Pay hikes not likely for Orange Beach mayor, council

Officials wary of upping salaries with uncertain economic outlook
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER, Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH -- Whoever comes into office after this summer's municipal elections, they'll more than likely be on the same pay scale as their predecessors.

A majority of elected officials on Monday said they were against raising the pay for the next administration. Though they will have to vote next week on an ordinance spelling out the next group's pay, they said they will leave salaries as they were set in early 2004 and only, at City Attorney Wanda Cochran's request, tweak verbiage in the law.

In 2004, annual salaries were set at $25,000 for the mayor, $15,000 for the mayor pro tem, and $10,000 for the remaining four City Council members. Also included in that ordinance was a provision that gave elected officials a 5 percent cost of living raise each October.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Snapper season shrinks

(Photo: Capt. Brian Bracknell from the charter boat Crowd Pleezer with large Red Snapper catch. Click here to read the Florida Sportsman article about Red Snapper fishing in Orange Beach.)

From the Mobile Press-Register...

National committee approves reduction of 2008 Gulf recreational window by 72 days

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

By JEFF DUTE AND BEN RAINES

Staff Reporters

New red snapper regulations that cut 72 days from the red snapper season and roughly 700,000 pounds from the recreational catch in the Gulf of Mexico will go into effect Feb. 28.

Instead of the April 21 through Oct. 31 season that fishermen have planned their vacations around for years, the 2008 snapper season will run for 122 days, from June 1 through Sept. 30.

The recreational total allowable catch is now set at 2.45 million pounds, down from 3.15 million last year.

The final rule issued Tuesday by the National Marine Fisheries Service also maintains the two-fish-per-person daily bag limit and the elimination of the captain and crew bag on for-hire vessels that were begun last year as part of an interim rule issued before the 2007 season.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

LaShe float in flames

A float bursts into flames Tuesday night during the Order of LaShe's parade as seen in this Mobile County Sheriff's Office deputy's cell phone photograph. The flames were doused with no injuries and the float continued the parade.

Click here for the complete article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Widespread Panic returning to Orange Beach

January 28, 2008 09:01 AM

By Kym Kilgore, LiveDaily Contributor

Veteran jam band Widespread Panic [ tickets ] has its 10th studio album due next month and will road test the new material during a US trek this spring.The band is scheduled to launch the monthlong tour April 1 with a two-night stand in Washington, DC, and then wind its way around the eastern half of the country, stopping for multiple nights in New York City; Chicago; Orange Beach, AL; Savannah, GA; and Raleigh, NC. Also on the books is a May 1 gig at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Widespread Panic's forthcoming album, "Free Somehow," is due Feb. 12 on Widespread Records. The set will be the group's first release with new guitarist Jimmy Herring, who replaced George McConnell last fall. McConnell had joined Panic following the 2002 cancer death of founding member Michael Houser.

Most of the new songs have yet to be tested on the road, which makes the upcoming tour a live preview, according to a press release. A few tracks from the set--"Boom Boom Boom," "Flicker" and "Up All Night"--can be heard at either the band's website or MySpace page.

Click here to read the full article from Live Daily.

H&R Block North Foley - Tax Breaks for Families

Tuesday January 29 2008 - 6 pm - 8 pm

H&R Block , the world’s largest tax services provider, is helping Baldwin County residents better understand their taxes by making simple-language tax information accessible and free to the public.

Qualified H&R;Block tax professionals will present an informative, entertaining program entitled “Tax Breaks for Families” from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. The program will cover the Earned Income Credit, the Child Tax Credit, exemptions for children, Social Security numbers, child support payments, and working teenagers as dependents.

H&R;Block Lecture Series speakers are experienced professionals with access to the most up-to-date training and tax information available. These speakers are qualified to discuss complex tax situations, and there is no cost or obligation to the public. The programs will be helpful to taxpayers who complete their own tax returns as well as those who rely on paid professionals.

Palm Plaza Shopping Center at 1111-A North McKenzie, Foley, Alabama

More Event info Joanne Hamilton(251) 943-9190 or (251) 943-4474.

Art Lessons at the Orange Beach Art Center for February

Pottery: Steve Dark will be teaching a pottery class beginning February 6th on Wednesday nights. The class will meet from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM and cost $85, which includes clay and firings.

Oil Painting: Joanne Hall from Arkansas will be teaching a special four week oil painting class beginning February 7th. The class is held on Mondays from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM. The cost is $100.

Beginning and Intermediate Watercolor: Rich Willows is teaching two watercolor classes; one for beginners and one for students with some watercolor experience. These five classes will meet Mondays and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The cost is $80.00

For More info contact Wanda W. Price, Art Center Coordinator at 251.981.2787 or email wprice@cityoforangebeach.com

Voting issues topic of Jan. 29 talk

Baldwin County Probate Judge Adrian Johns will speak to the public about the latest and greatest on voting in Baldwin County, on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Robertsdale Central Annex, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Judge Johns will address voting issues, including: early voting, voter ID, absentee ballots, overseas military voting, how to register to vote and what our county has accomplished so far in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

This is a free, public service event sponsored by the League of Women Voters Baldwin County. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Pat Laraway, league president at (251) 945-5504.

The Robertsdale Central Annex is at 22251 Palmer Road, off Highway 104, just west of the intersection with Alabama Highway 59.

Register Now for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Spring Workshop

CONTACT: Sylvia Payne

1-800-262-3151

sylvia.payne@dcnr.alabama.gov

Registration is open for the next Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop, March 7-9, 2008. The workshop, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), will be held at the 4-H Center near Columbiana in Shelby County.

BOW which began in October 1995, is a bi-annual event. The workshop is three-day adventure offering beginner-level skills training for an array of fun and exciting activities ranging from turkey hunting to camp cooking. BOW workshop activities include camping, backyard wildlife, map and compass, mountain biking, shooting sports (pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader), fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, motor boat handling, geocaching, bee keeping, and much more. Participants can also obtain their Hunter Education Certification and Boating Safety Certification during the weekend event.

BOW workshops are open to all females 18 years old or above. Many past participants return to BOW and often bring someone with them to experience what they have discovered to be a fun-filled weekend of challenging activities in the beautiful outdoors. Attendance regularly includes senior adults, mothers and daughters, co-workers and best friends.

Highly-trained ADCNR staff and volunteers serve as instructors. Additionally, participants may bring their personal equipment to use in the various sessions.

The registration fee of $199 covers all meals, dormitory lodging, program materials and instruction. Enrollment is limited to 130 applicants, and classes fill up fast. To register, visit the Department of Conservation’s Web site at http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/Events_for_women/bow/. Registration deadline is February 29. Once registration is completed, registrants will receive confirmation including a class schedule and driving directions.

For additional information, contact Sylvia Payne, ADCNR Information and Education Section at 1-800-262-3151 or Sylvia.Payne@dcnr.alabama.gov.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Mardi Gras Prompts 2-Day Vote in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Don't mess with Mardi Gras in Alabama.

Voters in two coastal counties — Baldwin and Mobile — will vote Wednesday even though the state primary is six days later on Feb. 5. The reason: Feb. 5 also is Fat Tuesday when throngs of people celebrate Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast. The frenzied end to Carnival is an official holiday in the two counties in Alabama.

When the state legislature moved up the presidential primary from June 3 to Super Tuesday, it discovered belatedly that it fell on Mardi Gras. In Baldwin and Mobile counties, government shuts down and crowds by the tens of thousands jam the port city's streets for parades.

Click here for the complete article from the Associated Press on Google.

Click here for more information about the upcoming election for our area.

Practice Safe Boating During the Cold Weather Months, Wear Your Life Jacket!

It's too hot!! I know how to swim! It's just not cool! Nothing will happen to me! These are some of the reasons boaters give for not wearing a life jacket. Let us give you some reasons why you should.

Do it for yourself and your family! Most boating fatalities are the result of capsizings or falls overboard when the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Expect the unexpected and wear a life jacket. Remember, it won't work if you don't wear it!

Click here for more Outdoor Alabama.

Alabama's Artificial Reef Program

Alabama's Artificial Reef Program is the product of a cooperative agreement between the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program is the culmination of many meetings, letters, reports and workshops between various user groups within the coastal area and while the system addressed on this page is the current program, it is intended to be dynamic with changes occurring as technology develops on artificial reef construction.

Click here for the complete article on Alabama Outdoor.

Click here for information on getting your own private artificial reef; either at your dock, or at a non-disclosed location in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sweetheart 5K Run Benefits Local Organizations

Runners from all over the country are preparing to take to the streets of Gulf Shores Feb. 16 for the 7^th Annual Sweetheart 5K Run and Walk. Sponsored by the L.A. Fleet Feet Running Club, the event raises money for several worthy causes in the area.

Since its inception in 2002, the Sweetheart 5K has raised approximately $50,000 for various civic, charitable and athletic organizations in the area, according to Lee Echols, a current Fleet Feet member and one of the originators of the Sweetheart 5K. Groups such as the Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County, Gulf Coast Arts Council, Boy Scout Troop 49 in Gulf Shores and the Gulf Shores High School and Foley High School track teams have benefited from the proceeds of the race.

“Some runners take it seriously, but the majority of the people come out for the fun and to help raise money for various organizations that depend on community support,” Race Director Bruce Bankston said. “Each year we have been able to continue building the race into major regional running and charity event.”

Trophies will be awarded in numerous age categories ranging from 10 and younger to 75 and older. “It’s a great event for the entire family. We have events for people of all ages,” Bankston said. Previous editions of the race have drawn more than 400 runners from 27 states and Canada, according to Bankston.

In addition to the race itself, there will also be a lively post-race party which will include live music from local favorites Brent Burns and Don Stafford. The post-race party will also include a wide variety of free food and beverages for all who register for the race.

In addition to the 5K race, there will also be a 5K race/walk, and a 1-mile fun run, according to Bankston. “Couples can compete for the sweetheart award based on their combined race time,” he said.

Bankston said along with entry fees, the primary funding source for the grants the group awards are sponsorships. There are three levels of sponsorship ranging from $250 for bronze level to $1,000 for gold level. “We have a limited number of sponsorships still available,” he said. “A sponsorship will get your business name and logo on all race t-shirts and race promotional material. Last year we had approximately 450 people show up on race day and they all were exposed to our sponsors names, products and services numerous times throughout the day.”

The 5k race will begin promptly at 8 a.m. The start/finish line will be located at 200 East First Ave. in Gulf Shores.

Registrations postmarked by Feb. 11 are $15 and should be sent to: L.A. Fleet Feet/Sweetheart Run, P.O. Box 3584, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Late registration will take place on Feb. 15 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the race site, 200 East First Ave. in Gulf Shores. Late registration fee is $20. Bankston said participants may sign up the day of the race from 6:30 until 7:30 a.m. at the race site for a fee of $25.

For more information please contact Bankston at 968-2055 or Club President Billy Thomason at 968-5611. E-mail inquiries to sweetheartrun@aol.com.

Local students see financial success

Need investment advice? Ask some local students.

Students at five Baldwin County schools -- Perdido, Robertsdale Elementary, Orange Beach Elementary, Silverhill Elementary and Gulf Shores High -- participated last fall in the Alabama Stock Market Game, a 10-week simulation that allows students in grades 4-12 to play the market with a fictional $100,000 bankroll.

"Even though they don't actually get $100,000 in their little hands, they get excited that this is something you can do and people do every day," said Perdido teacher Gerri McDonald, who coordinates the school's gifted program. "You attach money to anything and kids like it."

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

County starts campaigning for Pay-As-You-Go

While most government employees were free to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial holiday as they pleased, Baldwin County's top engineer spent part of his day trying to sell a tax increase to a room of mostly Republican women.

On Monday, three commissioners and Cal Markert, director of the Baldwin County Highway Department, presented information about the county's plan to pay for highway construction and improvements to the about 50 people who attended the Eastern Shore Republican Women's monthly luncheon.

At the heart of the plan is a "Pay-As-You-Go" fund, which would have to be approved by voters.

Click here for the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

'Lulu' Buffett: servin' up good food, tasty conversation

Ignore your conscience and loosen your belt a notch because a virtual Buffett buffet awaits you at the corner bookstore.

After keeping the idea of writing a cookbook simmering on the back burner for a decade, the free spirit guiding LuLu’s at Homeport Marina turned up the heat and recently released Crazy Sista Cooking: Cuisine & Conversation With Lucy Anne Buffett.

The nearly 300-page volume, written by Buffett and Anastasia Arnold, is packed full of the stories and dishes that have made the restaurant a popular stop since its humble beginnings on Weeks Bay, at the same spot her dad took Buffett and her two siblings fishing many years ago.

Click here for the full article from Baldwin County Now.

January's Offshore Bounty of Redfish

Captain Maurice Fitzsimmons

January’s a great month to take a charter and fish for redfish. We’re catching and releasing a tremendous number of redfish this month. You can catch 20- to 30-pound redfish on just about any bait you put in the water. Triggerfish and vermilion snapper (beeliners), which are both delicious to eat, have also really been biting well. During this month, we’re still catching and releasing large numbers of big red snapper.

The big news here at the Gulf Coast is that red snapper season has changed. It doesn’t open until June 1st and closes September 30th, so our Red Snapper World Championship (RSWC) held in Orange Beach that had run for the first 30 days of snapper season now will be held during the fall in September. However, during the spring, we’ll have a salt-water series tournament with 11-different species of fish, including tuna, wahoo, triggerfish, vermilion snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, speckled trout, redfish and several other species of fish, whether you fish inshore or offshore.

The Spring Saltwater Series, which will run from April 4 to May 26, will award $150,000 in cash and prizes to the winners. The speckled trout tournament will have a three-fish aggregate, and if you’re one of the lucky winners of this tournament, you’ll qualify for the Fall Shoot-off, a really-big tournament with a lot of cash and prizes.

The RSWC this year will run from August 22 until September 30 and award $35,000 in cash for the winning angler and the same amount of money to the boat captain, based on entry fees. So, this year, instead of having only one big tournament with only one or two fish that can be caught for prize money, we’ll have two tournaments – the first tournament in the spring and the Red Snapper World Championship in the fall.

In March, we expect to see our cobia turning-up, depending on the weather. Generally a lot of local tournaments related to cobia are held during this month. Every day, fishermen from Orange Beach and Dauphin Island will be running the beach looking for cobia.

The good news about our tournaments this year is you either can fish in the tournament off a charter boat, or you can fish both tournaments in your own private boat. Tickets for the tournaments will be available at various locations in Baldwin and Mobile counties, particularly on Dauphin Island and at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. A $10 daily ticket qualifies you to compete in all 11 categories for the prizes and the money in the Spring Saltwater Series.

The RSWC in the fall only will cost $10 for a daily ticket, as it has in the past. In the spring tournament, almost any fish that bites your hook is a potential prize winner. I suggest booking early, if you plan to charter fish in either or both tournaments.


To book the “Miss Celeste,” and fish with Captain Fitzsimmons, call him at (251) 209-9166 or (251) 626-9437, or go to his webpage at www.missceleste.com to find prices and schedules.

Talis Jayme offers art classes at Perdido Key & O.B. locations

Enjoy the experience of creating works of art with Talis Jayme at two locations: Artworks @ Villagio on Perdido Key Drive and Artz on Canal Rd. in Orange Beach.

Beginning or experienced artists will enjoy progress at your own pace. Call Talis at 850.492.8696 or 850.261.9617 to reserve your space.

Groups are welcome. Plan your next event—birthday, club, Girls night out, Friends and Family, or out of town guests. Family art classes available in gallery or at your home. Special scheduling, please call Talis.

Fees: $80 for four classes, watercolor or acrylics, $65 for four children’s classes. Private lessons, group, family or events rates quoted separately.

Harvey H. Jackson: Reaping what you sow

OK. Here are the facts — as best I can ascertain.

The beach mouse is endangered.

Anything that would further endanger what is already in danger cannot be allowed.

Recreational boating is a big deal down along the Alabama coast. It entertains folks and brings in a lot of money.

Orange Beach has two public boat ramps — Cotton Bayou and Boggy Point. When the weather warms and the weekend comes, the public, for whom the ramps were built, uses them. A lot. So cars and trucks and trailers spill out of the parking lot, line the shoulder of the road, obstruct traffic and inconvenience everybody.

Solution?

Click here for the rest of the story.

New Mardi Gras Krewe in Orange Beach

Monday, January 21, 2008

By GUY BUSBY

Staff Reporter

Carnival continues to grow in Baldwin County as more residents turn out to celebrate Mardi Gras.

This year, a new Mardi Gras society held its first ball in Orange Beach as the Treasures of the Isle kicked off Baldwin's Carnival season Jan. 5.

Ann Mitchell, one of the founders of the group, said the Treasures were ready to begin celebrating.

We were really just looking for a time when we could hold our first ball and the closer we got to Fat Tuesday, everything was booked, but then we realized this is appropriate. As the newest society, it's kind of appropriate that we're the ones to introduce the Mardi Gras season," she said.

The group, established in April, is made up of 42 total members, men and women.

Click Here to read the full story from the Mobile Press Register website.

Exhibitor slots available for Feb. 7 Alabama Expo at O.B.’s Caribe Resort

Exhibitor slots are still open for the 16th Annual Lifestyles EXPO slated on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the beautiful Caribe Resort, located on Pensacola Pass in Orange Beach.

There will be plenty of parking available and few stairs to climb for the mostly Snowbird attendees, which numbered almost 4,000.

Fifty Alabama Communities have already signed up to participate in the EXPO, but exhibitor slots are still available. For exhibitor info, contact Bill The EXPO Man at 205-222-2862, www.alabamaadvantage.org, or call 800-235-4757.
   
Click Here to read complete story from the Mullet Wrapper website.

Sirens Mardi Gras Ball Jan. 26 at Perdido Beach Resort

The Sirens of the Sea will hold their sixth annual Mardis Gras Ball on January 26th at the Perdido Beach Resort. Ball Chairman, Barbara Pugh stated that the "Mystical Mermaid Masquerade" will be a magical evening honoring Queen Joan Contorno and Emblem Marianne Hawkins.

Click here to read the full story on the Mullet Wrapper website.

Super Chili Bowl Cook Off Feb. 2 at Flora-Bama Lounge

The Flora-Bama Lounge is holding its 14th Annual Super Chili Bowl Cook Off Saturday, February 2, starting at 10 a.m. Bowls are $2 each with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which supports the American Cancer Society’s Mission. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

The entry fee is $50 per (3 person) team. There will be lots of prizes and perks for the competitors. There is a perpetual Trophy for the 1st Place Team, as well as the People’s Choice, with ribbons for all other winning teams. Souvenir T-shirts, “Free Beer” and other give-a-ways will be provided for all participants (must be 21 years old to enter).

The Flora-Bama Lounge challenges you to form a chili cook-off team and have a little friendly competition among your peers, as to your cooking talents. Can you whip up a super pot of chili from scratch on-site at the Flora-Bama? How about livening up February with a chance to strut your chili wizardry and come out and compete with your friends and neighbors and let us and the judges taste the very best pot of chili that your team can produce.

Get your team together now and plan to make February 2rd a “Five Alarm” Super Chili Bowl Saturday.

For additional information, please contact Cheryl Lange at (251) 980-5118 or (850) 492-0611.

Calling All Artists

Monday, January 21, 2008
Submitted by Vicki Stillings

The Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce is seeking artists to submit original artwork for consideration in the 37th annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest.

The winning design will become the official 37th annual National Shrimp Festival poster and the official design for all festival merchandise. The selected artist will receive a cash prize of $1,000.

The deadline for submissions is March 7. Interested artists should contact Sarah Hicks at 968-7220 or by e-mail at sarahj@gulftel.com for a list of criteria to be used in designing and submitting artwork.

The 37th annual National Shrimp Festival will be held Oct. 9 through 12 in Gulf Shores. The festival will include four days of live music entertainment, arts and crafts, a children's activity village and shrimp prepared in a variety of ways.

Click here to visit the Shrimp Festival website.
Click here to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce website.

Chamber ushers in new year, leadership

Despite slow economy, chamber added about 175 members in 2007

Monday, January 21, 2008

By RYAN DEZEMBER

Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH -- At its annual meeting Friday at the Perdido Beach Resort, the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce honored a longtime park superintendent, a local publisher and two deceased members. It also ushered in its leadership for 2008.

The event -- the 1,000-member group's 27th -- was attended by about 500, chamber officials said. Though the national economy flagged in 2007, particularly the real estate sector, which is arguably south Baldwin County's biggest industry, the chamber added 175 members over the year, said Membership Director Jana Davis.

"A lot of people are saying we're going through a little bit of a downturn, people are talking about how we might be getting into a recession," said chamber President Mark Berson. "But this area is still one of the best undiscovered areas in the country, and I kind of feel it's like the last frontier, really."

Click here to read the full story from the Mobile Press-Register.

Marine Resources Division Receives $50,000 for State’s Offshore Artificial Reef Program

(From left-right: Chief Marine Biologist Steve Heath, Tournament Director Tony Kennon, ADCNR Comm. M. Barnett Lawley, Tom Steber, Gov. Bob Riley, Captain Maurice Fitzsimmons, Marine Resources Division Dir. R. Vernon Minton)

Captain Maurice Fitzsimmons, Tom Steber and Tony Kennon of the Red Snapper World Championship presented Marine Resources Division Director Vern Minton a check for $50,000 on Nov. 26 at Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The money will be used as match for the Sportfish Restoration monies to continue building offshore artificial reefs.

“Since its inception in 2004, the Red Snapper World Championship has been a very successful tournament and has helped generate a lot of revenue for coastal Alabama,” said Gov. Bob Riley. “Their continued commitment in supporting Alabama’s Artificial Offshore Reef Program is very much appreciated.”

In partnership with the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the tournament has donated $50,000 each year to be used as matching money for the federal SportFish Restoration program. The 3:1 match creates $200,000 yearly.

“This is a great cooperative effort that has produced a tremendous amount of habitat to the benefit of the fishery resources and the fishermen,” said Minton. “The program has been able to place 864 artificial reefs in the permit area, creating excellent habitat for reef fishes like red snapper and grouper.” Approximately 1,200 square miles of offshore waters are included in the artificial reef general permit areas of Alabama, making this the largest artificial reef program in the United States.

ADCNR Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley said, “We look forward to continuing this successful working relationship in the future and appreciate the opportunity to share in this tremendous tournament.” The Red Snapper World Championship is held each spring in Orange Beach, Alabama. Hundreds of anglers from all over the nation participate in the tournament for cash and prizes.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Lorrie Morgan to join Entertainment Series

Submitted by Teri Westbrook

GULF SHORES, Ala. — Members of the Gulf Shores City Council unanimously voted Monday, Jan. 14, to award a performance contract to country music star Lorrie Morgan, pending approval of her management agency.

Morgan, who was the first female country singer to have three consecutive albums certified platinum, will perform her many hits Feb. 12 and 13 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center as part of the city’s Entertainment Series ‘08.

“I’m really looking forward to having Lorrie perform in Gulf Shores,” Gulf Shores Mayor Billy Duke said. “To get a first-rate singer like her on short notice is evidence of what a great job our Special Events Department does on a daily basis.”

“We are delighted to be able to present an artist of Lorrie’s stature to residents and winter visitors of Gulf Shores,” Special Events Director Patsy Hollingsworth said. “She is a second-generation country music star who has almost 30 years of performing to her credit.”

Born Loretta Lynn Morgan on June 27, 1959, she grew up the daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan. She spent many nights backstage at the Opry, and made her debut there at 13.

Her father died when she was 16, and she was singing professionally a year later. By 21, she was opening shows for George Jones. She performed at Opryland USA, sang demo sessions for country publishing giant Acuff-Rose and became a member of the Opry in 1985.

Although Morgan charted her first single, “Two People in Love,” in 1979, her career took off with the 1989 release of “Dear Me,” a Top 10 hit that coincided with the death of her husband Keith Whitley.

Over the following decade, Morgan released three No. 1 singles — “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Her other hits include “Out of Your Shoes,” “Watch Me,” “Something in Red” and “Except for Monday.”

Recognized as a creative force in music videos, Morgan charted eight No. 1 videos at CMT. Praise from her peers and fans followed, and Morgan earned nine industry awards including four wins as Female Vocalist of the Year (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998).

She made countless appearances on major network television shows including “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Good Morning America,” among others.

Doors for Morgan’s performances will open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30.

Pam Tillis was originally scheduled to perform on these dates but, according to a Tillis spokesperson, emergency surgery has left the performer physically unable to perform. Tickets for the Tillis concerts will be accepted at the Morgan concert. “If you bought tickets for Pam Tillis, your tickets are still good for the same night and the same seat for Lorrie Morgan,” Hollingsworth said.

Additional tickets are available at the Civic Center box office Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. while supplies last. Call (251) 968-1172 for information.

High court upholds Turquoise Place ruling

Third and fourth towers clear legal challenge

Saturday, January 19, 2008

By RYAN DEZEMBER

Staff Reporter

The Alabama Supreme Court has let stand a lower court's decision that gave developer Larry Wireman the green light to build the third and fourth towers of his Turquoise Place project in Orange Beach.

The high court offered no written reason, only noting in its Jan. 11 release of decisions that it would not consider the matter.

The owners of an adjacent hotel and the estate of former landowners brought the appeal, challenging last year's decision by the Court of Civil Appeals to side with a Baldwin County judge in favor of Wireman.

Click here to read the full story from the Mobile Press-Register.

Groundbreaking for Waste Water Treatment Facility

City of Orange Beach Announces Groundbreaking for Waste Water Treatment Facility Monday, January 28, 2008 at 1pm

January 18, 2008
By Ken Grimes, Jr, Special Projects Coordinator

When describing the Alabama Gulf Coast, most would think of the beautiful sandy white beaches, condo’s overlooking the emerald waters of the gulf, a sunset over Wolf Bay or spending the day on one of many islands. One rarely hears anyone speak of the infrastructure expansion, garbage disposal, under-grounding of utilities or the treatment of waste water but they are the vital services of any community . . . even a resort town like Orange Beach. City leaders have been planning for such improvements to infrastructure services for years as the growth of the city’s population along with the addition of thousands of units of vacation rentals which attract on peak weekends an estimated 100,000 plus tourists. On January 28th, the next step in future expansion becomes a reality.

Mayor Blalock and the Orange Beach City Council are pleased to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new City of Orange Beach Waste Water Treatment Plant. The ceremony will begin at 1 PM on Monday, January 28, 2008 at the site which is located south of Canal Road between the Sportsplex and Powerline Road. A shuttle bus will be provided from the Orange Beach Sportsplex located at the end of William Silvers Parkway to the site as construction access is not paved for public travel at this time. According to Mayor Pete Blalock, “this new facility has been a long time in the works and we are extremely happy to be under construction to not only be prepared for future growth, but to finally relocate our existing plant away from heavily traveled Canal Road. The new plant will have an enclosed head-works along with the more isolated location to eliminate most odors affiliated with the service.”

The new facility will be built on approximately twenty acres within a total site of forty acres which allows for plenty of room for future growth. Mayor Blalock noted “the construction should take between 18-20 months for completion and our plant is designed by Gary McMillan and the City of Orange Beach will serve as general contractor on the project as we minimize expenses and maximize our effort.” Jeff Hartley, Utilities Director for the City of Orange Beach adds “the new Waste Water Treatment Plant will be a state of the art 10 million gallons per day plant (MGD), and will be expandable to 15 MGD. The plant is designed to serve the City’s needs for at least the next 20 years and it will replace the City’s current facility on Canal Road, which will be demolished upon completion of the new plant in 2009”. The public is invited to attend this unique event. If you need further directions, please feel free to contact Orange Beach City Hall at (251) 981-6979 or search www.CityOfOrangeBeach.com for details.

Gulf Shores Property Auction

LFC Online (http://www.LFC.com/707R2), an Internet real estate auction marketing firm and part of the LFC Group of Companies, has announced that it is auctioning over 22 acres of prime development property located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The 22.5-acre parcel of residential development land (http://www.LFC.com/707R2), located just north of Highway 180, is zoned R1-FM/PUD and is a proposed 45-lot subdivision. The unparalleled location of the property, along the Bon Secour Bay, lends itself to unbelievable development potential, especially with the pending permit for 46 boat slips, allowing 270 feet of exclusive shoreline access.

The property neighbors the premier Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, which was designed by Alabama's own renowned architect Earl Stone and is owned by Honours Golf, the leading golf course management and development company in the Southeastern United States.

Gulf Shores, Alabama, located in Baldwin County along the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Panhandle and an hour drive from Mobile, is a stunning location to own a vacation home or live year-round. With its mild climate, signature golf courses, picturesque beaches, relaxed atmosphere and enchanting local charm, Gulf Shores is quickly becoming one of America's top vacation destinations, especially for golfers. In addition, Baldwin is one of the top three fastest growing counties in Alabama, experiencing one of the largest real estate development efforts in the region. In fact, a recent article on CNNMoney.com named Mobile to be one of the few "up markets" in the country, as a major metro area experiencing significant price appreciation, due to a current boom of new development projects.

"Auctions are always a marketing vehicle that will focus attention on a particular property, but an online auction, in particular, will give this property global attention," comments Bill Lange, President of the LFC Group of Companies (http://www.LFC.com/707R2). "Given the potential of this coastal property, I expect this auction will be a catalyst to reignite development in the Gulf Shores area."

"Despite the declining real estate market, interest in the Gulf Shores and Baldwin County area has began to pick up again," says Allan Cameron, a local broker for Peebles & Cameron, a Mobile-based Grubb & Ellis affiliate. "The potential for this property is phenomenal! The buyer could build a premier residential community or even a grand estate. The pending permit for the 46 boat slips and highly desirable bay frontage make this parcel even more valuable and appealing."

Aside from world-class golf, the Gulf Shores area offers hundreds of acres of wildlife and nature preserves, a variety of restaurants and shopping, as well as recreational activities like deep sea fishing, sun-bathing and strolling along the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, for history enthusiasts, there are several historic sites, most notably Fort Morgan, a key battleground during the Civil War.

The bid deadline is February 14, 2008, and prospective buyers and interested parties are encouraged to visit www.LFC.com/707R2 to review more information about the property and register to bid in the online auction.

LFC Group of Companies
For over 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies have served numerous Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, investors, financial institutions and government agencies by auction marketing thousands of commercial, industrial, land and residential properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $5 billion. www.LFC.com

Free Health Screenings

January 17, 2008-- Sacred Heart Health System will provide free blood screenings on Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. at The Christian Service Center at 317 Dolphin Ave. in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Screenings, which will be provided by Sacred Heart’s Mission in Motion team, will measure blood sugar, total cholesterol and blood count. These screenings are helpful in diagnosing conditions that put people at high risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.

Mission in Motion is a community service provided by Sacred Heart Health System, which is based in Pensacola. The mobile unit’s free services also are made possible by support from the law firm of Kerrigan, Estes, Rankin and McLeod, as well as the Gannett Foundation and other community donors.

For more information, please call (850) 416-7826.

Alabama Dog can make it Big with Your Vote

Mobile, AL — January 11, 2008 — Circuit City held a nationwide contest for their new FireDog mascot. They received nearly 7,000 entries nationwide and selected 20 finalists, one of them from Mobile, Alabama.

Derrick Dockery from Mobile, Alabama entered his dog Harley in the contest and she is now one of the 20 finalists! As part of the contest each finalist was to name a local humane organization and the Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was designated by Mr. Dockery.

The Mobile SPCA will receive $1 for each vote cast for Harley, up to $100,000. If Harley wins the Mobile SPCA could also win $50,000! These funds will be used to save more homeless shelter pets, provide spay and neuter assistance, and help towards fighting animal cruelty, including illegal dog fighting.

You can go online and vote for Harley at www.firedogkodakcontest.com

The Mobile SPCA is asking everyone to vote for Harley. You can only vote once from an email address so everyone needs to get all of their friends, family and acquaintances to vote from their home and office emails. This is the only dog from Alabama that is one the top 20 finalists. We have 100,000 votes we have to muster to be awarded the $100,000. You can vote through January 26.

For more information go to www.mobilespca.org or call 633-3531.

FLW Kingfish Series returns to Orange Beach for 2008

BENTON, KY – January 14, 2008 –

FLW Outdoors, home of FLW Fantasy Fishing (www.FantasyFishing.com), and the largest cash payout in fantasy sports history, announced today that the 2008 Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series will feature six events advancing teams to a no-entry-fee championship that will be held Nov. 14-15 in Biloxi, Miss. Each qualifying tournament, four of which will be held in conjunction with Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour events, will feature a guaranteed top payout of $15,000, and the Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series Championship will also feature a top payout of $15,000.

The top five teams from each tournament and the top 20 teams (who are not already qualified) from the year-end points standings will advance to the two-day championship. Teams finishing the season ranked in the top 20 will also receive priority entry into the 2009 Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour.

The top award in each qualifier includes $6,000 plus $9,000 in Hydra-Sports, Scarab, Seaswirl, Wellcraft, Yamaha and Evinrude contingency bonuses. The top award in the FLW Kingfish Series Championship also includes $6,000 plus $9,000 in boat and engine contingency bonuses. All 50 qualifiers will compete both days of the championship, and the heaviest cumulative weight will determine the winner.

Competition will kick off May 17 in Sarasota, Fla., followed by tournaments June 28 in Ft. Pierce, Fla..; July 26 in Beaufort, S.C.; Aug. 16 in Venice, La.; Sept. 13 in Orange Beach, Ala.; and Oct. 18 in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. The Ft. Pierce and Beaufort events will be stand alone FLW Kingfish Series tournaments. The other four tournaments, and the FLW Kingfish Series Championship, will be held in conjunction with FLW Kingfish Tour events held at the same venues.

“In 2008, FLW Kingfish Series anglers in four of the qualifiers will share the same national spotlight as competitors in the FLW Kingfish Tour,” said FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Evans. “We will have two separate and distinct tournaments running simultaneously with separate fields and separate payouts. Teams in both events, however, will enjoy increased media exposure by virtue of having two high-profile tournaments held at the same time.”

Fields for 2008 will be capped at 50 boats per tournament, and entry fees remain unchanged at $500 per team for each event. Entries may be made online at FLWOutdoors.com or by calling (270) 252-1000. Entry dates will be released soon.

Tournament pros aren’t the only ones winning big this season. With the introduction of FLW Fantasy Fishing, FLW Outdoors will be awarding the largest fantasy sports payout in history. Players can become a virtual pro angler by signing up for Player’s Advantage, providing them with exclusive insider information that could guide them to a $100,000 victory at every Wal-Mart FLW Tour® stop and the Forrest Wood Cup. Player’s Advantage will give them an edge over the competition and increase their shot for a $1 million cash grand prize that will be awarded to the FLW Fantasy Fishing cumulative points winner. Those who visit FantasyFishing.com today can sign up for Player’s Advantage and FLW Outdoors will include a $15 Wal-Mart gift card.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. In 2008 alone the organization is offering more than 90,000 anglers the chance to win over $40 million through 230 tournaments in 10 circuits targeting bass, walleye, redfish, kingfish and striped bass. FLW Outdoors is also taking fishing mainstream with the largest cash awards in the history of fantasy sports, $7.3 million.

For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.

2008 Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series Schedule
May 17 Sarasota, Fla.
June 28 Ft. Pierce, Fla.*
July 26 Beaufort, S.C.*
Aug. 16 Venice, La.
Sept. 13 Orange Beach, Ala.
Oct. 18 Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series Championship
Nov. 14-15 Biloxi, Miss.
* Stand alone FLW Kingfish Series events, all others held in conjunction with FLW Kingfish Tour events.

Baldwin County Heritage Museum's 2nd Annual Winter Festival

submitted by Becky Holliday

Baldwin County Heritage Museum's 2nd annual Winter Festival will open with on Thurs., Jan. 16 at 1 PM with a slide presentation and discussion by Blanton Blankenship, Director and Mike Bailey, Education Director of Fort Morgan.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the new exhibits at the museum and learn more about Fort Morgan. The fort is a United States seacoast defense fort on Mobile Point. It exhibits the evolution of American coast defense and fortifications from 1834 to World War II. The site’s collection includes artillery pieces, military uniforms, small arms, accoutrements, historic photographs, documents, manuscripts and other memorabilia. Fort Morgan will be a feature exhibit in the new History Walk under construction at BCHM. This project will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Baldwin County.

This event is dedicated to the winter residents of Baldwin County and our devoted volunteers. This two month festival of programs will run from January 16th thru March 16th. Admission to the museum is free of charge. We encourage our visitors to bring picnic lunches and enjoy the grounds. A full list of activities may be found on our web site at BaldwinCountyHeritageMuseum.com. Additions will be made to the calendar as the events are confirmed.

The museum is on Hwy 98 ½ mile W. of the stop light in Elberta. BCHM hours are 10 AM to 4 PM Wed. thru Sat. and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. For more information call the museum cell: 251-752-8883 or phone: 251-986-8375

Sale set to benefit Relay for Life

Sunday, January 13, 2008
by Dotty Stallworth

The city of Orange Beach Relay for Life team is preparing for its fifth annual Big Yard and Craft Sale to be held from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Orange Beach Community Center, 27235 Canal Road.

Locals and visitors will have the opportunity to browse one of the largest combined yard sales on the island, all inside the warm Community Center. In addition, sausage biscuits and coffee will be for sale to hungry shoppers.

Proceeds from the Big Yard and Craft Sale are directly donated to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the Relay for Life campaign.

Spaces are rented to individual sellers, insuring that a wide variety of items are available for sale. In 2007, there were 30 separate booths where shoppers found great bargains, organizers said.

Anticipated items for sale include youth and adult clothing, toys, household items, sporting goods, exercise equipment, furniture and more. Arts and Crafts vendors from around South Baldwin also participate by showing and selling their wares.

The city of Orange Beach Relay for Life team is also seeking donated items for its booth. Donation receipts will be given for all items. Deliver items to the Orange Beach Community Center from 10am-7pm Friday. No clothing items or shoes.

To rent a space or for more information, call Dotty Stallworth at 981-6979.

Orange Beach Development Facing Problems

Action by largest lender in $100 million financing deal is latest setback for ill-fated condo project

Sunday, January 13, 2008
By KATHY JUMPER and RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporters

The largest lender in the $100 million financing package for 15.8 acres of prime beachfront in Orange Beach has foreclosed on the loan -- another blow to developers of the now-defunct Mandalay Beach condominium project.

Oxford Investments LLC, which is headed by Jim Mattei, the Mobile native who co-founded the Checkers burger chain, foreclosed on a tract in the middle of the property Jan. 4, court records show.

When it was first approved in the fall of 2004 amid a post-Hurricane Ivan real estate market white-hot with speculation, Mandalay Beach was to be a pair of 36-story towers encasing 500 luxury condos. In a deal with the City Council to secure zoning for what would have been Orange Beach's tallest buildings, the developers pledged to donate a 175-foot-wide tract to become the city's first municipal beach.

But the screeching halt to condominium sales following 2005's Hurricane Katrina and an overall tightening of the lending market were major blows to the Mandalay landowners, OB Development. The partners canceled the project in 2006 and have for more than two years sought a buyer for the prime land.

"I've never stopped trying," Rick Phillips, one of three partners in OB Development, confirmed last week. "It all hinges on financing."

Click here to read the complete article in the Mobile Press-Register.

Third Sunday Concert Series at the Orange Beach Art Center

Sunday, February 17 opens the 2008 Third Sunday Concert Series at the Orange Beach Art Center.

Gregory Brown returns for a repeat performance (his first performance sold out in a couple of hours).

Gregory, a uniquely talented finger style guitarist, uses the entire acoustic guitar- neck, body and strings - to discover the limitless combinations of rhythm and melody the instrument possesses.

His love of acoustic guitar has led him to write songs that reflect its power, beauty and range of sounds. His latest project, Passage, is an all instrumental CD with naturally recorded beach sounds in the background.

Gregory performs a variety of originals and covers ranging from James Taylor to Stevie Ray Vaughn. His song, "Ol' Mobile", became the theme song for Mobile's Tricentennial Celebration.

The concert begins at 4:00 PM and last until 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 per person and will go on sale January 22 at the Orange Beach Art Center.

Don't forget to bring your favorite side dish or hors d'oeuvres for the intermission buffet. For more information call the Art Center at 251-981-2787.

Click here to hear a sample the title song from Gregory Brown's Passage CD.

Click here to visit Gregory Brown's website.

Registering to Vote

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Baldwin County citizens who are not registered to vote have until Jan. 22 at 4:30pm to do so. Because the deadline is so close, election officials suggest that people register in person.

Baldwin County residents can register at the following locations:

Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse
201 East Section Street
Foley, AL

Baldwin: Registrar's office
300 North Hoyle Ave.
Bay Minette, AL

Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse
1100 Fairhope Ave.
Fairhope, AL

Alabama's presidential preference election will take place on February 5th, (Mardi Gras day) but voters in our area can choose to vote on January. 30th.

Only one voting location will be open January 30th in Baldwin County. That location is the Foley Civic Center. All precincts will be open on February 5th.

Insurance commissioner expects falling prices

But Walter Bell warns coastal residents not to expect pre-Ivan premiums

Thursday, January 10, 2008

By RYAN DEZEMBER

Staff Reporter

POINT CLEAR -- The state's top insurance regulator told a gathering of residents, elected officials and business leaders Wednesday that wind insurance premiums for commercial properties, including Gulf-front towers, are falling and that the cost of residential policies would likely follow.

But Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell warned that no one should expect the cost of property insurance to dip below levels seen prior to 2004's Hurricane Ivan.

Bell was the keynote speaker at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's morning-long Coastal Insurance Symposium, which about 300 attended at Marriott's Grand Hotel outside Fairhope.

Click here to read the full story from the Mobile Press-Register.

Bayside Grill Presents its New Menu

January 4, 2008- Orange Beach, AL

Bayside Grill recently released their new menu. Chef Will Eberlin, who purchased Bayside Grill just over a year ago, put a lot of time and effort into coming up with the new menu. He talked with numerous customers at his waterfront dining establishment to gain a better understanding of what people wanted in the way of lunch and dinner fare.

Bayside Grill, located at Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach, has a beautiful view overlooking the Marina, Terry Cove, and the Perdido Pass Bridge. They are open 7-days a week for lunch and dinner. They also serve Brunch from 11:00am until 2:00pm every Sunday.

Click on the following links for more information about Bayside Grill: Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Bayside Grill Website, Premium Listing on The Orange Beach Community Website.

Our Body: The Universe Within

Submitted by The Orange Beach Library

The Orange Beach Public Library will host a lecture on the upcoming Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center’s exhibit Our Body: the Universe Within. This exhibit gives audiences a revealing look at the world’s most complex machine -- The Human Body. This extraordinary anatomical exhibition featuring real human bodies runs from January 11, 2008 – May 11, 2008. This lecture will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the Orange Beach Senior Activity Center.

The exhibit exposes the inner workings of human anatomy by presenting actual human specimens, anatomical displays, reproductions of historic anatomical artwork and much more. By presenting an artful, compelling and dignified environment, guests can connect with the human artifacts on a personal level that helps them to better understand their own bodies.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is suggested. Registration is available online at www.orangebeachlibrary.org. For additional information, contact the library at 251-981-2923 or visit the library website at www.orangebeachlibrary.org.

Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Where: Orange Beach Senior Activity Center
Point of Contact: Alisa McLeod 251-981-2923

Cool Weather Means "Red Hot" Redfishing

by Alton Wallace
January 2, 2008- Orange Beach, AL
During the late-fall and winter, charter boat captain Dennis Treigle will often fish for redfish in open water just off the beach in Orange Beach. After cold fronts move through south Alabama, Treigle says it’s usually not difficult to locate schools of redfish within a quarter mile of the beach. “And once you find them, they are lots of fun to catch,” he says.

Click here to read the full article and view more pictures.

Wanda Price is right for Orange Beach Art Center

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

By BRENDA G. ANDERSON

Correspondent

Wanda Price, recently hired as the new coordinator at the Orange Beach Art Center, has returned to the world of art after taking a few years off to help her minister husband at First Baptist Church of Orange Beach.

"When we moved to Orange Beach in 2000, I became the administrative assistant at the church until last December," she said. "When I heard that the city of Orange Beach, who owns the art center, was looking for someone with a background in art as well as administration, I applied."

The center sits on Canal Road between the library and the waterfront park.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Hundreds take the traditional New Year's Plunge

January 1, 2008- Flora-Bama
(Click on image to right for larger version.)

The cold temperatures, nor the strong north wind deterred hundreds of New Year Revilers from their New Year Day plunge for the Flora-Bama's Polar Bear Dip. Hundreds of participants lined the shores at the Alabama Florida state line to take the plunge.

Why would anyone swim in January? One Polar Bear Dip veteran responded, It's kind of an initiation no, I'd never do it; it's too early in the morning. Noon is considered first thing in the morning on Flora-Bama Time and never mind that he had participated in the event in previous years.

The event is sponsored by the Flora-Bama Lounge and will be held on the beach at the Florida/ Alabama line. All participants in the dip will receive traditional black-eyed peas.

Blue Angels Release 2008 Show Schedule

From Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, has announced its show schedule for the 2008 season.

Following winter training, the team begins the season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., March 8 and will conclude the season Nov. 16 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 68 shows at 35 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

"We are extremely excited to begin our new season and represent the Navy and Marine Corps team with a safe and exciting show for 2008," said Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, the squadron's commanding officer.

Demonstration sites are selected in support of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense objectives with safety as a primary consideration. Performances greatly assist in the recruiting and retention goals of the military services, enhance esprit de corps among uniformed men and women, and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the Naval Services to the American public and U.S. Allies.

The Blue Angels schedule is:
March 8: NAF El Centro, Calif.
March 15-16: Sacramento, Calif.
March 29-30: NAS Meridian, Miss.

April 5-6: NAS Kingsville, Texas
April 12-13: Smyrna, Tenn.
April 19-20: Peoria, Ill.
April 26-27: Vidalia, Ga.

May 3-4: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
May 10-11: Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, La.
May 16-18: Andrews AFB, Md.
May 21: USNA, Annapolis, Md.
May 23: USNA Fly-By, Annapolis, Md.
May 24-25: Jones Beach, N.Y.

June 7-8: MCAS Cherry Point, N.C.
June 14-15: Quebec City
June 21-22: Davenport, Iowa
June 28-29: Huntsville, Ala.

July 5-6: Traverse City, Mich.
July 11: Pensacola Beach, Fla.
July 19-20: Duluth, Minn.
July 26-27: Twin Falls, Idaho

Aug. 2-3: Seattle, Wash.
Aug. 8-10: Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Wash.
Aug. 16-17: Chicago, Ill.
Aug. 30: Cleveland, Ohio

Sept. 1: Cleveland, Ohio
Sept. 6-7: NAS Brunswick, Maine
Sept. 13-14 Eau Claire, Wis.
Sept. 20-21 NAS Oceana, Va.
Sept. 27-28 Grand Junction, Colo.

Oct. 4-5: MCAS Miramar, San Diego, Calif.
Oct. 11-12 San Francisco, Calif.
Oct. 18-19 Little Rock, AFB, Ark.
Oct. 25-26 NAS Jacksonville, Fla.

Nov. 1-2: Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas
Nov. 8-9: Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Nov. 15: NAS Pensacola, Fla.

For more news from the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels), visit www.navy.mil/local/blueangels/.