Sand in My Boots music festival to return to Gulf Shores in 2027

Groups of festival goers sit on the greenspace at Gulf Shores Public Beach, transformed into a Towel and Blanket Zone, during Sand in My Boots music festival on May 17, 2025.
Sand in My Boots is officially returning to Gulf Shores next spring, bringing back a massive event to Alabama’s beaches that took a year off last year due to scheduling and time constraints. …
Happening Now - Local News

Gulf Shores pedestrian bridge plaza costs increase by $1.2M

Gulf Shores needs another $1.2 million to complete the plazas for the pedestrian bridge currently under construction over the Intracoastal Waterway at the intersection of Canal Road and East Second …

Gulf Shores businesses organize art walk after Shrimp Festival cancellation

Aiming to ease the lingering sting of lost sales from the Annual National Shrimp Festival that was canceled this year due to the then-impending Hurricane Isaias, business owners in the Gulf Shores …

Orange Beach eyeing new self-contained breathing devices for fire and rescue with DHS grant

Orange Beach Fire and Rescue needs to replace its aging self-contained breathing apparatus inventory and is getting a big assist from the Department of Homeland Security in the form of more than …
Obituaries
Lori Louise Cooper, age 61, of Pensacola, Florida went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 16, 2026. AKA: Super Duper Lori Cooper! Lori is preceded in death by her mother, Eunice …
LTC Lawrence Russell Dewey, Jr. (Retired) passed away on Thurs. Sept. 24, 2026, in Georgia at the age of 90. His funeral service will be held on Fri., Oct. 9th, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home in …
Cleo Jackson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2026, in Daphne, Alabama surrounded by her loving family. Her visitation service was held on Thurs., Aug. 20, 2026, at Pine Grove C.M.E. …
Baldwin County, Eastern Shore, Alabama Gulf Coast News
The Islander - Gulf Coast News

Roundabout opens connecting SR 161 and County Road 4 in Gulf Shores

The SR-161 North Roundabout, located south of Gateway Boulevard (CR-8) in Gulf Shores, is now open to …

Casey Scott remembered for kindness, creativity and community spirit

When Island Fiber came to Orange Beach, often the first smiling face customers would see was Casey Scott. Even when it wasn't necessarily his job after he moved into sales. "I was still calling him …

Big Beach Brewing celebrates 10 years as community staple in Gulf Shores

GULF SHORES — If there is a place in Gulf Shores that takes its "small town, big beach" motto to heart, it's Big Beach Brewing. Since it first opened its doors 10 years ago, Big Beach has …

Gulf Coast Restaurant Roundup: Dutch Bros. Coffee opens in Spanish Fort, Greer's Markets coming to Magnolia Springs summer 2027

As we enter fall 2026, new businesses are coming to Baldwin County's dining and food scene. Here are some updates on what's new on the Gulf Coast. Caffeinatrix Winter 2026 3757 Gulf Shores …

Gulf Shores council to discuss $1.2 million bridge plaza change order

Gulf Shores needs another $1.2 million to complete the plazas for the pedestrian bridge currently under construction over the Intracoastal Waterway at the intersection of Canal Road and East Second …
Sports
Local News

Kiddie Compass: 5 family-friendly to do in Baldwin County, Oct. 22-27

Looking for ways to keep kids and teens entertained this week? We've got you covered! From pumpkin patches and spooky train rides to Pokémon adventures and creative clubs, there are plenty of ways …

9 things to do around Baldwin County this weekend, Oct. 23-25

Ready to fall into a weekend full of fun? This weekend, Baldwin County and the surrounding area will offer plenty of ways to get out, make memories and celebrate the season. Families can get into the …

'11 Days' brings Operation Pineapple Express rescue story to Pensacola stage

When retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann was told the mission was over, more than 1,000 Afghan lives were still at risk. In August 2021, as Kabul fell and the Taliban closed in on the …

Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations to open across Alabama in November

Volunteers across Alabama are preparing to collect gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open …

Ivey awards nearly $5.8 million in grants for Alabama traffic safety

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 13 grants totaling nearly $5.8 million to support statewide traffic safety programs focused on education, enforcement, technology and law enforcement support. …

Alabama again ranks among nation’s top 10 states for doing business

Alabama has again been named one of the nation’s top 10 states for doing business, moving up to No. 7 in Area Development magazine’s 2026 Top States for Doing Business report. Gov. Kay Ivey …
Columnist Dr. Cheryl Christy

Voices for Healthcare - Moral injury: When doing what is right comes at a personal cost

Author's note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating …

RECIPE: Fill your home with the scent of homemade bread

Bread-making is a popular pastime for millions of people across the globe. When baking bread at home, kitchens and even surrounding rooms tend to fill up with an enticing aroma. The finished product …

Baldwin County's September 2026 housing report

Baldwin County’s housing market recorded higher average residential sales prices in both the Resort and Traditional markets during September 2026, despite fewer closed sales and new listings …
Baldwin County's Ray Johnson

Vote for Gulf Coast Media’s Athlete of the Week: Oct. 12-Oct. 18

As the fall semester hits its back half, Gulf Coast Media’s next Athlete of the Week poll is currently live on our website. Four athletes from Baldwin County will be included in the voting …
St. Michael Catholic head coach Philip Rivers patrols the sidelines during a game Saturday, Aug. 22, in Fairhope.

Gulf Shores' Malone, Davis named to 2026 Alabama All-Star team, St. Michael's Rivers to serve as OC/QBs coach

The rosters for the annual Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic were revealed Friday, and a handful of Baldwin County's own will be taking part in the prestigious event. From Gulf Shores, wide …

Never out of the fight: Bayside storms back from 14 down to claim Region 1 championship

DAPHNE — Down 14 points entering the fourth quarter, Bayside Academy watched its region championship hopes slip further away with every passing minute. The Admirals weren’t finished …

Foley cruises past Robertsdale, 52-7, in rivalry clash

Less than three minutes into its game with the Robertsdale Golden Bears, Foley Lion Jackson Dixon was running all over the field helping spot the Lions a 10-0 lead over the home team. They never …
Baldwin County's football team sings with its band Friday, Oct. 16, in Elberta.

Tigers on top: Baldwin Co. shuts out Elberta to secure first region win

An intra-county matchup in Central Baldwin pitted Baldwin County High School against Elberta on Friday, and it was the Tigers who emerged with a 26-0 victory. With the visitors entering the …
Spanish Fort captains Brandon Marinho (6), Terry "TJ" Causey (14), Colin McConathy (55) and Evan Shaner (60) walk to midfield Friday, Oct. 16, in Spanish Fort.

Fins Up: Gulf Shores stifles Spanish Fort, earns first win at The Hill

SPANISH FORT - The stakes couldn’t have been any higher Friday night on The Hill. Spanish Fort entered this week enjoying a dominant 6-1 campaign, with the Toros being unbeaten in regional …