vietnam and regions with significant Chinese communities, this festive season is rich in history and symbolism.

Sonda Stokes, education programs manager at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, shared intriguing insights about snakes:

- Snakes lack eyelids; instead, a clear scale called a spectacle protects their eyes.
- They use their tongues to "smell" by collecting air particles and analyzing them with their Jacobson’s organ.
- Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, but New Zealand is notably snake-free.
- Some snakes, like the Speckled Kingsnake, eat other snakes, including venomous species like copperheads.
- "Snake venom is being used to develop treatments for a variety of human illnesses, including pain management, high blood pressure and cancer care. Scientists are also studying possibilities for treatment of diseases such diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis."

Wednesday, Jan. 29, is the start of the Lunar New Year. But what does that mean exactly? Lunar New Year, a time of family reunions and cultural traditions, marks the arrival of spring and …

01/29/2025

UPDATE: The road is reopened.

Part of Interstate 10 eastbound is closed after Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division troopers found a body in the lower Delta near Spanish Fort Wednesday morning.

There is a heavy law enforcement presence in the area with assistance from troopers assigned to ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Spanish Fort Police Department.

The eastbound lanes of I-10 from the 27 mile marker to the 30 mile marker are closed. Traffic is being diverted onto exit 27 and will remain on the Causeway until motorists reach Spanish Fort at exit 35.

The body was located around 7:30 a.m. Jan. 29, according to ALEA. Troopers notified special agents assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which launched a death investigation.

01/28/2025

A federal jury has convicted Fairhope sisters Judy Owen, 61, and Mitzy Smith, 54, for conspiracy to commit murder for hire, transfer of a firearm in furtherance of a felony, and murder for hire.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Smith and Owen conspired together and with others to hire a hitman to murder another person. The sisters’ co-defendants, Rebecca Murphy, Sandra Grimes, and Jessica Montgomery previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for hire, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Alabama.

According to previous reporting from GCM, the hit was planned on a Louisiana man, their third sister's (Grimes) son-in-law, in reaction to what the complaint detailed as his physical abuse of her family members.

More in the comments.

01/28/2025

Opportunities to give back in Daphne, Elberta, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Mobile:

As dangerous snow and ice sweep across the country, and wildfires in southern California burn and impact air quality, Red Cross blood drive cancellations have grown into the hundreds. Collectively, this has resulted in more than 12,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January. In the Alabama and Mississippi Region, 12 blood drives have been canceled since the new year due to weather, resulting in 200 uncollected blood product donations.

Donors of all blood types — particularly type O negative blood donors — are needed to help save lives this month.

The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of all blood types — …

01/27/2025

Part of the construction at the new Gulf Shores High School on the Beach Express side of the property has collapsed.

Superintendent Matt Akin told Gulf Coast Media Monday morning that the collapse was part of the practice facility, which is not connected to other parts of the building or the main school.

He said inspectors and contractors are working to determine the cause. It was not immediately clear if it was due to last week’s snowstorm or if there were workers on site.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information comes in.

📷: Micah Green / Gulf Coast Media