Video: Mobile brothers design skimmer that BP wants, but doesn't use | al.com

Video: Mobile brothers design skimmer that BP wants, but doesn't use | al.com: "One month ago, BP representatives and contractors were giving each other high-fives as they watched a skimming system developed by Mobile brothers Bob and Billy Cox quickly gobble up oil four miles off the Alabama-Florida line, Billy Cox recalled this week."

Jimmy Buffett tickets for Gulf Shores concert were gone in moments (with video) | al.com

Jimmy Buffett tickets for Gulf Shores concert were gone in moments (with video) | al.com: "Tickets for Jimmy Buffett’s free July 1 concert in Gulf Shores appeared to evaporate the instant they were made available this morning.
Organizers of the show had said 35,000 tickets would be allotted. They went on sale at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, and within five to 10 minutes the service was reporting that none were available."

As tarballs reach Dauphin Island, container placed over oil spill flounders | al.com

As tarballs reach Dauphin Island, container placed over oil spill flounders | al.com: "Scattered, nickel-size tarballs thought to be part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill washed ashore at Dauphin Island Saturday. Meanwhile, BP PLC officials were stymied in their effort to use a 100-ton concrete box to contain the leak at its source.

Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said that officials just before noon began receiving reports of tarballs from points around the fishing pier at the public beach and areas westward."

Oil stays offshore, but slick could hit Mississippi islands today | al.com

Oil stays offshore, but slick could hit Mississippi islands today | al.com: "The Alabama coast continued its waiting game Friday as a massive oil slick stayed offshore, and well owner BP PLC took its best near-term shot at containing the estimated 210,000 gallons of oil gushing into the Gulf each day.

The latest projection from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls for oil to make landfall along Mississippi's barrier islands as early as today. The 72-hour projection calls for no oil landfall along the Alabama coastline before Monday."

The Associated Press: Gulf Coast watches, waits for path of oil spill

The Associated Press: Gulf Coast watches, waits for path of oil spill: "For the tourism industry, the spill couldn't come at a worse time.
'It's the beginning of the booking season, the beginning of the summer season,' said Marie Curren, sales director for Brett/Robinson, a real estate firm in Gulf Shores, Ala. 'The only thing that could make it worst now is a hurricane.'"

City of Orange Beach to hold open meeting for citizens on May 7, 2010 on BP Oil Spill

City of Orange Beach to hold open meeting for citizens on May 7, 2010 on BP Oil Spill: "May 3, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL - The City of Orange Beach will host a general information meeting on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Orange Beach Council Chambers. The Mayor, City Administration and Key Staff will be present to answer questions from Orange Beach Citizens regarding the City of Orange Beach's BP/Deepwater Oil Spill Incident response and emergency action plan."

City of Orange Beach Public Meeting about the Oil Slick

City of Orange Beach to hold open meeting for citizens on May 7, 2010

The City of Orange Beach will host a general information meeting on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Orange Beach Council Chambers with the Mayor, City Administration and Key Staff. They will be present to answer questions from Orange Beach Citizens regarding the City of Orange Beach’s BP/Deepwater Oil Spill Incident response and emergency action plan.

The meeting is open to all. It will be held from 12pm to 1pm at Orange Beach Council Chambers, 4099 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, Alabama.

If you need further information, please contact Angela Bateman, 251-981-6629, abateman@cityoforangebeach.com

Library awarded $10, 929 for Strengthening Communities Grant

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

The Orange Beach Public Library has been awarded a $10,929 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant by the Alabama Public Library Service. The Strengthening Communities Grant was submitted by Reference Librarian, Maria Baroco, and will be used to conduct and promote five new library programs. These new, family-oriented programs are designed to increase use of the library as a community activity and learning center.

Beginning this month, 4 new programs will be added to the library’s activities calendar: Family DIY will allow families to work together to create and learn through craft, art and science projects.; Gaming @ OBPL will allow families to gather for electronic and traditional game play.; Thursday Night Movies will provide families with a no-cost opportunity for social activity and Bedtime Books will extend the benefits of our successful morning Pre-school Storytime to those families who are only able to attend evening activities. Later this summer, the library will also launch Archiving Orange Beach, an effort to create a digital archive of oral histories documenting the evolution of Orange Beach which will provide a long-term and unique resource for future research.

This Strengthening Communities grant is funded by the Alabama Public Library Service under the Library Services and Technology Act, P.L.108-81, as amended, through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information about library programs and the Orange Beach Public Library visit the library’s website at www.orangebeachlibrary.org or call 251-981-2923. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Hangout music fest still on despite Gulf oil spill, organizer says | al.com

Hangout music fest still on despite Gulf oil spill, organizer says | al.com: "The Hangout Beach, Music & Arts Festival scheduled for May 14-16 in Gulf Shores will go on as planned on, festival founder Shaul Zislin said today.

'We're in constant contact with the local and state authorities on this and if anything changes, we will announce it,' he said. 'Right now, there is no decision to cancel.''"

Baldwin Court Digest: Two men sentenced in child solicitation sting | al.com

Baldwin Court Digest: Two men sentenced in child solicitation sting | al.com: "On Wednesday, Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd ruled that Robert A. Rivere Jr. of Louisiana should serve 180 days of a five-year split sentence.
John M. Morris, who lived in Fairhope at the time of the arrests, did not receive any jail time. He was instead ordered to serve three years in a pretrial intervention program."

BP says it will pay for all 'necessary and appropriate' Gulf oil spill clean-up | al.com

BP says it will pay for all 'necessary and appropriate' Gulf oil spill clean-up | al.com: "The company says it will pay compensation for 'legitimate and objectively verifiable' claims for property damage, personal injury, and commercial losses."

Nature proves friend and foe to efforts to fight oil spill | al.com

Nature proves friend and foe to efforts to fight oil spill | al.com: "'The entire eastern portion of the sheen seems to have disappeared,' said Phil Woods of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. 'It's breaking down rapidly. The solids that remain are emulsified. And while they are going to be hard to deal with, we're not going to have black beaches.'"

BP told to stop circulating settlement agreements with coastal Alabamians | al.com

BP told to stop circulating settlement agreements with coastal Alabamians | al.com: "Alabama Attorney General Troy King said tonight that he has told representatives of BP Plc. that they should stop circulating settlement agreements among coastal Alabamians.

The agreements, King said, essentially require that people give up the right to sue in exchange for payment of up to $5,000."

Volunteers to clean Alabama beaches before oil spill lands | al.com

Volunteers to clean Alabama beaches before oil spill lands | al.com: "The beaches along Dauphin Island and five others in Baldwin County will be cleaned by as many as 1,000 volunteers today before the Gulf of Mexico oil slick ever meets land, organizers said."

Teams working on 5 possible solutions for Gulf of Mexico oil spill | al.com

Teams working on 5 possible solutions for Gulf of Mexico oil spill | al.com: "HOUSTON -- Teams are working simultaneously on five possible solutions to stop or at least minimize the flow at the well in the Gulf of Mexico.
Bob Fryar, senior VP of BP in Angola, said Sunday 389 people from BP PLC, the Coast Guard, the Pentagon and Energy Department reported to BP's emergency center in Houston."

Baldwin County 13 extension to open Wednesday | al.com

Baldwin County 13 extension to open Wednesday | al.com: "DAPHNE, Ala. -- A 3-mile extension of Baldwin County 13, where construction began 19 months ago, is scheduled to open Wednesday, connecting the gap between Ala. 104 in Fairhope and Baldwin County 64 in Daphne."

Nature proves friend and foe to efforts to fight oil spill | al.com

Nature proves friend and foe to efforts to fight oil spill | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Mother Nature was both friend and enemy Sunday in the fight against the oil spill.
Friend in that wind and waves seem to be breaking down the oil, spreading it through the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon rig, which exploded and sank late last month."

Gulf Oil Spill | Charter companies suffer from oil spill | Fox10tv.com

Gulf Oil Spill | Charter companies suffer from oil spill | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Alabama (WALA) - A fishing ban was issued Sunday due to the massive oil spill, stretching from Louisiana to Florida. It will have a huge effect on people who base their livelihoods on fishing. FOX10 News reporter Hubert Tate talked to fishermen in Gulf Shores, where charter boat businesses are plentiful."

High winds and waves wash booms up in Perdido Key | al.com

High winds and waves wash booms up in Perdido Key | al.com: "GULF SHORES, Miss. -- An army of crews dispatched by the state, the Coast Guard, the National Guard and private contractors battled waves and wind Sunday, trying to shield Alabama's coastline from an advancing oil slick.

Phil Woods, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's coordinator for miles of boom designed to hold back the oil, said that some 80,000 feet of boom was deployed Sunday, and Gov. Bob Riley had requested a plan to completely block the state's coastline."

PR-CANADA.net - Offshore Racing: Ready, Set, Smile, Action!!!!

PR-CANADA.net - Offshore Racing: Ready, Set, Smile, Action!!!!: "The OPA Offshore Racing Series presented by GEICO is proud to announce a comprehensive race programming schedule with VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country. The eight race series will air Sunday, November 14, at 4 p.m. ET and run consecutive Sundays at 4 p.m. ET thru Jan 2, 2011.

Each episode will showcase the on and off water action as the world's top offshore racers battle for the coveted title of World Champion. The first episode will feature a comprehensive overview of the sport and allow viewers to experience the first race from Ocean City, MD. The final episode culminates with the World Championships from Orange Beach, AL."

FOXNews.com - Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Closes Fishing From Louisiana to Florida Panhandle

FOXNews.com - Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Closes Fishing From Louisiana to Florida Panhandle: "VENICE, Louisiana -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is closing commercial and recreational fishing from Louisiana to parts of the Florida Panhandle because of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico."

Oyster House takes a village | al.com

Oyster House takes a village | al.com: "Bayou Village, a shopping center on Ala. 59 in Gulf Shores, has been renamed The Original Oyster House Boardwalk, according to Joe Roszkowski and David Dekle, who own the center, They also own The Original Oyster House restaurant, which anchors the 9,000-square foot center, and The Original Oyster House on Battleship Parkway in Spanish Fort."

Local marlin champ fears severe impact on fishing - Decaturdaily.com

Local marlin champ fears severe impact on fishing - Decaturdaily.com: "Recreational fishing is about an $8 billion industry in Alabama, and the Gulf sport fishing industry contributes more to that sum than any other recreational fishing sector in the state, said Tom Steber, owner of Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach.

Zeke’s alone has 40 sport fishing charter boats, which draw thousands of anglers annually. In addition to daylong and half-day fishing trips, the charters support numerous salt-water fishing tournaments for all types of game fish: snapper, shark and the granddaddy of them all, marlin."

Baldwin Register: County swimmers busy preparing for Alabama Special Olympics | al.com

Baldwin Register: County swimmers busy preparing for Alabama Special Olympics | al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Even while in the water, Fred Johnston is fully in tune with his surroundings. During a recent practice lap at the Bodenhamer Center pool, he noticed the flash on a photographer's camera pointed at him hadn't gone off.

'Are you going to take it?' he asked as he went from full speed to a complete stop."

Officials consider high-risk options to cap well in Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster | al.com

Officials consider high-risk options to cap well in Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Federal officials are considering a number of high-risk and high-reward options to cap the runaway oil well in the Gulf.

Drilling a relief well, the best hope for a permanent solution, will not begin for days, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said Saturday during his first briefing after being named to lead the spill response."

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Government ramps up response | al.com

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Government ramps up response | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- The federal government ramped up its response to the massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday even as an environmental group declared the spill has become the largest in U.S. history.

Workers fought rough seas to lay more than 36,000 feet of oil-absorbent boom off the Alabama and Mississippi coasts. But much of the work was limited by the inclement weather that forced several ships back to shore, officials said."

Dean urges confidence in claims process | Fox10tv.com

Dean urges confidence in claims process | Fox10tv.com: "MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean said he is pleased that British Petroleum representatives met with local residents today and established a claims process that will allow them to recover lost income or property damage expenses related to the Gulf oil spill.

“Our residents are gravely concerned about the harm that might come to their businesses and properties,” he said. “We are glad that a process for compensation has been made readily available to our citizens. Anyone who suffers losses because of this oil spill should make a claim as early as possible by calling (800) 440-0858.”"

Fishermen gather to hear from BP | Fox10tv.com

Fishermen gather to hear from BP | Fox10tv.com: "BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (WALA) - As BP spokesperson Ruth Rendon tried to give information to hundreds of fishermen, Bayou La Batre officials ushered her to step down. Officials, including Mayor Stan Wright, made several accusations against BP, saying the spokesperson was using propaganda tactics."

Condo sales increase | al.com

Condo sales increase | al.com: "Condominium buyers are coming back to the Gulf and taking advantage of the slashed prices and plentiful inventory, according to Realtors.
'We have finally got to a price that people perceive is a good deal again,' said Chuck Norwood of REMAX of Gulf Shores. 'For a long time we'd reduce the price and reduce the price again and still didn't sell anything.'
April was one of his best months ever, selling several condo units from $165,000 up to $740,000."

Gulf Shores declares state of emergency | Fox10tv.com

Gulf Shores declares state of emergency | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - There was no sign on Gulf Shores beach Saturday of the potential threat lurking out in the Gulf of Mexico. But the danger brought city leaders in for an emergency meeting."

Gulf Shores declares state of emergency as Gulf oil spill grows | al.com

Gulf Shores declares state of emergency as Gulf oil spill grows | al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- City officials declared a state of emergency Saturday evening anticipating a scramble on the local level to keep oil and related contaminants off local beaches and out of environmentally sensitive coastal backwaters.
Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said he was 'doubtful' that booms placed in the Gulf would stop the oil slick from reaching the shores of Baldwin County, and had prepared a plan to close off environmentally sensitive Little Lagoon with sand if contaminants threaten."

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Winds hamper oil-containment efforts | al.com

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Winds hamper oil-containment efforts | al.com: "The fight against the giant Gulf of Mexico oil spill staggered Friday as heavy winds hampered containment efforts off the Louisiana coast. Things went more smoothly in the protected waters of Mississippi and Alabama, but the sun set with some of Alabama's most sensitive marshland still unprotected."

3-state oil spill command center set up in Mobile; priority boom areas identified | al.com

3-state oil spill command center set up in Mobile; priority boom areas identified | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- A Unified Command has been established at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile, comprised of the states of Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, as part of the Deepwater Horizon response, according to a report issued this morning.

Officials said the Unified Command is implementing its booming strategy, which involves a series of connected barriers to keep oil from impacting the coastline."

Worry over Gulf oil spill has Baldwin County officials asking hard questions of BP, Coast Guard | al.com

Worry over Gulf oil spill has Baldwin County officials asking hard questions of BP, Coast Guard | al.com: "ROBERTSDALE, Ala. -- Baldwin County officials said they don't even know how to talk about the dangers presented to local residents by the ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, much less how to respond to them.

For more than an hour this afternoon, at the county's Emergency Operations Center in Robertsdale, a BP Plc representative met with a room full of Baldwin County leaders, firefighters, police chiefs and others."

Man mistaken for fugitive imprisoned for 4 months in Baldwin County | al.com

Man mistaken for fugitive imprisoned for 4 months in Baldwin County | al.com: "DALLAS -- A 30-year-old man who was mistaken for a Dallas County fugitive spent nearly four months in an Alabama jail for crimes he didn't commit because sheriff's officials did not make routine fingerprint checks.
Samuel David Ramirez Perez was arrested in a small Alabama town in November after a traffic stop revealed he shared the name of a man wanted in Dallas County on 1999 felony drug charges."

Gulf oil spill leads Baldwin County officials to declare emergency | al.com

Gulf oil spill leads Baldwin County officials to declare emergency | al.com: "The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency declared a local state of emergency this evening in response to the threat of impacts from the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Baldwin County Commission voted late this afternoon to declare the emergency, which will go into effect at midnight tonight, said Paula Tillman, county public information officer."

May Friendship Day is Saturday in Foley | al.com

May Friendship Day is Saturday in Foley | al.com: "FOLEY, Ala. -- The South Baldwin Chapter of Church Women United will hold its May Friendship Day Celebration on Saturday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 508 N. Pine St. in Foley. The theme for this year’s celebration is 'Living the Vision.'
'We are blessed in south Baldwin with so many women of faith living the vision every day in the work they do for our communities,' said Pam Meredith, CWU program coordinator.
A panel of guest speakers from surrounding service organizations will highlight the program. Each speaker will explain the services that their organization provides to the south Baldwin area."

Coastal economy, ecology relies on protection of floating barriers against encroaching oil spill (with video, gallery) | al.com

Coastal economy, ecology relies on protection of floating barriers against encroaching oil spill (with video, gallery) | al.com: "Coastal Alabama -- at least its marshes, beaches and sea life -- now depends heavily on thick, floating plastic.

But as the oil from the Deepwater Horizon well continued to creep toward the shore Friday, agencies tasked with laying booms to protect the state's shoreline were still organizing a list of where it had been deployed."

Preparations for oil slick off Bayou La Batre, Ala.

Coastal Crisis: How You Can Help - Mobile Alabama

Coastal Crisis: How You Can Help - Mobile Alabama: "MOBILE, Alabama - If you see an oily or injured wildlife, a hotline has been set up for you to call: 1-800-557-1401.

A website has been set up as a hub to connect volunteers with cleanup groups across the Gulf Coast. On the website oilspillvolunteers.com you'll find a registration form that will put you in contact with organizations working on the oil spill."

Oil Clean-up Volunteer Opportunities | Fox10tv.com

Oil Clean-up Volunteer Opportunities | Fox10tv.com: "From Mobile Baykeeper — The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program , Mobile BayKeeper and the Alabama Coastal Foundation are collecting contact information from individuals who are interested in assisting with clean-up efforts along the Alabama Coast should oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill reach Alabama’s shores."

What to do about the deficit? - Baldwin County NOW

What to do about the deficit? - Baldwin County NOW: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — First, the Orange Beach City Council gave the citizens advisory finance committee a job to do. Their task was to find a way to somehow make up for shortages in revenue that are expected in 2011. After months of meetings and discussions, the committee came up with, what they felt, was the only reasonable solution – raise property taxes by 1-mill, which would increase revenue approximately $750,000."

Oil spill – no impact on Alabama tourism yet | NBC13.com

Oil spill – no impact on Alabama tourism yet | NBC13.com: "Birmingham, Ala.(WVTM)—-Last year, two-point-five million tourists visited the Alabama Gulf Coast Region and spent three-point-2 billion dollars.

The short answer - it’s too early to tell if the oil spill headed to Gulf Coast beaches will have a negative impact on tourism. But at least one Central Alabama woman on vacation in Orange Beach is starting to see signs of the oil rig fire."

Gulf oil spill, clean up: What you need to know | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Gulf oil spill, clean up: What you need to know | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "The county is urging anyone who makes a living from the Gulf or the beach — such as charter fishing boats, shrimp boats, hoteliers — to begin keeping profit-loss records and cancellation records."

BP CEO says will pay oil spill claims | Reuters

BP CEO says will pay oil spill claims
| Reuters: "'We are taking full responsibility for the spill and we will clean it up and where people can present legitimate claims for damages we will honor them. We are going to be very, very aggressive in all of that,' Tony Hayward told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

The massive spill, which started when an oil rig caught fire and sank last week, washed up to wildlife refuges and seafood grounds on the Louisiana coast on Friday."

Coast Guard video shows part of controlled burn of oil spilled into Gulf of Mexico | al.com

Coast Guard video shows part of controlled burn of oil spilled into Gulf of Mexico | al.com: "Some 5,000 barrels a day are now estimated to be leaking from an offshore oil well after the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig last week."

Coast Guard video shows part of oil spill burn

City of Gulf Shores, Alabama - Advisory & Information

City of Gulf Shores, Alabama - Advisory & Information: "“While the City of Gulf Shores, like all cities on this coast, is watching the events surrounding the oil spill in the gulf very carefully, there is no reason to expect a coastal impact in this region anytime soon.

Of course, with changes in weather patterns and currents that may change, the City of Gulf Shores has remedial plans in place, as well as contractors ready to respond prior to the first sign of coastal impact."

Oil spill in Gulf could hurt seafood restaurants - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |

Oil spill in Gulf could hurt seafood restaurants - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |: "GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – They are a big hit either sizzling over an open flame or shucked raw. More than 10,000 oysters are served every week at the Half Shell Oyster House in downtown Gulfport.

'We like to buy locally as much as possible, but there's the possibility that the oyster beds here in Pass Christian and Mississippi will be shutting down,' said Rob Heffner, co-owner of the restaurant."

Pleasure Island's Wood Boat Festival attracts thousands | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Pleasure Island's Wood Boat Festival attracts thousands | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "This weekend, Pirates Cove, 6664 County Road 95, Josephine, Ala., will be the site for one of Pleasure Island's premier spring events, the 13th annual Wood Boat Festival. The festival draws thousands to the legendary eatery and watering hole, which is said to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's anthem, 'Cheeseburger In Paradise.'"

The Census Worker Scam of 2010

The Census Worker Scam of 2010: "CALLER: My ex-wife who lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama, her real estate business has gone to pot so she's a temporary census taker. Here's the low down on census takers. They go through four days training. At the time they start their training, they go on the employment rolls. After they finish their four-day training they go into a pool. Now, my ex-wife worked two-and-a-half weeks as a census taker and went back into the pool. She waited a month to try to get back to work, she went to the headquarters to find out when she could go back at work and they were still training people on four days training, even though the pool had several people waiting to get back to work. "

Growing oil spill in Gulf of Mexico could cost insurers $1.5 billion | al.com

Growing oil spill in Gulf of Mexico could cost insurers $1.5 billion | al.com: "The growing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by a leaking BP Plc well, may cost the insurance industry as much as $1.5 billion in claims, according to Transatlantic Holdings Inc.

Transatlantic, the reinsurer divested by American International Group Inc., said its own costs from the spill may be less than $15 million, according to the company's earnings conference call held earlier today. PartnerRe Ltd., the reinsurer that purchased Paris Re Holdings Ltd., faces claims of $60 million to $70 million, it said in a statement today."

Oil slick creeps toward Miss. coast | Fox10tv.com

Oil slick creeps toward Miss. coast | Fox10tv.com: "BILOXI, Mississippi (WALA) - East and west Ship Island, off the coast of Mississippi could be affected if the oil slick continues to move north in the Gulf of Mexico.

Strong winds whipped out of the south along the coast early Thursday morning as crews continue to fight the oil slick in the Gulf and onshore."

Louisiana officials say odor in New Orleans may come from oil slick | al.com

Louisiana officials say odor in New Orleans may come from oil slick | al.com: "The state departments of Health and Hospitals and Environmental Quality said the strong odor blanketing much of coastal Louisiana and the metro New Orleans area is 'possibly' the result of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico."

Gulf Coast oil spill may eclipse Exxon Valdez disaster | al.com

Gulf Coast oil spill may eclipse Exxon Valdez disaster | al.com: "An oil spill that threatened to eclipse even the Exxon Valdez disaster spread out of control and drifted inexorably toward the Gulf Coast on Thursday as fishermen rushed to scoop up shrimp and crews spread floating barriers around marshes.

The spill was both bigger and closer than imagined -- five times larger than first estimated, with the leading edge just three miles from the Louisiana shore. Authorities said it could reach the Mississippi River delta by Thursday night."

Forecast: Oil spill to reach Mississippi Saturday, Alabama Sunday, Florida Monday | al.com

Forecast: Oil spill to reach Mississippi Saturday, Alabama Sunday, Florida Monday | al.com: "The latest predictions for the oil spill place it coming ashore in Louisiana today, Mississippi on Saturday, Alabama on Sunday and Florida Monday.

The forecast shows the spill increasing in size dramatically during that time."

Response to Gulf Coast oil spill falls on many shoulders, causing concern | al.com

Response to Gulf Coast oil spill falls on many shoulders, causing concern | al.com: "WASHINGTON -- The players include BP Plc, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Minerals Management Service, and that's just for starters. But under a structure known as the incident command system, no single entity has overriding authority in confronting the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a spokesman for the effort said Thursday.

'There's not one in charge over the other,' Coast Guard Petty Officer Cory Mendenhall said. 'It's being run by a unified command.'"

Bayou La Batre shrimper sues BP over Gulf Coast oil spill (full report) | al.com

Bayou La Batre shrimper sues BP over Gulf Coast oil spill (full report) | al.com: "A Bayou La Batre shrimper filed a class-action federal lawsuit Thursday against BP Plc and several other companies with ties to a sunken rig that is still in the process of leaking millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

The suit is believed to be the first in Alabama related to the spill, but others are expected."

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance wins national recognition | al.com

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance wins national recognition | al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance took home top honors this week as Site Selection magazine named the local organization to its 2009 Top Groups along with nine others from across the country.

The honor came at the Industrial Asset Management Council's awards luncheon Monday in Colorado Springs, Colo.

'We were one of the top groups in the country,' said Robert Ingram, president of the alliance. 'It's a really very significant thing for us.'"

BP's green image dirtied by rig explosion, Gulf of Mexico oil spill (with videos) | al.com

BP's green image dirtied by rig explosion, Gulf of Mexico oil spill (with videos) | al.com: "NEW YORK -- BP brands itself a friend of the environment, an energy company that goes 'beyond petroleum.'

That image, worth billions of dollars, is being sullied by the company's inability to contain a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico."

Gulf Coast prepares oil defenses, rallies volunteers | al.com

Gulf Coast prepares oil defenses, rallies volunteers | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Workers laid about seven miles of oil-absorbent booms off Alabama's coast Thursday, while scientists collected water and fish samples, and environmental groups recruited volunteers for possible cleanup efforts."

Oil booms assembled off Dauphin Island

Latest on spill landfall: Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico hits coast with pelicans, otters, fragile marsh in path | al.com

Latest on spill landfall: Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico hits coast with pelicans, otters, fragile marsh in path | al.com: "Oil from a massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico was starting to ooze ashore, threatening migrating birds, nesting pelicans and even river otters and mink along Louisiana's fragile islands and barrier marshes.

Crews in boats were patrolling coastal marshes early today looking for areas where the oil has flowed in, the Coast Guard said."

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Burning should have started a week ago, former NOAA official says | al.com

Gulf of Mexico oil spill: Burning should have started a week ago, former NOAA official says | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Federal officials should have started burning oil off the surface of the Gulf last week, almost as soon as the spill happened, said the former oil spill response coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

Oil spill threatens Gulf fisheries | Fox10tv.com

Oil spill threatens Gulf fisheries | Fox10tv.com: "CODEN, Alabama (WALA) - The oil spill is already affecting the economy, and it could have a bigger effect soon.

Gulf waters have always been a great place to get fresh seafood. But now, that oil is spreading farther and farther into the gulf, posing a threat to fish and other marine life."

Gulf Coast Businesses Could Get Money for Oil Spill Damages - News- msnbc.com

Gulf Coast Businesses Could Get Money for Oil Spill Damages - News- msnbc.com: "(ORANGE BEACH, Ala.) - The Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce sent its members an email letting them know they may be able to get money if their businesses are damaged by the oil spill. The email directs the businesses to the United States Coast Guard's National Pollution Funds Center website."

Six lawsuits filed against BP, other companies | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Six lawsuits filed against BP, other companies | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Commercial and charter fishermen and their families have filed at least six lawsuits in federal courts along the Gulf Coast, including one in Pensacola, in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion.

John T. Harris, a Bay County commercial fisherman, filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court in Pensacola on Thursday against the companies associated with the accident 20 miles off the Louisiana coast that has resulted in oil moving toward the coast."

Governor Riley inspects oil spill | Fox10tv.com

Governor Riley inspects oil spill | Fox10tv.com: "MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Alabama Governor Bob Riley talked Thursday about the clean up effort and the obstacles. Governor Riley said the fight is at sea, not on the shore when it comes containing a massive oil spill, and the first priority is stopping the flow. Riley said the situation is full of uncertainty, and the Gulf Coast can expect to see an impact. How big? Depends on Mother Nature."

Oil barriers go up along local waterways | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Oil barriers go up along local waterways | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Coastlines and waterways near Pensacola were being hardened against an oily attack Thursday as contract crews strung and anchored floating oil barriers.

Contract crews in Orange Beach deployed thousands of feet of floating oil barriers along beaches and wetlands near Perdido Pass."

Movie production company looking at ‘L.A.’ - Baldwin County NOW - A Gulf Coast Information Source for South Alabama

Movie production company looking at ‘L.A.’ - Baldwin County NOW - A Gulf Coast Information Source for South Alabama: "FOLEY, Ala. — An independent filmmaker who spoke to area chambers of commerce recently could be looking at “Lower Alabama” - Baldwin County - as a site for a production office.

“We’re working on it,” said Jeff Rouzie, director of Economic Development for the City of Foley, this week."

Oil Spill Concerns Baldwin Business Owners - Fairhope Alabama

Oil Spill Concerns Baldwin Business Owners - Fairhope Alabama: "Gary James owns a boarding kennel in Fairhope and houses pets while families go on vacation. James says because of the Gulf oil spill, he's lost 15-hundred dollars in boarding cancellations."

WKRG.com News

Booms Arrive in Dauphin Island - Dauphin Island Alabama

Booms Arrive in Dauphin Island - Dauphin Island Alabama: "DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama - The booms started arriving in Dauphin Island just after noon Thursday. Within a couple of hours they were in the water."

Boaters Beware Of Oil Slick - Mobile Alabama

Boaters Beware Of Oil Slick - Mobile Alabama: "MOBILE, Alabama - Local boat mechanics are anticipating lots of work in the coming months if the oil slick reaches the coast. Advice to local boaters: don't go in the oil slick unless you have to. If you find you boat and motor in the slick make sure you get service as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your engine."

WKRG.com News

White House Says BP Will Pay Cost Of Cleanup - Washington D.c.

White House Says BP Will Pay Cost Of Cleanup - Washington D.c.: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Obama administration says the cost of cleaning up a giant oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico will fall on BP PLC, the company that operated the rig."

Edge of Oil Spill to Reach Miss. River Delta Soon - New Orleans La

Edge of Oil Spill to Reach Miss. River Delta Soon - New Orleans La: "NEW ORLEANS, LA - A federal official says the leading edge of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to reach the Mississippi River delta by Thursday night.

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration spokesman Charles Henry says as of this morning, part of the slick is about 3 miles from the Louisiana shore.
Officials say they will do everything they can not to disrupt river traffic.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced that BP PLC has agreed to allow local fishermen to assist in the expected cleanup. Under the agreement, shrimpers and fishermen could be contracted by BP to help."

Exclusive Pictures Flying Over The Gulf - Gulf Of Mexico

Exclusive Pictures Flying Over The Gulf - Gulf Of Mexico: "Gulf Of Mexico - The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is creeping closer to Alabama's coast.

News Five's Jessica Taloney and photographer David Rencher flew in a Cessna 172 to find the oil 75 miles south of Dauphin Island."

WKRG.com News

She worries about fish and disease | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

She worries about fish and disease | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "It was a sunny, clear Thursday, and Vanessa Jones had one big mullet in her ice box and three fishing poles working the water at the foot of South Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola."

Mayor proposes Orange Beach tax referendum | al.com

Mayor proposes Orange Beach tax referendum | al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Residents could decide in an August referendum whether to increase property taxes or face cuts in services, Mayor Tony Kennon said Tuesday night.

At a City Council work session, Kennon announced a financial plan that includes a public vote on raising property taxes by 2 mills as well as refinancing about $18 million in bonds and extending a 1-cent sales tax scheduled to expire in 2015."

Workers spreading booms to keep oil off Ala. coast - Florida AP - MiamiHerald.com

Workers spreading booms to keep oil off Ala. coast - Florida AP - MiamiHerald.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Boats strung oil-absorbing booms along Alabama's coast Thursday to protect sensitive marshes and bayous from a huge petroleum spill in the Gulf of Mexico, but plans call for letting any oil that reaches the beaches to wash on to the sugar-white sand.

Officials said beaches are far easier to clean than wetlands, so the work was concentrated mainly on areas that could be damaged the most.

'If it gets on the sand, you basically just scoop it up with a loader and haul it away. It's really not that big of a deal. Wetlands are a far different thing,' said George Crozier, director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

In Orange Beach, more than 100 boat captains volunteered their vessels to help lay long strands of oil absorbent material designed to prevent floating oil from reaching shore.

'Everybody we've called so far is in,' said Thad Stewart, whose family owns Zeke's Landing Marina."

Hangout Fest Transportation Plan Alex B, Gift of Gab, Big G Added on JamBase

Hangout Fest Transportation Plan Alex B, Gift of Gab, Big G Added on JamBase: "Bicycles: For the festival attendees who prefer to feel the wind in their hair, Orange Beach Bicycles is the official bicycle provider for The Hangout Beach Music and Arts Festival. To rent a bicycle, contact 251-974-2025 or visit their website at www.obbicycles.com. It is recommended that bikers bring and use their own locks."

Snapper counts at heart of dispute | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY

Snapper counts at heart of dispute | floridatoday.com | FLORIDA TODAY: "PORT CANAVERAL — Brock Anderson's charter-fishing business is struggling to survive a temporary ban on catching red snapper in the South Atlantic."

Update: Alabama coast preparing booms; few reports of tourists canceling | al.com

Update: Alabama coast preparing booms; few reports of tourists canceling | al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said that BP crews were setting up on local beaches, preparing to deploy thousands of feet of oil-absorbent booms because of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

'We also have our own environmental emergency contractors on alert,' Kennon said. 'Our crews are prepared to close off Perdido Pass. We do not have the boom capacity to protect all the shoreline.'

Kennon said he agreed with Commissioner Barnett Lawley, head of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who said early today that current plans call for allowing oil to wash up on the state's Gulf beaches."

Oil barriers along Perdido, Orange Beach shores | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Oil barriers along Perdido, Orange Beach shores | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Crews were deploying thousands of feet of floating oil barriers this morning near beaches and coastal wetlands in Perdido and Orange Beach.

The crews work for an oil cleanup contractor that is based in Texas and was contracted by British Petroleum to help do disaster response for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico."

FOXNews.com - Massive Oil Slick Could Have Devastating Impact on Economy in Gulf States

FOXNews.com - Massive Oil Slick Could Have Devastating Impact on Economy in Gulf States: "As a massive oil slick creeps ever closer to the Gulf Coast, officials in Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and Florida are bracing for the worst. The economic impact over miles of prime coast land has the potential to be catastrophic.

Officials say the slick from last week's offshore drilling rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico may have a devastating impact on one of the coastal states' most precious commodities — shrimp — and the entire industry that surrounds it. And state officials acknowledge that the oil's effect on travel and tourism to the area could be equally destructive."

SECRETARY NAPOLITANO, SECRETARY SALAZAR AND ADMINISTRATOR JACKSON TO INSPECT AREAS AFFECTED BY THE BP OIL SPILL

SECRETARY NAPOLITANO, SECRETARY SALAZAR AND ADMINISTRATOR JACKSON TO INSPECT AREAS AFFECTED BY THE BP OIL SPILL: "WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson will travel to the Gulf Coast on Friday at the request of President Obama to inspect ongoing operations dedicated to minimizing environmental risks in the areas affected by leaking oil—part of their continued oversight and emphasis on interagency coordination in response to the BP Oil Spill."

Oil spill begins to seep into Alabama's $2 billion tourism industry | al.com

Oil spill begins to seep into Alabama's $2 billion tourism industry | al.com: "The Alabama coast's tourism industry, with a more than $2 billion annual impact on the state's economy, is beginning to feel the effect of the growing Gulf of Mexico oil spill, officials said Thursday.


'We've had moderate increases in cancellations, but I think most people are waiting to see what happens,' said Sarah Kuzma of Meyer Real Estate, which has offices in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach."

Lost revenue recovery measures announced by chamber | al.com

Lost revenue recovery measures announced by chamber | al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- As the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and other areas brace for possible damage resulting from the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce announced today to its members that those adversely affected by an oil spill may be able to receive compensation."

As Spill Drifts Toward Gulf Shores, Oil Companies Brace for Political Whirlwind - NYTimes.com

As Spill Drifts Toward Gulf Shores, Oil Companies Brace for Political Whirlwind - NYTimes.com: "Those are the kinds of images that big oil and its supporters in Congress are fearing as a thin slick of crude created by the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig drifts toward Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta."

GULF OF MEXICO RED SNAPPER QUOTA INCREASES AND JUNE 1 THROUGH JULY 23 RECREATIONAL SEASON

NOAA Fisheries Service has published a final rule implementing increases in the commercial and recreational quotas of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. A recent red snapper assessment update projected overfishing ended in 2009, and therefore, the total allowable catch (TAC) can be increased. As evaluated in a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, this increase would be from the existing 5.0 million pounds (MP) to 6.945 MP. The rule adjusts the commercial and recreational quotas to 3.542 and 3.403 MP, respectively, consistent with the 51:49 ratio for the commercial and recreational allocation of red snapper. The final rule publishes in the Federal Register on May 3, 2010, and will become effective June 2, 2010.

The final rule also sets the length of 2010 recreational season, which opens 12:01 a.m., June 1, and closes at 12:01 a.m. on July 24. In determining the season length supported by the 2010 quota, factors such as the increases in the average red snapper size, abundance, and catch rates were taken into account. Absent action to increase the current 5.0 MP TAC, analyses indicate the fishery would remain open just 27-34 days in 2010 to avoid exceeding the quota. However, the 3.403 MP recreational quota is estimated to support a 53-dayfishing season in 2010. The closure date is defined as July 23. For more information on how the red snapper season length was calculated, refer to a document titled “2010 Recreational Red Snapper Quota Closure Analysis” located on the Southeast Regional Office’s Web page (see below).

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This bulletin provides only a summary of the information about the rule. Discrepancies between this bulletin and the rule as published in the Federal Register will be resolved in favor of the Federal Register.
Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. The final rule can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “AY57” as a keyword).

Gulf Coast Fishing, Tourism Industries Imperiled by Oil Spill

Gulf Coast Fishing, Tourism Industries Imperiled by Oil Spill: "April 29 (Bloomberg) -- Billions of dollars generated by outdoor sports, commercial fishing and beach tourism along the Gulf of Mexico coast is at risk if crude oil leaking from a damaged offshore well washes aground.

The oil spill off Louisiana's coast from a well owned by BP Plc may threaten wildlife, and seafood production in a state known as 'Sportsman's Paradise,' as well as in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida or Texas, said Robert Shipp, chairman of the department of marine sciences at the University of South Alabama.

'If this thing really gets to the coast, to those sugar- white beaches from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Panama City, Florida, that would be just a horrible disaster,' Shipp said in an interview."

Federal disaster declaration could follow oil spill, but would it help? | al.com

Federal disaster declaration could follow oil spill, but would it help? | al.com: "WASHINGTON -- Although federal disaster declarations usually follow hurricanes and other natural calamities, the man-made oil spill in the Gulf could conceivably qualify as well, experts said Tuesday.

Federal law 'gives the president enough leeway,' said Michael Greenberger, director of the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security."

Video: Bob Riley calls oil spill 'catastrophic accident' | al.com

Video: Bob Riley calls oil spill 'catastrophic accident' | al.com: "He called the spill an unprecedented 'catastrophic accident' for the Alabama coast.

Speaking to a gaggle of reporters at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at Brookley Field, Riley said he planned to fly over the spill today. Much of the effort in the water to block the spill from reaching the Alabama coast, he said, would begin Thursday."

Gov. Bob Riley on the Gulf Coast oil spill

Locals in Mobile Bay area rally volunteers, supplies for oil spill response | al.com

Locals in Mobile Bay area rally volunteers, supplies for oil spill response | al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Local environmental organizations called for cleanup volunteers as emergency agencies in Mobile and Baldwin counties -- many of them staffed by unpaid workers -- cobbled together often scant resources Wednesday in preparation for the possibility of oil on local beaches and in local waterways."

Oil slick in marshes could be disastrous for seafood, habitat | al.com

Oil slick in marshes could be disastrous for seafood, habitat | al.com: "Opponents of offshore drilling have long warned about the soiling of picturesque white-sand beaches from hypothetical oil spills.

But George Crozier's eyes are on the marshes.

'This ongoing emotional concern for the beaches is somewhat misplaced. It's a worry, but it's the least of our worries,' said Crozier, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab."

Oil slick moves toward Gulf Coast; leak 5 times bigger than thought | al.com

Oil slick moves toward Gulf Coast; leak 5 times bigger than thought | al.com: "The ever-growing oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico began moving toward the coast after winds shifted at lunchtime Wednesday, blowing out of the south, as they are expected to do through the weekend."

Local Anglers Watch The Gulf - Mobile Alabama

Local Anglers Watch The Gulf - Mobile Alabama: "MOBILE, Alabama - Fishing along the Gulf Coast has always been productive but if the oil spill reaches coastal Alabama anglers say it could be devastating to marine life."

WKRG.com News

Coast Guard: New oil leak in Gulf | Fox10tv.com

Coast Guard: New oil leak in Gulf | Fox10tv.com: "NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Coast Guard says a new leak has been found at the site where a oil platform exploded and sank off in the Gulf of Mexico."

Governor Riley Inspects Oil Spill - Mobile Alabama

Governor Riley Inspects Oil Spill - Mobile Alabama: "MOBILE, Alabama - Governor Bob Riley came to Mobile Wednesday afternoon to talk about what the state is doing to protect against the oil spill.
Riley said oil containment booms are being deployed to try to keep the oil off Alabama's shoreline."

WKRG.com News

10 questions and answers about spill | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

10 questions and answers about spill | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "News Journal Opinion Editor Carl Wernicke talked with a variety of experts Wednesday about the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico, its potential for hitting Northwest Florida beaches and the potential impact if it does."

Anniston Star - Harvey H Jackson Finding diversity on the beach

Anniston Star - Harvey H Jackson Finding diversity on the beach: "Anyone who has ever researched black history knows how difficult it is. Written records often are hard to find. Stories change from person to person, generation to generation, making figuring out who did what, when and to whom — and why — is not easy.

This process can turn speculation into accepted fact pretty fast, so you gotta be careful.

When I started my Redneck Riviera work, I quickly wrote off the possibility of finding black folks frolicking on the beach. On my many trips to the coast, an African-American was about as rare as a theologian. Just weren’t any. In fact, the whole concept of “Redneck” Riviera was that the coast was white, which is what “rednecks” always were."

Cobia shows up in large numbers, and proportions - Outdoors - MiamiHerald.com

Cobia shows up in large numbers, and proportions - Outdoors - MiamiHerald.com: "If you would like to share in this beachfront bonanza, you probably have a few more prime fishing days left. The annual cobia run from Panama City Beach to Orange Beach, Ala., got started a month late this season -- probably because of unseasonably cold weather. The spring migration of the large brown fighters -- known locally as ``ling'' or ``lemonfish'' -- tends to peak right around the April full moon, which was Wednesday."

Gulf oil spill set ablaze | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Gulf oil spill set ablaze | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "With shifting winds threatening to push a massive oil slick into coastal areas, disaster crews took a drastic step on Wednesday by setting fire to thousands of gallons of sweet crude looming in the Gulf of Mexico."

Ala. coast eyeing movement of oil slick in gulf - BusinessWeek

Ala. coast eyeing movement of oil slick in gulf - BusinessWeek: "It felt like hurricane season on the Alabama coast Wednesday, with both the tourism and seafood industries watching weather forecasts and tracking the movement of a massive oil slick that was threatening to slime beaches and bayous with a gooey mess.

The waves at Gulf Shores were frothy and white and fishing boats cut through Mobile Bay just like always, but no one was sure what the next few days might bring."

Oil spill has wildlife experts on alert | Fox10tv.com

Oil spill has wildlife experts on alert | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - Marine biologists are concerned about whether wildlife will be affected by the oil spill The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says wildlife are more likely to escape a burning area of the ocean than an oil slick. But there is still concern.

Wildlife along Alabama's coastal waters will be affected if the oil spill spreads, according to biologists.

That reality has those who fish concerned."

Gulf Shores condo owners upset over losses after plans for high-rise crumble | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser

Gulf Shores condo owners upset over losses after plans for high-rise crumble | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser: "GULF SHORES -- In the fall of 2006, a Huntsville-based developer, having already sunk some $20 million into a plan to replace a complex of storm-damaged condos, real ized that building the $60 million high-rise just wasn't going to work."

Officials Set to Burn Oil in Gulf Soon - NYTimes.com

Officials Set to Burn Oil in Gulf Soon - NYTimes.com: "NEW ORLEANS — Crews struggling to contain the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will light some of the petroleum on fire at 11 a.m. Central time in an attempt to burn it off before it reaches shore."

Second Delta Expo family day set for Saturday | al.com

Second Delta Expo family day set for Saturday | al.com: "SPANISH FORT, Ala. -- Helping youngsters discover the treasures of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta while enjoying a little outdoor fun is the goal of the second annual 2010 Delta Woods & Waters Expo.
The expo, sponsored by the city of Spanish Fort, will take place at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway."

School board narrowing list of candidates for superintendent | al.com

School board narrowing list of candidates for superintendent | al.com: "BAY MINETTE -- Representatives from a consulting firm hired to find a new leader for Baldwin County Public Schools met with board members Monday�to start narrowing the list of 40 applicants for the superintendent's job."

Judge orders Chinese drywall removed from family's home, awards them $164,000 | al.com

Judge orders Chinese drywall removed from family's home, awards them $164,000 | al.com: "NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge on Tuesday awarded more than $164,000 to a Louisiana family whose home was ruined by Chinese-made drywall and said the tainted material must be removed.
U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon's latest ruling comes less than a month after he awarded $2.6 million to seven Virginia families. His earlier decision was the first of its kind for a batch of federal lawsuits over drywall-tainted homes."

'Mass of oil' will wash ashore in Alabama and Mississippi, says scientist | al.com

'Mass of oil' will wash ashore in Alabama and Mississippi, says scientist | al.com: "One of the key scientists advising federal officials on the fate of the ongoing spill from the oil rig that exploded last week said there was no question that a 'mass of oil' will wash ashore in Alabama and Mississippi in a matter of days.

But the marshes of Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish will likely receive the heaviest dose of crude, according to Gregory William Stone, director of the Coastal Studies Institute at Louisiana State University and the creator of a scientific model that predicts how winds, waves and surface currents behave in the Gulf of Mexico."

Blue Angels announce new commander | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Blue Angels announce new commander | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Come November, a new boss will lead the Blues.

The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron announced the team's commanding officer for 2011 and 2012 on Tuesday evening.

A panel of admirals and former Blue Angels team members selected David E. Koss out of seven finalists to join the team. The announcement was made in the atrium of the National Naval Aviation Museum."

Perdido Key Fuel Spill Contained - Perdido Key Florida

Perdido Key Fuel Spill Contained - Perdido Key Florida: "PERDIDO KEY, Florida -

A fuel spill on the Intra-Coastal Waterway near Big Lagoon State Park caused quite a scare for Perdido Key...a coastal community that thrives on aquatic recreation and marine resources. On Monday, a one-mile long fuel slick was discovered, prompting the U-S Coast Guard to jump into action."

WKRG.com News

Upscale Alabama Resort Announces Unprecedented No Risk Reservation Policy -- ORANGE BEACH, Ala., April 27 /PRNewswire/ --

Upscale Alabama Resort Announces Unprecedented No Risk Reservation Policy -- ORANGE BEACH, Ala., April 27 /PRNewswire/ --: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum Resorts announces a No Risk Reservation Policy for their guests at Turquoise Place and Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. Beginning May 1, 2010, reservations at these upscale, luxurious resorts will not require a prepayment or deposit in advance of arrival."

As oil slick threatens the coast, seafood industry and officials worry | al.com

As oil slick threatens the coast, seafood industry and officials worry | al.com: "BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. -- Late Tuesday morning, Terry Drawdy, owner of Drawdy Crab Co., received a call from an East Coast seafood dealer.

'You need to get all you can get, because it looks like that oil spill's gonna mess us up,' Drawdy told him.

With the spill looming in the Gulf of Mexico and threatening to turn toward the Alabama coast, the effects could be catastrophic on the state's seafood and tourism industries, men like Drawdy said."

YouTube - Crews rush to contain oil spill off US coast

YouTube - Crews rush to contain oil spill off US coast: "itnnews — April 27, 2010 — Crews in the US have raced to protect the Gulf of Mexico coastline as an oil spill threatens an environmental disaster."

Concern Grows About Impact of Gulf Oil Spill - NYTimes.com

Concern Grows About Impact of Gulf Oil Spill - NYTimes.com: "With a vast oil slick now within only 20 miles of the ecologically fragile Louisiana coastline, Coast Guard officials said they were considering a “controlled burn” of the petroleum on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico."

Captains concerned as oil slick spreads | Fox10tv.com

Captains concerned as oil slick spreads | Fox10tv.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Alabama (WALA) - From Dauphins Island to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, people along the Alabama Coastline are keeping a close eye on the spill. Commercial fishermen are paying particularly close attention to the slick because their livelihoods depend on good conditions in the Gulf."

Deepwater Horizon Incident, Gulf of Mexico | Recent and Historical Incidents | Emergency Response | NOAA's National Ocean Service Office of Response a

Deepwater Horizon Incident, Gulf of Mexico | Recent and Historical Incidents | Emergency Response | NOAA's National Ocean Service Office of Response and Restoration: "While Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) continue to work on triggering the blowout preventer (a series of valves that sits at the well head) to contain the leak, other rigs are en route in case relief wells are needed. An underwater oil collection device that would trap escaping oil near the seafloor and funnel it for collection is being designed and fabricated. Collection devices have been used successfully in shallower water but never at this depth (approx. 5000ft). Efforts are now focused on: gathering more information about the spill (amount, fate and effects), plans for possible undersea containment, drilling relief wells, maximizing oil recovery and readying for shoreline assessments. Natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) activities are now underway."

Students sought for 'School House Rock Live! Jr.' auditions | al.com

Students sought for 'School House Rock Live! Jr.' auditions | al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Students in grades one through 12 are invited to audition for South Baldwin Community Theatre’s Production of 'School House Rock Live! Jr.,' at 6:30 p.m. May 10-11.

The show is based on the popular Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs."

Brown Bag Seminars

Submitted by Andie Mewbourn

Need to brush-up on office software skills before a job interview? Want to give yourself an edge at work with new computer skills?

The Orange Beach Public Library will be offering a Brown Bag Seminar series this May featuring office productivity software. The sessions will be offered on 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Monday in May beginning May 10, 2010. The schedule of topics is as follows:

May 10, 2010: Word processing;
May 17, 2010: Spreadsheets;
May 24, 2010: Presentation software/PowerPoint.

This series is designed for intermediate computer users wanting to improve their familiarity with office productivity software. Each session will describe the main uses of each program, major programs currently available, and suggestions for efficient daily use. The library will not supply computers during the class, but attendees are welcome to bring their own laptops and lunches.

This series of presentations is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Registration is available on the library's Website, www.orangebeachlibrary.org or by phone, 981-2923.

WEAR ABC 3 : Charter Fishing and the Oil Spill

WEAR ABC 3 :: Top Stories: "ORANGE BEACH, AL- Among all the people along the Gulf Coast watching the oil spill developments, charter fishermen may be the first ones to be hurt by it.

The equivalent of 336-thousand of these bottles is leaking into the gulf every day.

Right now, the sheen has a circumference of 600 miles and is about 60 miles from this Marina."

How Will Oil Leak from Rig Explosion Impact Alabama Coast? | Local15tv.com, Mobile & Pensacola News, Entertainment, Videos, Business Search and Shopping

How Will Oil Leak from Rig Explosion Impact Alabama Coast? | Local15tv.com, Mobile & Pensacola News, Entertainment, Videos, Business Search and Shopping: "(DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala.) Who knows the chances Isach Miller will catch a big one, but he's already putting percentages on oil making its way to Alabama's coast.

'Probably about a 50/60 or 40/60, yeah,' says Miller.

George Crozier with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has a rosier outlook. 'A lot of it depends on when they are able to shut it off,' says Crozier."

Alabama’s Coast at Risk? - Mobile Alabama

Alabama’s Coast at Risk? - Mobile Alabama: "Anytime you hear 42 thousand gallons of oil a day is leaking this close to home you have to be a little concerned.
Sensitive eco-systems and wildlife are at risk. Not to mention tourist playgrounds.
Mobile Bay could be drastically affected by an oil spill this large. But, it's also our best defense in this situation."

WKRG.com News

Chief injured by tossed cinder block

Chief injured by tossed cinder block: "ELBERTA, Alabama (WALA) - Elberta Police Chief Mickey Pledger is recovering after he and his patrol car were hit with a cinder block.

Chief Mickey Pledger has scratches on his face. Otherwise, he is okay.

'It's hard to imagine yourself driving down the road about half dark playing with the radio or whatever else and the windshield goes boom,' Chief Pledger said."

Police save deer caught in fence | Fox10tv.com

Police save deer caught in fence | Fox10tv.com: "SPANISH FORT, Alabama (WALA) - Here's a story taken straight from the FOX10 Facebook page. A Spanish Fort Police Sergeant is basking in the spotlight, after a most unusual rescue.

Sgt. Steven McGough with the Spanish Fort Police Department was one of the first responders on the scene bright and early Saturday morning."

Foley man sentenced for robbery, assault | al.com

Foley man sentenced for robbery, assault | al.com: "A Foley man was sentenced last week to serve 12 years in connection with a 2006 robbery case in which the victim suffered a gunshot wound.
John Knight Jr., 23, was sentenced by Baldwin County Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd last Monday on a charge of first-degree robbery and five years for second-degree assault charge. The punishments are to run concurrently."

Brett/Robinson Sponsoring The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival

Brett/Robinson Sponsoring The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival: "Brett/Robinson Vacation Rentals announced today that it is an official sponsor of The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival. The company is one of three lodging sponsors of the music festival.

“We’re excited about being a part of this inaugural event,” Marie Curren, Director of Marketing stated. “We really hope to see it grow in years to come.”

Brett/Robinson’s Phoenix All Suites hotels and Island Winds and Island Winds West properties are just steps away from the event location. The company is offering special lodging packages that include tickets to the music festival, as well as either 20% off the cost of three nights or four nights for the price of three nights for visitors who stay at Island Winds and Island Winds West."

Oil from sunken rig prompts concerns | Fox10tv.com

Oil from sunken rig prompts concerns | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Alabama (WALA) - People on the beaches from Texas to Florida have their eyes on the Gulf after the Deepwater Horizon rig sunk. Oil slick from the rig is lurking in the Gulf and If the oil reaches the Gulf Coast everything from the environment, to the economy, will be affected."

Alabama officials preparing for possible oil slick on coast from Gulf rig accident - WHNT

Alabama officials preparing for possible oil slick on coast from Gulf rig accident - WHNT: "GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) — Alabama officials are getting ready in case the state's beaches and wetlands are hit by an oil slick from the petroleum rig that exploded and sank off the coast of Louisiana."

Walking, biking advocacy events planned | al.com

Walking, biking advocacy events planned | al.com: "A Washington, D.C.-based safety organization reported last year that Mobile is one of the deadliest places in the nation to walk or ride a bicycle.

Now a group of local advocates is working to ensure that, in the future, being a pedestrian in south Alabama isn't just a death wish.

'People here should be able to walk or bike in their community with reasonable safety,' said Craig Ross, who, along with his wife and a friend, was struck in August by an intoxicated driver while biking down Baldwin County 1."

Get to Know Sheila Stone: Lawyer finds her place in small south Baldwin town | al.com

Get to Know Sheila Stone: Lawyer finds her place in small south Baldwin town | al.com: "ELBERTA, Ala. -- After spending the first part of her career in municipal work, Sheila Stone entered law school thinking she’d become a municipal lawyer. Instead, she now runs a general practice in Elberta, and she loves the small-town environment.
'I went to law school after doing many different things,' Stone said. 'When I graduated from (Baldwin County High School), I originally wanted to be a band director.'"

Cold spring could mean a 'jelly year' for jellyfish on the Gulf Coast | al.com

Cold spring could mean a 'jelly year' for jellyfish on the Gulf Coast | al.com: "The secret life of the jellyfish is slowly being revealed.

Turns out they like cool springs and warm summers. That simple, seasonal recipe may be all that's required to send the Gulf's jelly population into overdrive, suggests research conducted by a pair of graduate students at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Based on temperatures last year and so far this spring, we may be in for what they call a 'jelly year,' meaning a higher than normal population in the Gulf this summer."

Crews work to stop oil leak from last week's rig explosion | al.com

Crews work to stop oil leak from last week's rig explosion | al.com: "NEW ORLEANS -- Crews were using a robot submarine Sunday to try to stop an oil leak nearly a mile below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, but officials said it would take at least another day before they knew whether the job was completed.
The Coast Guard said the oil spill was expected to stay 30 miles off the coast for the next three days, but officials are still keeping a watchful eye because the slick has the potential to threaten shores from Louisiana to Florida."

State, county offices closing in Mobile, Baldwin counties for Confederate Memorial Day | al.com

State, county offices closing in Mobile, Baldwin counties for Confederate Memorial Day | al.com: "Confederate Memorial Day, a state holiday in Alabama, will be observed today. It commemorates the surrender of Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston to Union Gen. William Sherman on April 26, 1865.

In Baldwin County, state offices and courts will be closed. County offices and public schools, however, will be open. Garbage pickup will not be affected."