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." (If you are on a smartphone, you will need to scroll to the top of the page, then to the right of the page beside the social media icons.) 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for historical reference.
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Gulf Shores Police Department reminds public of Community Camera Partnership
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During the holidays, there is no doubt that there is an increase in community thefts. The Gulf Shores Police Department would like to remind the public of its Community Video Surveillance Program.
Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing a crime. Installing video surveillance is a great example of community-police partnerships and is something we highly value as a police agency serving our community.
Many business owners and residents currently operate surveillance systems at their businesses and/or homes. As crimes occur nearby, they are not always aware that their system may have captured information that could help solve the crime, thus keeping our community safer. In turn, the police are also not always aware who may have this potentially vital information.
How YOU Can Help:
The Gulf Shores Police Department is asking residents and businesses in Gulf Shores to voluntarily register their privately-owned surveillance camera systems. As we respond to incidents, we may be able to use the information or footage gathered from the security cameras in the area to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of the persons involved.
If your residence or business has a security camera system meeting the two requirements below, you can help the Gulf Shores Police Department investigate and solve crimes by registering your camera system:
- Exterior facing security camera system
- Camera system records and retains video
The program is entirely voluntary and consent to viewing video footage from your camera can be withdrawn at any time. If a crime occurs in the vicinity of a registered camera, a Detective from the Gulf Shores Police Department may contact the registered owner of the camera and ask to review and/or copy the recorded footage relevant to the date and time of the incident.
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Mayor and Council adopt a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Pilot Program
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Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council adopted a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) Pilot Program at the work session/regular meeting on Monday, December 9. The Mobile Food Unit Pilot Program will be used on a limited basis to provide the City with data to better determine if such uses are appropriate in Gulf Shores.
The Alabama Department of Public Health defines MFU's as a unit mounted on or pulled by a self-propelled vehicle, self-contained with its own drinking water tank and waste water tank unless handling only prepackaged foods, designed to be readily movable, and is moved daily to its commissary.
The 365-day Pilot Program will allow a maximum of 10 operating permits to be issued to MFU operators. MFU's must operate on private parcels developed with an operating business. The units will not be allowed to operate on public, City-owned property or within a public right-of-way unless approved in conjunction with an approved special event.
MFU's must operate during the same hours and have access to the public restrooms of the principle business located on the parcel.
The maximum number of MFU's per parcel is one per acre and two MFU's for parcels greater than an acre.
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Mayor Robert Craft and City Council adopt Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
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Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget for the City of Gulf Shores at the regular meeting on November 25. The annual budget is a policy document which sets the financial course for the City and defines the service priorities provided to the community.
The 2020 Budget is consistent with and reflects the City's overall strategic plan, Vision 2025, adopted by Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council. Vision 2025 focuses on the following key strategies and priorities:
- Environmental Stewardship
- Well-Organized Infrastructure
- Economic, Geographic and Seasonal Diversification
- Sustainability
- Prosperity
- Leading Edge Healthcare
- Progressive Education
- Community Planning
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Oak trees saved and relocated in midst of Coastal Gateway Boulevard Widening Project
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Construction on Coastal Gateway Boulevard continues with the completion date slated for late Spring of 2020. The most current update on the project was the relocation of several impacted oak trees in front of Craft Farms North. In an effort to avoid the destruction of the oak trees, the City removed and transported the oaks further east within the median of the future four lane boulevard.
The storm water system and roadway construction is well underway, and the contractor has began construction of the Coastal Gateway Boulevard connection to the Foley Beach Express. Signal work at the Foley Beach Express is slated to begin in January.
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 highway. Additionally, a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Coastal Gateway Boulevard and the Beach Express.
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Jack Edwards National Airport control tower proposed to open January 2021
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Jack Edwards National Airport anticipates the construction of a new control tower as one of the first airports to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FFA) new selection process. This is a direct result from the adoption of a five year FAA budget, which includes direction to the FAA to add up to three new towers a year with priority consideration from the small airport fund. The tower will improve safety measures for the airport by controlling the airspace spanning three miles in every direction of the airport and regulating the number of takeoffs and landings.
The Gulf Shores airport authority approved a $500,000 contract for Jack Edwards National Airport to begin the design phase for a new tower in March 2019, followed by the application process with support from Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and Council.
"Jack Edwards National Airport serves the thriving business and tourism market in Gulf Shores, South Baldwin County, and communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast," Mayor Robert Craft said. "This full service airport is an outstanding asset creating jobs and diversification opportunities for new and existing businesses. Jack Edwards National Airport is vital to the development and continued economic growth of the area and provides a transportation hub for anyone traveling for business, recreation, and/or relaxation."
For more information on the control tower at Jack Edwards National Airport,
please click here.
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City of Gulf Shores receives Certificate of Need to establish Freestanding Emergency Department and medical-related facilities
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The City of Gulf Shores received a Certificate of Need during a hearing on November 20. This certificate will allow the City to move forward with the establishment of a Freestanding Emergency Department and other medical-related facilities in partnership with Foley Hospital Corporation.
Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council passed a resolution at the November 12 regular meeting executing a Ground Lease Agreement between Foley Hospital Corporation (dba) South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and the City of Gulf Shores, which established the location point for the freestanding emergency department along Highway 59 and adjacent to the Jack Edwards National Airport.
The Freestanding Emergency Department will be a 24 hour facility that is open year round, providing ground and air ambulance transports. Advanced services will be available on site, such as X-Ray, ultrasounds, CT scans, laboratory testing, and pharmaceutical services with advanced medications. The 13,387 square foot, conceptual site plan includes 8 exam rooms, an on-site helipad, a triage, imaging services, lab services, a pharmacy and patient and staff support areas.
In addition to the medical advantage, the Freestanding Emergency Department will provide 40 to 50 full-time employment opportunities for emergency-trained physicians and support staff.
This estimated total cost for the project is $15,200,00. When broken down, construction is estimated to be $10,200,000, major medical equipment is $4,000,000 and additional equipment is $1,000,000.
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Streets Resurfacing Project Update
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The Public Works Department is finishing up the Streets Resurfacing Projects on Wedgewood Drive, East 6th Avenue and Royal Oak Circle. Contractors will begin paving the new bike lanes along Wedgewood Drive during the week of December 9. Repairs and repaving of East 6th Avenue and Royal Oak Circle will begin during the week of December 16. All work will be completed by the end of December.
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Gulf Shores City Schools Board of Education announces plans to distribute MacBooks to all students
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The Gulf Shores City Schools Board of Education announced at its Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, plans to distribute MacBooks to all students at Gulf Shores High School. The deployment will take place at the beginning of the second semester. The MacBook purchase was made possible by a generous grant from the Erie Hall Meyer Charitable Fund.
Superintendent Matt Akin explained the reasoning behind the upgrade from the existing Chromebooks. “For several months, we have been working with our teachers and principals to make curriculum improvements and additions that meet our Board’s goal of providing a personalized education for all students," Akin said. "The Core Values of our district include providing a rigorous curriculum that helps develop independent-thinking global citizens, who have the ability to think creatively and critically. We believe that MacBooks are a tool that will help our teachers and students reach our goals.”
The school systems will begin evaluating devices that are aligned to the curriculum needs at the middle and elementary schools during the second semester. Plans call for an upgrade of devices at those two schools for the 2020-21 school year.
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Learning Campus at Gulf State Park - Home to the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
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Did you know that nestled in the woods is a new place to learn and explore? The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park is a new educational base camp for adventures into Gulf State Park. Home to the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, the Learning Campus offers classes, workshops, presentations and camp programs.
For more information on the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park and the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, please visit the following websites:
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Gulf Shores Police Department now accepting applications for Annual Citizen's Police Academy
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The Gulf Shores Police Department is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our Annual Citizen’s Police Academy. It will begin Tuesday, January 14, and will meet every Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Police Department which is located at 220 Clubhouse Drive.
The Citizen’s Police Academy is a partnership with the citizens of Gulf Shores and the Gulf Shores Police Department. The benefits of such a partnership can only help strengthen the entire community in public safety and quality of life.
A police agency cannot be effective without the trust of its citizens. The Citizen Police Academy program builds that trust. Through education, it provides a bridge between the officer in the car and the citizens in the field. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. Those citizens then become the police department’s “goodwill ambassadors” throughout the community. As a result, graduates are better equipped to assess safety issues, and share with others their knowledge of law enforcement practices and policies.
There are several hands-on exercises and, at the end of the program, you will participate in role play exercises and make decisions as a police officer would. You will also be signed up for a 4-hour “Ride Along” and ride with an officer to see first-hand what happens on the street.
For more information or to apply for the Citizen's Police Academy,
click here.
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Commerce Drive (Business and Aviation Park) construction is well underway
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The City of Gulf Shores Public Works Department continues to make great strides in the completion of Commerce Drive (Business and Aviation Park) Phase V Project. Roadway work is currently 60% complete, while utility work is nearing completion.
This project will support the continued expansion of Jack Edwards National Airport and the creation of new, diversified job opportunities by providing access to the site for a new airport control tower, Resicum International's new aerospace MRO facility, an existing 5-acre commercial apron and over 50 acres of shovel-ready property for future commercial development.
This project is slated for completion in February 2020.
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Thomas B. Norton Public Library has a new look this year!
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The Thomas B. Norton Public Library just received brand new library cards with a fresh new look! To celebrate, we thought you would be interested in a few library "Fun Facts!"
Did you know:
The library has
43,760
total books.
The library has
47,164
total e-books on site.
The library has
4,470
movies/documentaries available to the public for check out.
The library has
59
magazine and newspaper subscriptions on site available for public use.
The library also provides the following resources
FREE OF CHARGE
to those who have a
LIBRARY CARD
: Alabama Virtual Library, Ancestry Library Edition, AR Book Finder, A to Z Databases, A to Z Maps Online, A to Z the USA, A to Z World Food, Axis 360 Virtual Library, Camellia Net eBooks, Career Alabama - Adults, Chilton Auto Repair & Maintenance, Cypress Resume, Driver's Ed, Homework Alabama, LearningExpress Library, LibraryThing, Mango Languages, Merck Manuals, Baldwin County Libraries and Universal Class!
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Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, December 17
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
City Council Work Session
Monday, January 6
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting/Work Session
Monday, January 21
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, January 27
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, January 28
City Hall Council Chambers
4 p.m.
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Employee Spotlight:
Meet Wanda Parris
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Wanda Parris, a native of Birmingham, currently serves as the City Clerk for the City of Gulf Shores. Wanda has lived in Gulf Shores for 32 years and has worked for the City for all 32 of those years. She began serving the City in the Special Events Division for three weeks until being transferred to Mayor Tom Norton's office as his secretary. She continued to serve as secretary under Mayor David Bodenhamer and was later appointed as Assistant City Clerk/Mayor's Administrative Assistant in 2000. After serving under Mayor Billy Duke as his assistant, she was appointed as City Clerk in 2010.
When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Wanda said, "Every day is different. We have a busy office with multiple deadlines for projects and agendas. Each day must be planned and organized to accomplish the most in a set amount of time. Prioritizing goals and multitasking is all in a days’ work in our office.
The Mayor keeps a long list of goals and objectives that he revises regularly as things are accomplished. Every day is a new opportunity to make things happen. I love being a small part of that team."
When she's not at work, she enjoys being with her 4-legged animals. Jean's first job ever was teaching tennis for the Parks and Recreation Department in Illinois when she was 15. Her favorite part about living in Gulf Shores is the warm weather.
Wanda's first job ever was working for Rust Engineering as a file clerk. When she's not at work, she spends time with her 10 grandchildren and two furbabies, Daisy and Jack. Her favorite part about living in Gulf Shores is knowing her neighbors. She also likes the warmer weather Gulf Shores has and living closer to the beach.
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Canal Road Corridor Study: Public Response
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The City of Gulf Shores hosted two Public Involvement Meetings for the Canal Road Corridor Study, which presented several alternate plans for public comment. Alternate 7 received the most support from the public. The City will now begin pursuing the necessary environmental permitting for this option and will present the resulting final alignment at a future meeting. The environmental permitting process is expected to be complete during the 3rd quarter of 2020.
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Command Staff Showcase: Lieutenant Bill Cowan
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Lieutenant Bill Cowan is the Commander of the Special Operations Division. The Special Operations Division consists of the following units: Training, Community Affairs, Detention Facility, Community Service Officers, and Fleet Management.
Lieutenant Cowan is a native of Buxton, Maine, and he began his law enforcement career with the Gulf Shores Police Department when he relocated to Alabama in 1993. He was promoted to Corporal in 1997 and served in the patrol division. He received his next promotion to Sergeant in 2005 and served as the Watch Commander. In 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Special Operations. In 2010 he was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division until 2018 when he returned to Special Operations.
He is married and two of his three sons also serve with the Gulf Shores Police Department.
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Exclusive Gulf Shores Christmas products available now at the City Store
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The Christmas tradition continues at the Gulf Shores City Store. In 2012, the Gulf Shores City Store began introducing an exclusive Gulf Shores Christmas shirt, mug and ornament available to residents and visitors for purchase. Since then, each year has sported a new, beach-inspired theme. This year's theme is sea turtles!
Stop by and get yours at the City Store today, located at 1821 Gulf Shores Parkway, or
visit us online by clicking here!
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Monthly Social & Speaker
December 18
Cultural Center
11 a.m.
Roadtrip to Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
December 20
Meet at Cultural Center
Depart at 9:15 a.m.
Arrive back at 3 p.m.
Family Movie Night
December 20
Cultural Center
6 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
December 21
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
8 a.m.
Christmas Break Camp
December 23, 26, 27, 30
January 2, 3
Cultural Center
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ABCD's of Medicare
January 6
Cultural Center
Registration required
2 p.m.
Author Series: Debra Coleman Jeter
January 7
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Ask the Expert: Erin Hussey
January 13
Library Meeting Room
Sign up required at the library
12 p.m.
Author Series: Frye Gaillard
January 14
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Author Series: Alicia Hunter Pace
January 21
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Daddy Daughter Dance
January 24-25
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
Tickets available at Bodenhamer Recreation Center or Cultural Center
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ask the Expert: Coletta Bailey
January 27
Library Meeting Room
Sign up required at the library
12 p.m.
Winter Edition: The Drifters
January 27-28
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
Tickets sold out
7 p.m.
Author Series: Dolores Hydock
January 28
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Winter Edition: December '63
February 3-4
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
Tickets limited at the City Store
7 p.m.
ABCD's of Medicare
February 3
Cultural Center
Registration required
2 p.m.
Author Series: Daphne Simpkins
February 4
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Ask the Expert: Travis Langen
February 10
Library Meeting Room
Sign up required at the library
12 p.m.
Winter Edition: John Davidson (with guest Gail Farrell)
February 10-11
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
Tickets limited at the City Store
7 p.m.
Author Series: Four Winds Barbershop Chorus
February 11
Cultural Center
Registration required
11 a.m.
Winter Edition: Harrison Greenbaum
February 17-18
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
Tickets limited at the City Store
7 p.m.
Beginning Yoga
Every Monday
Cultural Center - Studio Fit
9 a.m.
SilverSneakers Chair Fitness
Every Monday
Cultural Center Gym
2 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.
Technology Classes
Every Thursday & Friday in January & February
Thomas B. Norton Public Library
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sign up required at the library
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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