News Flash

Construction is moving forward on Phase 3 of the Beach Walking District Improvements, which includes a new roadway, sidewalks, landscaping, stormwater upgrades, and 33 new public parking spaces along W 1st Ave from Hwy 59 through W 1st St.

The project began in January and remains on schedule to be completed by May 22, ensuring the area is finished ahead of Memorial Day. Although work will continue during spring break, crews are working diligently to minimize disruptions.

We understand that construction associated with these important updates can be frustrating, and we truly appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to enhance this area for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨:

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘞 1𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞 1𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘷𝘦 (𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘳 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘰𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘚𝘰𝘵𝘰'𝘴) 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘧 𝘞 2𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘷𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘞 1𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘷𝘦 (𝘈𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴) 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘉𝘭𝘷𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘞 1𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘵.

This project is a key part of the City’s Vision 2025 Strategic Plan, helping transform the Beach Walking District into a walkable, energetic beachfront destination.

𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟑 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠:

• Creating quaint, landscaped boulevards

• Building a pedestrian and bike-friendly beachfront connected to dining, shopping, and entertainment

• Enhancing the community experience to live, work, and play

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞.

The City of Gulf Shores continues to move forward with planned pedestrian access and safety improvements along West Beach Blvd and W 11th St, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐓𝐀𝐏) 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫.

This project will construct a 10-foot-wide concrete sidewalk/multi‑use path, separated from the roadway to improve safety and accessibility for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The path will extend from the West Lagoon Ave intersection to W 11th St. An additive alternate will also be included for a potential new sidewalk along W 11th St from West Beach Blvd to West Lagoon Ave.

At its February 23 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution to accept the proposal of Civil Southeast, LLC to provide Construction Engineering & Inspection (CE&I) services for this project. The contract is authorized in an amount not to exceed $80,100. 

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:

• Estimated total project cost: $1,010,275

• TAP Grant covers 80% of construction, design, and CE&I (up to $800,000)

• $90,350 is budgeted in FY2026 for design

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕?

Design is expected to be completed in 2026, with construction anticipated in 2027, pending ALDOT approval.

𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲! 

East 2nd Street has been renovated and repaved and has reopened to the site of the future Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas at East 24th Avenue as crews remain hard at work on the overall project.

𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍: 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒏!

The shops and restaurants in the Waterway Village District are fully open for business and easier to reach than ever. Recent improvements have made the area more accessible, including:

• 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: New options are available for on-street parking.

• 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬: Enjoy a safer, smoother walk as you explore the district.

• 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Clearer routes directly to your favorite local spots.

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕

As a reminder, this work is setting the stage for the vibrant public spaces at the north and south landings of our new pedestrian bridge. Funded by a $3.6 million GOMESA grant, these plazas will eventually feature:

• Shade trees, seating, and viewing spots.

• Public restrooms and event spaces.

• Safe, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian access across the Intracoastal Waterway.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅

• 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞: Currently underway (began Fall 2025).

• 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭: Summer 2026.

• 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 12–14 months from the start of construction.

Thank you for your continued patience as we build a more connected and vibrant Gulf Shores!

At Monday's City Council meeting, the City of Gulf Shores announced the winners of the inaugural Mardi Gras Parade Float Competition, a new tradition introduced this year to further elevate community participation and showcase the creativity that makes Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores such a beloved celebration.

Members of the City’s Beautification Board served as judges for the competition, stationed along the parade route to evaluate each entry’s craftsmanship, theme execution, and overall Mardi Gras spirit. Two awards were presented—Best Overall Entry and Most Spirited Entry—with prizes generously supported by Community Bank, a valued partner in this year’s event.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

• 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢

• 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘓𝘓𝘊

“We are grateful for the enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication shown by all participants this year,” said Grant Brown, Director of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. “The Gulf Shores community continues to make Mardi Gras a vibrant, joyful celebration for residents and visitors alike. This new float competition added an exciting layer of fun, and we look forward to watching it grow in the years ahead.”

The City extends its appreciation to every parade participant, volunteer, and spectator who helped make the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade one of the most spirited celebrations yet.

For more information about the Mardi Gras Parade, future participation opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact the Special Events team at 251-968-1171.

The City of Gulf Shores is preparing to begin Phase 2 of the Waterway East project, thanks to a RESTORE grant that covers all construction costs.

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟭: Extend the section from 2nd Street to the edge of ALDOT’s right-of-way for the new SR-161 road and bridge.

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮 (Coming Soon): Extend Waterway East to connect with SR-161 north of the new bridge.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁?

• Waiting on DCNR to issue a Notice to Proceed

• Construction anticipated to begin in March and finish by the end of summer

• Project must be completed before the grant deadline in September

• The grant reimburses Gulf Shores for all eligible costs

This extension will improve traffic flow and connectivity for residents and visitors. Visit us on social media for updates!

𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

• Yellow = ALDOT SR-161 road & bridge

• Blue = Phase 1 of Waterway East

• Red = Phase 2 of Waterway East

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 39th Annual Arbor Day Celebration  Saturday, February 21!

While 120 people signed up to receive trees, even more community members showed up to celebrate, learn, and take part in this annual tradition

Thanks to the hard work of our City staff, the Gulf Shores Beautification Board, and all the volunteers and partners who made the event such a success. Your support helped ensure that hundreds of new native trees will soon be taking root throughout our community. 

Planting trees isn’t just about beautifying our city — it's about strengthening it. Along our coast, trees help buffer strong winds, prevent erosion, provide shade, create wildlife habitat, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding. Native species like the ones distributed at our event are especially important, as they thrive in our coastal environment and support a healthier ecosystem for everyone. 

For more information about this year’s event or future initiatives, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/797/Arbor-Day

The City of Gulf Shores Beautification Board honored the talented 5th-grade winners of the 2026 Arbor Day Art Contest during our City Council meeting on February 9. 

This annual contest inspires local students to showcase the importance of trees in our community.

2026 Art Contest Winners:

1st Place: Amelia Chissev (Mrs. Gunter’s 5th Grade) – Entry sent to State for judging

2nd Place: Crew Rouse (Mrs. Terrell’s 5th Grade)

3rd Place: Gracie-Claire Odom (Mrs. Gunter’s 5th Grade)

Congratulations to the winners!

The City has applied for a Rebuild Alabama Act (RAA) grant to resurface seven beach-area streets that were not included in this year’s resurfacing budget.

These streets are:

W 12th Street 

W 11th Street

Shoreland Circle 

Shoreland Drive

W 8th Street 

Sunrise Drive 

Pine Lane 

The Rebuild Alabama Act annual grant program, administered by ALDOT, was created in 2019 to fund transportation infrastructure improvements on local roads open to public traffic. The maximum grant amount is $250,000.

While the City has local funding budgeted for street resurfacing in 2026, rising construction costs have reduced how far those dollars go. This year’s plan prioritized streets across the city most in need, which meant no beach-area streets were scheduled for resurfacing.

The RAA grant application focuses on these seven beach-area streets that otherwise would not be resurfaced despite their need.

Stay tuned for updates!

The City of Gulf Shores is excited to share progress on the Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas construction project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance connectivity and create vibrant public spaces along the Intracoastal Waterway. 

The plazas will be located on the north and south sides of the canal, at the corners of E 25th Ave and E 2nd St, and E 24th Avenue and AL-180, respectively.

These improvements will create vibrant, accessible public spaces at the north and south landings of the new pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Planned features include:

• Shade trees & seating areas

• Restrooms & sidewalks

• Viewing spots & event spaces

• Improved access to local businesses

• The pedestrian bridge will provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access across the canal and connecting both sides of Waterway Village.

The Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas are being paid for with GOMESA grant funding. The City of Gulf Shores was awarded $3.6 million through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)—a federal program that shares offshore energy revenues with Gulf Coast states. These funds are dedicated to projects that improve environmental education, water quality, boating access, and recreational opportunities.

Timeline:

• Design began Fall 2025

• Estimated completion: 12–14 months

The total construction cost of $3,606,465 will be covered entirely by GOMESA funds. Engineering and design services are being provided by WAS Design under a $190,000 contract approved in November 2025.

Thank you for your patience as we continue improving connectivity and enhancing the Waterway Village District!

The City of Gulf Shores is excited to announce the near completion of a much-needed sidewalk project and roadway improvements along East 1st Street! 

With two apartment complexes, Dolphin Villas and Marbella Apartments, located on this street, we noticed children walking in the roadway on their way to and from school. To make this route safer, we applied for an ALDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant in 2023. 

Thanks to strong support from City Council, we were awarded $800,000 in state funding, with the City providing a $200,000 match.

What’s been done?

• Enclosed drainage on the east side of East 1st Street

• Added curb and gutter

• Built a 7-foot-wide sidewalk connecting residents to nearby schools, shops, restaurants, and churches

• Repaved E 1st Street for a smoother, safer driving experience

Construction began in 2025 after design and approvals, and we’re now in the final stages, just waiting on road striping and a few finishing touches! 

This project is another step toward our commitment to safe, connected, and walkable neighborhoods.

The new crosswalk at Highway 59 and 12th Avenue (right by Nonna’s Pizza and Tiki Mini Golf) is officially in place.

What’s New? 

• Signal Heads Installed: The new pedestrian crossing signals are up and powered on! These include "count-down" timers to let you know exactly how much time you have to cross safely.

• Push-Button Ready: The tactile push-buttons are in place and ready for use.

• Ramps & Tactile Paving: The concrete work is finished, including the red truncated domes (the "bumpy" pads) to assist visually impaired pedestrians.

• Striping Complete: The bright white crossing lanes have been painted, providing a clear path across the highway.

Why it Matters

Previously, there was a long stretch on Highway 59 between Fort Morgan Road and Waterville without a designated crossing. This new addition bridges that gap, making it easier to cross safely. 

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance (GCAA) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the City of Gulf Shores as part of the city’s inaugural Nonprofit Grants Program. The funding will support the expansion of the organization’s art and music education programs, which serve residents and visitors of all ages.

The Nonprofit Grants Program, launched in October, is designed to assist local organizations that provide direct services to the local community. GCAA is one of five nonprofits selected during the 2025 fall awards cycle.

Founded to promote the arts and foster creative expression, GCAA operates a Gallery and Learning Center that offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and performances. The organization plans to use the grant to purchase materials for beginner-level instruction in both visual arts and music.

“Art and music give our community a way to share our regional culture with visitors, while also giving our local artists and musicians a place to join together with their talents and ideas,” said Kim Shannon, a longtime music educator and representative of GCAA, “As a music educator of over 30 years, I’ve seen how important creativity is in supporting family activities for all ages.”

The grant will fund supplies such as easels, brushes, aprons, and canvases for art classes, as well as music stands, tuners, lesson books, and sound equipment for private and group music instruction. GCAA’s offerings include painting, drawing, and resin/glass art classes, as well as ukulele and guitar lessons. The organization also hosts group music sessions and student performances at local art markets.

Shannon said the impact of the programs is already evident.

“Many young artists who began their journey at the Learning Center have gone on to study art in college,” Shannon added, “Music students have formed ensembles like the Pirate String Band, which won Best in Class at the Panama City Music Festival. And every year, returning snowbirds bring their ukuleles and joy to GCAA’s beachy music sessions. The participants in our classes always leave happy, with a new way to express themselves.”

City officials praised the organization’s role in enriching the cultural life of Gulf Shores.

“The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a cornerstone of our cultural community,” said Gulf Shores City Administrator Jon Walker, “Their programs not only inspire creativity but also bring people together across generations. We’re proud to support their mission to make the arts more accessible and inclusive for everyone in Gulf Shores.”

Residents can support GCAA by enrolling in classes, attending local art events, or donating supplies and funds to help expand access to the arts.

Other recipients of the 2025 fall Nonprofit Grants include the South Baldwin Literacy Council, Christian Service Center, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and Sea Glass Initiative.

The Gulf Shores Junior City Council is thrilled to announce the return of its Spring Market, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Waterway Village.

The Spring Market will feature a wide variety of items, including local produce, baked goods, products from local retailers, and unique arts and crafts. Guests can enjoy delicious options from onsite food trucks or dining at nearby restaurants.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and experience the creativity and flavors of our community,” said Lindsey Hart, Public Engagement Manager. “We’re proud that the Junior City Council leads this initiative, giving students hands-on experience in civic engagement and event planning.”

Vendor applications are now open! Categories include fresh foods, cottage kitchen items, handcrafted goods, and plants. Vendors must be original producers and comply with all applicable permits and health regulations. For details or to apply, visit https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1889/Junior-City-Council-Spring-Market. 

The Junior City Council program empowers high school students in grades 10–12 to learn about local government, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact through community projects like the Spring Market.

For more information, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov or contact Lindsey Hart at lhart@gulfshoresal.gov.

The Sea Glass Initiative, a Baldwin County-based nonprofit focused on ending and preventing homelessness, has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the City of Gulf Shores as part of the city’s inaugural Nonprofit Grants Program. The program, launched in October, aims to support local organizations that provide direct services to Gulf Shores residents. Sea Glass is one of five nonprofits selected during the 2025 fall awards cycle.

Founded in 2023, Sea Glass Initiative operates with a mission to unite the community through compassion and provide equal access to housing and essential services. The organization’s name reflects its core philosophy: transforming brokenness into beauty and hope, much like sea glass formed from discarded fragments.

The grant will support the organization’s “Access in Motion Transportation Initiative”, which provides safe, reliable transportation to unhoused and vulnerable individuals. The service helps clients reach job interviews, medical appointments, shelters, and other critical resources that are often inaccessible without transportation.

“The single most critical obstacle faced by the individuals and families we serve is the lack of reliable, safe transportation,” said Michelle Hillman, Executive Director of Sea Glass Initiative. “It’s the invisible barrier that prevents people from accessing the full spectrum of services they need to exit homelessness.”

Hillman said the program currently operates using a donated van and a dedicated driver, a former law enforcement officer, who provides direct, compassionate service. The grant will help cover fuel, maintenance, and additional transportation needs, including bus tickets for family reunification and emergency shelter access.

Since its founding, Sea Glass Initiative has helped more than 60 households transition from homelessness into stable housing, served over 600 residents with various services in 2024, and provided more than 8,000 hot meals. The organization also reports contributing to a 6.48 percent reduction in the identified unhoused population in Baldwin County.

“This funding ensures the continuation of our high-impact services and allows us to expand our reach,” Hillman said. “It helps us keep transportation a lifeline, not a barrier, on the path to independence.”

Gulf Shores City Administrator Jon Walker praised the organization’s work.

“Sea Glass Initiative is doing more than offering services, they’re removing barriers that often go unseen,” said Walker, “Reliable transportation can be the difference between crisis and stability. We’re proud to support a program that helps people take real steps toward independence.”

To expand its impact, Sea Glass Initiative is seeking a newer, larger passenger van to replace its aging vehicle, scheduling software to optimize routes, and ongoing operational support from donors and volunteers.

Other recipients of the 2025 fall awards cycle include the South Baldwin Literacy Council, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, and Christian Service Center.

The City of Gulf Shores is currently hosting a Special Recycling Drive until March 30. During this time, the public can drop off items that are not normally accepted at the Drop Off Recycling Center.

Accepted Items Include:

• Electronics
• Fluorescent Lightbulbs
• Paint

The Drop-Off Recycling Center is located at 19901 W. 36th Ave.

Save the Date for our 2026 Special Recycling Days: 

• March 21-30
•  June 20 - 29
• September 26 - October 5
• December 19, 2026 - January 5, 2027

For more information about recycling, please visit https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/314/Trash-Recycling. 

Before the final walls were closed, the Gulf Shores Police Department and their families, along with community members and City staff, gathered at the new Justice Center construction site on Sunday, January 11, to write prayers and scriptures within the framework of the building.

Mayor Robert Craft shared heartfelt remarks during the gathering, saying, “It is important that we cover this building with prayer and ask for protection over the people who will work here as they serve our community every single day.”

The City extends sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and helped mark this space with words that will stand—unseen but never forgotten. Special thanks to Persons Services Corporation for their support and coordination in making this meaningful event possible.

Facility Update: Construction continues to move quickly and on schedule at the new Justice Center, which will bring the police department and municipal courts together in one modern, centralized facility. The main building is progressing through drywall, ceiling work, and upcoming flooring, while the vehicle storage building continues with interior systems installation and preparations for the K‑9 housing and fencing. The detention facility has completed its exterior walls and underground utilities, with roofing set to begin next week, and the overall project remains on track for mid‑summer 2026 completion.

Join the Gulf Shores Fire Rescue’s upcoming first aid courses and gain life-saving skills that can make a real difference! All courses are $25 each and take place at 6 p.m. at Station 1.

Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider)

• February 2
• June 1
• October 5

HeartSaver (Lay Provider)

• April 6
• August 3
• December 7

For more information, call 251.968.4213. Click here to sign up for a course. 

We’re excited to kick off our Local Business Spotlight series with a creative force — the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance!

Step into their shop at 225 E 24th Avenue and you’ll find work from over 75 local artists, with pieces from just about every medium you can think of ranging from photography and pottery to woodworking and jewelry. The best part? The art on display is always changing. Artists are constantly refreshing their artwork, so there’s always something new to discover. The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is more than just a gallery. They offer music and art classes for all ages as well, helping everyone in our community tap into their creative side.

We’re so glad to have the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance in Gulf Shores. They bring so much inspiration and creativity to our city, making it a more vibrant place for everyone.

Whether you want to browse one-of-a-kind pieces, pick up a new skill, or just feel inspired, this is the place to be. Their mission is to advance creativity and make life on the Gulf Coast a little brighter for us all. For more information on the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, visit https://gcaa-al.org/ ;

The City of Gulf Shores is excited to celebrate the businesses that make our community unique. Each month, we’ll feature one local business on our social media channels. Use this form to nominate a business you think deserves recognition: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/FormCenter/Economic-Development-Public-Affairs-35/Local-Business-Spotlight-Nomination-Form-188.