Patterson found guilty in Baldwin murder

Thursday, September 11, 2008
By VIRGINIA BRIDGES
Staff Reporter

BAY MINETTE — James Harris Patterson's face remained stoic Wednesday as the judge announced that the jury found Patterson guilty of murdering his former high school classmate.

After hearing nearly three days of testimony and deliberating for about an hour, the eight-woman, four-man jury convicted Patterson, 26, of killing Rene Ann Perez in her Orange Beach home two years ago.

Patterson testified Wednesday that he talked to Perez, 25, a former classmate at Robertsdale High School, for about five minutes at a local restaurant a month before her death.

Mobile Press-Register

Shipwreck Exhibit At Baldwin County Heritage Museum

From WKRG-TV5...

WKRG.com Video

WKRG-TV5

Rite-Aid armed robbery

Last Edited: Wednesday, 10 Sep 2008, 6:11 PM CDT
Created: Wednesday, 10 Sep 2008, 6:11 PM CDT
Report by Mike Rockwood, WALA
Photojournalist: Franz Barraza

FOLEY, Ala. -- Foley police are on the lookout for a man they say is looking for Oxycontin. "An addict goes to desperate measures to get what he wants and he's obviously done this," said Lt. David White with the Foley Police Department.

What this suspect did -- was attempt an armed robbery at the Foley Rite Aid Store on South McKenzie. Police say he walked to the back of the store and passed the pharmacist a note demanding two bottles of Oxycontin.

My Fox Gulf Coast

Gulf Shores council hires new city administrator

Steve Garman's previous jobs include city manager posts in Pensacola and Decatur, Ill.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

GULF SHORES — By a unanimous vote Monday, 66-year-old Steve Garman, a former city manager in Pensacola and Decatur, Ill., was hired as the city's next administrator.

Garman said Tuesday that he will arrive in Gulf Shores today to begin looking for a place to live while he sells his home in central Illinois. He will report to City Hall on Oct. 1 and spend a month learning the ropes of his new job, taking over the day-to-day management of Gulf Shores when the next administration assumes office in early November, said Councilman and Mayor-elect Robert Craft.

"I'm very pleased the council asked me to join them," Garman said. "I'm excited to get started."

Mobile Press-Register

Car Fire on Bayway

From WKRG-TV5...

A scary scene on the Interstate 10 Bayway Monday afternoon. A car caught on fire. Smoke could be seen for a couple of miles. The News 5 traffic cameras caught the flames covering the car. Mobile Firefighters were able to put out the fire without anyone getting hurt.

WKRG.com Video

Another Hurricane Evacuation Route

From WKRG-TV5...

WKRG.com Video

Gulf State Park officials seek to dredge lakes, sink reefs

GULF SHORES — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on proposals from state officials to dredge parts of Shelby and Middle lakes as well as to turn Gulf State Park's old fishing pier into artificial reefs.

The dredge project, according to a Corps of Engineers public notice, is aimed not only at clearing out sand that blew into the lakes during hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, but also at rebuilding Gulf-front dunes.

To achieve these twin goals, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has applied to dredge 44,528 cubic yards of sand — nearly 2,800 dump trucks worth — from a 13.8-acre area in the southern part of Lake Shelby. The sand would then be pumped through an existing culvert beneath Alabama 182 to a 10.2-acre site just west of the park's fishing pier.

Mobile Press-Register

New Gulf State Park Pier survives test from Hurricane Gustav

Thursday, September 04, 2008
By JEFF DUTE
Outdoors Editor

While Hurricane Gustav bruised the Gulf State Park Pier under construction just east of Gulf Shores, the structure's "sacrificial" design worked as expected and the pier should still be ready to open early next year, a representative of the company contracted to build it for the state said Wednesday.

The scheduled opening early in 2009 is barring any subsequent storms that have a greater impact on the pier, said LCI Inc. project superintendent Greg Thacker.

"The sacrificial design did work. It did what it was supposed to do," he said.

The concept Thacker is talking about allows parts of the pier to be sacrificed to wave action and purposely swept away in order to protect the integrity of the concrete pilings supporting the pier.

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

Bama Bayou to sell bonds in hopes of finishing its Gulf World Marine Park

ORANGE BEACH -- Bama Bayou's developers will be able to sell $5 million worth of bonds to help finance completion of their Gulf World Marine Park through an improvement district that was created by the City Council on Tuesday.

The council voted unanimously to establish the district on a portion of Bama Bayou's 144 acres. Improvement district status will also allow the developers to skirt some sales taxes on materials they need to build things like roads, street lights and sewers, which the bonds will finance.

Click here to read the Breaking News from the Mobile Press-Register.

Drunken boating eyed in weekend deaths

The driver of a boat involved in a fatal crash Sunday that killed his mother and sister was intoxicated and ran the boat aground, authorities believe.

Phil Driver, 30, drove the 31-foot Cape Horn boat aground about 2:30 a.m. on Rabbit Island, Alabama Marine Patrol Officer Mark Parden said. The 26-acre island sits just off the eastern tip of Ono Island, Ala.

Nancy Driver, 66, who lived off Innerarity Point Road in southwest Escambia County, and her daughter, Kathryn Liscoe, 44, of Pensacola were pronounced dead at the scene.

Phil Driver was taken to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola with a broken arm. He had not been charged as of Monday, but Parden said the case likely would go before a grand jury in Baldwin County, Ala.

"The first officer on the scene had contact with Mr. Driver before he was transported," Parden said. "Based on the officer's experience, Mr. Driver was under the influence of alcohol."

Click here to read the full article from the Pensacola News Journal.

Alcohol factor in weekend boat crash on Ala. coast

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (AP) -- Police say alcohol was a factor in the boat crash near Ono Island that killed two of the seven people on the vessel.

Marine Police Officer Mark Parden says Phillip Driver of Pensacola, Fla., was steering the 31-foot Cape Horn when it slammed into tiny Rabbit Island at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday at high speed.

Click here to visit Fox17 Nashville for the rest of the article.

Orange Beach taps into reserve

$3.45 million used to pay off land purchase, will be repaid in bond issue
Sunday, August 03, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH — With revenues running well below projections this year, city officials have taken numerous penny-pinching steps, from curtailing spending, foregoing new hires and reducing its sponsorship of local events.

The latest move to save money came Thursday when the City Council dipped into its $6.8 million disaster fund to enable the refinancing of a 2007 loan used to buy about 2cm HALF acres on Wolf Bay.

The council voted 5-1 to withdraw $3.45 million from the fund to pay off the land purchase and to replenish the emergency money later this month with proceeds from a pending bond issue. The move could save the city around $10,000 in interest on its original loan over the next three weeks and at least $75 a day once the amount is repaid, city officials said last week.

Continued - Mobile Press-Register

Flatfish On The Bama Coast

The flounder: one of more popular and tasty fish found on our Gulf Coast. Here's where to find and how to catch them from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach.

By Phillip Gentry

The jig hit the water just inside the rip created by the current washing across the rocks along the seawall that my fishing partner, Jeff Chambliss, and I were targeting. I left the bail on the spinning reel open as the jig rolled along with the current on its way back toward Jeff's boat, which he held parallel to the wall with his trolling motor. I flipped the bail closed and started taking up slack, beginning to feel the bait as it bumped across the sandy bottom next to the rocks.

The bite was signaled by a distinct thump -- nothing more. No line-stripping run like a summertime redfish, no slash-and-grab like a speckled trout: just that thump. And then everything seemed normal.

Except that my line had stopped moving.

Quickly glancing up at Chambliss, a veteran inshore guide from Orange Beach, I remembered his earlier instructions about waiting for the fish to start chewing -- and after at least 10 seconds, I felt it. Maybe "chewing" isn't the right word, but that's sure what it felt like.

The fish had grabbed my jig as if it were an injured mullet being flung along by the current. Once it had a firm grasp on its prey, it settled back to the bottom while its dinner expired. The joke was on it, however: Its dinner wasn't dead -- merely playing the part.

As the unseen fish began devouring his meal, I tightened up the slack on my medium-weight All Star spinning rod and then arched back to cross my quarry's eyeballs with a long, backward sweep of the rod. The creature at the other end of my line exploded into action as the point of jig's hook drove home.

Lying flat on the bottom, the flounder has the laws of physics in its favor. Its broad, flat body can create enough drag to sometimes give the fish enough force to wrap the line around the closest obstacle and break it. Steady pressure on the head, however, angles a flounder's body like a Frisbee thrown into the wind -- and up it comes. After a brief struggle, the flounder's path altered to a course that eventually led it to a frying pan.

Continued on Alabama Game & Fish

Luxury yacht stolen from The Wharf's docks

55-foot vessel, the Full Moon, valued at $800,000
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By GUY BUSBY
Staff Reporter

Orange Beach police are looking for an $800,000 motor yacht that was last seen moored near the Intracoastal Waterway on Tuesday night, but was missing from its slip Wednesday morning.

The 55-foot vessel, named the Full Moon, was taken from its berth at a boat dealership, Gulf Coast Hatteras, at The Wharf sometime after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Lt. Steve Brown of the Orange Beach Police Department said Wednesday. The theft was discovered Wednesday morning, he said.

"We know for certain it was there between 5 and 7 yesterday and this morning it was gone," Brown said. "We believe it was moved in the middle of the night, but can't confirm that, yet."

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach Welcomes First of Two Racing Events for August

Orange Beach, AL—As a prelude to the upcoming Thunder on the Gulf Powerboat Races, Orange Beach will host the 11th Annual Sea-Doo Surf and Turf Championships on August 2-3. Perdido Beach Resort will become racing central as nearly 200 of the top watercross athletes coverage on the Alabama Gulf Coast for an exciting weekend of racing action.

Sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, the Surf and Turf Championships feature events in the ski, sport and runabout divisions. Different from other competitions, this contest is set up to attract both experienced circuit racers and novice athletes.

Weekend events kick off Saturday morning as the first competitors hit the liquid race course at 11:00 a.m. Competition continues throughout the day until 6:00 p.m. Sunday holds the promise of more exciting racing battles from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fans are welcome to watch the entire competition for free from the beach just in front of the Perdido Beach Resort.

Racing fans will also want to attend the autograph session slated for Saturday at 1:oo p.m. and then the Racers Party at 8:oo p.m. later that night at Night Reef, which is located on the bottom floor of the resort. There will also be a charity auction of action sports memorabilia on Sunday afternoon just prior to the 6:00 p.m. awards ceremony. Proceeds will benefit injured rider Trace Mills of Texas, who will be in attendance. Admission to all events is also free.

Adding to the excitement, I-Ball productions will be on hand to gather footage for two MAV Network shows that will air in September while Wizzard Media will produce a live podcast of the weekend.

“We are so excited to welcome the first of our two racing events for the month of August,” said Beth Gendler, director of sales for the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In addition to being a widely respected racing league, the Surf and Turf Championships is packed with racing action. Between hosting this event and then Thunder on the Gulf two weeks later (August 14-17), the Alabama Gulf Coast is definitely establishing itself as a premier athletic destination complimented by family friendly accommodations, attractions and restaurants.”

Even more excited is event organizer Mike Young, the owner of Surf and Turf Promotions. He added that “I have a lot of pride in the race sites that I choose, and Orange Beach is a family-friendly, vacation destination with some of America's most beautiful beaches and clean water. Their southern hospitality is second to none. I am staying an extra week!”

The Sports Commission is a partnership between Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. For information, please visit www.alabamabeachsports.com or www.apbaracing.com.

New rules affecting shark fishing

By David Rainer | Clanton Advertiser

Published Monday, July 28, 2008

Have any idea how far away a bull shark can pick up a blood trail?

Believe it or not, it’s one mile. That’s right, 5,280 feet.

And that is one of the reasons there has been a change in the way anglers in Alabama can fish for sharks.

After tweaking the language in the regulation to ensure safe fishing practices would not be hindered, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Marine Resources Division recently enacted a regulation to prohibit chumming or bloodbaiting for sharks in certain areas.

The regulation reads:

“It shall be unlawful within three hundred feet of the shoreline, or on a public pier, or on a private pier where an unsafe condition is created, on or in waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Marine Resources Division as provided by Rule 220-2-.42, to fish for or target sharks or any species by those methods commonly known as ‘chumming’ or ‘bloodbaiting.’

Clinton Advertiser

National Kids Night Out in Orange Beach

Submitted by Glenda Beech

Hot summer days filled with splashing, biking and camps is coming to a close as the summer break wraps up in preparation of the new school year. To add some excitement in closing out the summer, the Orange Beach Police Department will host the 3rd Annual “National Kids Night Out” program for the community.

National Kids Night Out will be held on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park from 6 to 8 p.m. This National program brings fun activities for the children and families with an emphasis on safety. Officers of the police department will give parents the opportunity to fingerprint, collect DNA samples (mouth swabs), photo ID’s of their children, which will be kept on file at the OBPD, and renewed annually.

Volunteers are needed for the event so feel free to contact Kris Roberts or Karen Keith for information at 251-981-9777 or visit the OBPD website at www.obpd.org.

Participants should wear swimsuits or appropriate apparel for water activities, and be prepared to get wet. This is a family oriented event that is open to children up to age 13, and the OBPD requests that the parent or guardian accompany children at all times.

Along with water slides, moon walks and plenty of “get wet” activities, refreshments including hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided. Don’t miss the opportunity to dunk “Chief Billy” and “Assistant Chief Duck” in the famous dunking booth.

A special thanks to this years Title Sponsor, Columbia Southern University, for their support in making the event possible for the community. CSU is a learning partner with the City of Orange Beach offering online educational opportunities for obtaining higher education degrees including special focuses on public safety.

The event if free and is located on the north side of Canal Road just under one mile East of Highway 161 in Orange Beach at Waterfront Park. Come out and celebrate National Kids Night Out in your hometown.

For additional information contact
Kris Roberts at 981-9777

Beach school boards will disband for now

Hollinger, Craft say resolution paves way for reconciliation
Friday, July 25, 2008
By JOSH BEAN
Staff Reporter

LOXLEY — The appointed school boards in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will be dissolved, according to a resolution approved Thursday by the Baldwin County Board of Education, and the countywide system affirms the cities' ability to restart the city panels at some point in the future.

The two municipal school boards could be disbanded by the end of August, said Gulf Shores Councilman Robert Craft, who has been intimately involved in negotiations with the county school system over the last 15 months.

"I think this is the end of the Island School System," Craft said Thursday night.

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach garbage rates rise

Hike to fund recycling pickup, cover fuel costs
Thursday, July 17, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER, Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH — To cover rising fuel costs and fund a new curbside recycling program, the City Council voted Tuesday to raise the monthly residential garbage bill to $15 from $12.

Next month's billings will likely reflect the change, city officials said.

Tuesday's vote was 4-0 with one abstention.

Councilman Ed Carroll said he abstained because he was torn between supporting recycling and raising bills for residents.

Councilwoman Joni Blalock was absent from the meeting.

For most households the $15 will cover twice-weekly garbage pickup. Condos will continue to see seven-day-a-week collections during the summer and six days a week throughout the rest of the year.

Mobile Press-Register

Curbside recycling coming to city

Council will likely OK $3 monthly rate hike to pay for recycling, fuel costs
Friday, July 11, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH — Monthly garbage rates will likely go up $3 to accommodate a new curbside recycling program and rising fuel costs, city officials said this week .

On Monday afternoon, the city's Solid Waste Authority approved a contract with Orange Beach's garbage hauler, Allied Waste Industries, that includes concessions for higher labor and fuel costs as well as the addition of recycling service, Mayor Pete Blalock said.

Because the Solid Waste Authority is made up of the City Council and a few other municipal officials, the subsequent rate hike needed to fund the new contract is likely to pass when the council meets at 5 pm on Tuesday.

Mobile Press-Register

Red Snapper Season Extended in State Waters

July 7, 2008- Governor Bob Riley has extended red snapper season within Alabama’s jurisdictional waters through October 31, 2008.

After discussion with Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley, Riley cited the inconsistency of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to force compliance with the federal regulations regarding red snapper in Florida and Texas. Texas has a year-round season for its states waters with a four-fish bag limit with a minimum length of 15 inches, while Florida has an April 15 through Oct. 31, 2008 season with a two-fish bag limit with a minimum length of 16 inches.

Current federal regulations governing red snapper fishing set a season of June 1 through Aug. 5, 2008 with a bag limit of two per person with a minimum length of 16 inches. Captain and crew may not possess any red snapper.

“Alabama understands and supports the federal government’s policies on managing marine resources,” said Governor Riley. “However, we cannot stand by and allow Alabama's fishermen to be penalized without NOAA addressing the lack of support by other states."

Commissioner Lawley said that federal regulations have little effect on states like Florida and Texas with nine nautical miles of state waters off shore. Alabama, with its three nautical miles, is significantly affected.

“Those states can continue to harvest red snapper while our charter captains struggle with the burden of 56 fewer days of fishing,” Lawley said. “This economic burden is multiplied in communities like Orange Beach and Dauphin Island where offshore fishing is a driving force in their economies.”

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.

Gulf State Park Fire Video

Gulf State Park Fire Compilation

Saving Gulf's barrier islands: Alabama, Mississippi look to rebuild

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Staff Reporters

The barrier islands of Alabama and Mississippi, cultural touchstones that have shaped coastal life for generations, are disappearing with gathering speed.

Barrier islands naturally move, erode and grow, fed with sand that moves westward on the currents. But a report by the U.S. Geological Survey says that island chains in the northern Gulf of Mexico — from Mobile Bay in Alabama to Atchafalaya Bay in Louisiana — are disintegrating rapidly because of a lack of sand, rising sea levels and more frequent intense storms.

Mobile Press-Register

New Election Scheduled In Baldwin County

WKRG-TV5...

WKRG.com Video

Fishermen Feeding The Famished

From WKRG-TV5...

WKRG.com Video

Riley vows to fight for state's fishermen

Governor, conservation commissioner say Florida and Texas decisions on red snapper penalizing Alabama fishermen
Sunday, June 15, 2008
By JEFF DUTE
Outdoors Editor
ORANGE BEACH — While on an offshore fishing trip Friday, Gov. Bob Riley vowed to fight what he characterized as unfair federal management of red snapper stocks in the Gulf of Mexico that is hurting Alabama anglers and the charter fishing fleet.

Riley said he is concerned about the National Marine Fisheries Service's decision not to directly penalize Florida and Texas despite those states' decisions not to adopt federal snapper management regulations in their state waters for the past two years.

When the NMFS reduced the red snapper bag limit to two fish per person per day last year, Florida, Texas and Alabama decided instead to maintain state daily bag limits at four fish.

Mobile Press-Register

No hiring Touart, at least for now

Ousted Escambia County, Fla., administrator was called best of 70 candidates, but mayor says decision will be left to city leaders elected in August
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
By CRAIG MYERS
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH — Mayor Pete Blalock said Monday he has suspended an effort to hire ousted Escambia County, Fla., administrator George Touart as the city's next administrator and will leave that decision to the municipal leadership elected in August.

Several City Council members and Blalock said Monday that Touart, of Pensacola, was the most qualified of nearly 70 candidates to replace Jeff Moon, who left the position in April.

Blalock said he and the city's attorney were negotiating the details of a contract with Touart that would have been brought back to the council for a vote. But the process has ended, he said.

Mobile Press Register Article

Pensapedia- About George Touart

ResortQuest now in Gulf Shores

Sunday, June 08, 2008
By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor

The locals will compete with a national firm for vacation rentals after the arrival of ResortQuest on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

"We're in a growth mode and setting it up for a strong future here," said Lino Maldonado, vice president of Northwest Florida operations, which is based in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. "We knew we needed to be in Gulf Shores. The product mix, all the entertainment venues, and the family atmosphere, it's a perfect niche."

ResortQuest is one of the largest firms managing and marketing resort condominium and home rentals in the United States. Its local rental management office is in the former Ono Professional Partners real estate building at 3145 Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores. Ono Professionals is now called ResortQuest Real Estate, and its 30 sales agents occupy the second floor of the building, according to broker Jeff McLaurin.

Much of the rental invento ry at the Gulf has been managed by two large companies, Meyer Real Estate and Kaiser Realty, and a handful of mom-and-pop operations. But there's plenty of business to go around, according to the resort managers. There are 15,263 condo units and hotel rooms available for rentals, according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Bring it on," said Sarah Kuzma, a spokesperson for Meyer in Gulf Shores. "We're ready and can compete with anyone. If they bring some national attention to our area, that's positive." Meyer manages more than 2,000 properties in Alabama and Florida.

Mobile Press-Register

Marlin scales receive no hits on opening day

BILOXI --The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic entered uncharted waters on Friday.

For the first time in its 12-year history, the popular blue marlin tournament didn't see a billfish hit the scales during the opening round at the Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi.

"We did have reports of marlin tagged and released," tournament director Bobby Carter said. "We had reports that the Annie Girl out of Orange Beach, Ala., and the Sea Goddess out of Texas tagged a marlin each.

Sun Herald

Committee postpones BOE election decision

Saturday, June 07, 2008
By JOSH BEAN
Staff Reporter

ROBERTSDALE — Margaret Long wants a new primary election to determine the Republican Party's nominee for school board District 5, and Angie Swiger believes only the 142 voters who received the wrong ballot in Tuesday's election should get a second chance.

The two candidates, not to mention Baldwin County's residents, must wait a little longer to find out how their election dispute will be resolved.

On Friday, the Baldwin County Republican Party Election Committee postponed a decision, citing state law that no election can be contested until the results have been certified, said attorney Allan Chason, the legal counsel representing the committee.

Mobile Press-Register

Thursday's report from WKRG-TV5...

WKRG.com Video

Three gill nets hauled from Little Lagoon

Officers charge Foley man with illegal fishing
Saturday, June 07, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

State conservation officers this week confiscated three gill nets in Gulf Shores' Little Lagoon, where the practice is banned, and charged two men with illegal fishing, authorities said.

Conservation enforcement officer Mark Phillips said Friday that the local Marine Resources office was tipped off about a gill netter plying Little Lagoon early Tuesday. When one officer spotted a truck belonging to the suspect parked along the estuary, others put their boat in and went searching for the fishermen at about 4 a.m.

"We eased the boat down to the west end and we saw the boat's spotlight," Phillip said.

Four people — three men and a woman — were aboard a 20-foot skiff tending to a 1,500-foot-long gill net, Phillips said. The officers made them haul in the net and pluck the fish — mostly croakers — from it before they were apprehended, Phillips said.

Mobile Press-Register

Go Fish! Alabama’s Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 7

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Commissioner designates a “Free Fishing Day” for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license each year. Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley has designated Saturday, June 7, 2008, as this year’s Free Fishing Day. The law, approved by the Alabama Legislature, allows an annual free day of fishing when residents and non-residents may fish without a fishing license.

“The annual Free Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity for non-anglers to test the fishing waters and to remind former anglers of all the fun they’ve been missing,” said Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Chief of Fisheries Stan Cook. “It’s also a great opportunity for kids to get out and learn how fun and exciting fishing is, plus the day gives families a chance to do something together outdoors.”

According to the law, the usual fishing license requirement – both freshwater and saltwater – is exempt on that day only. However, some lakes or piers may still require fees and permits, and owner’s permission is required to fish private ponds.

Marine Resources Division Director R. Vernon Minton encourages saltwater anglers to cast a line and try their luck on June 7. “This is a great opportunity for people who have never fished in saltwater to see what it’s like,” said Minton. “We also encourage seasoned saltwater anglers to introduce new anglers to the sport.”

Those interested in saltwater fishing may pick up the free Alabama Marine Information Calendar featuring information on moon phases, sunset and sunrise times, Alabama’s artificial reef program, license schedules, fish creel limits, a tidal calendar, and much more. The calendars are available at the two Marine Resources offices located on Dauphin Island, 251-861-2882 and in Gulf Shores, 251-968-7576.

Several events, sponsored by the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division as part of the Community Fishing Program with support from local community partners, are planned around the State as a part of Free Fishing Day, June 7. These special fishing events, held during National Fishing & Boating Week, June 1-8, provide opportunities for families and friends to share fun and quality time together while learning about one of the Nation's favorite pastimes.

Orange Beach police rape investigation goes forward

Chief expresses confidence in officers
Thursday, May 29, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Baldwin County authorities continue to investigate a woman's claims that she was raped by a trio of Orange Beach policemen, though neither District Attorney Judy Newcomb nor Sheriff's Department spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery would discuss details Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said that he is "confident" that none of the six officers on duty that night had any contact with the woman.

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach Fishing Reports

Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle
Weekly Fishing Report May 28, 2008

Inshore Fishing Report
The inshore fishing throughout the last week has proven to be a little tougher than most residents would care for. However, anglers still ventured out and managed to have some nice catches! With Memorial Day and the enormous number of boaters now gone, look for the fishing to pick back up and return to normal summer fishing! Look for drastic improvements beginning Saturday once the neap tides have ended.

Click here for the complete report.

Offshore Fishing Report
The blue water bite was thoroughly investigated this past weekend during the Memorial Day tournament. 109 boats blasted offshore last Friday night with high hopes of catching that winning fish! Unfortunately their can only be a handful of winners, but this didn't stop anglers from fishing every last second to the fullest of their ability. Mike Rowell aboard the Annie Girl took the tuna division with a 700.8 pound bluefin tuna!

Click here for the complete report.

THANKS AND GOOD FISHIN,
Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle, Inc.

Talk about old school! From left to right- Tucker, Brent (Captain Bligh), and Me (Captain Mo Shaver) with a nice catch from Orange Beach dating back about 20 years ago!!

On behalf of Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle I would personally like to thank to all of our valued customers. We would not be here without your loyal support. Please feel free to email any ideas or suggestions that you would like to add to our newsletters. Thanks and Good Fishin!

Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle
25637 Canal Road Unit F
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251.974.FISH (3474)
info@mofishin.biz

Local Beaches Packed

By GUY BUSBY
Staff Reporter

GULF SHORES — Crowds filled local beaches Sunday as the Memorial Day weekend continued.

Surf conditions were calmer than earlier in the weekend, but yellow flags, warning of moderate surf conditions, still flew at the Gulf Shores Public Beach. At the Alabama Gulf State Park, where George Burnett of Orange Beach drowned Saturday, red flags warned swimmers of hazardous conditions. On Friday, Michael Evans of Mississippi drowned at Orange Beach.

While some visitors said rising gas prices hadn't affected their holiday plans, others said they had chosen a more local getaway to save money.

Mobile Press-Register

700.9 lb Tuna landed on the Annie Girl

May 25, 2009-- Capt. Mike Rowell (left) with his former 1st mate and current angler, Truitt (right), bring home the sushi.

This huge 700.9 lb bluefin tuna was caught in a secret location about 130 miles south of Orange Beach.

Truitt fought the monster for more than 7 hours.

More photos, detail & video coming soon...


Click image for larger view.

Ethridge to run for Orange Beach mayor

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Staff Report

Former Orange Beach City Councilwoman Iris Gay Ethridge has announced her candidacy for mayor in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.

Ethridge, 71, was first elected to the Place 5 council seat in 1996 and retained it in 2000. She was defeated by Joni Blalock in her 2004 re-election bid.

The mayor's position is now held by Pete Blalock, who has not said whether he will run again. Former Councilman Tony Kennon has said he will also seek the part-time job, which carries a yearly salary of $27,562.63 plus 5 percent annual raises.

Mobile Press-Register

New Recreational Gill Net License Sales to End

May 23, 2008

Contact: Vernon Minton 251-968-7576

Effective June 1, 2008, no new recreational gill net licenses will be issued under legislation passed during the 2008 Legislative session and signed by Gov. Bob Riley.

Act 2008-467 limits recreational gill net licenses to those persons who hold or purchase current recreational licenses by midnight May 31, 2008.

Also included in the legislation is a provision that if a license holder fails to renew the recreational gill net license each year, the license will be retired. In other words, this means that if you don’t have a valid recreational gill net license as of midnight May 31, 2008 and you do not renew it each year, you will never be able to buy one again.

The legislation also included a restriction on deployment of a recreational gill net. The new provision stipulates that a recreational gill net may be a maximum of 300 feet in length and shall be set only by wading, which is defined as walking on the bottom, swimming, or treading water.

Also, by current regulation, the net may not be set more than 300 feet from the natural shoreline.

The legislation also created a surcharge of up to $8 in addition to the normal charge for annual resident and nonresident saltwater recreational hook and line licenses. The surcharge will be zero from June 1 to Aug. 31, 2008 and the surcharge for the 2008-2009 license year will be $8 per license. The legislation stipulates these monies will be collected for five years and placed into a Marine Resources Restoration Fund to administer a voluntary program to acquire and retire commercial gill net permits of commercial gill net fishermen.

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 Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Experts recommend Alabama add lifeguards

Lifesaving Association recommends Alabama add lifeguards
Friday, May 23, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Last Wednesday, a late-morning call went out about a swimmer in distress off a private beach behind an Orange Beach condo complex.

As it happened some lifeguards from Destin, Fla., were at a nearby state-owned beach giving lessons to a group of local lifeguards and firemen on how to pull swimmers from the water while riding personal watercrafts.

"He was lucky they were there," said Orange Beach Aquatic Coordinator Melvin Shepard. "If they hadn't have been there doing training that gentleman would have had to rely only on the people there. There's only certain points firefighters can access the beach.

Mobile Press-Register

Concerns with Proposed Idle Speed Zones to be Addressed

May 22, 2008

CONTACT: Bob Huffaker
334-242-3673

Due to concerns expressed by anglers in Alabama with the idle speed zone provision passed by the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board, Conservation Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley said the proposed regulation will not be enacted until those concerns are addressed.

“In no way was this proposal by the Board designed to penalize or encumber the fishermen of Alabama in any way,” Lawley said. “It’s was strictly a safety measure designed to keep boat wakes from harming boaters, anglers and property owners along our abundant waterways.”

The proposed regulation would establish idle speed-only zones within 100 feet of any vessel which is moored, anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or any wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure or abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.

Lawley said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials are meeting with anglers to determine how to address the safety issues without causing hardships to the fishermen and boaters.

“If we cannot amend it to their satisfaction, then it will go no further,” Lawley said.

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 Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Beach Rape Investigation Expands

WKRG.com Video

Forecast tools used at WKRG-TV5

Here's an interesting story about the high-tech tools used by WKRG-TV5 in Mobile to forecast weather in our area.

WKRG.com Video

Alleged Rape in Orange Beach

WKRG.com Video

2008 Miller Lite Mack Attack

The first King Mackerel event of the season is just a few short hours away and getting closer by the minute. The 2008 Miller Lite Mack Attack is set for May 23 and 24 in Perdido Key, Fl. The mandatory Captain’s Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 at Hub Stacey’s at the Point — 5851 Galvez Rd. Pensacola FL 32507 — and registration closes at 9 p.m. The scales will be open at Lost Key Marina and Yacht Club — host site for the event — from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 and the awards will be presented at Hub’s at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 25.

The Mack Attack not only signals the beginning of what promises to be a stellar season of fishing along the Gulf Coast, it also provides several unique features to set it apart from the crowd. King Mackerel, Cobia and Amberjack will be the target pecies and all boats registered before May 19 will be eligible for a free artificial reef courtesy of Pensacola Reef Builders.

Set at Perdido’s Lost Key Marina — 10045 Sinton Dr. Pensacola FL 32507 — the Mack Attack is unique in location alone. Add kayak and pier divisions as well as bonus awards for the top lady and junior anglers as well as a target weight bonus and categories for single-engine boats and vessels 23 feet and under in length, and you have one of the most entertaining events on the water. The public is invited to attend the weigh-in and get a chance at great prizes and giveaways as well.

Entry forms and tournament brochures are available throughout the Pensacola area
at most bait and tackle stores. For more information, contact tournament director Brad Sauers at (850) 723-8834 or e-mail him at bradsauers@bellsouth.net.

Click here for more information.

Wrapup from the Conservation board meeting

EUFAULA -- Members of the Conservation Advisory Board wrapped up a tight, tidy and efficient 2 1/2 hour meeting Saturday with a flurry of proposals including tightening of shark fishing regulations at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

A previous regulation issued last week included vague wording that has been clarified and tightened. Blood bait and chumming for sharks is prohibited within 300 feet of the shoreline, either from the beach or from a boat, and that includes bow fishing (from shore or boat).

"We don't want to put anyone in harm's way or negatively impact (legal) fishing," said Vernon Minton, chief of the Alabama Marine Resources Division. He and Maj. John Jenkins have met or talked with other Gulf of Mexico state agencies about trying to establish some kind of regulation to tighten shark fishing -- which can be a problem if people don't use common sense -- and said Florida's officials are interested in Alabama's regulation.

"We will be the first state with a workable solution that does not negatively impact legal fishing," Jenkins said.

Mobile Press-Register

Editor's Note: We have not seen the new regulation as it has been rewritten, but will publish it here as soon as it is availabe.

Former Cop Found Dead

WKRG.com Video

Shelby Supporting Fishing Industry

Shelby Announces $75 Million for Commercial Fisheries Industry

WASHINGTON, DC Thursday, May 15, 2008—U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, today announced that $75 million will be included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill to aid the struggling fishing industry around the nation.

“As a result of the volatile 2005 hurricane season and the drought that continues to plague the southeastern United States, Alabama fisheries have taken a significant economic and ecological hit,” said Shelby. “These recent events, compounded with high fuel prices and increased restrictions on the fisheries, have created a cumulative effect that has shrimpers and fishermen struggling to stay in business. This funding will provide much needed assistance to an industry that is a vital part of the Alabama economy.”

These funds may be used to alleviate expenses related to fishery failures, fishery resource disasters and regulations on the fishing industry.

ST. PETER'S FISH FRY/SANDSPUR CONCERT

WHEN : Tuursday, JUNE 5, 2008 5-7pm

WHERE: St Peter's Episcopal Church
6270 Bon Secour Hwy
Bon Secour, AL

CONTACT: 251-949-6254
www.stpetersofbonsecour.com
email: stpeters@gulftel.com

Come on out to Bon Secour for the St. Peter's of Bon Secour Episcopal Church Fish Fry! Take the night off from cooking and enjoy delicious food as well as some bluegrass gospel music from the Sandspur Band coming to us special from the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church!

These ladies and gentlemen really know how to fry up some great fish and it'll make you want to come back for more. And what's better than not having to cook, eating some great food and some good old bluegrass gospel music? No cleanup!
The St. Peter's Of Bon Secour Episcopal Church's Fish Fry's are held the first Thursday of the month May through September at St. Peters of Bon Secour Episcopal Church starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m.

A donation of $8.00 per plate is requested. Each plate includes fried mullet, baked beans, potato salad, slaw, bread, tea and a delicious homemade dessert. The donations provide for the church's various outreach programs, such as Ecumenical Ministries, Camp Beckwith, Habitat for Humanity and many others. So come on out for a night off from cooking and help us support these worthy causes. For more information please contact:

St Peter's Episcopal Church
6270 Bon Secour Hwy
Bon Secour, AL
251-949-6254
www.StPetersOfBonSecour.com
email: StPeters@gulftel.com

Orange Beach police investigating death

Orange Beach police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man who they found collapsed in his apartment early Monday morning.

An autopsy performed earlier this week by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile came back inconclusive as to how Donald Matthew Moody died, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said Thursday. And investigators now must wait on the results of toxicology reports, Wilkins said.

Mobile Press-Register

Perfecting the art of steaks and oysters at Nix at The Wharf

Finding a good steak and baked oyster is fairly easy to do in Pleasure Island. But to find outstanding food staples like those is a bit more challenging. It's like the martini — any bartender can sling one, but it takes that special touch to stand out. Such is the case at Nix Steaks and Oysters, the new eatery and premier live entertainment venue on Main Street at The Wharf, and they're quickly earning a solid reputation for their superb steaks and baked oysters and other menu items.

The menu was the collaborative vision of Sherry Odom, director of operations at Nix, restaurant designer Karen Hameroff and Nix owner Nick Dorich. The menu is also reflective of Dorich's Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast background where he was in the nightclub and food business. Something Dorich wanted to do with Nix was successfully cater to the locals.

Pensacola News Journal

News Five Investigates: Cost Vs. Benefit

WKRG.com Video

Regata al Sol

The Regata al Sol is a sailboat race from the Gulf Coast to Isla Mujeres Mexico. Twenty-three boats are participating in this year's race.

You can watch the progress of the race online by clicking here. This website lets you view various data received from each of the participating boats.

News 5 Investigates: Insurance Questions

WKRG.com Video

Orange Beach's McKinney seeks re-election to Alabama school board

Thursday, May 15, 2008
By RENA HAVNER
Staff Reporter

Republican Randy McKinney announced that he is seeking re-election to the State Board of Education, District 1 seat, which includes Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties.

He is running against Paul Christopher in the June 3 Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Kenyon Berry in the Nov. 4 general election.

Board members serve four-year terms and are paid $18,000 annually. The nine-member state school board oversees K-12 education and Alabama's two-year college system.

Mobile Press-Register

Shawn Mullins returns to Silver Moon May 16

Shawn Mullins wrote one of his hits, “The Gulf of Mexico,’’ behind the Flora-Bama. His best known song, "Lullaby," hit number one on the Adult Top 40 in 1998 and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Mullet Wrapper

Pictured right: Shawn Mullins on stage at the Silver Moon with Senior Frog. (Click on picture for larger view.)


Click on the video below to watch the Shawn Mullins video Lullaby.




or click here to watch the official version of Lullaby on YouTube.

Beach cities search for administrators

Orange Beach expects to interview next week, Gulf Shores' consultant culling candidates
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

More than 50 people have applied to become Orange Beach's next city administrator, and Mayor Pete Blalock said elected officials hope to begin interviewing the top applicants as early as next week.

Meanwhile, in Gulf Shores, Mayor G.W. "Billy" Duke III said city officials are waiting on a consultant they've hired to bring them a docket of qualified candidates to vet for that city's administrator job.

On Monday evening, the Orange Beach City Council met in executive session to discuss some of the more promising prospects to replace Jeff Moon, who left last month to take a city manager's position in the Atlanta suburb of Woodstock.

Moon was hired by Orange Beach in 2001 after holding ad ministrative posts in Riverdale, Ga., and Daleville, which is near Dothan.

Blalock said the council was still whittling down the field of applicants and would probably choose five or six to interview.

The Orange Beach mayor said the City Council may hire someone before the Aug. 26 municipal elections, if the right person is available. But, Blalock said, if elected officials complete the interview process and no one stands out, they may turn to a headhunting firm, as neighboring Gulf Shores has, to cull candidates.

Mobile Press-Register

Beach bookings exceed records

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

GULF SHORES Some 4.7 million people vacationed on Baldwin County's beaches and spent $2.3 billion last year, and the area's top tourism officials have forecast better returns this year despite a slumping economy and record high gas prices.

Speaking to a few hundred local business leaders Tuesday at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau President Herb Malone said that in addition to this winter's lodgings income being up 4.5 percent over last year's, a survey of five of south Baldwin County's top accommodations providers found that summer reservations are up from last year between 6.2 percent and 8.5 percent for May, June and July.

Notwithstanding data that show Baldwin's tourism trade is as strong as it's ever been, Malone said he still gets questions about the progress of the area's recovery from Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, which struck successively in 2004 and 2005.

Mobile Press-Register

News Five Investigates: Insurance Crisis

WKRG.com Video

Gulf Coast Tourism

WKRG.com Video

New Conservation Regulation Addresses Shark Fishing

CONTACT: David Dean
334-242-3165

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has implemented a new regulation regarding shark fishing. The regulation, signed by Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley, prohibits “chumming” or “bloodbaiting” for sharks within 300 feet of the shoreline or on a pier.

Chumming is defined as the throwing of bait or fish parts into the water to attract fish, while bloodbaiting is defined as the use of blood, chemical or synthetic attractants, fish parts, chicken parts or other animal parts to attract fish or sharks.

The regulation also makes it unlawful for any person to surf fish, bow fish or fish by any other means from any pier or beach in a manner that presents an unsafe condition to any beach goers, sunbathers, swimmers or any other person.

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.

Editor's Note: We contacted Mr. David Dean with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a clarification of the above press release. Mr. Dean told us that the new regulation were in no way intended to prevent people from Surf, or Pier Fishing for any species other than sharks.

Beach leasing agents expect strong rentals

Although high gas prices are a concern, leasing agents foresee a repeat of last year's banner summer season at beach

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor

Got a tank of gas? Head to the beach.

Rental agents are hoping high gas prices won't stop vacationers from driving to vacation at Gulf beach condominiums, especially travelers within a 350- to 500-mile radius.

"The price of gas is a big thing this season, and we are watching it," said Marie Curren of Brett Robinson Real Estate & Development Co. in Orange Beach. "The condo owners are trusting us to generate some revenue, and it's something we balance one day at a time. The majority of our business on the Gulf comes from within the state, and we've not seen that decline, which is great."

Mobile Press-Register

The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo

For the past 37 years, Grand Lagoon Yacht Club has been home to The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo. Held every year on Father’s Day Weekend, this event offers families an opportunity to spend quality time together. Named for the man who made it possible, Bill Hargreaves, this fishing rodeo is Pensacola’s VERY FIRST children’s fishing tournament, and has grown from 12 anglers to over 300.

Featuring 32 species of fish for the kids alone, and special gift certificates for bicycles, no child goes unrecognized for his/her efforts. Grand Lagoon Yacht Club is proud to have presented over $40,000 in savings bonds to our junior anglers, thanks to our past sponsors and advertisers of this event. This is truly a family event, offering fish categories for adults also, so that Mom and Dad may include their entire family for this special weekend, June 13-15 at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club on Gulf Beach Hwy.
The Captain’s Meeting is Thursday, June 12th at GLYC at 7:00PM. All anglers MUST be registered by close of this meeting to compete. Registration is $35 and includes a fish fry ticket.

The 38th Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo Sponsorship Committee has established a goal for 2008 to raise enough funds to make a special donation to The Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola.

Click here for more info.

'Living shoreline' aims to stop harmful bathtub effect of Mobile Bay bulkheads

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By BEN RAINES
Staff Reporter

Mobile Bay is slowly being turned into a bathtub.

More and more, the gentle hiss of waves rolling ashore is being replaced by the slap and pop of water rocking against vertical walls known as bulkheads.

The bay's natural shoreline a mix of sandy beaches, muddy flats and marshy fringes is being lost behind an ever-growing number of these bulkheads, which are designed to stop waves from eating away at private waterfront property.

The problem is that bulkheads are barren, at least in terms of providing habitat for marine creatures. As natural shorelines give way to a growing wall of bulkheads, the bay begins to lose the shrimp, crabs, fish and other creatures that are part of its incredible fecundity, according to biologists.

Alarmed that more than a third of Mobile Bay's shoreline is now armored with bulkheads, several local groups have come together to create a property-protecting alternative they call "the living shoreline."

Built last week just offshore of Helen Wood Park near Dog River, the shoreline stabilization experiment was created through a partnership with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Alabama State Lands Division and The Nature Conservancy.

Mobile Press-Register

Orange Beach rethinks spending in troubled economy

Sunday, May 11, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH Over the past decade, it seemed that this resort city, flush with the spoils of a booming real estate market and a lucrative tourism trade, could buy just about anything it wanted.

In 2004, Orange Beach paid

$4.3 million for Robinson Island, an oblong 12cm HALF acres in Terry Cove that is populated by great blue herons. The next fall, the city shelled out $6 million for a nine-hole golf course and driving range, partly to relieve nearby residents of flooding they thought would worsen if the property were developed, partly to add discount golfing to Orange Beach's recreational offerings.

The city bought a warehouse on 2 acres, miles north of the city limits, for almost $343,000 in August. And in March, the City Council agreed to pay $380,000 for two small lots near the Community Center.

But last week, with a deal on the table to land a relatively Lilliputian parcel that would link the two lots it bought in March and enable the city to build a new office for its Parks and Recreation Department, the council balked. The asking price: $120,400.

Mobile Press-Register

Officer: Gillnet violators nabbed

Incident comes at bad time for the industry, now fighting for its life in Legislature

Tuesday, May 06, 2008
By BEN RAINES, Staff Reporter

Two commercial gillnetters were caught red-handed Saturday night while using a 1,200-foot net in the closed waters of Daphne's D'Olive Creek, according to state officials.

A tip phoned in to the state's Operation Gamewatch hot line led an officer from the Marine Resources Division to the creek. Once there, he cut his motor and used a push pole to ease his boat through the shallow creek mouth and silently approach the netters.

"They went in and made a set starting at the mouth (of the creek) and going up to the turn," said Officer Trey Pose, explaining that the net was placed in the stretch of D'Olive Creek adjacent to the Daphne exit ramp off the Bayway. "I watched them while they picked the net up, boated it and headed back out."

Mobile Press Register

Gulf Shores real estate

By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor

GULF SHORES, Ala. A driving rainstorm didn't stop bidders from buying 44 condominium units for more than $13 million at an absolute auction that attracted more than 1,000 people to the Crystal Tower condo complex Saturday afternoon.

Amid wall-to-wall umbrellas, more than 500 registered bidders from 20 states came to look for a deal or at least catch a glimpse of the condo-buying fever evident on West Beach in Baldwin County.

The lowest unit sale prices were $275,000 and the highest purchase price was $350,000, which included the 10 percent buyer's premium added to the bid amount, according to the National Auction Co. based in Gadsden.

Mobile Press-Register

Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle Weekly Fishing Report

Inshore Fishing Report
The inshore fishery has showed some good signs of improvement over the past week. More reports of good fishing have been coming in from a much broader area. The tides neaped last weekend; causing the bite to be a little tougher to pin point compared to the remainder of last week. Fear not, with strong tides this week and the new moon fishing should be great!

Heavy winds last week kept anglers out of the pass and forced them to fish the interior bays of Orange Beach. This resulted in some nice speckled trout being caught throughout the area! Bayou St. John and the Intracoastal Waterway both proved to be holding specs and the occasional redfish! Live shrimp, Berkley Gulps, and an assortment of MirrOlures all put fish in the boat this past week! Free lining live shrimp or fishing slip corks proved to be the best methods for catching Orange Beach's picky speckled trout! As May rolls on, start looking for pogies at day break around Cotton Bayou for an additional source of live bait. Having a variety of bait this time of the year can make or break you when it comes to fishing for trout and reds!

Perdido Pass has once again accounted for some good fishing over the last week. Anglers reported catching a big variety of fish! Live shrimp produced nice catches of redfish, black drum, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and more! Flounders were caught on Gulps as well as bull minnows! Look for the flounder bite to pick up the pace over the next few weeks. Concentrate your flounder fishing efforts around high tide when the current isn't super swift! Slowly dragging or bouncing a Berkley Gulp rigged on a ¼ to 3/8 ounce jig head is a deadly combo around the rock jetties and surrounding areas!

Also look for the night fishing to be strong during the next few weeks! The dark moon is in and should have the fish eating heavy on the lights. Use a stealth-like approach to the light you are fishing and bring a variety of baits to help entice picky speckled trout. The lights are typically teaming with small glass minnows and a variety of extremely small bait fish. Be sure to have baits on board that match the size of the baits seen under the lights. Fin-S 2.5" soft plastics and Yo-Zuri's Pins Minnows are a local favorite for night fishing! Just remember, "Match the hatch"!

Offshore Fishing Report
The offshore report is always getting better this time of the year. More boats are blasting offshore each and every day. Local tournaments are producing some big fish in a number of categories. The weather has still been a little unpredictable, but should continue to improve as the month moves by. Paying close attention to the area's weather and extended forecast can play a vital role in a successful offshore trip! Local weather for Orange Beach can be viewed on line by clicking HERE.

The near shore bite is still doing well for anglers in smaller center consoles. Light tackle snapper fishing in Florida water has been producing some quality limits of fish. The Spanish and King mackerel are still moving through the area. Trolling spoons or slow-trolling live and dead baits are great for targeting mackerel. Cobias are being caught on their annual migration as well as to the west around rigs and platforms. Live eels are still readily available. Look for the cobia fishing to last a few more weeks and the mackerel fishing to get better and better from here on out!

Offshore bottom fishing has been improving as well. Snapper are abundant almost everywhere you go! The offshore public pyramids are holding quality snappers for those looking to do some serious catch and release fishing! Deeper natural bottom to the southeast has been producing some nice catches of scamp as well as beeliners and amberjack. Offshore amberjack fishing on rigs and natural bottom has been HOT! Deep dropping produced snowy and yellow-edge grouper last week as well. For more information on deep drop fishing, please contact us at info@mofishin.biz.

The Mars rig provided three blue marlin shots last week from what we hear. That's pretty typical considering what time of the year it is. The blue water fishing has been steadily improving as May presses on! More reports of Yellowfins on the big rigs are coming in. Blackfins apparently are stacked up on these rigs too! Wahoo fishing hasn't picked up too much but should in the next few weeks. Tournaments start at the end of the month, so get ready to head offshore and have some fun!

Thanks and Good Fishin,
Captain Mo Shaver
Mo Fishin Bait & Tackle, Inc.
www.MoFishin.biz

Holk makes bid for return to Orange Beach City Council

Former Orange Beach City Councilman Brett Holk said he will seek a return to the panel in this summer's municipal elections.

Holk, 48, was first elected to the Place 4 seat in 2000. After four years in that spot he ran for mayor, eventually losing to then-incumbent Steve Russo in August 2004.

Holk said he is running for Place 2 on the council, members of which are elected at large. The job pays $11,576.30 a year with annual 5-percent cost-of-living raises.

"My vision for Orange Beach is for the city to be recognized for its commitment to shaping growth," Holk wrote in a news release. "It should be a place of natural beauty that values the quality of life for its families.

"Maintaining the character of the Orange Beach community can only be achieved through careful planning with public input from local resi dents. Orange Beach isn't just a destination, it's our home," Holk said. "If we make it a great place to live, it will be a great place to visit for the long term."

Holk said he would make diversifying the local economy a top priority if elected.

Mobile Press-Register

Carranza tosses hat in ring for Orange Beach council

Pattisue Carranza, a pharmacist and small-business owner, has announced her candidacy for the Orange Beach City Council.

Carranza, 45, will vie for Place 3. The incumbent in that spot is Larry Alexander, who was appointed to the place in February when Pete Blalock gave up the position to take over for then-Mayor Steve Russo, who resigned. Carranza is the first to declare intentions to run for the position.

Mobile Press-Register

State: No chumming for sharks near beach

Law would prohibit bloodbaiting within 300 feet of shoreline
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Aiming to protect beachgoers, state regulators say they expect by the middle of this month to enact a ban on chumming for sharks and other within 300 feet of the beach.

The law, which was drafted by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural resources with input from Orange Beach officials, generally prohibits anyone from targeting sharks by chumming or bloodbaiting, whether it's with fish parts or synthetic attractant.

Doing so would be a misdemeanor game violation that could carry a fine of up to $500, said Conservation Department Commissioner Barnett Lawley.

Mobile Press-Register

Allstate to cut wind coverage from many area policies

Decision could affect more than 5 percent of homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin counties
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By JEFF AMY
Business Reporter

Allstate Insurance Group will cut wind coverage from the policies of up to 9,150 homeowners in Mobile and Baldwin counties by September 2009, the company has told state regulators.

The move marks a further deterioration in the traditional homeowners insurance market, as the state's top companies began retreats from the coast following 2004's Hurricane Ivan and continued the cutbacks after Hurricane Katrina the following year. More than 17,500 policies have been dropped or had wind coverage eliminated during that time, according to Press-Register counts.

The latest move could affect almost 5 percent of all homeowners in the two counties, which Census Bureau estimates indicate have about 200,000 owner-occupied homes. Those people will likely face higher prices, and some could end up in the Beach Pool, the common name for the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association, the state's insurer of last resort.

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