Great things are constantly happening for the Gulf Shores community! We are excited to introduce our new City newsletter to you this month. Our hope for this newsletter is that it will keep you better informed on all things happening in Gulf Shores, along with giving you opportunities to enjoy our Small Town, Big Beach with your loved ones.
August 9, 2019 was a historical day for our community as Gulf Shores City Schools had its first day of school… Ever. As the City gained access to the school on June 1, our employees and contractors worked tirelessly to get all of the facilities repaired and ready for our students in time for the first day. It was truly amazing to see the progress as the walls came down and new life was breathed into the campus. The Gulf Shores City Schools' Board of Education, Superintendent, faculty and staff are doing an excellent job of making a difference in the lives of our children each and every day. Opportunities abound for each child to receive a personalized, quality education. We are and will continue to Make Waves!
In 2014, the City Council adopted the Vision 2025 Plan for Sustainability, which established five strategy goals that would enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors in Gulf Shores. These five strategies included improving medical care, enhancing our quality of education, restoring the Gulf State Park, creating a vibrant Waterway District and revitalizing our beachfront. The Council continues to make progress in planning and approving projects that accomplish the goals of the Vision 2025 as evidenced by the education enhancements at Gulf Shores City Schools, improvements along Beach Boulevard (Highway 182) and at the newly-created Gulf Place Town Green & Public Beach Access, and the development of the Intracoastal Waterway Village District. The City’s support for the re-development of Gulf State Park is a huge part of our area’s environmental and economic sustainability. As for medical advancements, in September, the City announced a new agreement with AirMedCare Network that will eliminate virtually all out of pocket expenses for Gulf Shores residents receiving emergency ground or air ambulance transport from any location in Baldwin County (more details below). In addition, we hope to have an important announcement soon regarding enhanced availability of quality medical care in our community.
With all that said, we are looking forward to revising the Vision 2025 Plan and setting our eyes on a Vision 2035 Plan. We aren’t just letting things happen in Gulf Shores anymore… We are making things happen! The quality of life that we all enjoy now, and for years to come, depends on it.
With warm regards,
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The City of Gulf Shores' e-Newsletter will be distributed monthly. If you would like to receive the e-Newsletter via email each month, scroll to the top of the page and click "Join Mailing List." All you have to do is enter your email, take the verification test and click submit! Newsletters will be posted at www.gulfshoresal.gov/newsletter for historical reference.
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City purchases 53 acres on Little Lagoon with intentions of protection and restoration
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The City of Gulf Shores has been working with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to identify projects that will restore and protect natural resources that were impacted by the spill. One such project is the acquisition and protection of 53 undeveloped acres of property located on the south shore of Little Lagoon near the west end of West Beach Boulevard. Purchased with NRDA funding, the property has 6100 feet of shoreline and significant areas of dunes, wetlands and other critical habitat. Protection of this natural area will serve to enhance water quality and habitat for the Little Lagoon watershed, while providing passive public recreation opportunities.
The primary focus of the restoration work will be on enhancing critical habitat including dunes, wetlands, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Facilities to support low-impact recreation opportunities may include a kayak launch, interpretive boardwalk, and restrooms. The City will host public meetings at the outset of the design process to gather input from local stakeholders and interested residents.
Click here to view the project map.
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Finance Department receives GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
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The City of Gulf Shores Finance Department received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 9th consecutive year. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
Click here to continue reading...
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Proper Trash Collection Practices
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The City of Gulf Shores' Trash Collection practice is one of the most abused rules within the City's Code of Ordinances. Are you following the correct collection practices?:
- Containers shall be placed at a point no more than 10 feet from a public street at a point convenient and accessible to the collection crews.
- Containers must be removed from the pickup point within 24 hours after the scheduled pickup.
- If a container is left empty at the pickup point for more than 24 hours, the property owner will be contacted.
- If the container remains on the public right-of-way for an extended period, it will be picked up as an abandoned container. Owners who have rented or purchased containers from the franchise will be charged a $25 fee to have their container returned. Non-franchisee containers will be transferred to the Public Works Storage Yard and held for 14 days (after 14 days, containers will be discarded).
- The occupant of the premises must secure all containers against spillage or being overturned by wind, animals or other foreseeable causes.
- No acids, flammable or other dangerous liquids or substances shall be placed in collection containers.
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Upgrades and repairs coming for State Highway 135
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State Highway 135 through Gulf State Park will undergo necessary improvements and repairs from Sept. 24 until Christmas Eve. The work being done during the closure includes a shift of the center line, re-striping, and installing a federally approved railing system, and repairs to the bridge. When the road reopens, users will see a further separation of vehicles from pedestrian and bike lanes.
Click here to continue reading...
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Gulf Shores' residents to receive Air and Ground Ambulance coverage effective October 1
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Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council approved an agreement at the City Council meeting on September 23 to eliminate virtually all out of pocket expenses for Gulf Shores residents receiving emergency ground or air ambulance transport. The agreement will provide guaranteed coverage for all permanent Gulf Shores residents who receive ground or air ambulance transport from any location in Baldwin County by an AirMedCare Network provider, which includes MedStar Ambulance and MedStar AirCare who provide nearly all emergency transport for Gulf Shores.
Click here to continue reading...
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Public Involvement Meeting for Canal Road Corridor Study to be held on November 7
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The City of Gulf Shores will host a Public Involvement Meeting for the Canal Road Corridor Study on Thursday, November 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gulf Shores Activity Center, located at 260 Clubhouse Drive. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to participate in the development of the proposed project. A brief presentation will be given at 6 p.m. After the presentation, representatives will be available at displays to discuss the proposed project and answer questions.
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Mayor & Council approve amended ASI contract amount for Gulf Shores City Schools Phase 1 Improvements
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On May 6, 2019, the Mayor and City Council awarded the Gulf Shores City Schools construction bid to Asphalt Services Inc. (ASI) in an amount not to exceed $5.7 million.
On Monday, October 14, the Mayor and Council amended the contract amount for Asphalt Services Inc. (ASI) to $6.1 million in order to make further necessary improvements in Phase 1 of renovations and upgrades to Gulf Shores City Schools. City Administrator Steve Griffin presented a slideshow of the current Phase 1 improvements, which included: travel way improvements, entryways, parking lot additions, a new bus loop, improved entrance canopies, irrigation, playground Improvements, additional high school parking, elementary gymnasium safety repairs and upgrades, handicapped accessible playground equipment, middle school courtyard improvements, middle school gym improvements, shade sails at elementary outdoor eating area, drainage improvements, signage and branding, security camera system linked to both police dispatch and SROs, additional middle school teacher parking, walkway canopy extensions to the bus loop, existing playground improvements/mulching, roof drain repairs, structural bridging of an unmarked sewer line, high school freezer unit replacement, rekeying school facilities, sports practice field fencing replacement, HVAC cleaning and repair, roof patching and repair, elementary and middle school gym equipment, school system technology and hardware, and other miscellaneous repairs and maintenance.
Click here for more information on the amended ASI contract agreement.
The video below shows before/after images in Phase 1 of the Gulf Shores City Schools repairs and upgrades:
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Gulf Shores adopts 2019 Transportation Plan
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Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council adopted the 2019 Transportation Plan during the City's regular meeting on August 26 in order to meet the eligibility requirements of Alabama Legislature's Rebuild Alabama Act (HB2). The Rebuild Alabama Act implements a statewide gas tax increase to help with transportation infrastructure funding. With the adoption of the 2019 Transportation Plan, the City of Gulf Shores will use the Rebuild Alabama revenue allocation to assist in the funding of roadway improvements, repairs, resurfacing, reconstruction or maintenance of the following roads and bridges:
- Coastal Gateway Boulevard - Widening/Improvements
- Gulf Beach Walking District Improvements
- Gulf Shores Business and Aviation Park - Commerce Drive Extension
- Annual City Streets Resurfacing and Pedestrian Improvements
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Public Works gives update on Coastal Gateway Boulevard Widening and Signal Improvements Project
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The work continues on the Coastal Gateway Boulevard (formerly County Road 8 East) Widening and Signal Improvements Project. This project will widen Coastal Gateway Boulevard to four lanes from Highway 59 to the Beach Express and add center medians and turn lanes. Sidewalks, enclosed drainage and street lights will also be installed along both sides of the new roadway. Additionally, a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Coastal Gateway Boulevard and the Beach Express. The relocation of all utilities within the right of way has been ongoing for months now and will be complete within the coming weeks. Installation of the storm drainage piping has begun, with installation of roadway base material following behind.
The anticipated completion date of the project is May 2020. Please be aware that upcoming road closures will be necessary to complete the construction. These closures will be posted in advance on the roads, as well as social media. Please use caution when traveling through the construction zone and adhere to the posted signage.
This is a necessary project to improve safety and traffic flow along Coastal Gateway Boulevard. We appreciate your patience.
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Planning Commission approves Phase 1B plat of Aventura Subdivision
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The Gulf Shores Planning Commission recently approved the final plat, Phase 1B, of the Aventura subdivision, which consists of 191 lots ranging in size from 6,240 to 21,674 square feet. Common areas make up 35 percent of Phase 1B. Common areas include a pool with a cabana, a dog park and a shuffle board court in the active adult section. The Aventura subdivision has two entrances, one from County Road 6 and the other from Old Plash Island Road. Stafford Boulevard is designed as a complete street and will serve as the future spine road between County Road 6 and Waterway West Boulevard.
Click here to see all final plats of the Aventura subdivision.
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Gulf Shores Police Department hosts 2019 National Night Out
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The Gulf Shores Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, October 1. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and encourage participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are fighting back. Check out this short video for a recap of the event:
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Street widening and resurfacing on West 6th Avenue, Royal Oak Circle and Wedgewood Drive to begin October 17
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On Monday, October 14, Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council approved a contract with Asphalt Services, Inc. to begin the annual Streets Resurfacing Project. The following streets will be included in the project:
- West 6th Avenue will have repairs made and then be resurfaced
- Royal Oak Circle will be resurfaced
- Wedgewood Drive (from West 3rd Street to Bear Creek Cove) will be widened to add 5 foot bike lanes to each side of the street. The entire street will then be resurfaced.
The projected start date is October 17, with work beginning on West 6th Avenue. Work on Wedgewood is anticipated to start on November 4 and be completed by December 31.
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Beautification Board Meeting
October 16
Admin Conference Room at City Hall
8:30 a.m.
City Council Work Session
October 21
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
October 22
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting
October 28
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
City Council Work Session
November 4
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
Gulf Shores City Schools Work
Session
November 7
High School Library
4 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting
November 11
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
Gulf Shores City Schools Regular
Meeting
November 14
City Hall Council Chambers
5 p.m.
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Gulf Shores named top wheel-chair friendly beach in the U.S.
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The City of Gulf Shores was named one of the most wheelchair-friendly beaches in the U.S. among four other coastal areas in an article written for National Geographic by Cory Lee Woodard.
Click here to read the full article.
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The Wild & Wicked Beach Bash is making its way back to Gulf Place Public Beach on Friday, October 18, for a second year. Locals and visitors are invited to wear their best Halloween costume and participate in this horrifyingly fun event featuring a Haunted Hustle 5K Walk/Run, Witches on Wheels Bike Parade and a FREE concert from Fly By Radio.
Click here for more details...
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Sensory Garden Ribbon Cutting
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The City of Gulf Shores will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Sensory Garden on Monday, October 21, immediately following the City Council meeting (approximately 4:30 p.m.). The Sensory Garden is fully accessible and is intentionally designed to be experienced through each of the five senses. The Public Works Department has worked in collaboration with the Garden Club and Beautification Board on this project. The Sensory Garden is located at the corner of West 2nd Street and West 19th Avenue in front of the Bodenhamer Recreation Center.
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Gulf Shores named a Top Fall Beach Destination
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The City of Gulf Shores was named one of Travel Channel's "Top 10 Trending Fall Beach Destinations." Travel Channel states, "Alabama's soft, sugar-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are among the most beautiful in the country."
Click here to read the full article.
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Youth Basketball and Flag Football Registration
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Registration for Youth Basketball and Flag Football will close on November 1. Children ages 5 to 14 are eligible to play in the youth basketball league, and children ages 6 to 12 are eligible for flag football. A copy of the player's birth certificate MUST be on file or presented at the time of registration. You may register in person at the Bodenhamer Recreation Center and Cultural Center or
online by clicking here.
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The
Thomas B. Norton Library
is excited to host a Halloween Safari on October 31 at the Bodenhamer Recreation Center Gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear their costumes and come trick-or-treat with several interesting characters! There will be games, treats, storytime and a "Creepy Critters" show by our friends at Animal Tales.
Click here for more information.
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Deputy Chief celebrates 40 years
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Deputy Chief Fred Beaman began his career with the Gulf Shores Police Department on October 6, 1979. This year, he celebrated 40 years serving and protecting the citizens of Gulf Shores. In addition, he is now the longest serving employee of the City of Gulf Shores. Congratulations and THANK YOU, Deputy Chief Beaman, for your hard work, dedication and continued support of our community.
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Don't forget to "Fall Back"
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Daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m. Don't forget to "Fall Back" one hour! Gulf Shores Fire Rescue would also like to remind you to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, test the alarms and practice your home escape plans with your whole family present.
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Movies at Meyer Park - The Goonies
October 17
Meyer Park
6 p.m.
Coast Riders
October 17, October 24, November 8
Begins at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
5:30 p.m.
Wild & Wicked Beach Bash
October 18
Gulf Place Public Beach
5 p.m.
Sensory Garden Ribbon Cutting
October 21
Sensory Garden
4:30 p.m.
Book Signing: Debra Coleman Jeter
October 22
Thomas B. Norton Public Library
10:30 a.m.
Movies at Meyer Park - Beetlejuice
October 24
Meyer Park
6 p.m.
Camping 101
October 25-26
Mo's Landing
6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Halloween Safari
October 31
Bodenhamer Recreation Center Gym
10:30 a.m.
Fall Yoga Series
November 1
Gulf Place Public Beach
5:30 p.m.
ABCD's of Medicare
November 4
Cultural Center
2 p.m.
Book Signing: Lynne Hilton
November 5
Thomas B. Norton Public Library
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pickleball
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Cultural Center Gym
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
BINGO
Every Wednesday
Cultural Center
10 a.m.
Tech Talk Thursdays
Every Thursday
Thomas B. Norton Public Library
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Storytime with Ms. Amy
Every Thursday
Thomas B. Norton Public Library
10:30 a.m.
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