Why can't I leave gear at the beach overnight? 'Leave Only Footprints' campaign protects wildlife in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach

A family visiting Gulf Shores at the end of May left "$1,000 worth of stuff" on the beach overnight and were surprised to find it gone the next morning. To look for "advice on recovering our …
Happening Now - Local News

13 things to do in and around Baldwin County this weekend, June 20-22

From twilight concerts under the stars to playful crab races by the bay, summer is alive and well along the Gulf Coast. Whether you're browsing handcrafted art in Mobile, testing your Taylor …

Deepwater Horizon Trustees to hold annual public meeting June 25

The Deepwater Horizon Trustee Council will host its tenth annual public meeting in a live webinar on June 25 from noon to 1 p.m. Open to the public, the virtual session offers an opportunity to …

A tribute to Fairhope's Vernon Scheer – Vernon's Barber Shop

The red, white and blue lighted glass-enclosed barber pole may or may not be slowly turning, and the large window shade may or may not be pulled down, but business was still booming. Vernon …
Obituaries
Robert Henry Hesse was born on Jun. 19, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, and became known as Bob Hesse to all who knew him. He passed quietly while in his home with his family on May 19, 2025, in Elberta, …
Paul Wayne Winborne, Jr., 58, of Robertsdale, Alabama, passed away on Jun. 6, 2025. A private family service will be held later. Funeral arrangements by Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Hwy. 59 …
Annie Laura Gates, 82, resident of Robertsdale, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of loved ones in the early hours of Tues. Jun. 3rd, 2025.  Laura is predeceased by her …
Sports
Baldwin County, Eastern Shore, Alabama Gulf Coast News
The Islander - Gulf Coast News

Legal educator Blair Castro to challenge Steve Jones for Gulf Shores City Council seat

GULF SHORES – Blair Castro, a respected law instructor, trusted policy advisor, and co-host of a Gulf Coast podcast, has officially entered the race for Gulf Shores City Council, …

Classic Rock tribute show 'Dream On' returns to Orange Beach stage this month

The Expect Excellence Music Department is cranking up the volume once again with the return of its crowd-favorite rock production, Dream On – A Tribute to Classic Rock, set for a three-night …

Canal Road to temporarily close for bridge girder installation

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) continues to make steady progress on the new  Intracoastal Waterway Bridge  project in Gulf Shores. To safely set steel bridge girders …

Tony Kennon runs for reelection as Orange Beach Mayor

Tony Kennon has announced his candidacy in running for reelection as mayor of Orange Beach. As a longtime resident of Orange Beach, Kennon has "seen it all," going back to when "the dirt roads …

Mamma Lottie's Pub and Grill opens in Orange Beach

Mamma Lottie's returns to Baldwin County with a new establishment now open in Orange Beach. Located at 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd., Mamma Lottie's has had a strong background in pizza in the area, …
Local News

Alabama Extension - Grab a glass: Helping older adults stay hydrated during summer heat

AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Scorching summer temperatures in Alabama make staying hydrated a tall task that can be even tougher for older adults. Carol Connell, a human nutrition, diet and health …

Medical robots to the rescue

What do you think of when you hear the word robot? Is it a human-like assistant with a friendly face or a large and menacing foe? Generally, a robot is a machine that that's been built to perform …

Alabama Extension - Cultivating care: Addressing farmers' mental health

AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Every career has its highs and lows, but certain careers come with incredibly high stakes. Farmers roll the dice every year not knowing what the outcome of their crop will …

Young artists invited to celebrate this years Homeownership Month in AHFA's annual contest

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority has opened entries for its fourth annual National Homeownership Month art contest, inviting children across the state to put their imagination on display. …

RECIPE: Cozy up to some country cooking with a pot of chicken and dumplings

Country cooking means different things to different people. For many, it is the comfort foods they grew up with. From fried chicken to mac and cheese to meatloaf, there are plenty of dishes that fall …

Baldwin County municipal meetings for the week of June 23

Do you know what is happening at your city or town hall? With mayors and council members across Baldwin County preparing for municipal elections this August, residents have a unique opportunity …

Alabama Extension: Go live 'On the Heir' with new Alabama Extension podcast

AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Heirs property, a topic as old as the Civil War, is getting a modern treatment through the "On the Heir" podcast. Produced by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at …

Red Cross rolls out new bloodmobile with support from Poarch Creek Indians

The American Red Cross is hitting the road with a new blood donation vehicle, made possible by a gift from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The upgraded bloodmobile, equipped with modern …

Religion column by Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey: Take it or leave it

C.S. Lewis wrote in "Mere Christianity," "Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or …

Czarkowska, Smeraglia named Players of the Year; Chamberlain, Havard earn top coaching honors on Coastal Alabama Soccer list

A record-tying performance and two deep playoff runs headlined this year's Coastal Alabama girls soccer honors, as standout athletes and coaches from across Baldwin County were recognized for their …

Orange Beach completes ‘Drive for Five’ to win softball state championship

OXFORD – Five years ago, Orange Beach student Ava Hoda – then a seventh-grader – hit a dramatic game-winning home run to give the upstart Makos a state softball championship in the …

Bayshore Christian wins 1st ever state golf title

Bayshore Christian took home a Blue Map trophy this week after the boys' golf team earned low-scoring honors in the 76th AHSAA State Golf Tournament at Oxmoor Valley RTJ Golf Course in Birmingham. …

Baseball playoffs: Elberta ends historic season

It didn't end how they wanted, but Elberta High School's baseball team made an historic run this postseason. Round three marked the farthest the Warriors had ever gone in the playoffs, where …

All senior baseball players at Baldwin County High receive Jerry Wright Scholarship

All five senior baseball players at Baldwin County High School have been awarded the annual Jerry Wright Memorial Scholarship, marking the first time every senior on the team has received the honor. …
Nora Welden Montgomery (10), left, Isabel Wingbermuehle (12) and Bella Maurer (23) make a play on Indian Springs.

St. Michael girls soccer back to state finals, facing familiar foe

Despite being the only sport at St. Michael Catholic School to move up a classification this year, the Lady Cardinals soccer team will compete for a state championship for the third year in a row. …