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LAGNIAPPE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 | www.lagniappemobile.com ASHLEY TRICE Co-publisher/Editor atrice@lagniappemobile.com ROB HOLBERT Co-publisher/Managing Editor rholbert@lagniappemobile.com GABRIEL TYNES Assistant Managing Editor gabe@lagniappemobile.com DALE LIESCH Reporter dale@lagniappemobile.com JASON JOHNSON Reporter jason@lagniappemobile.com KEVIN LEE Associate Editor/Arts Editor klee@lagniappemobile.com ANDY MACDONALD Cuisine Editor fatmansqueeze@comcast.net STEPHEN CENTANNI Music Editor scentanni@lagniappemobile.com STEPHANIE POE Copy Editor copy@lagniappemobile.com DANIEL ANDERSON Chief Photographer dan@danandersonphoto.com LAURA MATTEI Art Director www.laurarasmussen.com BROOKE O’DONNELL Advertising Sales Executive brooke@lagniappemobile.com BETH WOOLSEY Advertising Sales Executive bwilliams@lagniappemobile.com ALEEN MOMBERGER Advertising Sales Executive aleen@lagniappemobile.com DAVID GRAYSON Advertising Sales Executive david@lagniappemobile.com ROSS PRITCHARD Distribution Manager delivery@lagniappemobile.com JACKIE CRUTHIRDS Office Manager legals@lagniappemobile.com CONTRIBUTORS: J. Mark Bryant, Asia Frey, Brian Holbert, Randy Kennedy, Hannah Legg, John Mullen, Jeff Poor, Marguerite Powers, Ken Robinson, Ron Sivak ON THE COVER: U.S. COURTHOUSE BY DANIEL ANDERSON POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 704 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Email: ashleytoland@lagniappemobile.com or rholbert@ lagniappemobile.com LAGNIAPPE is printed at Walton Press. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and Alternative Weeklies Network All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per issue. Removal of more than one copy from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution.
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BAY BRIEFS
Veteran Mobile attorney Michael McDuffie was charged with harassment last week.
COMMENTARY
In defense of Jeff Sessions.
BUSINESS
The University of South Alabama’s Center for Real Estate and Economic Development recently rolled out its monthly snapshot of the real estate market.
CUISINE
Sunday brunch at The Blind Mule has patrons lining up before the doors open.
COVER
A look at the new federal courthouse in Mobile and renovations to the 84-year-old John Campbell Courthouse, which were funded with $127 million in appropriations from Congress.
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ARTS
Artifice spoke with Renée Fleming about her career and upcoming show with Mobile Symphony Orchestra.
MUSIC
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Hattiesburg’s Piney Woods Picnic is a four-day music festival with camping options to raise awareness of the Pascagoula River Basin.
FILM
Summer films and TV shows that capture a pleasantly sad frame of mind.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Discover Mobile Photographic Scavenger Hunt, Rise for Climate Mobile Bay, WWE Live and more in this week’s Calendar of Events!
MEDIA
More changes are coming to Advance Publications and two journalists leave WALA.
SPORTS
A Legendary Pub Park at O’Daly’s Irish Pub hosts two, 10-team Wiffle Ball leagues that play a 10week season twice a year.
BOOZIE
Hurricane parties, Jim Cantore sightings and island life in this week’s Mobile Magnified!
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GOING POSTAL Why drag queens shouldn’t read Editor: It requires no animus against homosexuals for someone to argue the “Drag Queen Story Hour” scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Ben May Memorial Library shouldn’t take place. Objectors should continue making reasoned, respectful efforts to cancel it. The legal case for blocking the reading is slightly stronger than most people understand. Legalities aside, the principled arguments for objecting are substantial — as we’ll discuss momentarily. Let’s start with the legal issues. The First Amendment wonderfully protects free speech and assembly; exceptions are, wisely, quite narrow. But it’s beyond dispute that constitutional freedoms do not fully extend to children — a public school, for example, can restrict speech of a sexual nature — nor to those who would speak to children. The latter restrictions, it must be acknowledged, are very slim. But two 1982 Supreme Court cases (Globe Newspaper v. Superior Court, Norfolk, and New York v. Ferber, respectively) held that “[T]he … interest [of] safeguarding the physical and psychological wellbeing of a minor … is a compelling one” and “we have sustained legislation aimed at protecting the physical and emotional well-being of youth even when the laws have operated in the sensitive area of constitutionally protected rights.” (Relatedly, the high court ruled in 2003’s U.S. v. American Library Association that governments providing funding to libraries may indeed place contentbased restrictions on such funding, and that libraries themselves “must have broad discretion to decide what material to provide to their patrons.”) True, it’s unlikely the mere fact of a man wearing
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women’s clothing while reading gay-parent-themed books to children would trigger concerns legally obvious enough for courts to let local government block the event. But those three cases show it is not absurd for local authorities to explore whether legal avenues exist. Not to “equate” the following examples with the drag queen event, but for illustrative purposes, to show that there are times when city officials would surely cite child-protection concerns as reason to limit the First Amendment, consider two scenarios. If a group wanting Stormy Daniels dressed as a Playboy bunny to read steamy excerpts from “Fifty Shades of Grey” to 5-year-olds, local officials would search for some way to cancel the event. The same would apply if someone in blackface, with obviously racist intent, proposed to read “Little Black Sambo” to toddlers. The Mobile Public Library’s own rules contain a sizable loophole for officials’ exercise of judgment, listing three “exclusions” for its open-door policy, including this: “Meetings which may interfere with the function of the library because of noise or any other factor are not allowed.” Local officials, with justification, could say the reader in blackface would “interfere with the function of the library.” All that said, legality isn’t the biggest issue here (other than to suggest that city officials, by publicly exploring legal options, could gain leverage to persuade the drag queens to cease and desist). What’s more important is the impropriety involved. The adjudgment of impropriety is not dependent on the assumed homosexuality of the drag queen “reader.” Gay or straight, it is improper, indeed arguably immoral, to hijack a public forum to confront young children with matters of sex and sexuality. Remember,
this event is specifically aimed at children ages 3 to 8. Whatever children show up, even if (presumably) accompanied by parents, this isn’t just a case of nice volunteers wanting to read to children to promote literacy. These are people openly advertising their reading as a way to promote, to the children, a particular agenda, both via the readers’ outfits and their choice of gay-themed books. The children aren’t so much beneficiaries as targets — here, for sex- and sexuality-related messages any community might want to exclude from the public square. From a standpoint of propriety if not law, there are such things as “community standards” that reasonable societies should observe and respect. Yes, for fear of tyranny, the state rightly may have no enforcement mechanism for these standards. Yet in a strong civil society, the standards will be policed via nonviolent community pressure married, even more importantly, to self-restraint. Elected officials, meanwhile, should not only publicly examine their (limited) legal options to force such an event’s cancellation, but — with respectful and constructive tones, without vitriol or slander — should also use their civic pulpits to urge the drag queens to reconsider. The queens should be told they aren’t morally welcome to use Mobile’s children as pawns, in public venues, for social and political games. Find private homes, please. An early 20th century stage actress famously said she didn’t care what homosexuals do “so long as they don’t do it in the streets and frighten the horses.” If frightening horses is off limits, then even more off limits should be anything in public, gay or straight, which can confuse or scare innocent children. Quin Hillyer Mobile (qhillyer@gmail.com)
BAYBRIEF | MOBILE COUNTY
Prayer for relief
LOCAL ATTORNEY ARRESTED FOR HARASSMENT BY JASON JOHNSON
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n attorney in Mobile has been charged with harassment after allegedly writing a sexually suggestive and pornographically descriptive story and giving it to an unsuspecting female lawyer. Michael McDuffie, an experienced defense attorney from Mobile, was arrested Aug. 27 and charged with harassment based on a complaint filed by Lindsay Mims. Mims, who is also an attorney, told Lagniappe she’s had several uncomfortable interactions with McDuffie. The criminal complaint states that McDuffie repeatedly made “inappropriate sexual comments that have caused the victim to be alarmed.” “He has commented on the victim’s body parts and dress and has done so in front of the victim’s clients and others. Additionally, the defendant handed the victim a lengthy, erotic story that she had no wish to receive,” the complaint continues. Mims says that “lengthy, erotic story” was an 18-page document McDuffie allegedly handed her while she was representing a client in a local courtroom back in August 2017. The document, which Mims described as “homemade erotica,” is a short story featuring graphically descriptive accounts of sexual acts between two attorneys — one of them an older man and the other a younger woman. McDuffie is 70, Mims is 28. However, the author makes painstaking efforts to say all characters and events are “purely fictitious” in a two-page “disclaimer” setting up the “fantasy.” “This is a brief work of pure fiction containing mature subject matter and orchestrated adult situations. After this document is delivered to its intended recipient the location responsible for its generation will be deleted and bleach cleaned,’ the disclaimer reads. “The author will forever deny either its creation or any relation to its recipient even though it may be attempted to be construed otherwise.” While the author isn’t identified in the document, Mims says it was McDuffie who handed it to her in court last August. Another individual in the courtroom that day also identified McDuffie as the man who handed Mims a set of documents that he later reviewed himself. “We turn toward each other and kiss my teeth gently biting his lips and then his mouth moves to my neck and as his teeth start to move up and down his hands move behind me to cup my butt,” one of the less sexually graphic lines of the story reads. Lagniappe is choosing to publish only the excerpts from the document necessary to convey the nature of its content. Subsequent passages describe sexual situations in extremely graphic detail. A few months later, Mims said McDuffie handed her a second document, “a Spanish love song,” as she describes it. Mims was a Spanish major in college and speaks the language conversationally, like the female attorney in the “fantasy.” Mims says she received the first document from McDuffie roughly a year ago but delayed
taking it to police because she initially tried to address her concerns through other channels. The situation changed earlier this summer when she spoke to other female attorneys who say they also received unsolicited correspondence from McDuffie. “I brought this forward because Mike’s inappropriate and alarming action toward me was not an isolated incident. His pattern of inappropriate behavior causes me too much concern to stay quiet,” she said. “I tell my clients and friends to speak up and advocate for themselves, and in this situation, I had to take my own advice.” Mims claimed she’d spoken to at least three other women in the local legal community who’d had similar run-ins with McDuffie. One of those attorneys, also a younger female, told Lagniappe she received at least three letters from McDuffie, including one fictitious “fantasy” similar to what Mims received. A reporter was able to review all three documents she claims to have received from McDuffie, though she asked that her name not be published because she works in “a maledominated field.” Though it isn’t as graphic as the narrative Mims received, the second attorney claims McDuffie handed her a story in 2016 that also involves attorneys, also depicts adult situations and also includes a lengthy “disclaimer” at the beginning. The word “confidential” is handwritten on a blank cover sheet as well. “Storms had always reminded her of him, his concern with her enjoyment taking precedence over his own, his touch, his mouth, starting slowly, opening the flower, softly, expertly, with that soft seductive voice always in her ear, her soul, always urging, always triggering the lightning and thunder,” that document reads. That passage was from what the author calls “chapter one,” and the second woman claims McDuffie has since asked her several times if she’s ready for “chapter two.” She claims two other letters McDuffie gave her were more practical and discussed ways she could get more court-appointed defendants, several of which focused on her physical appearance. It mentions certain sitting judges who like “pretty girls” and discusses the appearance of other prominent women in Mobile’s legal community. Mobile Metro Jail records indicate McDuffie was taken into custody the morning of Aug. 27 and posted bail within an hour. He was formally charged with harassment or harassing communications — a Class C misdemeanor that will be handled in Mobile Municipal Court. He has an arraignment scheduled at 8 a.m. Sept. 26. Reached by email, McDuffie directed all questions about the charges and allegations against him to his attorney, William “Chip” Bradford, who was unavailable to comment on this report prior to its publication. This story will be updated as additional information is received.
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BAYBRIEF | FAIRHOPE
Fire sale
FAIRHOPE CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR K-1 CENTER BY GABRIEL TYNES
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he Fairhope City Council will hold a special called meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at noon to approve a purchase agreement with the Baldwin County Board of Education for the vacant former K-1 building on Church Street downtown. The city sent notice of the meeting at 5:05 p.m. Aug. 31, the Friday before Labor Day, effectively four days before the meeting but only 23 “weekday” hours before the meeting was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday. State statute requires 24 hours’ notice unless there is an emergency declaration. City Council President Jack Burrell said early Tuesday he had originally scheduled the meeting for 5:30 p.m., after a budget workshop hosted by Mayor Karin Wilson, but add-ons to the budget agenda eliminated that window of opportunity. Instead, he moved the special meeting ahead to 4 p.m. Around noon on Tuesday, the meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday due to the hurricane warning in effect. Defending the timeline, Burrell said “the urgency of the sale” necessitated the hasty meeting and the agreement would garner more media attention if it were placed on a special meeting agenda. “I wanted to quash rumors going around that a developer was interested in the property to build a hotel,” Burrell said, calling the city’s potential acquisition of the property “a historic moment.” Earlier Tuesday, Councilman Jimmy Conyers explained in a Facebook post that while the council had been negotiating with the school board, he learned “other parties were interested in acquiring the K-1 Center for possible development” — in particular a “developer from Birmingham”
aiming to construct a “boutique hotel.” While terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, Burrell said they were “very favorable” to the city. Funding would be provided by a $6.1 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration, which would require a $1.22 million match from the city. Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (EDA), told the City Council Aug. 27 the money was part of a $587 million disaster declaration tied to the 2017 hurricane season allowing Gulf Coast states to apply for funds to improve “economic resilience.” Even though Alabama was not significantly affected by the storms, it was included in disaster declarations due to Hurricane Nate and therefore eligible for the funds. Recently, the EDA incorporated Hatch Fairhope as a nonprofit to provide “Baldwin County’s new and existing tech-based startups with a place to learn and grow while fostering entrepreneurial culture and developing a resource ecosystem.” Hatch is currently renting space in Fairhope’s Compass Bank building, but the purchase agreement would move the organization to the K-1 Center. “Hatch is the only opportunity we have to leverage these funds,” Lawson told the council, calling the emerging nonprofit a “job creator” and the K-1 Center sale a “job-creating project.” Tuesday, Lawson said Hatch is only just beginning to form partnerships with potential entreprenuers, but the grant allows for “purchase and renovations of brick and mortar” and the purchase agreement tentatively would allow Hatch to occupy 100 percent of the K1 Center’s main building for office and lab space.
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An economic impact analysis fromThe University of Alabama suggested in the next five years, Hatch would provide “266 new and indirect jobs with an estimated payroll of $16.8 million and total sales/output revenue for Fairhope of $33.65 million.” Burrell said while the grant requires a “job-creating” use like Hatch could provide, it would not preclude other parts of the property from being available for other uses. Among the ideas that have been suggested by the City Council are a performing arts center and STEAM education lab. Meanwhile, Mayor Wilson urged the council to stall, noting the city’s general fund budget is still subsidized by utilities revenue and there has been little citizen input on the proposal. “The main concern is communication and planning behind closed doors without public participation,” Wilson wrote Tuesday morning. “The city cannot afford another long-term subsidy when we operate at a deficit without the help from utility funding … There are endless possibilities to consider and there is no rush to decide as it is ultimately the council’s decision on zoning and what ends up there. The property can remain in the city’s name with a private or nonprofit partnership or seek out a developer to purchase and build a collaborative vision-based plan where the city collects property taxes. Bottom line, taxpayers should have a say and a feasibility study done so we don’t end up with the same scenario as the airport authority land purchase 10 years ago.” Conyers wrote that he understood the calls for better transparency and communication, but the negotiations would have been “extremely difficult” to conduct publicly because of competing offers on the property and bids for the grant money. “There will be a due diligence period and I personally would feel better once this property is under contract,” he wrote. “I am strongly of the opinion that the city should own and control this property. And, had we not taken action, how can we be sure this would not have sold to another party?” The Fairhope K-1 Center, most recently an early education school but previously the city’s first high school, was abandoned in 2011 by the Baldwin County School System, which cited space concerns and maintenance costs. Built in the 1920s, it remains one of Fairhope’s most recognizable buildings on a prime parcel of downtown property. For an update on this story, visit www.lagniappemobile.com.
BAYBRIEF | MOBILE
Seniors, books, sports
GROUPS ASK FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN MAYOR’S BUDGET BY DALE LIESCH
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espite a recent debate about its future, the board of Ladd-Peebles Stadium and the facility’s management company will receive level funding through a performance contract in Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s proposed 2019 budget. Ann Davis, chairwoman of the Public Parks and Recreation Board, believes the Mobile City Council would give the group more funding as budget negotiations begin. “We hope council will support us,” she said. “We’re hoping they will move money around.” In nine years, the board went from having almost no money in stadium coffers to having $500,000, Davis said, which demonstrates it’s a good investment. Recent debate focused on a proposal pushed by Stimpson to contribute $10 million over 20 years, or $500,000 per year, to a planned stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The Jaguars football team currently plays at Ladd, along with four high school teams. During the debates, supporters of the 70-year-old stadium suggested putting the $500,000 per year into Ladd. The council recently defeated the funding proposal for the new stadium and speculation has grown that more could be headed to Ladd. Davis said with $700,000 the board could begin a renovation project. “A lot of the issues are cosmetic,” she said. With just $50,000, the board could begin painting corridors and bathrooms at the facility, Davis said. While the stadium is receiving level funding in the budget, a number of nonprofits received a 10 percent cut. In fact, the cuts were almost across the board, Executive Director of Finance and acting Chief of Staff Paul Wesch said in a previous interview. The reductions came with two exceptions, Wesch said — for multiyear contracts and for groups with missions
closely aligned with the city’s work. Like Davis, many of Mobile’s nonprofit leaders are hopeful the council will amend Stimpson’s budget to increase their organizations’ funding. Some made their pitches at a public hearing on the budget Tuesday, Sept. 4. Members and officials of midtown’s Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center asked the council to restore the organization’s $160,000. Stimpson has proposed a cut of $16,000 to $144,000 from its performance contract. Executive Director DeAnna Murphy said the center has 1,200 total members from each of the council’s seven districts. The members use the center for health and senior services. Council Vice President Levon Manzie, who represents the area including Via, said he has heard the calls. “There will not be a stronger advocate for Via than Levon Charles Manzie,” he said. “It’s the premier senior facility in the city of Mobile and we need to support it. I will be fighting for the funding for Via.” Councilman Fred Richardson joined Manzie. “I want Councilman Manzie to know he will not be in the ring by himself,” Richardson said. Users of the Connie Hudson Regional Senior Center also asked the council for more city funding. Specifically, Councilwoman Bess Rich said while it appears the senior center’s budget line item increased, that funding came from the SAIL program. She said the center needs a parttime bus driver and an art instructor. Kevin Ball, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Coast Challenge, requested funding for the annual football game between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game was not included in the budget this year. In previous years, the game was given $200,000. Specifically, Ball asked for funding for the challenge game to equal that of the Dollar General Bowl and the
Senior Bowl. Ball said the game would bring tourism dollars to the city. “All we’re asking is to treat us the same as those other games,” Ball said. “That’s it.” City attorney Ricardo Woods said in its initial proposal, the challenge included a $175,000 promoter fee and the city didn’t feel comfortable giving funds to the group. Ball called that misleading and said the fee was part of a budget and the city funding would go to the nonprofit. The Mobile Sports Authority has given $126,000 for the Sept. 22 game. Ball said the game is expected to attract 20,000 fans. Richardson asked the city to treat the games the same. He added councilors don’t bat an eye at giving $200,000 to the Senior Bowl.. “Find it somewhere,” he said. “Cut somebody.” Councilman John Williams said the city should determine the difference between the funding given by the Sports Authority, which funnels public money to the game. Williams also said every game has a management fee similar to the promoter fee Woods discussed. Woods said the administration supports the classic game and helped push for the Sports Authority funding. He said the game was not funded in the budget because the “new” game has yet to develop a track record. Stimpson said the city initially got back almost all of its funding to the then-GoDaddy.com Bowl, save $200,000. Recently, though, under the same agreement signed before the current administration took office, the city doesn’t receive as much because sponsorships have declined. The difference now leaves the city paying a total of $700,000 for the bowl game. The Mobile Public Library was cut by $500,000. Director Scott Kinney and board treasurer John Browning asked the council for level funding. Browning said the cut represents a “significant hit.” The funding cuts have nothing to do with any planned event at the library, Wesch said. MPL is the largest public library in the state, Kinney told councilors, and serves a population of more than 300,000 residents. The proposed cut will be “catastrophic,” Kinney said. He said the library would have to reduce staff to make up the difference. Cuts to staff would affect library branches’ hours of operation. Libraries in Huntsville and Montgomery operate with less funding from their respective cities, Councilman Joel Daves said. In the proposed budget, Mobile would provide more than $3 million more than Huntsville or Montgomery, he said. Kinney said Mobile’s library serves 146,000 more residents than those libraries. The per capita spending in Montgomery is roughly the same as in Mobile, he said.
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BAYBRIEF | MOBILE COUNTY
Murder was the case
DEATH PENALTY SOUGHT IN CAPITAL MURDER CASE AGAINST JUDGE’S SON BY JASON JOHNSON According to records released by the city of Mobile, that case was handled in Mobile’s Municipal Court but Judge Carvine Adams recused herself from presiding over the case. Court records indicate both charges were dismissed by Presiding Judge Holmes Whiddon after prosecutors and Hall’s attorneys reached an agreement requiring him to enter inpatient drug treatment. While the state prosecutors in Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich’s office wouldn’t normally argue cases in Judge Hall’s municipal courtroom, Rich’s office made the decision to recuse itself from the case to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest given her position. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall then appointed District Attorney Spencer Walker to prosecute the case. As the district attorney for Alabama’s 1st Judicial Circuit, Walker represents Clarke, Washington and Choctaw counties. Alabama Chief Justice Lynn Stewart also appointed local attorney Braxton Kittrell Jr. as a special judge to hear the case. Kittrell, who served as Mobile County Circuit Court judge Timothy Hall Jr., 28, was arrested last week for the 2017 beating death from 1977 to 1994, ordered Hall be held without bond on of 70-year-old Larry Willingham. Thursday, Aug. 30. Hall pleaded not guilty to both counts of capital murder, which in Alabama is a charge usually brought against defendants accused of causing the death of another person while committing another crime. In Hall’s case, that alleged crime is the robbery of Willingham’s house. Little information has been made available in Hall’s Aug. 24 grand jury indictment, but Walker and his team of prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek the death penalty in his case. Hall’s next scheduled court appearance is scheduled to be Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in Mobile.
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Photo | MCSO
The son of a Mobile Municipal Court judge is being charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to the beating death of a 70-year-old man during a 2017 home invasion. According to the Mobile Police Department, Timothy Hall Jr., 28, entered a home off Pleasant Valley Road in Mobile in early August 2017 with the intention to commit robbery. Once inside, police say, Hall beat 70-year-old Larry Willingham to death in his own home. Willingham was found deceased inside his residence later that day, and his death remained one of Mobile’s unsolved murders for more than a year. However, after the evidence was presented to a Mobile County grand jury, Hall was indicted and then arrested on Aug. 27. Hall is the son of Shelbonnie Coleman-Hall, who’s served as an associate judge on Mobile’s Municipal Court since 2006. Hall has to date made no public comments about her son’s arrest. The capital murder charge isn’t Hall’s first run-in with local law enforcement. According to records kept by the Mobile County Metro Jail, Hall was charged with various offenses between 2012 and 2013, including drug possession, disorderly conduct, robbery and burglary. He was convicted in 2014 on one charge of first-degree robbery. Court records show Hall was ordered to serve three years of a 20-year sentence, along with four years on probation. Last year, while on probation, Hall was arrested for a different crime not long after he allegedly beat Willingham to death inside his home. On Sept. 12, 2017, Hall was charged with trespassing at the city of Mobile’s Adult Center on Azalea Road and resisting arrest.
BAYBRIEF | BALDWIN COUNTY
Go big or go home
BUC-EE’S WILL SELL EVERYTHING FROM METEORITES TO JERKY
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BY JOHN MULLEN
ave you ever imagined a Walmartsized fueling station along an interstate highway? If you live in Texas you don’t have to imagine it. Just pull into any Buc-ee’s, where you’ll find a store of more than 50,000 square feet offering everything from beef jerky and sodas to kitchen cookware to clothing to hard-tofind handmade crafts and everything in between. “There’s your typical convenience store items, but in addition you also have clothing, you have home decor, you have lots of food, items for hunting and recreational activities, items for your kitchen,” Jeff Nadalo, general counsel and spokesman, said. You won’t have to imagine it too much longer if you live in South Alabama. A new 53,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s will open in early 2019 at the intersection of Interstate 10 and the Baldwin Beach Express. It’s the first outside Texas. The huge complex will have 120 fuel pumps and employ 250 workers. It does not cater to commercial truck drivers. Besides being part convenience store and part Walmart, it’s also part country fair. Or a bunch of country fairs brought onto one huge retail floor. “What you’ll find are the products that are premium brands,” Nadalo said. “We have extremely high-quality handmade items and things you might have to go to the country craft fair to find. In Texas, you’ll have a country
fair and you’ll have a small merchant that has some really fantastic high-quality, oftentimes handmade items. We’ll bring those specialty items all under one roof so you don’t have to go to 10 different fairs to find the items. It’s all in one spot.” Along with candles and T-shirts, you’ll also find a variety of quirky items and a ton of stuff sporting the company logo featuring Buc-ee the Beaver. Sitting at the corner of a turn south that leads to Alabama’s resort area on the Gulf Coast, this Buc-ee’s will have lots of supplies for those travelers. “In our stores near the beach we have swimsuits, we have surfboards, we have boogie boards, coolers and a lot of really neat stuff,” Nadalo said. According to billboards seeking applicants, workers will make $13 to $17 an hour. In 2017 Buc-ee’s paid $3.7 million for the land to build its first Alabama store. In addition to the cost of construction, it will also spend money to improve County Road 68 on its south boundary. Baldwin County recently voted to spend almost $400,000 for traffic signals at County Road 68 and the beach express and at the I-10-beach express interchange. Buc-ee’s is also planning a move into Florida in the coming months in St. John’s County on I-95 and in Daytona Beach.
BAYBRIEF | BALDWIN COUNTY
Reef madness
SNORKELING REEFS BEING DEPLOYED JUST OFF ALABAMA BEACHES
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BY JOHN MULLEN
s snorkel reefs are pounded into the Gulf just off the coast of Alabama and ready for visitors, officials here don’t have to look too far east to see what an impact the new attractions can have. “Overwhelmingly successful, with great growth and with many species of fish usually not seen this close to the shore,” said Mike Sandler of Navarre Beach. Walter Marine is busy putting down 166 of the reefs in three locations just past the second sandbar south of Gulf State Park’s Saltwater Pavilion, the Romar Beach Access and just east of Perdido Pass. It’s a $590,000 project paid for with BP fine money administered through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant. “The northern boundary of the reefs will be in about 10 feet of water and the southern boundary of the reefs will extend to about 20 feet,” official Kevin Anson said. “They each will contain two, three or four concrete disks on a piling. The piling will be jetted into the seabed about 12 or 13 feet.” Anson, who works for the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says this is one facet of an extensive and growing artificial reef program off Alabama’s coast. Walter Marine is about halfway through a state project to deploy 600 pyramid reefs in the six- to nine-mile range offshore from Dauphin Island to the Florida line. It’s part of a $4 million state effort that also includes the recently deployed New Venture, a 250-foot former research vessel and about 140 25-foot pyramid super reefs. But the snorkeling reef project is one Vince
Lucido of the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef and Restoration Foundation has been longing to see since his group spearheaded the effort to sink the 271foot LuLu on Memorial Day weekend of 2013. “It’s something we’ve been waiting on for years,” Lucido said. If the glowing reports on the Florida snorkel reefs are any indication, the new attraction will start paying off immediately. Just across the Florida line, Escambia County has two locations and is looking to add a third. “It’s been phenomenal,” Escambia Marine Resources Manager Robert Turpin said. “The dive shops absolutely hear wonderful things.” Turpin said the fishing and diving activities on the artificial reefs generate about $150 million a year and 2,400 jobs in the Pensacola area. Almost immediately, officials say, marine life will be attracted to the structures but it will take them a while to mature. “Very quickly you’d see some life, but I would think within a year you’d have a fully functioning reef with all types of life you’d expect to find on a colonized reef,” Orange Beach Coastal Resources Director Phillip West said. “Everything from seahorses to octopus to sea turtles and various fish.” But will safety be a factor? Crews in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were overwhelmed on many days with water rescues in the Gulf, but officials say they don’t believe snorkelers will add to that burden. “Typically, if they have mask, snorkel and fins they are in a better position to get themselves out of trouble,” Orange Beach Fire Chief Justin Pearce said. S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 9
BAYBRIEF | MOBILE
If you build it ...
FINANCING VARIES FOR BUILDING FOOTBALL STADIUMS
T
BY J. MARK BRYANT
he funding of athletic facilities has recently dominated headlines in Mobile County. It can be difficult for parties to agree on and gather financing on such a massive scale. Several cities within a short drive of Mobile have faced this situation and managed to find answers. Here is a look at those solutions.
Montgomery
The situation that most closely parallels Mobile’s took place in the state capital, Montgomery. The Cramton Bowl was a 24,000-seat stadium that opened in 1922 for baseball. Five years later, the first nighttime football game in the South was played there between high school squads. Along the way, The University of Alabama often took up the field until 1954, while the Blue-Gray Football Classic was a familiar Christmas Day event through 2001. Its most regular inhabitant was Alabama State University. The deteriorating condition of the facility, though, inspired school officials to pursue an on-campus stadium. A new $62 million structure opened on Thanksgiving Day in 2012, just off Interstate 85. Hornet Stadium currently holds 26,500 fans but is designed to allow for an expansion to 55,000. Funding for construction can be traced back to a lawsuit state Rep. John Knight filed in 1981 against Alabama officials for maintaining separate — but unequal — higher education programs. The case was finally settled in 2006, with a $600 million, 30-year campus renovation plan included. Of that total, $250 million was set aside for new construction, and the new stadium was financed through bonds. To help keep the stadium busy, school officials partnered with the Central Alabama Sports Commission to hold soccer matches and other sporting events at Hornet
Stadium, as well as concerts. Additional funding has come from renting out 20 luxury suites at $19,500 per year, along with club seats and loge boxes. A number of corporate sponsorships also helps pay the bills. Meanwhile, the Cramton Bowl received a $10 million facelift in 2012 and a synthetic field turf was installed in 2014. A 70,000-square-foot, multi-purpose sports facility has been added that can accommodate 15 volleyball courts, six tennis courts, two soccer fields or 20 wrestling mats. Also added was a “Walk of Fame” to honor Montgomery’s sports history. The Camellia Bowl game started playing there in 2014, while five high schools call the stadium home.
New Orleans
Tulane University once was the site of a massive 80,000-seat on-campus stadium. It hosted three of the first nine Super Bowls and the Sugar Bowl starting in 1935, and the New Orleans Saints joined in during 1969. The introduction of the Louisiana Superdome drew all those events away from the uptown location. The day the Superdome opened in 1975, much of Tulane Stadium was condemned. The final event there was a high school game in 1979. The problem of not having a true home venue was soon apparent. Tulane’s supporters were often outnumbered in the massive Superdome by opposing fans wanting to visit New Orleans. The undergraduate student body, which numbers just over than 8,000, often did not make the journey downtown. School officials even looked into shutting down the football program in the 1990s. After 39 years, it was decided a return to campus was needed. The 30,000-seat Yulman Stadium opened in 2014,
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near the site of the original football facility. What makes the planning for this stadium so unique is that it was paid for with private donations. Richard Yulman’s family gave the initial $15 million and followed with another $10 million as a challenge to other supporters. Tom Benson’s family put $7.5 million into the project. Another major contributor was Manchester United owners Avram and Jill Glazer, while 50 other donors pledged $500,000 or more. Naming rights for the locker rooms and press box contributed to the budget. Fans are now able to enjoy a festive tailgating experience prior to kickoff on the beautiful campus. The stadium also serves the local community by hosting high school games.
Birmingham
The largest project set to take place is planned for downtown near the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). In July, a bond sale took place to support a $300 million stadium and renovation of the Legacy Arena coliseum. A 45,000-seat football stadium is planned. Construction could start this year, with the field ready for games in 2021. Funding for the project has come from many sources. The Birmingham City Council voted in March to commit $90 million over 30 years, while the BJCC Authority pledged $10.7 million to the annual debt service. The Jefferson County Commission will kick in $1 million annually over the next three decades. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has played its games at ancient Legion Field since the program was founded. Plans to build a $75 million on-campus stadium fell through in 2011. UAB and the corporate community have committed a combined $4 million a year for 10 years. This will cover the Blazers’ lease, as well as sponsorship and naming rights. The Alabama Legislature approved a bill that would use car rental tax funds to help with the project. Another tenant will be a team in the new Alliance of America Football professional league. The yet-to-be-named squad will open the season in February at Legion Field before moving to the new downtown facility. Legion Field celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017. Structural issues led to the upper deck being removed in 2005, reducing capacity to 71,594. The stadium faces an uncertain future once the downtown site opens. In July, the Birmingham City Council approved $40 million in bond funds to make improvements in numerous projects, including Legion Field. The city will spend $2.25 million on new turf, improved stadium lighting, security upgrades and seating repairs.
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COMMENTARY | DAMN THE TORPEDOES
Insults and insinuations for Sessions ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
THEGADFLY
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the Ivy League pedigree the president prefers, that he can’t stand his Southern accent and that Sessions isn’t a capable defender of the president on television — in part because he ‘talks like he has marbles in his mouth,’” the Politico piece says, quoting unnamed presidential aides. Naturally some of those reports are already being rejected as “fake news,” but on Monday the first excerpts from famed Watergate reporter Bob Woodward’s book on the Trump White House bolsters them a bit with yet another story of a blistering personal attack on Sessions by the president. “This guy is mentally retarded. He’s this dumb Southerner. … He couldn’t even be a one-person country lawyer down in Alabama,” Trump is alleged to have said while mocking Sessions’ accent, according to a passage in Woodward’s book “Fear.” It all seems like a lifetime ago when Sessions stepped out on that stage in Ladd-Peebles Stadium in August 2015 before a crowd of 17,000 people — if you were actually there, like I was — or 70,000 people if you want to believe the hype. Alabama’s junior senator made national news that day by slapping on a MAGA cap and endorsing Trump. As Trump proceeded to babble incoherently after that, I wondered if Sessions might have been rethinking his endorsement. I bet he is now. Trump’s attacks on Sessions have managed to do one positive thing for the AG: they’ve turned him from the Left’s most hated Trump cabinet member to something of a hero after he barked back at the president last month and let him know the Justice Department wasn’t going to be bullied. The whole enemy of my enemy is my friend thing, I suppose. Sessions probably isn’t much different from the parade of other Trump administration officials who thought they were coming to help Make America Great Again, only to find themselves fired or resigning a short time later and being publicly ridiculed in the process. At least — thus far — Sessions doesn’t appear to be heading for post-employment residence in a federal penitentiary like so many other Trump officials, so that’s a win. The public destruction of Jeff Sessions may not have much resonance for the rest of the country, pockets of which may agree with Trump’s assessment of his mental limitations and accent, but it’s hard to imagine there’s not at least some sting here in Alabama among the Trump faithful. Sessions was a fairly popular conservative senator and many Alabamians were excited to see him take over at Justice. Now he’s being blasted for not letting criminal congressmen slide, called “retarded” and having his Southern accent mocked. In personally trashing Sessions, Trump is treading dangerously close to revealing his overall disdain for a state that overwhelmingly helped put him in office. His only saving grace is that he just peed all over The University of Alabama law school and not the football team. It seems like only a matter of when, not if, Jeff Sessions is sent packing to write the obligatory tell-all book about his nightmarish time as Trump’s attorney general. It should at least be a damn sight better than Omarosa’s. And Jeff, if you’re looking for a name, might I suggest, “All the Marbles.”
Cartoon/ Marguerite Powers,
M
aybe the trouble between Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump all boils down to marbles. Certainly it would be hard to blame Sessions for wondering if the president has lost his. Jeff may even wonder about the status of his own marble collection after throwing away a locked-down United States Senate seat for what’s bound to be a shortlived stint as Trump’s attorney general/whipping boy. On the flip side, Trump also thinks Sessions may be hiding marbles in his mouth, if recent reports of the president making fun of his AG’s Southern accent and non-Ivy League law degree are true. What it must be like for Jeff Sessions these days as he lies awake at night, the bed spinning, wondering how he landed in a situation where he’s just marking time until he is publicly humiliated one last time and fired. Probably via tweet. It can’t feel good knowing a guy whose most Grated catchphrase is “You’re fired!” is openly talking about canning you from the dream job that was your reward for being the first big-time politician to support his run for the Oval Office. There just have to be times when a particularly applicable lyric to the Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” echoes through Sessions’ mind. “My God … What have I done!” (Assuming Sessions likes Talking Heads.) The writing is on the wall. Alabama’s former junior U.S. Senator is not long for Trump World. The president has long been furious with Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian operatives to gain damaging information on Hillary Clinton in the last election. But that anger has publicly spilled over again and again, recently to the point that some of Sessions’ former colleagues in the “upper chamber” are talking about his ouster after November’s midterms. Right now Sessions is living the Washington version of having your high school girlfriend running around telling everyone she’s about to break up with you before she actually does. (That happens to everyone, right?) In this case it’s even worse than just feeling everyone’s eyes on you in the cafeteria. Trump’s tweet a few days ago essentially blaming Sessions for helping possibly lose the Republican majority in the House by indicting two congressmen accused of serious criminal behavior was a sure sign the bromance is dead. “Two long running, Obama era, investigations of two very popular Republican Congressmen were brought to a well publicized charge, just ahead of the Mid-Terms, by the Jeff Sessions Justice Department,” Trump tweeted. “Two easy wins now in doubt because there is not enough time. Good job Jeff…” If it’s not enough to have the president calling him out because a couple of highly questionable swamp-dwelling Congressmen were indicted, Sessions has also had to suffer through two new reports of highly personal insults allegedly coming from his boss. Politico reported last week that Trump has been conducting a campaign among Sessions’ former Republican Senate colleagues to trash the AG and build consensus for firing him. To some degree it appears to have worked, as Sen. Lindsey Graham has publicly said the relationship between the two men is irreparably broken, and privately is reported to have urged Trump to wait until after November’s elections to fire him. The report also claims Trump, true to form, has also expressed his displeasure with Sessions in more gradeschool terms. “If Sessions’ recusal was his original sin, Trump has come to resent him for other reasons, griping to aides and lawmakers that the attorney general doesn’t have
USA FUNDRAISES FOR ITS PROPOSED ON-CAMPUS STADIUM THE “MOBILE WAY.”
COMMENTARY | THE HIDDEN AGENDA
The anatomy of a perfectly terrible morning ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR/ASHLEYTOLAND@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
I
t was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Well, maybe it wasn’t really that dramatic, but it was just one of those days. We’ve all had them. When you have to ask is Mercury is in retrograde or if the universe is trying to settle the score for some misdeed you may have perpetrated. One of those days where you just can’t seem to win. I had one of “those days” two Thursdays ago, and there was definitely no winning, literally or figuratively. Just lots of losing. And breaking of things. And cursing. And gas. Picture it: Mobile, Alabama, August 23, 2018. It was a beautiful morning. Outside, the sky was blue, and dare I say the air was even kind of crisp for an August morning in Mobile? But inside my Midtown Mobile house, the storm clouds were gathering just above my bedroom and bathroom. I was already running late, which is not a normal occurrence for me. Punctuality is one of my core values. That and stuffing as many carbs, usually drenched in some sort of cream sauce, down my carb hole. As such, none of the nicer dresses hanging in my closet that I had planned to wear to the Mobile Chamber’s Annual Small Business of the Year Breakfast were fitting like I wanted. Normally, I wouldn’t care so much, but Lagniappe was one of the finalists, along with our friends at Blue Fish and Harper Technologies, and I knew that I was going to have to go up in front of a room of people, win or lose. After swearing off carbs forever … again, I found a dress that looked decent. It had been a while since I had worn it — definitely during a previous heavy carb phase of my life — but I only had one pair of pumps that went with it, so I had to dig through the shoe pit in the bottom of my closet to find them. Which made me run even later. But I found them, threw them on the bed by my dress of choice and sped back to my bathroom to continue getting ready. There were problems there too. My hair wasn’t cooperating. I dropped my pressed powder into the wet sink and it broke into a million pieces, and it started sticking to the water, making it mostly impossible to salvage any of it. And I couldn’t find my “good tweezers” to pluck the random stray hairs that just show up on your face when you are a woman my age. How old is that? I think I’m 41 or 42. I know I’m not 40 — I stopped counting after that one — and I don’t think I’ve turned 43 yet. I would have to get a calculator to be sure. And who really cares. I assessed my morning. My hair looks like crap, my face looks like I have wet paint on it from the powder incident and I hate the dress I’m wearing, And I’m definitely going to be late. Mother expletive. Could this morning get any worse? Yes, why, yes it can! As I was running through my bedroom to put on the only pair of shoes that went with the only dress that I thought looked OK, I slammed my foot into the coffee table at full speed. F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! F word! My pinky toe was no doubt broken. It started swelling almost immediately and it hurt to even look at it.
But still, I tried to shove my foot into the pointy pumps that went with my dress. It just wasn’t going to happen. I found a pair of open-toed shoes I could get my foot in — they were cute but way too dressy for a breakfast event. And I was forced to wear them with an everyday dress that was way too casual for the event and the shoes. But at this point, I just had to go with it. My sweet husband let me lean on him like a crutch all the way to the ballroom where the breakfast was being held, which, of course, seemed like a thousand miles away from the parking garage. Luckily, we weren’t the only ones running a little late, as everyone was still making their way in, so I let that part of my anxiety go and once I sat down at the table and didn’t have to put any weight on my bum foot, I felt much better. Even though my pinky toe looked like a severely ‘roided-up Frito, I thought, maybe things were looking up. But, alas, they were not. As I was eating the egg soufflé they served and explaining to everyone at our table why I was limping in, I bit into something. “Oh my gosh, there is a shell or something in my food,” I said. I spit it out in my napkin and tried to determine what sort of unidentified object was flying in my eggs. I figured it out but not from my examination. As my tongue hit the back of my mouth, I felt that a filling or something had fallen out of my tooth. Well, this is just great. A little while later they called out the winner of the “Small Business of the Year.” And it was not Lagniappe. It was Blue Fish, who, without question, deserved the honor, as did our other fellow nominee, Harper Technologies. No one ever believes this when you say it, but it was truly an honor just to be nominated. But we still had to walk up and accept the finalist award. By that time, my foot had gotten worse. While I think I disguised my pain pretty well on the way up to the podium and back, by the time I got back to my seat, tears were welling up in my eyes and starting to fall. I dabbed them quickly and said, “Great, people are going to think I am crying because we didn’t win.” Hopefully, no one saw me or thought that. Because that was not the case. It was my Frito toe, people! I swear! Later that day, my dentist worked me in and informed me it was not a filling that had fallen out but the tooth around my filling, which just happens to people my age, which as I said, I am not exactly sure of. Something about the stress fractures around the metal fillings they used to give in the olden days. I was going to have to get a crown. So they got me all gassed up, which I can definitely say was the best part of my day. I should also add The Eagles were playing in the office, and they have never sounded so good. When you are floating around high on gas, you can “Take it Easy” with great ease. As I sat on the couch that night with an ice pack on my foot and one side of my face still drooping from the Novocain, my husband looked at me with a mixture of pity and amusement and said, “I sure hope you have a better day tomorrow.” Um, yeah. Me too.
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COMMENTARY | THE GRIOT’S CORNER
Connecting aviation and the community BY KEN ROBINSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A newcomer to Mobile is quite excited about the upcoming Gulf Coast Challenge taking place Saturday, Sept. 22, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The matchup this year between Southern University and Alabama A&M features two Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) with long and illustrious histories. The Gulf Coast Challenge game and the events surrounding it are sure to be exciting and a great time for the community at large, but for recent arrival Jason Wilson, what’s going to make it even more special is that he gets to cheer on and enjoy fellowship with those from his beloved alma mater, Southern University. Some challenges are well worth embracing and feeling enthusiastic about. That’s also how Wilson feels about the position that brought him to Mobile. Wilson is the Mobile Airport Authority’s commercial business director, a challenge he is very excited about. In fact, he said the challenge of the position was part of its lure. His last position as the division director for real estate management and development for five airports in Miami presented its own challenges. His responsibilities included overseeing the cargo program at the nation’s number one airport for international freight. But through tenant expansion at the various airports and the introduction of greater process efficiencies, his division produced a $30 million increase in revenues during his three-and-a-half-year tenure. The appeal of working in Mobile is the opportunity — the challenge — of being able to work at what Wilson calls “a diamond in the rough.” “Many Mobilians don’t realize that very few airports in the United States have the critical infrastructure of rail access, major port and waterways, along with an interstate nexus all located in close proximity to it” he said.
From a logistical standpoint, the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley stands out in a unique way. You add in the fact that you can land any aircraft in the world at Brookley and, to Wilson, you have a prize economic jewel of immense potential. The opportunity to sell that potential is something he relishes. But just as important, and what really stood out to me when I met him for the first time, is his belief in community and the impact he feels an airport should have on the community. He likewise displayed a passion to help those in the community, particularly those from disadvantaged parts of it. The Baton Rouge native noted he grew up not far from his local airport. When he was a kid he would ride his bike
THE MATCHUP THIS YEAR BETWEEN SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND ALABAMA A&M FEATURES TWO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (HBCUS) WITH LONG AND ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORIES.” down near the runway and watch the planes take off and land. The love of aviation began early. His hard-working educator father, who grew up picking cotton, also managed several successful businesses on the side, one a real estate business. His father put him to work around the age of 12 cleaning up and helping fix up houses, and real estate became a passion as well.
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Wilson said he feels blessed to be able to combine those two passions into what has been a rewarding career. He wants to help impart that same inspiration, desire and drive that was developed in him as a young person to those who have been deprived of the rich exposure to opportunities and experiences he had growing up. Mobile Airport Authority Executive Director Chris Curry, who Wilson says he has known for over a decade through their work in the aviation industry, has always prioritized this as well. He related how Curry, during his tenure leading the Tallahassee International Airport, would travel to Miami and other areas throughout Florida mentoring and working with disadvantaged youth. His connection to and concern for the community was strong. Wilson notes Curry has brought that same spirit to Mobile. He’s brought an energy and vision to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged young people in this area and create inroads of opportunity and exposure for them to the field of aviation — a vision Wilson says he wholeheartedly shares. By the time this column is published, the Mobile Airport Authority will have held what Wilson believes is a first for the organization: a small business outreach and career expo. This, he notes, is a tangible manifestation of the Mobile Airport Authority’s vision and direction. It was conceived as an event the authority can use to help facilitate economic opportunity and development to underutilized businesses in the community, particularly disadvantaged businesses. The goal is to eventually have two per year, one in Mobile and one on the Eastern Shore. Its holistic approach, Wilson says, not only offers small and disadvantaged business owners insight on how to acquire contracts, but also connects them with the prime large businesses in the area with which the authority routinely contracts. The free event also provides these local business owners with banking, insurance and bonding, small business development and other types of assistance and connection. In one location, the authority wants to offer small business owners all the tools they need to be successful. As the outreach to small businesses is taking place, the event also has various tenants of the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley present, offering job seekers the opportunity to gain employment. The aviation field and supporting/connected industries, says Wilson, “is ripe with career/job opportunities.” The career expo component of the event is a way to help the community see that and give locals a way to access those opportunities. “A community’s airport,” states Wilson, “is generally one of the larger economic entities that drives growth and development.” There are challenges that exist, but he believes that through the strategic, purposeful and committed planning and action the Mobile Airport Authority has embarked upon, the jewel that is Brookley will begin to shine in spectacular fashion.
COMMENTARY | THE BELTWAY BEAT
A lottery will pass this time BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST/JEFFREYPOOR@GMAIL.COM
I
t seems just like yesterday. Don Siegelman was elected governor, and it looked like an Alabama lottery would be a foregone conclusion. Siegelman’s only hurdle in establishing a state lottery was actual formal voter approval via referendum. If Siegelman was able to win the governorship, then this would be a nobrainer. Well, not exactly. While many of us were awaiting the Y2K crash and rocking out to Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5” in October 1999, the lottery referendum went down by more than 104,000 votes (8 percent of the overall vote). That “no” vote had some help. Rival gambling interests outside of Alabama saw Siegelman’s lottery push as a threat to their businesses. Casinos in Mississippi relied heavily on Alabamians making the trip across state lines. If Alabama passed a lottery, that would be the first symbolic breach in the dam. Other gaming might proliferate in Alabama. The Choctaw Indian Tribe, with the success of their casinos in Mississippi on the line, employed the likes of now disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff to defeat the lottery.
CONSIDER THIS: THERE ARE VERY FEW DRY COUNTIES REMAINING IN ALABAMA. ALTHOUGH THE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING SENT SHOCKWAVES AROUND THE COUNTRY, MOST PEOPLE HERE SHRUGGED IT OFF. According to his post-imprisonment memoir “Capitol Punishment,” Abramoff looked to his former College Republican National Committee colleague Ralph Reed, the founder of the Christian Coalition, to mobilize the faith community in Alabama to act against the lottery. Reed put a specific focus on organizing African-American churches against the lottery. As history shows, it paid off. Despite electing Siegelman as governor, who ran on the lottery as a major plank in his platform, it suffered a major defeat. You could argue the result of that 1999 lottery vote is one of the reasons for all the weird gambling interest sideshows plaguing Alabama politics. That is, these gambling interests view Alabamians as an untapped customer base. If Alabama had voted for a lottery then, what might have come in the 19 years since? Would there be more casino-style games throughout the state? Who knows, but it wouldn’t be the status quo. Should a lottery come up for a vote again
— and there are rumblings that Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature could be willing to revisit the issue — it would likely take an even more Herculean effort to defeat it this time. The demographics of the state have changed. Notably, there is a larger suburban population. Although it is still a reliably conservative voting bloc, the emphasis suburbanites place on social issues has waned. Consider this: There are very few dry counties remaining in Alabama. Although the same-sex marriage U.S. Supreme Court ruling sent shockwaves around the country, most people here shrugged it off. Twenty years ago, if a candidate for statewide office had spoken openly in favor of abortion, as Doug Jones did in an interview with Chuck Todd in the early phases of the general election campaign, his opponent’s flaws would not have mattered. I suspect attitudes about gambling are in line with those other hot-button social issues. The voters aren’t all-in on state-imposed Biblical guidelines. They’ve determined responsibility and self-reliance are more valuable and are virtues with which the government shouldn’t interfere. That is why a moral argument against a state-run lottery won’t win this time. People will vote for a lottery because, while they may be opposed to gambling (and anything the flawed state government endeavors), they believe people ought to have the ability to make that choice on their own. Without a viable moral argument against a lottery, the only other potential opposition that could gain traction is to question the fiscal responsibility of the governing bodies that want to institute the lottery. The discussion Alabamians and their lawmakers should have isn’t whether or not to have a lottery. It should be what to do with the lottery proceeds once it is in place. Alabama can learn a lot from its neighbors that already have instituted lotteries. It can overcome the beak-wetting processes of instituting the lottery. Now that the Alabama Education Association (AEA) teachers’ union has a diminished role in Alabama politics, less of the money a lottery would generate can go to frivolous things that aren’t necessarily in the best interest of public schooling (but are instead in the interest of the AEA itself). The state probably missed its window for pulling in a lot of revenue for the government with a lottery. A lottery is old hat. No one will be coming from other states to play in Alabama’s lottery. Now it’s about keeping proceeds presently going to coffers in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee at home. The pertinence of the lottery discussion in our politics comes as Alabama’s neighbors to the west in Mississippi are considering a lottery. Given that Mississippi is moving toward a lottery, it seems like only a natural question for candidates in Alabama — and magically, that makes it a campaign issue at the top of the list in an otherwise lackluster cycle.
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BUSINESS | THE REAL DEAL
USA’s CREED reports on midyear real estate progress
T
BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST/BUSINESS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM he University of South Alabama’s Center for Real Estate and Economic Development (CREED) recently rolled out its August 2018 snapshot of the region’s dynamic commercial and residential real estate markets. Performance metrics during the first half of the year were identified and comparisons to activity from the same period in 2017 were compiled. Here are the breakdowns for Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Mobile County, Q1-Q2
Existing single-family home sales declined during the first half of 2018 by 1.7 percent, versus 2017, with 3,073 transactions. However, total sales volume rose 3.0 percent year-over-year to $426.2 million, versus $413.8 million in the first half of 2017. Increased sales volume reflects higher average sales prices for existing single-family homes of $138,700, a 4.7 percent increase. New single-family home sales declined only slightly, falling from 175 units in the first half of 2017 to 171 units this year over the same period. Similarly, total sales volume declined as well — dropping from $38.2 million during the first two quarters of 2017 to $37.7 million in 2018. Even so, despite the sales volume decrease, average sales prices ticked up slightly, rising from $218,286 to $220,468, a 0.92 percent increase. In the first half of 2018, there were 90 condominium sales, just three fewer than in the first half of last year. Nevertheless, total sales volume rose 13.45 percent. Likewise, average unit prices also increased, rising 17.23 percent from $127,957 in 2017 to $150,000 during the first half of 2018. Commercial real estate sales showed impressive gains. The number of transactions in the first two quarters of 2018 was 21.38 percent higher than the same period in 2017. Expectedly, sales volume rose as well, increasing 13.36 percent to $189.2 million.
Baldwin County, Q1-Q2
Existing single-family home sales increased during the first half of 2018 by 5.99 percent compared to 2017. Recorded sales transactions totaled 2,264, generating $361.1 million in total sales volume. However, the average sales price declined slightly during the period, down 1.14 percent versus 2017. New home sales experienced remarkable growth in the first two quarters of 2018, as the number of transactions increased 10.85 percent over the same period last year. As would be expected, total new home sales volume also rose by 17.9 percent to $179.8 million. The numbers point to notable gains in the average sales price of new singlefamily homes, rising 6.37 percent to $262,482. Condominium sales showed gains as well. Although the number of transactions declined 7.49 percent year-overyear, total sales volume increased 4.79 percent to $361.1 million. Average sales prices also showed impressive gains, rising 13.27 percent to $356,466 per unit. Commercial real estate activity resulted in increases in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2017. Although the 182 recorded transactions totaled nine less than during the first half of 2017, total sales volume was up by 11.91 percent. This increase equated to a remarkable 17.45 percent increase in the average commercial real estate sales price. “As always, issues to bear in mind include likely continued interest rate increases, and although less worrisome, there are some signs that inflation is rising faster now than it has for many years. U.S. trade issues remain important to our area,” CREED Director Dr. Reid Cummings said. “Despite any trending negatives, with unemployment remaining low and consumer confidence remaining ex-
16 | L AG N I A P P E | S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8
ceptionally strong, we expect the robust performance in our real estate markets to continue for the remainder of 2018,” he said.
Commercial real estate moves
• A half-acre lot at the entrance to the Jacintoport Industrial Park on Jacintoport Boulevard in Saraland has sold to a local business to be used as office/warehouse space. James Henderson with Bellator Real Estate represented the seller. Paul Henderson, also with Bellator, represented the buyer. • Jay O’Brien with J.L. O’Brien & Associates Inc. reported the sale of 2.46 acres on the corner of Highway 161 and Rose Lane in Orange Beach to an investment group for $350,000. Plans are to develop an office building on the site. • Cummings and Associates recently assumed leasing management duties over the Azalea Office Park complex at 572 to 578 Azalea Road in Mobile on behalf of a local investment group. The property’s footprint collectively encompasses some 32,000 square feet with office space availability ranging from 200 to 3,300 square feet. Leasing inquiries can be directed to Matt Cummings with Cummings and Associates. • Robertsdale-based Purdy Thangz ladies boutique has leased space inside Blakely Square, 6729 Blakeley Forest Blvd. in Spanish Fort. It will occupy 800 square feet next to Rouses grocery and is set to open Oct. 1. This is the second Purdy Thangz location to open locally. Matt Cummings with Cummings and Associates managed the transaction. • D.R. Horton recently closed on 53 lots in Winged Foot subdivision on County Road 64 in Daphne for $2.7 million. Nathan Cox with 68 Ventures and Geoff Lane with Katapult Properties represented the sellers. • Plans are in place for Jackson, Alabama-based Honey Bun Donuts to open up a new 1,200-square-foot confectionery space inside Blakely Square shopping center in Spanish Fort. Matt Cummings with Cummings and Associates managed the transaction. • Yellowhammer Coffee is moving into the former 950-square-foot Foosackly’s eatery space at 3249 Dauphin St. in midtown Mobile. This will be the first brick-and-mortar location for local owner Jeff Roberts, who was previously operating the business from a food truck. • Local investors purchased two acres on Daphne Avenue in the Olde Towne District for $365,000. The investors plan to develop the property for mixed use. Geoff Lane of Katapult Properties represented the buyers. • In an update, Lagniappe Home Store is reportedly moving closer to opening its second location inside the 42,500-square-foot former Ashley Furniture Store at the intersection of Airport and University Boulevard. The locally owned home furnishings store recently hired upward of 12 new employees. A soft opening is planned for late September, with a grand opening in October. Kevin Booker is the owner. Matt Cummings with Cummings and Associates managed the transaction.
CUISINE THE DISH
Blind Mule serves up eye-opening Sunday brunch
THE BLIND MULE 57 N. CLAIBORNE ST. MOBILE 36602 251-694-6853
BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | FATMANSQUEEZE@COMCAST.NET
Photo | Daniel Anderson / Lagniappe
B
runch is a serious Port City event. You may see friends almost come to blows over the subject. Don’t say you’ve not heard the jabs. “This place is great,” may be combated with “Yeah, if you like hot garbage with a side of food poisoning. My favorite brunch is … ” You’ve been there. It’s like competitive restaurant selection. This town can be a bit, shall we say, territorial on Sunday mornin’ comin’ down.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT WAS LAST SUNDAY THAT JARRED MY MEMORY. IT’S BEEN A COUPLE OF YEARS SINCE I DARKENED THE MULE’S DOORSTEP.”
Gone-but-not-forgotten Café 615 was one of the hottest brunches in town and even it had a few detractors. I’m certain the naysayers of all these places have their comments rooted in some opinionated nugget of truth or perspective, but you can bet that in Mobile, Alabama, any place open for brunch for more than a couple of years will have something on its menu that is drawing a crowd. We have restaurant chains with decent brunches. Local faves such as Callaghan’s, The Noble South, Panini Pete’s, Spot of Tea, Southern National and Five Bar (I don’t consider it a chain) are killing it. Even Butch Cassidy’s has recently become a formidable opponent in the competitive world of brunching. I’m not even including the places with breakfast every day, like Bob’s Downtown and the hotel breakfasts. You have plenty of choices, but one oft forgotten (by my family) is one of the best. I’m talking about The Blind Mule. I don’t know what it was last Sunday that jarred my memory. It’s been a couple of years since I darkened The Mule’s doorstep, but when Katie’s parents came to town we felt like showing them to a good brunch, something they don’t regularly find in their hometown of Sandersville. The Free State of Jones is known for many incredible things, but good brunch is not one of them. All six and a half of us piled into two cars, leaving the dogs behind, and made it to The Mule five minutes before
Crawfish bennys, chicken and waffles, french toast and omelets are often on the Sunday Brunch menu at The Blind Mule.
fast potatoes and boudin, some cased and some loose, were the 11 a.m. opening. The parking lot was almost full and folks drizzled with a bit of hollandaise. I loved the boudin but it were lined up at the door. Good sign. In a couple of minutes was no match for Mother Carol’s Crawfish Bennys ($12). we sat in the sunny courtyard with an umbrella providing alThis is The Mule’s nod to eggs Benedict. The English muffin most enough shade and a bustling crowd of people around us. is topped with fried green tomatoes, a fried egg and delicious The boys had orange juice while the rest of us had water. crawfish and Conecuh cream sauce. My one bite was savory Katie’s father, Henry, a true gentleman if ever there were, and creamy. It’s a good signature dish. broke the ice by ordering a bloody mary. That opened the door You’re probably starving right now reading this, but we for me to have a beer. Katie and her mother, Carol, behaved aren’t done. I had the best Corned Beef Hash ($12) in the as our Southern belles and abstained in case Henry and I got city. A huge serving of thick chopped corned beef with the out of hand, but we had no such luck in ordering a second. The potatoes had me glued to my seat. My food was too good. eyes didn’t wander to the other plates too My 13-year-old, Lucas, ordered a dish much as they usually do. A little Tabasco called The Hangover ($11) despite having sauce perfected this nearly flawless dish. a good night’s rest after an early evening. After a long walk that morning, this bowl A pancake made with Conecuh sausage in of protein and carbs was exactly what I the batter was topped with an over-medium I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE needed, and now I don’t know if I can eat egg and a side of bacon. His first experience corned beef hash without drinking a beer with a hangover was great. He’s going to be CROWD, THE SPEED OF again. It’s almost as good as morning beer disappointed when he encounters the real and raw oysters. thing. THE KITCHEN AND THE Let’s talk about service. There were Graham wanted Chicken and Pancakes EXPERTISE OF THE SERtwo waitresses serving this courtyard as ($11). Dill-brined chicken (something I well as inside. Pun intended, they had often do at home) was served with chipotle VICE. TEAMWORK MADE IT their hands full. I was impressed by the honey sauce over a short stack. I should crowd, the speed of the kitchen and the have asked for no sauce or the chicken on SEAMLESS expertise of the service. Teamwork made the side, because it was a little overbearing it seamless and I saw nothing but smiling for the little guy, but I scraped the sauce off faces in the seats. and he took down the pancakes with syrup I won’t be forgetting this brunch anyas the rest of the table shared his chicken. time soon. If you’re a brunch junkie and Remember when Shrimp and Grits have yet to check them out, it looks as if the main rush is when ($10 half order) made its way to almost every restaurant in the doors open. I could be wrong. At any rate, the service Mobile? The Blind Mule was one of the first in this city to seems fast enough that tables can turn quickly. nurture the dish’s popularity. Mr. Henry Davis had to take I know, I know, you have your favorites, too, and I’m sure them for a spin. Bell peppers, onions and, of course, Conecuh to have forgotten a quality brunch spot. You will definitely let accompanied the shrimp. It’s their special sauce that makes me hear about it. But today is all about The Blind Mule. them so good. His only complaint was that he didn’t get the full order for $5 more. His daughter celebrated her maiden voyage to The Blind Mule with the Cajun Breakfast ($12). Two eggs with breakS e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 17
EUGENE’S MONKEY BAR ($)
5602 Old Shell Rd. • 219-7086 920 Industrial Pkwy • Saraland • 378-5314
FATHOMS LOUNGE
MONTEGO’S ($-$$)
15 N Conception St. • 378-9377
SMALL PLATES AND CREATIVE COCKTAILS 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000
FLOUR GIRLS BAKERY ($)
FRESH CARIBBEAN-STYLE FOOD & CRAFT BEER 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 225 Dauphin St. • 375-1576
FIREHOUSE SUBS ($)
809 Hillcrest Rd. • 634-2285 $10/PERSON • $$ 10-25/PERSON • $$$ OVER 25/PERSON
COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE ALL SPORTS BAR & GRILL ($) 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. • 345-9338
AL’S HOTDOGS ($)
CLASSIC HOTDOGS, GYROS & MILKSHAKES 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243
ATLANTA BREAD COMPANY ($-$$) SANDWICHES, SALADS & MORE. 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444
BAKE MY DAY ($)
OLD-FASHIONED SOUTHERN BAKE SHOP 156 N. McGregor Ave. • 219-7261
BOB’S DINER ($)
GOOD OLD AMERICAN COOKING 263 St. Francis St. • 405-1497
BIG WHITE WINGS ($)
405 S Wilson Ave. • Prichard• 301-7880
BRICK & SPOON ($)
3662 Airport Blvd. Suite A • 378-8378
CAFE 219 ($)
SALADS, SANDWICHES & POTATO SALAD 219 Conti St. • 438-5234
CAMELLIA CAFÉ ($-$$$)
CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN FARE 61 Section St. • Fairhope • 928-4321
CAMMIE’S OLD DUTCH ($) MOBILE’S CLASSIC ICE CREAM SPOT 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710
HOT SUBS, COLD SALADS & CATERING 3694 Airport Blvd • 342-2352 5300-C Halls Mill Rd • 660-0995 3075 Government Blvd B105 • 461-6080 6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730 6890 US-90 #6 • Daphne • 625-8723 9912 Dimitrios Blvd • Daphne • 626-7827 113 S Greeno Rd • Fairhope • 990-3970
FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES ($) BURGERS, MILKSHAKES & FRIES 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2394 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 5319 Hwy 90 • 661-0071 1225 Satchel Page Dr.• 378-8768 6860 US-90 • Daphne • 626-4278
FOOSACKLY’S ($)
FAMOUS CHICKEN FINGERS 29181 US Hwy 98 • Daphne • 375-1104 7843 Moffett Rd. • 607-6196 1109 Shelton Beach Rd. • 287-1423 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000
FOY SUPERFOODS ($) 119 Dauphin St.• 307-8997
GULF COAST EXPLOREUM CAFE ($) HOMEMADE SOUPS & SANDWICHES 65 Government St. • 208-6815
HOOTERS ($)
CARPE DIEM ($)
3869 Airport Blvd. • 345-9544 5470 Inn Rd. • 661-9117 28975 US 98 • Daphne • 625-3910
CLARK’S KITCHEN ($-$$)
MIND-BLOWING ISLAND FOOD 3700 Gov’t Blvd. • 602-1973
DELI FOODS, PASTRIES & SPECIALTY DRINKS 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 CATERING 5817 Old Shell Rd. • 622-0869
CLEAN EATZ ($)
7335 Airport Blvd. • 654-1575
CHICK-FIL-A ($)
12 N Royal St • 415-1700 107 St. Francis St. • 415-1700 3244 Dauphin St. • 476-0320 3215 Bel Air Mall • 476-8361 4707 Airport Blvd. • 461-9933 435 Schillinger Rd. • 639-1163 1682 US HWY 98 • Daphne • 621-3215 30500 AL 181 • Spanish Fort • 621-3020
CHICKEN SALAD CHICK ($)
CHICKEN SALAD, SALAD & SOUP 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • 660-0501 5753 Old Shell Rd. • 408-3236 1802 US Hwy 98 Suite F• 625-1092
CHI-TOWN DAWGZ ($) CHICAGO STYLE EATERY 1222 Hillcrest Rd. • 461-6599
DAUPHIN ST. CAFE ($)
HOT LUNCH, DAILY MENU (INSIDE VIA) 1717 Dauphin St. • 470-5231
D’ MICHAEL’S ($)
PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS, GYROS & MORE 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653-2979
D NU SPOT ($)
JAMAICAN VIBE ($) JERSEY MIKE’S ($)
AUTHENTIC SUB SANDWICHES 29660 AL-181 • Daphne • 626-3161 3151 Daupin St• 525-9917 7449 Airport Blvd. • 375-1820
JIMMY JOHN’S ($)
SANDWICHES, CATERING & DELIVERY TOO 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 9 Du Rhu Dr. • 340-8694 62 S Royal St. • 432-0360
JOE CAIN CAFÉ ($)
SLAP YOUR MAMA GOOD HOME COOKING 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262
BREAKFAST, HOT LUNCH & GREAT DESSERTS 23 Upham St. • 473-6115
MARY’S SOUTHERN COOKING ($)
CLASSIC BURGERS, HOTDOGS & SETTING 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872
DUNKIN DONUTS ($)
DONUTS, COFFEE & SANDWICHES 5701 Old Shell Rd Ste 100 • 442-4846 29160 US Hwy 98 • Daphne •621-2228
E WING HOUSE ($)
1956 S University Blvd. Suite H • 662-1829
OVEN-BAKED SANDWICHES & MORE 1335 Satchel Page Dr. Suite C. • 287-7356 7440 Airport Blvd. • 633-0096 Eastern Shore Center • Spanish Fort • 625-6544
GREAT SANDWICHES, COFFEE & MORE 1087 Downtowner Blvd. • 643-1611 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232
MICHELI’S CAFE ($)
6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917
MCSHARRY’S ($-$$)
AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB 101 N. Bancroft St.• 990-5100
MOMMA GOLDBERG’S DELI ($) SANDWICHES & MOMMA’S LOVE 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500
18 | L AG N I A P P E | S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8
THE SUNFLOWER CAFE ($)
HIGH QUALITY FOOD & DRINKS 251 Government St • 432-8000
THYME BY THE BAY ($-$$)
HIGH QUALITY FOOD WITH A VIEW 107 St. Francis St/RSA Building • 444-0200
O’DALYS HOLE IN THE WALL ($) 562 Dauphin St.• 725-6429
PANINI PETE’S ($)
ORIGINAL SANDWICH AND BAKE SHOP 42 ½ Section St. • Fairhope • 929-0122 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031
PAT’S DOWNTOWN GRILL ($) BAR FOOD 271 Dauphin St • 438-9585
POLLMAN’S BAKERY ($)
BAKERY, SANDWICHES & MORE 750 S. Broad St. • 438-1511 4464 Old Shell Rd. • 342-8546 107 St. Francis St. Suite 102 • 438-2261
PUNTA CLARA KITCHEN ($)
MEDITERRANEAN SANDWICH COMPANY ($)
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE ($)
LAUNCH ($-$$)
DUMBWAITER ($$-$$$) 9 Du Rhu Dr. Suite 201 167 Dauphin St. • 445-3802
GREAT FOOD AND COCKTAILS 609 Dauphin St. • 308-3105
LIGHT LUNCH WITH SOUTHERN FLAIR. 226 Dauphin St. • 433-1689
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN FOOD 351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890
GREAT SMOOTHIES, WRAPS & SANDWICHES. 9 Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 7450 Airport Blvd. A • 634-3454 570 Schillinger Rd. • 634-3454 29740 Urgent Care Dr.• 626-1160
HIGH QUALITY FOOD & DRINKS 251 Government St. • 432-8000
WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS ($) COFFEE AND DONUTS 759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope • 928-7223
WILD WING STATION ($)
1500 Government St. • 287-1526
THE WINDMILL MARKET ($)
85 N. Bancroft St. • Fairhope • 990.8883
YAK THE KATHMANDU KITCHEN ($-$$)
334 Fairhope Ave • Fairhope • 928-2399
‘CUE
SANDWICHES, SUBS & SOUPS 2056 Gov’t St. • 476-2777
MOBILE’S OLDEST MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE 4715 Airport Blvd/Regency Square • 304-1155
GREAT MEDITERRANEAN FOOD. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 460-9191
FUDGE, PRALINES & MORE 17111 Scenic Hwy 98 • Fairhope • 928-8477
REGINA’S KITCHEN ($-$$)
JERUSALEM CAFE ($-$$)
KITCHEN ON GEORGE ($-$$)
AMERICAN RESTAURANT & BAR 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890
AUTHENTIC FOODS FROM HIMALAYAN REGION 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 400 Eastern Shore Center • Fairhope •990-6192
R BISTRO ($-$$)
4861 Bit & Spur Rd. • 340-6464
THREE GEORGES CANDY SHOP ($)
DOWN-HOME COUNTRY COOKIN 7351 Theodore Dawes Rd. • 654-0228
NOURISH CAFE ($)
HEALTHY WHOLE FOODS & MORE 101 N Water St. (Moorer YMCA)• 458-8572
ABBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE ($-$$)
FIVE ($$)
TIME TO EAT CAFE ($) TP CROCKMIERS ($)
7070 Bruns Drive• 776-6570
7 SPICE ($-$$)
GREAT & QUICK. 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 3702 Airport Blvd. • 308-2131 6890 US-90 • Daphne • 621-2271 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161
33 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-5635
NEXUS CINEMA DINING ($$)
BACKYARD CAFE & BBQ ($) HOME COOKIN’ LIKE MOMMA MADE 3211 Moffett Rd • 473-4739
MAGHEE’S GRILL ON THE HILL ($-$$)
MINT HOOKAH BISTRO ($)
OLLIE’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ($-$$) MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT & HOOKAH 1248 Hillcrest St • 634-9820
TAZIKI’S ($-$$)
GREAT LUNCH & DINNER 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700
MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 9 Du Rhu Dr Suite 300 • 378-2678 1539 US HWY 98•Daphne • 273-3337
LOCAL INGREDIENTS 203 Dauphin St. • 690-6824
FAR EASTERN FARE
NOBLE SOUTH ($$) NOJA ($$-$$$)
INVENTIVE & VERY FRESH CUISINE 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377
ANG BAHAY KUBO ($$)
4513 Old Shell Rd. D• 473-0007
AROY THAI ($$)
OSMAN’S RESTAURANT ($$)
966 Government St.• 408-9001
ROYAL SCAM ($$)
TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WITH HIBACHI GRILLS 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383
SUPREME EUROPEAN CUISINE 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006
BAMBOO STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ($$)
GUMBO, ANGUS BEEF & BAR 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226)
BANGKOK THAI ($-$$)
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ($$$) EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & TASTE 2058 Airport Blvd • 476-0516
DELICIOUS, TRADITIONAL THAI CUISINE 28600 US 98 • Daphne • 626-5286 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995
ROLY POLY ($)
BAR-B-QUING WITH MY HONEY ($$)
SAGE RESTAURANT ($$)
BANZAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($$)
ROSHELL’S CAFE ($)
BAY BARBECUE ($)
SOUTHERN NATIONAL ($$-$$$)
BENJAS ($)
ROYAL KNIGHT ($)
COTTON STATE BBQ ($)
WRAPS & SALADS 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480
BBQ, BURGERS, WINGS & SEAFOOD 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 829-9227
2904 Springhill Ave. • 479-4614
THE TASTE OF MOBILE 59 N Florida St. • 408-9997
LUNCH & DINNER 3004 Gov’t Blvd. • 287-1220
JUDY’S PLACE ($-$$)
MARS HILL CAFE ($)
DEW DROP INN ($)
NEWK’S EXPRESS CAFE ($)
COFFEE, SMOOTHIES, LUNCH & BEERS. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575
MAMA’S ($)
THE PIGEON HOLE ($)
DAUPHIN’S ($$-$$$)
SATORI COFFEEHOUSE ($)
PUB FOOD AND DRAFT BEERS 251 Dauphin St. • 287-6871
113 Dauphin St.• 436-0989
320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center •Fairhope • 929-0055 3055 A Dauphin St. • 479-3200
A VARIETY COMFORT F00D. BREAKFAST ALL DAY. 6882 US-90 • Daphne • (251) 621-3749
LODA BIER GARTEN ($)
HEALTHY, DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN FOOD. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177
SEAFOOD AND SUSHI 551 Dauphin St.• 219-7051
MUFFINS, COFFEE & WRAPS 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855
MOSTLY MUFFINS ($)
JUBILEE DINER ($-$$)
3915 Gov’t Blvd. • 219-7922 3226 Dauphin St. • 471-2590
THE HARBERDASHER ($)
CHUCK’S FISH ($$)
107 St Francis St #115 • RSA Bank Trust Building
BAKERY 5638 Three Notch Rd.• 219-6379
LICKIN’ GOOD DONUTS ($)
FALAFEL? TRY SOME HUMMUS
CLASSIC STEAKHOUSE + FRESH FISH 17107 Tennis Club Dr. • Fairhope • 517-7700
CORNER 251 ($-$$)
SALLY’S PIECE-A-CAKE ($)
HOME COOKING 4054 Government Blvd. • 665-4547
CHAR 32 ($$$)
OPEN FOR LUNCH, INSIDE GULFQUEST 155 S. Water St • 436-8901
SOUTHERN COOKING & THEN SOME 1716 Main St. • Daphne • 222-4120
PIZZAS, SANDWICHES, COCKTAILS 26 N. Royal St. • 338-4334
2159 Halls Mill Rd. . • 648-6522
DELISH BAKERY AND EATERY ($)
MOON PIE GENERAL STORE ($)
THE GALLEY ($)
SERDA’S COFFEEHOUSE ($)
COFFEE, LUNCHES, LIVE MUSIC & GELATO 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 1539 US-98 • Daphne • 517-3963
SIMPLY SWEET ($)
CUPCAKE BOUTIQUE 6207 Cottage Hill Rd. Suite B • 665-3003
STEVIE’S KITCHEN ($)
SANDWICHES, SOUPS, SALADS & MORE 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. • 287-2793
DOWNTOWN LUNCH 101 N. Conception St. • 545-4682
DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT ($-$$)
BBQ AND MORE 6882 US-90 G2/Jubilee Square •Daphne• 210-2151 1390 W D6 Tingle Circle East/McGowin Park• 471-1050 7721 Airport Blvd. E100/Westwood Plaza • 380-8957
THE BLIND MULE ($)
DAILY SPECIALS MADE FROM SCRATCH 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853
TAMARA’S DOWNTOWN ($$)
960 Schillinger Rd. S • 660-4470
SEAFOOD, ASIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE 69 St. Michael St • 375-1113
CHARM THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI BAR ($-$$)
CASUAL FINE DINING 104 N. Section St. • Fairhope • 929-2219
CHINA DOLL SEAFOOD RESTAURANT($)
THE TRELLIS ROOM ($$$)
CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN CUISINE Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493
3966 Airport Blvd.• 343-5530
CHEF 181 ($)
MEAT BOSS ($)
THAI FARE AND SUSHI 2000 Airport Blvd. • 478-9888
MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE ($)
WINE, BEER, GOURMET FOODS, & MORE. 720 Schillinger Rd. S. Unit 8 • 287-1851
5401 Cottage Hill Rd. • 591-4842
BARBEQUE & MUSIC 4672 Airport Blvd. • 410-6377 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 3385 Schillinger Rd N #1 • 410-7428 6423 Bayfront Park Dr. • Daphne • 625-7427
SAUCY Q BARBQUE ($)
TRADITIONAL TEXAS BARBEQUE 212.5 Fairhope Ave. • 270-7250
SPECIALTY GROCER/DELI 650 St. Louis St. • 251-308-8488
THAI & SUSHI 5369 US-90 • 661-5100
A LITTLE VINO
RIBS, SANDWICHES & GREAT SIDES 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898
SUNSET POINTE ($-$$)
THE CHEESE COTTAGE ($$)
VON’S BISTRO ($-$$)
ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT 10179 Eastern Shore D • Spanish Fort • 621-2104
SUGAR RUSH DONUT CO. ($) AT FLY CREEK 831 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-7766
360 Dauphin St • 308-2387
TRADITIONAL SUSHI & LUNCH. 312 Schillinger Rd./Ambassador Plaza• 633-9077
THE WASH HOUSE ($$)
DREAMLAND BBQ ($)
AWARD-WINNING BARBQUE 1111 Gov’t Blvd. • 433-7427
4701 Airport Blvd. • 408-3379
INSIDE THE MOBILE MARRIOTT 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400
TEXARBAMA BBQ($)
DROP DEAD GOURMET BAY GOURMET ($$)
A PREMIER CATERER & COOKING CLASSES 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051
BRIQUETTES STEAKHOUSE ($-$$) GRILLED STEAKS, CHICKEN & SEAFOOD 312 Schillinger Rd • 607-7200 901 Montlimar Dr • 408-3133
17111 Scenic HWY 98 • Point Clear • 928-4838
DOMKE MARKET
FOOD PAK INTERNATIONAL FOODS FOOD, WINE & MORE 5150 Old Shell Rd. • 341-1497
FUJI SAN ($)
HALAL CUISINE OF INDIA ($$) LUNCH BUFFET 3674 Airport Blvd. • 341-6171
HIBACHI 1 ($-$$)
2370 Hillcrest Rd.• 380-6062
POUR BABY
ICHIBAN ($)
FIREHOUSE WINE BAR & SHOP
KAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($-$$)
WINE BAR, CRAFT BEERS & BISTRO 6808 Airport Blvd. • 343-3555 216 St Francis St. • 421-2022
RED OR WHITE
JAPANESE & CHINESE CUISINE 3959 Cottage Hill Rd • 666-6266 QUALITY FOOD, EXCELLENT SERVICE 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454
323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494
LIQUID SUSHI LOUNGE ($$)
LIVE MUSIC, MARTINIS & DINNER MENU. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000
RICE ASIAN GRILL & SUSHI BAR ($)
ROYAL STREET TAVERN SOUTHERN NAPA
BISTRO PLATES, CRAFT BEERS & PANTRY 2304 Main St. • 375-2800
AMAZING SUSHI & ASSORTMENT OF ROLLS. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 3964 Government Blvd. • 378-8083
ROCK N ROLL SUSHI ($$) 273 S. McGregor Ave • 287-0445 6345 Airport Blvd. • 287-0555
940 Industrial Pkwy • 308-2158 6850 US HWY 98 • Daphne • 753-4367 2601 S McKenzie St •Foley • 943-4648
SHO GUN ($$)
JAPANESE ENTREES, SUSHI & HIBACHI TABLES 7038 Airport Blvd • 304-0021
SIAM THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BAR ($$) 915 Hillcrest Rd. Suite C • 380-9111
STIX ($$)
10240 Eastern Shore Blvd • 621-9088
ISLAND WING CO ($)
CAJUN KITCHEN & SEAFOOD MARKET 2005 Government St. • 478-9897
OFF THE HOOK MARINA & GRILL ($) CAJUN INSPIRED/FRESH SEAFOOD & MORE 621 N Craft Hwy • Chickasaw • 422-3412
RALPH & KACOO’S ($-$$) R&R SEAFOOD ($-$$)
TASTE OF THAI ($$)
SEAFOOD, BURGERS & STEAKS 6120 Marina Dr. • Dog River • 443-7318
TEAK HOUSE
THE GRAND MARINER ($-$$)
1703 US-98 • Daphne • 625-8680
LOCAL SEAFOOD & PRODUCE 6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-7540
JAPANESE CUISINE 3654 Airport Blvd • 725-6078
UNIQUE SEAFOOD 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000
WASABI SUSHI ($$)
FROM THE DEPTHS BAUDEAN’S ($$)
FRIED, GRILLED, STEAMED & ALWAYS FRESH 3300 River Rd. • 973-9070
THE BLUEGILL ($-$$)
A HISTORIC SEAFOOD DIVE W/ LIVE MUSIC 3775 Battleship Pkwy • 625-1998
BONEFISH GRILL ($$)
ECLECTIC DINING & SPACE 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196
BOUDREAUX’S CAJUN GRILL ($-$$) QUALITY CAJUN & NEW ORLEANS CUISINE 29249 US Highway 98 Daphne. • 621-1991
CRAVIN CAJUN/ MUDBUGS DIP SEAFOOD ($)
PO-BOYS, SALADS & SEAFOOD 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287-1168 • 479-0123
ED’S SEAFOOD SHED ($$)
FRIED SEAFOOD SERVED IN HEFTY PORTIONS 3382 Battleship Pkwy • 625-1947
FELIX’S FISH CAMP ($$) UPSCALE DINING WITH A VIEW 1530 Battleship Pkwy • 626-6710
FISHERMAN’S LEGACY ($) DELI, MARKET AND CATERING. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2200
HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE ($) 30500 AL-181 • Spanish Fort • 206-8768 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350
LULU’S ($$)
LIVE MUSIC & GREAT SEAFOOD 200 E. 25th Ave. • Gulf Shores • 967-5858
MUDBUGS AT THE LOOP ($)
OLD 27 GRILL ($)
LUCKY IRISH PUB ($)
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES 312 Fairhope Ave. • Fairhope • 990-5535
BURGERS, DOGS & 27 BEERS & WINES. 19992 Alabama 181 • Fairhope• 281-2663
THE HARBOR ROOM ($-$$) THE SEAFOOD HOUSE ($-$$)
WINGS, BURGERS & OTHER AMERICAN CHOW 104 N Section St • Fairhope • 929-2219
TIN TOP RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ($$)
WINGS, TENDERS, HOTDOGS & SANDWICHES 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877
SEAFOOD, STEAKS, & EXTENSIVE WINE LIST 6232 Bon Secour Hwy • 949-5086
WINTZELL’S OYSTER HOUSE ($-$$) FRESH SEAFOOD FOR OVER 75 YEARS 805 S Mobile St • Fairhope • 929-2322 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 1208 Shelton Beach Rd. • Saraland • 442-3335
IS THE GAME ON?
ASHLAND MIDTOWN PUB ($-$$)
TAMARA’S DOWNTOWN ($) WEMOS ($)
MAMA MIA!
BUCK’S PIZZA ($$)
DELIVERY 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444
BUSTER’S BRICK OVEN ($-$$)
GUIDO’S RESTAURANT ($$)
3958 Snow Rd C. • Semmes • 645-3400
MARCO’S PIZZA ($)
CALLAGHAN’S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB ($) BURGERS & BEER 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374
HEROES SPORTS BAR & GRILLE ($) SANDWICHES & COLD BEER 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376 36 Hillcrest Rd • 341-9464
HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS ($-$$)
WINGS, SEAFOOD, BURGERS & BEER 7721 Airport Blvd. Suite E-180 • 639-6832 25755 Perdido Beach Blvd •Orange Beach • 981-3041
WORD OF MOUTH
Texas de Brazil comes to Shoppes at Bel Air
We may have lost Grimaldi’s Pizzeria at the Shoppes at Bel Air, but the new Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse opened there this past week. The all-you-caneat grilled meat hotspot is the third in the state, after locations in Huntsville and Birmingham, and is located between P.F. Chang’s and Bob Baumhower’s Victory Grille. Gauchos bring meat on ninja-like swords to your table and shave slices for you until you throw in the towel. The 6,500-squarefoot dining room seats 194 guests and includes a salad area and lounge. An open grill kitchen lets you get a peek at the action and an award-winning wine cellar should keep you well lubricated.
FRESH CUISINE NIGHTLY ON MENU 1709 Main St. • Daphne • 626-6082
SEMMES HOUSE OF PIZZA ($)
FAMOUS BURGERS, SANDWICHES & WINGS 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690
PIZZA, PASTA, SALAD & MORE 102 N. Section St. •Fairhope• 929-2525
PIZZERIA DELFINA ($) PIZZA & PASTA 107 Dauphin St. • 375-1644
ROMA CAFE ($-$$)
PASTA, SALAD AND SANDWICHES 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217
TRATTORIA PIZZA & ITALIAN ($$)
ITALIAN FOOD & PIZZAS 11311 US HIghway 31 • Spanish Fort• 375-0076
VIA EMILIA ($$)
HOMEMADE PASTAS & PIZZAS MADE DAILY 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677
TASTE OF MEXICO 5452 US-90 • 661-5509
WINGS, BURGERS & PUB GRUB 3206 Joe Treadwell Dr • 378-2444 6880 US-90/Jubilee Square • Daphne • 625-4695
BUTCH CASSIDY’S ($)
RAVENITE ($)
GREAT PIZZA. OPEN 4PM DAILY 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 342-0024
CORTLANDT’S PIZZA PUB ($-$$)
ITALIAN, STEAKS & SEAFOOD 18 Laurel Ave. • Fairhope • 990-0995
BEST WINGS & SPORTING EVENTS 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955
PINZONE’S ITALIAN VILLAGE ($$)
OLÉ MI AMIGO!
GAMBINO’S ITALIAN GRILL ($)
BUFFALO WILD WINGS ($)
PAPA’S PLACE ($$)
1715 Main St. (Next to Manci’s) Daphne. • 264-2520
PIZZAS, PASTAS, & CALZONES 2453 Old Shell Rd • 479-3278
BAUMHOWER’S ($)
PAPA MURPHY’S
A TASTE OF ITALY. BYOB. 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999
IRISH PUB FARE & MORE 1108 Shelton Beach Rd •Saraland • 473-0757 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000
751 Azalea Rd. • 301-7964
PIZZA, SUBS & PASTA 1368 Navco Rd.• 479-0066
MUG SHOTS ($$)
BAR & GRILL 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514
RIVER SHACK ($-$$)
NAVCO PIZZA ($$)
TAKE ‘N’ BAKE PIZZA 3992 Government • 287-2345 7820 Moffett Rd. • Semmes • 586-8473 2370 Hillcrest Rd • 661-4003 3764 Airport Blvd • 338-9903 705 Highway 43 • Saraland •308-2929 27955 US 98 • Daphne • 621-8666
1715 Main St. • 375-0543
BRILLIANT REUBENS & FISH-N-CHIPS. 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100
LAID-BACK EATERY & FISH MARKET 1477 Battleship Pkwy. • 621-8366
9091 US-90 • Irvington • 957-1414
MANCIS ($)
MCSHARRY’S IRISH PUB ($)
THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1595 Battleship Pkwy. • 626-0045
SUSHI 9 THAI & JAPANESE ($$) 720 Schillinger Rd • 607-7073
EVERYTHING BAKED OR GRILLED 2617 Dauphin St. • 476-9464 3947 AL-59 Suite 100 • Gulf Shores • 970-1337
5055 Cottage Hill Rd. • 308-4888 2394 Dawes Rr. • 639-3535 2004 US 98 • Daphne • 625-6550
MELLOW MUSHROOM ($)
PIES & AWESOME BEER SELECTION 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 2409 Schillinger Rd S • 525-8431 29698 Frederick Blvd.• Daphne • 621-3911 2303 S McKenzie St •Foley • 970-1414
MIRKO ($$)
PASTA & MORE 9 Du Rhu Dr. • 340-6611
“We are incredibly pleased by our continued growth in the Alabama market and are excited to introduce the churrasco dining experience to Mobile locals and visitors alike,” says Salim Asrawi, the company’s chief operating officer. “This opening on the Gulf Coast arrives just one month before Texas de Brazil’s 20-year anniversary and we are thrilled to join this community as we expand our family of restaurants.” Dinner costs $40.99 per adult and begins with a visit to the expansive salad area. Flip your two-sided disc from red to green to begin receiving cuts of Brazilian picanha (sirloin), filet mignon, lamb chops, Parmesan-crusted pork loin, bacon-wrapped chicken and more. Flip it to red if you need to take a break. If you’re colorblind, I’d suggest bringing a buddy.
AZTECAS ($-$$)
CAFÉ DEL RIO ($-$$)
MOUTH WATERING MEXICAN FOOD 1175 Battleship Pkwy • 625-2722
DAUPHIN ST. TAQUERIA ($)
830 W I65 Service Rd. S • 378-5837 4663 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553
LOS ARCOS ($)
QUAINT MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484
IP CASINO:
850 Bayview Ave. Bilox • 888-946-2847
THIRTY-TWO ($$$) SEAFOOD, STEAKS, WINE
MARIA BONITA AGAVE BAR & GRILL ($-$$)
TIEN ($-$$)
MAYA LUNA ($-$$)
ISLAND VIEW:
POOR MEXICAN ($)
BEACH BLVD STEAMER ($) CARTER GREEN STEAKHOUSE ($$-$$$)
MEXICAN CUISINE 3977 Gov’t Blvd. • 660-4970
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT 4523 St. Stephens Rd. • 725-0627 30500 AL-181 • Spanish Fort • 621-7433
ROOSTER’S ($)
LATIN AMERICAN FOOD 211 Dauphin St. • 375-1076
TAQUERIA CANCUN ($)
3172 International Dr. • 476-9967
TAQUERIA MEXICO ($-$$) AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FLAVOR 3733 Airport Blvd. • 414-4496
NO GAMBLING CASINO FARE BEAU RIVAGE:
875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 888-952-2582
BR PRIME ($$-$$$)
INTERACTIVE ASIAN DINING
HIGH TIDE CAFÉ ($)
CASUAL & RELAXING, EXTENSIVE MENU
3300 W. Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 877-774-8439
RICH TRADITIONS, STEAK, SEAFOOD
C&G GRILLE ($)
LARGE BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER MENU
PALACE CASINO:
158 Howard Ave. Biloxi • 800-725-2239
MIGNON’S ($$$)
STEAKS, SEAFOOD, FINE WINE
PLACE BUFFET ($-$$) INTERACTIVE ASIAN DINING
STACKED GRILL ($-$$)
BURGERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
TREASURE BAY:
1980 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 800-747-2839
FINE DINING ESTABLISHMENT.
THE DEN ($-$$)
AMAZING ARRAY OF MOUTH-WATERING FOOD.
CQ ($$-$$$)
LOCAL SEAFOOD AND 40+ BEERS
BLU ($)
EXOTIC CUISINE AND SUSHI
STALLA ($$)
WIND CREEK CASINO:
TERRACE CAFE ($)
FIRE ($$-$$$)
THE BUFFET ($-$$)
COAST SEAFOOD & BREW ($-$$) JIA ($-$$)
ITALIAN COOKING
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, LATE NIGHT
INTIMATE & CASUAL WITH DAILY SPECIALS ELEGANT ATMOSPHERE & TANTALIZING ENTREES LOUNGE WITH COCKTAILS & TAPAS MENU
303 Poarch Rd. Atmore • 866-946-3360 PRIME STEAKS, SEAFOOD & WINE
GRILL ($)
ENCHILADAS, TACOS, & AUTHENTIC FARE Ok Bicycle Shop • 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453
HARD ROCK CASINO:
29669 Alabama 181 • Spanish Fort • (251) 625-3300
HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE ($-$$) HARD ROCK CAFÉ ($)
763 Holcombe Ave • 473-0413
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ($$$)
CHEF WENDY’S BAKING ($-$$)
SATISFACTION ($-$$)
UNDER THE OAK CAFE ($-$$)
DON CARLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT ($) EL MARIACHI ($) EL PAPI ($-$$)
615 Dauphin St • 308-2655
FUEGO ($-$$)
OUTSTANDING MEXICAN CUISINE 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8619
FUZZY’S TACO SHOP ($) 5713 Old Shell Rd.• 338-9697
HACIENDA SAN MIGUEL ($-$$) TASTE OF MEXICO 880 Schillinger Rd. S. • 633-6122 5805 US 90 • 653-9163
LA COCINA ($)
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 800 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-0783
777 Beach Blvd.Biloxi • 877-877-6256
AMERICAN FARE & ROCKIN’ MEMORABILIA EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & TASTE SOUTHERN FAVORITES BUFFET
HARRAH’S GULF COAST:
280 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 288-436-2946
MAGNOLIA HOUSE ($$-$$$) FINE DINING, SEAFOOD AND STEAKS
FLAVORS BUFFET ($-$$) ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
THE BLIND TIGER ($-$$)
quality food and simple unique cocktails
The restaurant is open for dinner daily at 5 p.m. weeknights and 4 p.m. on weekends. Happy hour is 4:30-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch service is coming soon.
Dunkin’ Donuts opens Springhill Avenue location
I remember Yankee friends waxing nostalgic about Dunkin’ Donuts from their homelands. For years the donut chain avoided the Gulf Coast, more specifically Mobile, but now we are staring at our third Dunkin’ Donuts location, at 1753 Springhill Ave. Social media was abuzz with pics of children cramming rings of dough covered in chocolate and sprinkles into their mouths, while mom and dad admitted they’d done the same when no one was looking. The newest donut hole is at Springhill
CONTEMPORARY & OLD-FASHIONED FAVORITES
SCARLET PEARL:
9380 Central Avenue D’Iberville • 800-266-5772 MADE-TO-ORDER FESTIVE TREATS AND SPECIALTY CAKES. CLASSIC ALL-AMERICAN CASUAL CUISINE WITH OVER 100 OPTIONS.
WATERFRONT BUFFET ($$-$$$) SOUPS, SALADS, FRESH SEAFOOD, AND MORE
CHOPSTX NOODLE BAR ($-$$)
VIETNAMESE SANDWICHES, PHO, AND APPETIZERS.
SCARLET’S STEAKS & SEAFOOD ($$$) SAVORY STEAKS AND SEAFOOD
BUTLER’S BAR & LOUNGE ($$) EXTRAORDINARY DRINK MENU, COCKTAILS
near Infirmary Boulevard, joining Old Shell Road and Schillinger in doing the work of the gods. Coffee junkies are already chiming in that their morning destinations have changed.
Container Park underway in Spanish Fort
It’s the building of the future. A container park is underway in the Spanish Fort Town Center near Bass Pro Shop, where nine shipping containers will be transformed into restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Mayor Mike McMillan says the family-friendly park will also have a stage for live music as well as an area where you can walk around with alcohol. We will keep you posted on the progress. Recycle!
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COVER STORY
New federal courthouse opens after years of planning BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER
A
fter nearly two decades of planning, retooling and searching for funding, downtown Mobile is home to the newest federal courthouse in the United States, the centerpiece of what will soon be a $117 million stateof-the-art judicial complex. Directly north of the existing John Archibald Campbell Courthouse, the five-story, 155,000-square-foot building takes up the entire block at the corner of St. Louis and St. Joseph streets. It will house the courts of the Southern District of Alabama and other federal agencies. While the new building officially opened for business in July, a ceremonial grand opening will be held on Friday, Sept. 7, and feature dignitaries from all levels of government. “The new federal courthouse in downtown Mobile is one of the finest facilities in the entire country and a key piece to the revitalization of our downtown,” U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Mobile) said. “I appreciate the work of all those who helped make the project a reality — especially Sen. Richard Shelby.” “The opening of the new federal courthouse is a historic moment for the city of Mobile and the Southern District of Alabama,” Shelby said. “This facility is the product of many years of hard work and will continue the ongoing renaissance in downtown Mobile. It is my hope that the decisions made in this new building will uphold the rule of law, the Constitution, and the values upon which our nation was founded.” However, the courthouse construction is only the midway point of a larger federal project being completed in two phases. Now, with the Campbell courthouse vacated, a multimilliondollar renovation of the 80-year-old facility is already underway. Those renovations will cost around $18 million and are expected to be completed by April 2020. When all is said and done, the renovated facility will house federal bankruptcy courts, probation offices, appeals offices and U.S. congressional offices. Currently, the bankruptcy court and federal probation staff
rent space on St. Louis Street in downtown Mobile, which costs taxpayers nearly $1 million per year — a cost that will be eliminated once the renovations at Campbell are complete. Aside from the potential savings, the courthouse project was sought for years because of upgrades the Campbell courthouse needed in the areas of security, technology and public access. Clerk of Court Chuck Diard told Lagniappe that once its renovation is completed, “the entire project will incorporate many court and federal functions into two more modern and secure buildings.”
What’s old is new again
Photo | Daniel Anderson / Lagniappe
Project Manager Amy Rice has been part of the team building out these facilities for years. She told Lagniappe last fall the new courthouse was designed to prioritize safety as well as public convenience while staying true to the aesthetic of Mobile’s historic downtown. However, that wasn’t always the case. Original plans for the new courthouse, which were prepared by the Boston architectural firm Safdie Architects in 2002, laid out a larger and more modern design that would have taken up two city blocks in the same area. If constructed as initially planned, the building would have featured a massive glass portico Rice said would have likely clashed with some of the older architectural styles in Mobile’s downtown. The earlier design also failed to gain the congressional funding needed for its construction. “It was on the list and just never got funded, but it really wasn’t what the judges wanted in terms of a design, either,” Rice said. “I just don’t think it would have fit well in Mobile.” After the project was scaled down, though, funding to construct the new courthouse and renovate the existing facility materialized in two separate appropriations from Congress totaling $119 million. While initial costs were estimated at $89 million, Diard said the total wound up being closer to $101 million because of modifications approved by the General Services Administration (GSA). Even though the cost of that particular part of the project increased, Diard noted the entire effort is still within budget. One reduction to the overall cost of the project was the decision to scale down the size of the new building and instead renovate the existing courthouse. Rice said that idea actually grew from a suggestion made by Presiding U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose. “It just completely makes sense, and honestly, I think this should be used as a model going forward,” Rice said. “We planned to keep some things from [the existing] building, like our ceremonial courtroom, and we’ll also have senior judges’ chambers there for future growth, and those were all reductions in price and space.” Diard said the same thing, noting DuBose was very engaged with keeping costs in check. Scrapping the original plans gave developers a second chance at building a courthouse that would fit the city’s architectural themes and take advantage of a unique opportunity to create a multiblock judicial square along St. Louis Street. To get the ball rolling, Rice said the GSA, which oversees federal land acquisition and construction projects and actually owns the courthouse complex, brought all five of the contractors that planned to submit a design for the project to Mobile before any contracts were awarded. Rice said representatives from the city of Mobile’s Historic Development Commission worked with potential construction contractors to bring them up to speed The new federal courthouse in Mobile, along with
renovations to the 84-year-old John Campbell Courthouse next door, were funded with $127 million in appropriations from Congress.
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on architecture and design seen throughout Mobile historically. The group was also taken on a historical tour of De Tonti Square to get a feel for the area. Consequently, the façade of the sprawling building is made of Alabama limestone cut from the very same quarry in Russellville that produced the limestone for Campbell courthouse 80 years before. Rice said architects found the name of the quarry while reviewing the original designs ahead of the planned renovation. “We were really excited when we found out it was still open and producing stone,” Rice said. “That was another nice complement to make this sort of a judiciary square here. That’s what we were trying to accomplish, and the aesthetic will be a closer match once the limestone dries out on the new building.” While court staff and federal officials had some input on the final product, Rice said GSA tried something new when it came to selecting the building design. Instead of awarding separate contracts to construction and architectural firms, GSA opted for a “design-build format.” In other words, the government purchased a complete package from the beginning, and while it left little wiggle room once construction began, Rice said construction was able to move much faster because there weren’t plans to develop or any subsequent bids to receive, evaluate and award. In April 2015, the multimillion-dollar contract was awarded to a team led by Biloxi-based Yates Construction, which employed the work of the architectural firms Hartman-Cox and AECOM. After little more than three years, GSA opened the new courthouse on July 16, 2018. Today, the new courthouse has six courtrooms — three for magistrate judges and three for district judges. The district courtrooms each have dedicated workspaces for clerks and court reporters, and galleries that can seat up to 80 people. Magistrate courtrooms are a bit smaller but contain the exact same features, which Rice says was intentionally done so judges could transition between courtrooms more easily.
Security, public access
Mostly because of its age, working in the Campbell courthouse has presented some logistical challenges for court staff and U.S. Marshals and can cause some headaches for jurors and members of the public. Rice said one of the main goals during development of the new courthouse was to make “a better experience for people coming to the courts.” She said they tried to do that by creating a small space for visitors to walk into before they’re screened through security and by improving interior navigation inside of the building. “Often when you first come into a courthouse you get hit by security right when you come in the front door, but this building has a glass wall right when you walk in that kind of forces people over to security, which is tucked into the side as you come back into the lobby,” she said. “We insisted there be a space where people can get in out of the rain and the heat before they get screened. We also wanted it to be easier to find your way around, so each floor is kind of laid out the same so you don’t get lost in this maze.” When speaking with Lagniappe last week, Diard also noted everything about the new courthouse is or will be compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which was enacted more than 50 years after construction began at the Campbell courthouse. While access was a key component, the bigger concerns that needed addressing were security and technology. Rice said the layout in Campbell had, at times, led to defendants winding up in the same areas as judges or members of the public. That will no longer be the case, she said.
COVER STORY
Photo | Daniel Anderson / Lagniappe
Each courtroom features infrared video and sound systems, teleconferencing capabilities, secure computer networks, atomic clocks and conference rooms. Galleries can hold as many as 80 spectators. “A lot of the prisoner movement is going to be vastly improved. Court employees basically won’t see another prisoner, ever, unless it’s in the courtroom,” Rice said. “They’ll be brought in from a sally port and into their own elevator system that goes straight up to the holding cells on the [U.S.] Marshall’s floor in between each courtroom.” The segregated areas that move prisoners through the new courthouse also include detention-grade ceilings, glazed block walls and ventilation ducts that have periodic barricades of steel bars in case a defendant were to somehow attempt an escape. In addition to internal security, the exterior of the courthouse is also built to withstand Category 5 strength hurricane force winds, and most localized flooding shouldn’t be a problem, either, considering federal regulations require new construction projects to address stormwater management “to the maximum extent technically feasible.” “One of the benefits of having Yates as our contractor is that they also do a lot of business here in this region of the Gulf Coast,” Rice said of the Biloxi-based construction firm. “They understand the weather, the humidity, floods and hurricanes, and that has been a big plus for us, too.” While the Campbell courthouse had been retrofitted over time to account for newer technologies, there will be a big difference in what’s available in the new facility. According to Diard, each courtroom will be equipped with infrared video and sound systems, teleconferencing capabilities, secure computer networks, atomic clocks and conference rooms that can be used by attorneys and judges as well as defendants and their representation. Two-way video streaming will also be available between each courtroom and its two holding cells. Another benefit of building a courthouse from the ground up is having the ability to logistically plan how people will move throughout the building. That was a particular challenge at times in the Campbell courthouse, which often led to problems. Aside from prisoners parking by the judges, Rice said members of grand juries would often have to walk through public corridors to a courtroom to give their verdict to judges. In the new courthouse, though, judges are able to access the grand jury room and come to them. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be so you’re not exposing [the grand jury],” Rice added. Several smaller amenities were also added to improve the experience for those serving on juries. Some of those are as simple as having a window in deliberation areas, which Campbell lacked. There are also kitchenette areas and bathrooms so jurors won’t have to traverse the public corridors. Rice said one judge even jokingly told her they would “never get a jury to make a decision” with all of the additions in the new courthouse. However, she added that those small details really go a long way when you’re tucked in a room deliberating a case for hours. “The difference in what we’re getting and what they’ve [had] is just incredible,” Rice added. So far, the new courthouse has no formal name because the naming of any federal building requires action from Congress. The John Archibald Campbell Courthouse was named for the former Alabama House representative. Campbell was later appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Franklin Pierce. Though Campbell died in 1889, his name wasn’t affixed to the courthouse in Mobile until the 1980s. S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 23
ART ARTIFICE
Symphony hits high note with Renée Fleming BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR/KLEE@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
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ere’s a new one for my résumé: I caused Renée Fleming to burst into elated song. Fleming is the world’s most famous full lyric soprano, a four-time Grammy-winning artist who sang at the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial, the 2014 Super Bowl, the White House, a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Why did she warble for li’l ol’ me? I noted she and Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Music Director Scott Speck were in Germany as Fulbright Scholars at the same time. The 59-year-old Fleming told me Speck’s photo didn’t look old enough for him to have been there when she was. “Well, if I had to approximate your age, I’d guess you looked to be in your early 40s,” I offered. “Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I’ve found thee,” Fleming rapturously serenaded in playful adoration. The rich voice that poured from my phone was unmistakable. Fleming will reunite with her old Fulbright colleague on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. onstage at the Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.) when she joins MSO for a gala performance. She will be the seventh National Medal of Arts recipient to perform in Mobile’s most elegant hall. Two of the others — Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma — also performed with MSO. The soprano might be the most versatile of the aforementioned prestigious pack. A titan of the classical world, Fleming’s recordings also span jazz and pop. Her Broadway run in “Carousel” ended Sept. 2, an experience she called “wonderful.” “The discipline of the doing the same thing, eight times a week, was really an interesting challenge,” Fleming said.
Southern comedy premiere at MTG
“Getting to know the kind of young performer that inhabits the world of Broadway was extremely fascinating.” She confessed there was little of opera’s vocal pressure thanks to electronic amplification. Her indulgence in classics of the American songbook like “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — the latter a number she performed at the 9/11 Concert for America — was a treat. “This is Rodgers and Hammerstein. This music was premiered and sung for a long time by people who were trained just like [opera singers],” Fleming said. One of the best benefits of the Broadway stint? Being in familiar surroundings since January.
THE FREEDOM, THE PHRASING, ABSOLUTELY THE PHRASING, IT’S JUST A LOT OF INFLUENCE. I THINK IT’S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MADE ME UNIQUE. IT DISTINGUISHED ME.” “It’s the first time in my adult life I’ve been home that long. It was absolutely incredible to sleep in my same bed so many nights a week,” Fleming said. In addition to music by Richard Strauss, Fleming will bring a bit of the Great White Way to Mobile’s grandest venue when she runs through numbers from a trio of Rodgers and Hammerstein works and “Light in the Piazza.”
Terri Grodsky arrived in Mobile in 1971 and quickly became an active participant in its cultural milieu. She not only raised her children here but served in numerous community and civic organizations. Grodsky served as director of Mobile’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for more than 30 years. She was also a tireless champion for Mobile Chamber Music, not only serving as its president for 14 years but carving out endless hours for organizing mailers, delivering posters, even baking her noted lemon squares for events. When Grodsky passed away suddenly in November 2017, it left a void in the hearts of the hundreds she touched. Mobile Chamber Music will begin a foundation and a memorial concert in her name that will debut with the 2018-19 season. Its aim is to secure the future of chamber music in our community. The performing guests for the opener will be the Argus Quartet, winners of the prestigious Concert Artist Guild
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Competition. From 2015 to 2017, they were the Fellowship Quartet in Residence at Yale University, served as the Ernst Stiefel Quartet in Residence at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in 2016-17 and are the current Graduate Quartet in Residence at the Juilliard School. The foursome of two violins, viola and cello just made their Lincoln Center recital debut at Alice Tully Hall in May 2018. The Argus Quartet has performed at numerous festivals including the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the Birdfoot Festival, the Cello Biënnale Amsterdam and Music Academy of the West. The program includes Haydn’s Opus 33, No. 1; Janáček’s “Intimate Letters”; Ted Hearne’s “For David Lang”; Chris Theofanidis’ “Visions and Miracles”; and Juri Seo’s “Respiri.” The concert takes place Sunday, Sept. 16, 3 p.m., at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on the University of South Alabama campus. Tickets are $20, $10 for students. For more information, visit mobilechambermusic.org.
ARTSGALLERY
Director/producer/playwright/actor Del Shores has penned some hilarious deep-fried comedy, loaded with the wackiness common below the Mason-Dixon Line. “Sordid Lives,” “Daddy’s Dyin’: Who’s Got the Will” and “Southern Baptist Sissies” earned him shelves of theatrical awards. Now Shores will premiere his new work, “Six Characters in Search of a Play,” in a unique one-night-only opportunity Sunday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. at Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N. Lafayette St.). Shores will be on hand with characters such as a Magic Mike-loving Georgia redneck, a porn-obsessed, insane former drama teacher and a monkey-hating lesbian with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A meet-and-greet with Shores follows, available for an additional $5 that will go toward aiding MTG. Tickets cost $20, on sale now and moving fast. For more information, call 251-433-7513 or visit mobiletheatreguild.org.
Chamber Music debuts Grodsky memorial
There’s also a smattering of her film soundtrack work, one hitting screens just days before the Mobile show. “I’ve just had a really extraordinary year to be in ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘Three Billboards (Outside Ebbing, Missouri)’ and now ‘Bel Canto,’ which comes out Sept. 7,” Fleming said. It’s the same day her new Broadway album debuts. The “Shape of Water” number “You’ll Never Know” fully reveals Fleming’s deep love for jazz. Its smokiness illustrates the chops that wowed Illinois Jacquet when he offered a college-aged Fleming a big-band gig. She declined in favor of an academic track. So what about jazz does the Sarah Vaughan fan carry to opera? “The freedom, the phrasing, absolutely the phrasing, it’s just a lot of influence. I think it’s one of the things that made me unique. It distinguished me,” Fleming said. She readily cites jazz artists — pianist Brad Mehldau and vocalist Kurt Elling — as musical accompaniment on her regular Hudson River bicycle rides. The hour-long routine allows her to unwind and reload between shows. No naps needed. “I get to go out on the river and enjoy the closest thing to nature in New York. It’s right there,” Fleming said. So what about growing prognostications that opera is on its way out? New York City Opera has flirted with extinction. Sales at The Met have flagged. “Same is true for sports. People aren’t going out, they’re not buying tickets. I do think it’s an issue for any kind of live performance or any kind of live event,” Fleming said. The Mobile playlist sports some fervent Weber to match the reverie of Fleming’s Strauss. There’s also a bit of Bernstein in honor of Lenny’s 100th birthday. The program will sweep wide through truly world-class music, both in mood and style. Tickets cost $30 to $125 and are available by phone at 251-432-2010, online at mobilesymphony.org or at the MSO box office (257 Dauphin St.).
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MUSIC
BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
FEATURE
Road trippin’, tent pitchin’, string pickin’ BAND: PINEY WOODS PICNIC DATE: SEPT. 13-16 VENUE: ELKS LAKE MUSIC PARK, 53 LOMAS ROAD (HATTIESBURG), WWW.PWP2018.COM TICKETS: $10-$35 FOR DAY PASSES (VIP AND CAMPING OPTIONS AVAILABLE), AVAILABLE THROUGH FESTIVAL WEBSITE. FREE FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER.
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Photo | Chad Edwards / MCE Photography
he nation’s music festival season is slowly winding down, except along the Gulf Coast. The region’s subtropical climate gives festivalgoers a few more weekends to enjoy live music in a natural setting. Those looking for a festival experience close to Mobile should look no farther than the Piney Woods Picnic in Hattiesburg. For the past five years, this weekend music festival/campout has used an impressive regional lineup, a family atmosphere and a philanthropic mission to pull enthusiastic crowds. Ultimately, the Piney Woods Picnic is built upon a two-pillar foundation of music and the environment. Grayson Capps will be traveling from the Mobile Bay area to perform for the Piney Woods crowd. The festival grounds will also echo with the Big Easy guitar talents of Mike Doussan. Hill Country legend Kenny Brown will charm the audience with his hypnotic work on the fretboard. Iconic Mississippi singer-songwriter Cary Hudson (featuring Katrina) is also scheduled to perform. The lineup also includes performances from South Jones, Young Valley, Eulogy (featuring Mark Mann), PineBelt Pickers, Cloud Wars, Mississippi Shakedown, The Piney Woods Picnic is a four-day celebration of American music with camping options to The Icemen, Ben Steadman & the Easy Getdowns, Wild Frames, Scott Chism & the raise awareness of the Pascagoula River Basin. Better Half, Thomas Jackson Orchestra, Royal Horses, Midnight Revel, Sugarmouth, Soundwagon, Ponch Bueller & the Loaded Bake Potatoes, Little Detroit, Wes Lee, Joe keep it that way by generating funds for philanthropic environmental group The Nature Conservancy. Johnson, Gator Fight, Jay Stevens, Katie & Doc Paterson, Phil Graves, Pianoman Jack and “It’s gotten to the point where everything has been dammed or altered by man except for the The Carbon Brothers. Pascagoula,” said White. “We support that. We love kayaking and canoeing the Leaf and Bouie and its The Piney Woods Picnic is a dream realized, shared by co-founders Tom White and Cary tributaries. We wanted to raise awareness of that fact and keep them the way they are and the benefits Hudson. White brought Hudson his vision for a music festival and Hudson, coincidentally, they offer with eco-tourism and the environment.” was having the same vision. Hudson had even been in search of a festival venue. After disMaintaining this annual event has not always been easy. White says the main challenge is spreadcussing their ideas, the two began working together to bring the Piney Woods Picnic to life. “I made my suggestions and we were both on the same page, with the branding and every- ing the word about the festival, especially its environmental aspect. Putting the festival together also comes with the usual complications a major event brings. As the festival draws closer, White says, thing,” said White. “So, it was a perfect fit.” headaches and anxiety can be expected but he finds relief in the communal bond established with As far as the musical aspect of the festival, White and Hudson felt the musical history of Hattiesburg and the surrounding area was “a story that hadn’t been told.” The two found their repeat visitors to the festival and their continued enjoyment of the event. “It’s like a family reunion each year with music, and there’s kids’ activities and arts and crafts,” muse in the form of writer/musicologist Robert Palmer. says White. “We talk about joining the Piney Woods Picnic Family. It’s a great music festival. It’s In “The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll,” Palmer credited the Missismodeled after Willie Nelson’s Family Picnic and the Hill Country Picnic.” sippi Jook Band’s activity around Hattiesburg during the early 20th century as the spark that Those familiar with the Piney Woods Picnic will note the festival’s growth. This year, this festival kindled the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. has added a second stage that will feature regional and national acts, giving the festival its biggest Before adding to the Texas rock scene in Austin, Omar Dykes (Omar & the Howlers) lineup yet. The Piney Woods Picnic also has created new ways to raise money for The Nature Consercalled Hattiesburg home. Trombonist Tom “Bones” Malone blew his brassy sounds around vancy, including the addition of a dunking booth. the town before becoming a member of The Blues Brothers Band. Singer-songwriter Webb As far as advice for newcomers, White suggests they arrive on Thursday night and get the full Wilder also wandered the streets of Hattiesburg before relocating to Nashville. White says the Piney Woods Picnic experience. For those who can’t make the Thursday night lineup, White encourPiney Woods Picnic is a chance to show South Mississippi is still rich with music while payages festivalgoers to arrive on Friday and camp out through Sunday, which will feature gospel music ing tribute to its vast sonic legacy. and a breakfast/brunch. With children under 12 admitted free, he also encourages festivalgoers to make “We want to point out that story and what’s happened since then with our music in this this a family event. area,” White explained. “All of it has a rock ‘n’ roll/Americana feel to it.” By the end of the weekend, White hopes festivalgoers will understand what he anticipates with each In addition to paying homage to the region’s music, White says the Piney Woods Picnic is installment of the Piney Woods Picnic. a chance to showcase a unique ecological feature in the area. He hopes the festival will bring “I’m looking forward to seeing folks that I only see once a year,” said White. “I’m looking forward more attention to the features and benefits of the Bouie and Leaf rivers, which flow into the to getting the word out about the river and letting them know what we’re trying to do. We want to keep Pascagoula River. As a part of the Pascagoula River Basin, the Bouie and Leaf rivers are included in the larg- it pristine with no development. Also, we want to encourage people to utilize it and have fun on it and est unobstructed waterway in the continental United States. The Piney Woods Picnic hopes to kayak and canoe and check it out.”
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MUSIC BRIEFS
Horn section
BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
Band: Blackwater Brass Date: Friday, Sept. 7, 7 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: Call 251-433-9374.
Photo | Facebook | Blackwater Brass
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hrough repeat performances at Callaghan’s and SouthSounds Music Festival, Ocean Springs’ Blackwater Brass has used its raucous, electrifying brand of music to gather a dedicated following in the Azalea City. According to bassist/vocalist Corey Christie, the birth of this festive collection of brass enthusiasts was truly organic. Christie and drummer Gary Cooper conceived the band and from there began to add members through social connections and open mics. Christie says they even recruited their trumpet player after seeing him warming up on a sidewalk. Once a lineup was in place, the group began honing its sound. “They were just fun jams, really,” Christie said. “We’d get together and work some old tunes and write something here and there in Gary’s bedroom. We were just having fun and getting some music out.” When the band started performing live, Christie says, the positive reactions of audiences pushed them forward. Since those early days, Blackwater Brass has continued to pioneer its sound across the Southeast. The group even brought its sound to the streets of the Big Easy for a Mardi Gras trek with the Jefferson City Buzzards, the oldest marching club in New Orleans. “They loved it, and they’ve already invited us back to do it again next year,” Christie said. “I’ve always been wary of going over there, because I thought New Orleans was saturated with it [brass bands]. I guess we’re different enough to have a place.” Before making the trip to the OGD, Blackwater Brass will enter the studio to lay down tracks for its next album, due out early next year.
Significant other
Band: Boyfriend Date: Friday, Sept. 7, with doors at 9 p.m. Venue: The Merry Widow, 51 S. Conception St., www.themerrywidow.net Tickets: $12, available on The Merry Widow website
The Azalea City needs to prepare for another visit from one of the most powerful divas on the Southeastern music scene. Boyfriend’s mix of hip-hop, pop and female empowerment has earned her a dedicated following across the nation. This Crescent City powerhouse accents her music with an epic live show that has evolved into an elaborate cabaret-style production filled with costumes and choreography. The crowd should expect no mercy from Boyfriend’s verbal cunning. Her raunchy socio-enlightenment is her most powerful weapon. While she has maintained her lyrical ideologies, Boyfriend’s performance at SouthSounds 2018 showcased a new aspect of her musical prowess. The release of the EP “Next” found her delving more into the pop side of her sound, with terrific results. Boyfriend’s latest single, “Toast,” is her continued exploration of the world of indie pop, a skillful conglomeration of dance beats and insightful lyricism that maintains an intricate verbal flow.
Into the wild
Band: Wintervals Date: Friday, Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m. Venue: Big Beach Brewing Co., 300 E. 24th Ave. (Gulf Shores), www.bigbeachbrewing.com Tickets: Free
With the madness of summer out of the way, the people of Gulf Shores are enjoying a little break before the snowbirds blow into town. Many locals are taking a break at Big Beach Brewing, particularly given this establishment’s music offerings. This weekend, Big Beach will bring the sounds of Wintervals to its outdoor stage. Wintervals will bring a dose of indie country from western North Carolina. This duo’s light, mountain-fueled sound is reminiscent of She & Him, except with a streak of insight from the smoky honky-tonk world. Wintervals is promoting its down-home sound through its EP release “Wilderness.” This foursong effort skirts a fine line between indie and mainstream country, allowing the band to pull listeners from all walks. Throughout “Wilderness,” Wintervals fills each track with a mix of emotional, musical poetry filled with bright poignancy, even when the mood should be somber.
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AREAMUSIC LISTINGS | September 5 - September 11 Please send upcoming music to listings@ lagniappemobile.com by MONDAY before Wednesday’s paper.
WED. SEPT 5
Bluegill— Matt Neese Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Ryan Balthrop, 6p Brickyard— Chad Davidson Band Callaghans— Phil & Foster Felix’s— 3 Bean Soup Flora-Bama— Neil Dover, 2p / Mel Knapp, 5p // Rhonda Hart Duo, 6p /// Shea White, 8p //// Justin Jeansonne Duo, 10:15p Listening Room— Daniel Champagne LuLu’s— Adam Holt, 5p
THURS. SEPT 6
Bluegill— Shelby Brown Blues Tavern— Johnny Barbato Duo Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— David Chastang, 6p Brickyard— YellowHammer Callaghans— Phil & Foster Cortlandt’s Pizza Pub— Marcus Elizondo, 8p Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Flora-Bama— Mike Diamond, 2p / Trevor Finlay, 5p // Dueling Pianos, 5:30p /// Mark Sherrill, 6p //// Brittany Grimes, 7p ///// JoJo Pres, 10p ////// Trevor Finlay, 10:15p LuLu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 5p Manci’s— Red Clay Strays Duo
Flora-Bama— J Hawkins Duo, 1p / Mike Diamond, 2p // Mason Henderson, 5p /// The Jack Robertson Show, 5:30 //// Drew Ellis Duo, 6p ///// Mel Knapp, 6p ////// Tim Roberts Duo, 6p //////// Drew Ellis and the Rowdy Gentlemen, 10p //////// Smokey Otis Trio, 10:15p ///////// Mario Mena Band, 10:30p Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Supercharger, 9p IP Casino (Studio A)— The Commodores, 8p Manci’s— Adam Holt Moe’s BBQ (Daphne) — Milltown, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — John and Stain, 6:30p Moe’s BBQ (Semmes) — Stephen Sylvester, 6:30p Saenger— Black Jacket Symphony presents AC/ DC’s ‘Back in Black’ Soul Kitchen— The Cadillac Three, Black Stone Cherry Waves DI— Retrobution, 8p
SAT. SEPT 8
Blind Mule— Amazing Energy + Evil Engines + Frontman + The Afterthoughts Bluegill— Stephen Sylvester, 12p / Journey 2 Mars, 6p Blues Tavern— Doobious Brickyard— Honey Island Swamp Band Cortlandt’s Pizza Pub— Bryant Gilley, 8p Dauphin Street Blues Co— Sunny Vaiden Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Flora-Bama— Drew FRI. SEPT 7 Big Beach Brewing— Ellis and the Rowdy Gentlemen, 1p / Kyle Wintervals, 6:30p Brady, 1p // Lea Anne Bluegill— Brent Loper 12p / The Lucky Doggs, 6p Creswell Duo, 2p /// Tailgate in the Tent, 2p Blues Tavern— //// Mike Diamond, 5p Johnny No ///// The Jack Robertson Boudreaux’s Cajun Show, 5:30p ////// Al and Grill— Blind Dog Mike Cathy, 6p /////// Bruce & The Howlers, 6p Smelley Duo, 6p //////// Brickyard— Winston Foxy Iguanas, 10p ///////// Ramble Bruce Smelley Duo, Callaghans— 10:15p ////////// Red Clay Blackwater Brass Strays, 10:30p Felix’s— Bust 30 | L AG N I A P P E | S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8
Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Supercharger, 9p IP Casino (Studio A)— The Marshall Tucker Band, 8p Listening Room— Madison Grace w/Gene Murrell and David Shivers, 8p LuLu’s— Lee Yankie, 5p Manci’s— Eric Erdman Waves DI— Memorys, 8p Wind Creek Casino— Sammy Kershaw, 9p Zebra Club— The Sideliners
SUN. SEPT 9
Bluegill— Brent Loper, 12p / U.S. Band, 6p Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Matt Neese, 6p Brickyard— Jake Burford Callaghans— Andrew Duhon Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora-Bama— Smokey Otis Duo, 12p / Mike Diamond, 1p // Songs of Rusty, 1:30p /// Al and Cathy, 2p //// JoJo Pres, 5:30p ///// Perdido Brothers, 6p ////// Ja’ Rhythm, 10p /////// Mel Knapp, 10:15p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores)— Lisa Christian, 2p
MON. SEPT 10
Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Brad Lawley, 6p Felix’s— Bryant Gilley Flora-Bama— Gove Scrivenor, 2p / Open Mic w/ Cathy Pace, 6p // Shea White, 8p /// Petty and Pace, 10:15p LuLu’s— Brent Burns, 5p
TUES. SEPT 11
Bluegill— Ty Taylor Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Ryan Balthrop, 6p Butch Cassidy’s— Chris Powell Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora-Bama— T-Bone Montgomery, 2p / Perdido Brothers, 6p // Mel Knapp, 8p /// Jonathan Newton, 10:15p LuLu’s— Lefty Collins, 5p
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In a bittersweet September mood
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FILMTHE REEL WORLD
BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC/AFREY@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
AREA
THEATERS AMC MOBILE 16 785 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL (251)639-1748 CRESCENT THEATER 208 Dauphin St Mobile, AL (251) 438-2005 REGAL MOBILE STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel Paige Drive Mobile, AL (844) 462-7342
he end of summer has a distinct mood and that bittersweet vibe never leaves you, even when you’re an adult and, tragically, not on a schedule with a summer vacation. Even though we have months of warm weather and months until a new year, is there any season that really makes you feel the passage of time more than this one? I have been thinking about films that capture this pleasantly sad frame of mind. Summer’s pleasures are no doubt heightened by their fleeting nature, and summer romance even more so. “Call Me By Your Name” must be one of the most memorable onscreen summer romances, and the end of the film’s romance is as important as its simmering beginning. Teenaged Elio and Oliver, his father’s graduate student assistant, were never meant to last, for a variety of reasons, but their short-lived relationship leads Elio’s father to deliver a lengthy meditation on not just their relationship, but on the transitory nature of, well, pretty much everything. This film is celebrated for its sumptuous cinematography, frank sensuality,
peaches, short shorts and the father’s incredible monologue, delivered by Michael Stuhlbarg, which is deeply moving and full of personal and universal revelations. “Call Me By Your Name” is an instant summer classic, but also ends as each year ends, with winter. Elio’s emotions quietly spill over in the film’s beautiful final moments, capping off Timothee Chalamet’s rightly celebrated performance. The likable coming-of-age comedy “The Way, Way Back” also features summer as a stand-in for childhood, and fall as a metaphor for growing up. The main character, a teenage boy named Duncan, even works at that most seasonal entity of all, a water park. Here, the awkward boy who is struggling under the thumb of his mom’s overbearing boyfriend makes friends, gains confidence and meets an appealing father figure in his childish boss, Sam Rockwell. “American Graffiti” is a film that was already about nostalgia when it was made, and is now 45 years old. Since nostalgia is the unofficial emotion of fall, this film fits the bill for capturing our bittersweet September mood. On the
last night of summer vacation in 1962, teenagers drive around town in a variety of memorable cars, thinking about what growing up means to their lives as they are now. Since it’s September, change is in the air and “American Graffiti” captures that perfectly. It was actually a TV show, not a movie, that put me in this whole September mind frame. The incomparable cartoon “Gravity Falls” takes place over a single summer and conflates the end of summer with the end, not just of childhood, but of the entire world. The 12-year-old twins, who have spent a summer in the Pacific Northwest solving mysteries with their great-uncle Stan, unleash an apocalyptic menace on the universe as we know it, rather than turn 13 and leave Gravity Falls. Let me take this opportunity to advise you to check out “Gravity Falls” if you have kids and desire a show that will entertain you as well, as this witty and exciting Disney cartoon is like “The X-Files” for kids. Or it was, I should say, since, in keeping with our theme, this gem was short-lived … just like summer.
AMC JUBILEE Square 12 6898 Highway 90 Daphne, AL (251) 626-5766 NEXUS CINEMA DINING 7070 Bruns Dr. Mobile, AL (251) 776-6570 AMC CLASSIC WHARF 23151 Wharf Lane Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-4444 COBB PINNACLE 14 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores (251) 923-0785 EASTERN SHORE PREMIERE CINEMA 14 30500 State Hwy 181 Spanish Fort, AL (251) 626-0352 Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes.
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Photos | Fox Searchlight / Magnolia Pictures
From left: “The Way, Way Back” is a great late summer film about shy 14-year-old Duncan, who goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend and her boyfriend’s daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park. In “Support the Girls,” the general manager at a roadside ‘’sports bar with curves” has her incurable optimism and faith — in her girls, her customers and herself — tested over the course of a long, strange day.
NEW THIS WEEK
SUPPORT THE GIRLS
Lisa (Regina Hall) is the general manager of Double Whammies, a sports bar that features skimpily dressed waitresses. Always nurturing and protective of her staff, she soon faces one trying day that tests her optimism at every turn. Crescent Theater
SEARCHING
After David Kim’s (John Cho) 16-year-old daughter goes missing, he decides to search the one place no one has looked, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever. AMC Mobile 16
THE NUN
When a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Together, they uncover the order’s unholy secret (it’s a demonic nun!). All listed multiplex theaters.
PEPPERMINT
Riley North (Jennifer Garner) awakens from a coma after her husband and daughter are killed in a brutal attack on the family. When the system frustratingly shields the murderers from justice, Riley sets out to transform herself from citizen to urban guerilla. Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Nexus Cinema Dining
NOW PLAYING
VISHWAROOPAM 2 Regal Mobile Stadium 18 OPERATION FINALE THE MEG All listed multiplex theaters, Nexus AMC Mobile 16, AMC Classic Jubilee Cinema Dining. Square 12, Nexus Cinema Dining SLENDER MAN THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO A-X-L AGAIN All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. THE LITTLE MERMAID CHRISTOPHER ROBIN AMC Mobile 16 All listed multiplex theaters. BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN THE DARKEST MINDS AMC Mobile 16 All listed multiplex theaters. BLACKKKLANSMAN THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME Regal Mobile 18, Cobb Pinnacle 14, AMC All listed multiplex theaters. Mobile 16 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT CRAZY RICH ASIANS All listed multiplex theaters, Nexus Nexus Cinema Dining, Crescent Theater, Cinema Dining. all listed multiplex theaters. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: SUMALPHA MER VACATION All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. ANT-MAN AND THE WASP MILE 22 All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18 JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN EIGHTH GRADE KINGDOM AMC Mobile 16 All listed multiplex theaters. DOG DAYS INCREDIBLES 2 All listed multiplex theaters.
All listed multiplex theaters.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
DISCOVER MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHIC SCAVENGER HUNT EMBRACE YOUR INNER SHERLOCK HOLMES AND BECOME A “PHOTOGRAPHIC SCAVENGER HUNTER” ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 7, AT MID-TOWNE WORKS WHEN THE AIDS ALABAMA SOUTH TEAM HOSTS A HUGE SCAVENGER HUNT AND GALA TO SUPPORT VITAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT BENEFIT WOMEN, CHILDREN AND MEN IN THEIR BATTLES WITH HIV/AIDS IN SOUTHWEST ALABAMA. FIRST OF A THREE PART SERIES OF EVENTS. VISIT AIDSALABAMASOUTH.ORG.
GENERAL INTEREST Mobile Harbor public meeting Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District will host an open house public meeting regarding the proposed Mobile Harbor project Thursday, Sept. 6, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St. in downtown Mobile. For more information on the project, visit www.sam. usace.army.mil/. Rise for Climate Mobile Bay Join The People’s Climate Movement in Bienville Square Saturday, Sept. 8, 2-5 p.m. Speakers will address special topics related to climate change: sea level rise; tropical diseases; climate justice; threat of coal ash; and waterfront properties and insurance rates. Exhibitors will feature their organizations and support for commonsense climate change solutions in the Mobile Bay coastal community. Visit riseforclimatemobilebay.org. Loxley library open house The newly renovated Loxley Public Library will host an open house on Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can sign up for a library card at no cost, tour the new library and see books, audiobooks and movies available for check out. Free and open to the public. Call 251-970-4010. “Making Alabama” A display of 200 years of Alabama
history will be presented by the Alabama Humanities Foundation Sept. 8-29 at the Toulminville Branch of the Mobile Public Library. Visit MakingAlabama.org. “Sweet Home Alabama — A Little Black Girl’s Perspective” Join us at the Toulminville Branch of the public library Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. as Monie Broadus shares perspectives of growing up in Mobile during the 1960s through 1990s. Call 251-208-7097. Delta adventure cruise This two-hour excursion on Saturday, Sept. 8, departing 9:30 a.m., showcases the incredible beauty and natural diversity of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids ages 6-12. For reservations, call 251-626-0798 or visit blakeleypark.com/Events. “Amazing Alabama Travel Journal” Join author and illustrator Laura Murray on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. at the West Regional Branch of the public library for tips and techniques for creating special journals for ages 7 and up. Supplies will be provided, registration is encouraged. Call 251-340-8571. Hammer it Home, Mobile This event, aimed at getting more of Mobile’s young professionals actively involved in the local community, will be
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held Sept. 8 at Cedar Street Social Club, 6-10 p.m. Tickets cost $30 each and include food, beer, wine and live music. Tickets can be purchased at getfullcircle. com/hammerithome/. Indoor Market at Central Every Saturday morning during September from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., an indoor market will be held at Central Presbyterian Church (corner of Dauphin and Ann streets). Come shop indoors in air conditioning and #supportlocal artisans, bakers and craftsmen. Email eventsatcentral@gmail.com. The Market at the Pillars An afternoon of shopping with local farmers, makers, bakers, crafters and artists on Sunday, Sept. 9, at noon. Live music and more than 50 local vendors. Local eats and specialty drinks. Pet friendly and kid approved. Visit wwwthepillarsofmobile.com. Sept. 11 Memorial Event A ceremony in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. at the USA Moulton Tower. Hosted by the National Alumni Association, the Jaguar Military Veterans Alumni Society, the Office of Veteran Affairs, the Student Government Association and the Air Force and Army ROTC units. Find us on Facebook @usasga.
Roxane Gay reading, book signing Free reading by Roxane Gay, author of “Bad Feminist” and “Hunger,” Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. at the University of South Alabama Student Center, 350 Campus Drive in Mobile. For more information, contact Dr. Charlotte Pence, director of the Stokes Center for Creative Writing, at cpence@southalabama.edu. State Pilotage Commission The Alabama State Pilotage Commission will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13, at 201 N. Jackson St., Mobile. Call 251-471-1393.
FUNDRAISERS Discover Mobile Photographic Scavenger Hunt Embrace your inner Sherlock Holmes and become a “Photographic Scavenger Hunter” on Friday, Sept. 7, at Mid-Towne Works when the AIDS Alabama South team hosts a huge scavenger hunt and gala to support vital programs and services that benefit women, children and men in their battles with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Alabama. First of a three part series of events. Visit aidsalabamasouth.org. Golf Classic in Fairhope The Baldwin County Education Coalition’s sixth annual Golf Classic tees off Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Rock Creek Golf
ARTS Auditions for “5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche” Come one, come all to Company 11’s auditions on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and Wednesday, Sept 5, 6-8 p.m. for “5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche.” New location is 1260 Dauphin St. (Bellingrath Hall at Central Presbyterian). Download the audition packet at company11.org/ auditions. “The Faces of India” University of South Alabama Libraries announce the opening of a new exhibit, “The Faces of India” by Jelena Kryschun, in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art on the third floor of the Marx Library. Through Sept. 30. Contact Paula Webb, 251-461-1993. Garden sketch club Visit Mobile Botanical Gardens every Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a relaxing time sketching in the gardens. All levels of experience welcome. General admission is $5 for nonmembers.
MUSEUMS “National Parks Adventure” at Exploreum A trio of adventurers’ quest to experience America’s wildest, most historic and most naturally beautiful places becomes the ultimate off-trail adventure in MacGillivray Freeman Films’ “National Parks Adventure” narrated by Robert Redford. Visit www.exploreum.com. Thursdays at MMoA Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Mobile Museum of Art offers free admission to all Mobile County residents. No reservations are necessary. MMoA is at 4850 Museum Drive. Call 251-208-5200.
SPORTING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES WWE Live WWE Live returns to the Mobile Civic Center Saturday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring superstars of Monday Night Raw. Tickets and VIP Experience packages can be purchased online at bit. ly/wwelivemob or by phone at 800-7453000. Purchase tickets in person at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (401 Civic Center Drive; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 251-208-7906) or the Saenger Theatre Box Office (6 S. Joachim St.; Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 251-208-5600). MRD fall classes Mobile Recreation Department is starting fall classes the week of Sept. 10. Activities include: Pound, a new exercise class fusing cardio interval training and drumming; Lessons in Guitar, Piano & Strings; Candlelit Yoga, Piyo Tone; and Small Group Personal Fitness Training. And don’t forget the Table Club. Call 251208-1662. Run-ish at FIVE Run-ish, walk-ish, bike-ish, drink-ish. Choose your -ish and join us every Wednesday evening at 6-ish at FIVE, 609 Dauphin St. in Mobile, followed by drink and food specials. Call 251-308-3105 for more information. Keep your brain sharp The Mobile Bridge Center (1510 S. University Blvd.) will offer free bridge lessons weekly, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Contact mobilebridgeclub@comcast.net or Mickey Groggel at 251-377-0322. Bingo at Via! Every Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Via! Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St., 251-478-3311. Open to the public.
WORKSHOPS Marriages end, families don’t Lifelines Counseling Services will host “Helping Children Cope with Divorce,” an educational program that focuses on how effective parenting can lessen the negative impact of divorce and parental separation on children. Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to noon, at 705 Oak Circle Drive East. Sign up online at lifelinesmobile.org. Lunch and learn Monday, Sept. 10, Realtalk Lunch
& Learn topic will be “Community Engagement with Dr. Raoul Richardson, Baheth R&D Laboratories” at Goodwill Easter Seals, 2440 Gordon Smith Drive. Contact realtalkmwal@gmail.com or 251404-3924. “Car Buying 101” Lifelines Counseling Services will host “Car Buying 101,” an educational program that teaches the tools of the trade when it comes to dealer offers and financing. Monday, Sept. 10, 6-7 p.m. at 705 Oak Circle Drive East. Sign up online at lifelinesmobile.org. Couples & Money Lifelines Counseling Services will host a free workshop, “Couples & Money),” on Monday, Sept. 10, 6-7 p.m. at 705 Oak Circle Drive East. Learn about savings programs such as IRAs and 401(k)s, etc., the different kinds of investments and risks involved, and common strategies used. Information on life insurance is also included. Sign up online at lifelinesmobile.org.
PUBLIC MEETINGS Baldwin County Commission: First and third Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., 322 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette. Work sessions are second and fourth Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. rotating between Bay Minette, the Foley Satellite Courthouse, the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse and the Baldwin County Central Annex Building in Robertsdale. www.baldwincountyal.gov.
#A, 251-675-8142. Daphne City Council: First and third Monday at 6:30 p.m., 1705 Main St. Work sessions are the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., www.daphneal.com. Dauphin Island Town Council: First and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m., 1011 Bienville Blvd., www.townofdauphinisland.org. Elberta Town Council: Third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the town hall. Workshop meeting on the second Tuesday. townofelberta.com. Fairhope City Council: Second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m., 161 N. Section St. Work sessions are held before each council meeting at 4:30 p.m., www.cofairhope. com. Fairhope Planning Commission: First Monday at 5 p.m., 161 N. Section St. For more information visit www.cofairhope. com. Foley City Council: First and third Monday at 5:30 p.m., 407 E. Laurel Ave. Work sessions begin at 4 p.m., www. cityoffoley.org Gulf Shores City Council: Second and fourth Mondays at 4 p.m., 1905 W. First St., www.gulfshoresal.gov.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
Club in Fairhope. Presented by Baldwin County Sewer Service, the tournament is the coalition’s sole fundraiser. This year’s tournament festivities include a complimentary lunch, dinner and beverages. Registration and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Mobile City Council: Tuesdays at Government Plaza, 205 Government St. Pre-council meeting begins at 9 a.m.; council meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., www.cityofmobile.org.
Mobile Planning Commission: First and third Thursdays at 2 p.m., 205 Baldwin County Planning Commission: First Thursday at 6 p.m., 22251 Palmer St., Government St., www.urban.cityofmobile. org. Robertsdale, www.baldwincountyal.gov. Bayou La Batre City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 13785 S. Wintzell Ave., www.cityofbayoulabatre. com. Chickasaw City Council: Second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., 224 N. Craft Highway, 251-452-6450. Citronelle City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 19135 Main St., 251-866-7973. Creola City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m., 190 Dead Lake Road,
Orange Beach City Council: First and third Tuesdays at 5 p.m., 4099 Orange Beach Blvd., www.cityoforangebeach. com. Prichard City Council: Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 216 E. Prichard Ave., www. thecityofprichard.org. Satsuma City Council: First and third Tuesdays at 6 p.m. City Hall, 5464 Old Highway 43, 251-675-1440.
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MEDIA MEDIA FRENZY
Metered websites being tested by Advance
BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM
THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE TO THE POINT BY OLIVIA MITRA FRAMKE / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ ACROSS 1 Lightheaded 6 Underwater workplaces 13 One of four on the annual tennis calendar 18 Navel formation? 19 Not renewed 21 1836 siege setting 22 First name on the high bench 23 Follower of deuce 24 Wordsmith Peter Mark ____ 25 Lot of back and forth? 27 Alternative to grass 29 Place for a prize ceremony 30 Nellie who wrote “Ten Days in a Mad-House” 31 Point of no return? 34 Certain corp. takeover 35 It’s meant to be 36 NBC hit since ’75 37 Ingredient in a Dark ’n’ Stormy 38 Muslim holy men 40 Designer inits. 42 “Awesome!” 43 Lead-in to line 44 Rod who was the 1977 A.L. M.V.P. 45 “Bridesmaids” co-star 47 Food with an unfortunatesounding last two syllables 50 Really fancy 51 Dreams up 55 Sophocles tragedy 56 Get further mileage from 57 Vegetable or pasta, e.g. 58 Drip, drip, drip 59 Annual sporting event that is this puzzle’s theme 62 Outside: Prefix 63 Really green 64 Stingy sort? 65 Many a presidential hopeful: Abbr. 66 Treasure-map markers 68 Ostracize 69 Lead-in to boy or girl 70 Standard info on stationery nowadays 72 U. of Md. player 73 Spot 74 Conjunction in the Postal Service creed 76 The Eagles, on scoreboards 78 Pérignon, for one 79 “Nature is the ____ of God”: Dante 81 Something to live for 83 Chaney of silents 84 One at home, informally 85 Ape 88 “Zip it!” 89 Things found in clogs 90 Bourbon Street’s locale, informally
92 Frenzy 94 Stadium name near Citi Field 96 Spectators’ area 98 “Harlequin’s Carnival” painter 99 James ____, Belgian painter in the movement Les XX 100 Flowchart symbol 101 Saskatchewan native 102 It represents you 104 Old-timey 106 First and last black key on a standard piano 108 Gas type: Abbr. 109 Location of 59-Across 114 Fly-by-night? 115 Canapé topper 116 Computer command 117 Time to vote: Abbr. 118 Italian car, informally 119 Lead-in to “Man,” “Woman” or “Fool” in Top 40 hits 120 Further 121 Part of U.S.T.A.: Abbr. 122 City grid: Abbr. 123 Enthusiasm 124 Lion or tiger DOWN 1 Employs 2 Not for keeps 3 Low soccer score 4 Wittily insults 5 Number on a trophy 6 “Alas …” 7 One of a well-known septet 8 Inits. in 2010 news
9 Broadway’s Cariou 10 Computer key 11 Utterly uninspiring 12 Oscar-nominated George of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 13 Designer Jacobs 14 Emotionally detached 15 Jungle predator 16 Code you don’t want to break 17 Returned to earth? 19 “I can’t talk now” 20 Louisville standout 26 Candidate for rehab 28 Square dance maneuver 31 Oscar-winning film of 1984 32 Revel 33 College in Boston 37 Whole host 38 “Why should ____?” 39 Win every game 41 Security agreement 43 One way to answer a server? 46 Winning words 47 Guy 48 Dweller along the Bering Sea 49 The “L” of L.C.D. 52 Genius Bar employees 53 Relish 54 Rugged, as a landscape 60 Impotent 61 Paradigm 64 Submerge 67 Cybertrash 71 Force (into) 72 When the diet starts,
perhaps 75 Locale for Charlie Chan 77 Dating-profile section 78 Denims 80 Purchases at tire shops 81 Do well with 82 Fit to be tied 86 How the Quran is written 87 Film-related anagram of AMERICAN 88 City in Iraq’s Sunni Triangle 89 Clear the air? 91 “I’ll take that as ____” 93 Proficient in 95 Much TV fare during the wee hours 97 Towers over 103 Blue hue 105 Metal fastener 107 Three-person card game 110 Vox V.I.P.s 111 Forever and a day 112 Red Sox Hall-of-Famer, to fans 113 “Bravo!”
ANSWERS ON PAGE 40
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A new round of layoffs and changes has taken place within Advance Publications over the past few months. Last month, al.com laid off five people from the Mobile and Birmingham offices, according to inside sources. All were involved in advertising and marketing. At the same time, in New Orleans four people were laid off, all from the newsroom. This included a longtime photographer, the former outdoors writer, the society columnist and an LSU columnist. New Orleans also saw layoffs among its ad staff as it continues battling The Advocate for dominance in the Big Easy. In April, Tim Williamson, who replaced Ricky Mathews in August 2016 as head of the NOLA Media Group, left; the Louisiana operation now reports to Tom Bates, head of the Alabama Media Group. And in June, Kelly Ann Scott was named vice president of content at the Alabama Media Group, replacing Michelle Holmes, who held the position since 2013. Holmes has been moved to head of partnerships. Scott came into AMG from the USA Today Network. A July newsletter from Advance Local CEO Randy Siegel also indicates the company will begin experimenting with a metered website in Syracuse, New York, this fall. Metering is essentially charging per article for usage, versus a hard paywall with a flat fee for reader usage. Whether such changes will be coming to al.com
are unclear, although Siegel clearly says the experiment will help the company learn about the process. Many major newspaper websites are now moving to a metered approach to getting some readership revenue. “The Syracuse initiative will be an excellent learning environment for us to better understand how we can maximize the value we provide our loyal readers every day while asking them to support our journalistic efforts,” Siegel wrote.
Weis and Barraza leave Fox10
Fox10 star reporter Kati Weis recently left the station to move to Denver with her fiance, photojournalist Franz Barraza. Barraza and Weis join photojournalist Ron Gaines and meteorologist/reporter Chasity Byrd in leaving the station recently. Weis and Barraza are both award-winning journalists. Weis was named Best Reporter in this year’s Alabama Broadcasters Association Awards, and Barraza was named Best Photojournalist. Weis earned a reputation locally for intrepid and sometimes theatrical investigative reporting. However, some competitors and colleagues were rankled by her habit of frequently declaring news stories “exclusives” when they were actually being worked on or had even broken by other media outlets. Still, she routinely covered some of the station’s biggest stories.
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SPORTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW
Locals ‘get wiff it’ to play classic ball game
BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER/SPORTS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM/TWITTER @GOULAGUY
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Photo | Submitted
he founding of Wiffle Ball is truly an American of the action can be found at playgetwiffit.com, a website success story. In the early 1950s, David Mullany that lists the league schedules and standings. saw his son and friends spend day after day playing Up to three seasons are played each year at what is now a version of baseball with a “little, plastic golf ball called Legendary Pub Park. The latest action got started and a broomstick.” last week. He began experimenting with different types of plastic “We had a countdown on our website as to when team balls before coming up with the classic Wiffle Ball, which captains could sign up,” LeMond said. “We had 18 register has eight .75-inch oblong holes in one half of the sphere within the first hour, and the final two soon after.” (to aid in throwing curves). Combined with the plastic Tim Finnigan, who has a background in radio locally yellow-colored bat, a new sport was born. with WZEW and WNSP and in Miami, first joined the proMullany mortgaged his home and borrowed money duction a few seasons ago to serve as the announcer. He is from friends to start the company. The Connecticut firm now in charge of the social media coverage. now makes millions of balls each year. In 2017, Wiffle “Tim has added some great ideas,” LeMond said. “We Ball was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. now have a ‘game of the week’ where we highlight two The sport has fans all over the world, including teams. We pump in special walk-out music for the players. It is our version of College GameDay. Then on our Youthe Alabama Gulf Coast. In 2013, O’Daly’s Irish Pub Tube channel we have ‘Wiff Talk’ that gives a recap of the decided to host a Wiffle Ball tournament one Saturday games from each week.” in an open lot behind its building at 564 Dauphin St. in The recreational league is for men and women who are downtown Mobile. least 21 years old. The minimum number of players per “We were hoping to get 10 teams, but ended up with team is five, and there must be at least one female on the 14,” said Matt LeMond, who opened field at all times. O’Daly’s in 2010. “We weren’t really “We have all kind of people in the prepared for the response. We had to league,” LeMond said. “Some might cut the games to 20 minutes because have played baseball or softball in we had no lights to play at night.” high school or college. They all agree It was such a major success that it is pretty unique to play at the bar.” they decided to begin a weekly “Get THE CONNECTICUT FIRM One particular player may draw Wiff It” league for 10 teams. They a second look this season. Mobile ended up getting temporary lighting NOW MAKES MILLIONS native Jake Peavy, the former Cy that had to be cranked up each week, Young Award winner and two-time and permanent light posts were OF BALLS EACH YEAR. World Series champion, is playing added for the second season. on Wednesday nights. Enthusiasm continued to grow, IN 2017, WIFFLE BALL “He is just one of the guys,” and the program was expanded to LeMond said. “He told me he enjoys two 10-team leagues, with one group WAS INDUCTED INTO THE the atmosphere of the league.” playing on Tuesday nights and the Along with Finnigan, LeMond other teams on Wednesday nights. NATIONAL TOY HALL also wanted to point out the contriAt the conclusion of the 10-week butions of Allen Williams and Josh regular season, a single-elimination OF FAME. Giraldo. “They are the core group,” playoff tournament has the top six LeMond said. “Without all of them, teams in two brackets. A best-ofthis would just be an idea.” three-games championship series O’Daly’s is involved in other wraps up the action. sports as well. It is the official league bar for the kickball “We thought it was a crazy idea, but it has really teams that play at Sage Park. It also has had a dodgeball panned out,” LeMond said. “It has become quite a social charity event at Legendary Pub Park, which also hosts live experience. People will come after work to watch the music concerts. But Wiffle Ball is something special. games, even if they aren’t playing.” “It is not just about the sport,” Finnigan said. “It’s really The most recent season finished in July with the Sandlot an experience with the crowd interaction. A lot of friends Sluggers claiming top honors. LeMond said a few hundred fans turned out that Friday night to enjoy the games. Video will come out just to be a part of the scene.”
Legendary Pub Park at O’Daly’s Irish Pub hosts two, 10-team Wiffle Ball leagues that play a 10-week season twice a year. Sports shorts
• Local players with the Kid Tennis league traveled to Orlando to play in the American Tennis Association’s national tournament. All of the players are members of the Lyons Park Tennis Association. Coach Lance Deleston said Linda Lang and Halei Kirksey played doubles in the Girls 18 division; Robyn Sanders played singles in the Girls 16; Danica Palmer played singles in the Girls 14; Paris Lang played singles in the Girls 14; Brianna Harden played singles in the Girls 18 division, while Imani Ivory and Brianna Harden played doubles in the Girls 18. • The game of cornhole is quite simple. Players take turns tossing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. What was once a backyard pastime has evolved into a nationwide sensation. Port City Cornhole (PCC) is teaming with Serda Brewing Co. to produce a Mobile league. The league starts Sept. 11 and will run through Oct. 16. More information can be found at pccornhole.com. “We have also been able to use our resources to work with other organizations and nonprofits like Dwell Mobile and provide tournaments and games for fundraisers,” said Josh Freeman, who works with David Carden at PCC. “With the rise in popularity the game of cornhole has become a great way to draw people in and raise money for various causes with little cost.” Serda Brewing is located at 600 Government St. in downtown Mobile. Games will take place 7-8:30 p.m.
SPORTS FROM BEHIND THE MIC
There was really no question who Alabama’s QB would be BY RANDY KENNEDY/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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here is one reason why coaches at Alabama, Auburn and LSU make more money than their counterparts at Vigor, St. Paul’s and Saraland. It’s not because the college coaches are better at drawing up passing plays or blitz schemes. The reason colleges are eager to pay their coaches millions of dollars per year is because there is so much interest in the sport, which leads to the kind of revenue that justifies those salaries. That’s the only reason. A big part of that interest — and an even larger part of that revenue — is derived from television. That’s why on-field reporters for TV networks get access not afforded other journalists. In the case of Alabama’s season opener against Louisville, that was ABC and reporter Maria Taylor. Most everyone has seen the exchange between Saban and Taylor after the Tide crushed the Cardinals in a game dominated by the storyline of sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s spectacular debut as a starter. It’s important to acknowledge what Taylor did and did not ask. Here is the entire exchange. Taylor: “Everyone had questions about who was going to start at quarterback when this game started. What answers did you have about your quarterbacks after watching both of them play tonight?” Saban: “I still like both guys. I think both guys are good players. I think both guys can help our team. So why do you continually try to get me to say something that doesn’t respect one of them? I’m not going to, so quit asking.”
If you actually watched the interview, you know the tone of the response made it even more disrespectful. Saban has since reportedly apologized to Taylor for the exchange, which is nice. But I have a feeling the apology had as much to do with his treatment of a woman as it did his treatment of a journalist. Let’s start with this: Taylor gets no special consideration because she’s a woman. Anyone who says Saban shouldn’t talk to a woman like that is off base and disrespecting professional women in all walks of life. Taylor never asked for any special treatment because she’s a woman and she shouldn’t be offered any. She has since said as much, and she’s moved on to her next assignment. Secondly, she did not ask a question that has repeatedly been asked of Saban. Nobody has previously asked what he thought of the performance that had just taken place minutes before. The question was not only legitimate but it was the one everyone watching — you know, the fans whose interest make it so college coaches literally make 100 times more than the high school coach working just as hard down the street — was interested in hearing. Here’s an example of an appropriate response that would not have required Saban to say he didn’t respect one of the quarterbacks: “Tua did a terrific job in distributing the ball to the playmakers we have at wide receiver and tight end and running back. We need to continue to make sure he’s making great decisions and continues to improve. Jalen [Hurts] is a great athlete who has a lot
to contribute to this team as well, and it’s up to the coaches to make sure we take advantage of what a great weapon he can be for our team.” That’s just one possible example. There were many other ways to handle the question. But, to me, the key to respecting every member of the Alabama team was to praise Tagovailoa for his impressive leadership and execution. In his debut as a starter, Tagovailoa led the Tide to five touchdowns on six possessions. The lone trip that did not end in a touchdown came when DeVonta Smith fumbled after a long completion that would have put the Tide in scoring position. Tagovailoa completed 75 percent of his passes (12 of 16), including 6 for 6 on third-down conversions. For his career, 13 of his 93 passes have gone for touchdowns. That’s one in every seven pass attempts. Hurts, on the other hand, showed once and for all that he is a talented athlete but not a true quarterback. Kirk Herbstreit, who is as diplomatic as he is excellent as a color man in the booth, repeatedly pointed out plays Hurts missed that would have been easy connections had Tagovailoa been in the game. Hurts may have a future as a professional football player but it has to be obvious even to him that he doesn’t have a future as a quarterback. I stick by my preseason prediction that Hurts will play in four games, then redshirt before graduating in December and transferring with two years to play elsewhere. Saban has already named Tagovailoa the starter for this week’s home opener against Arkansas State. That’s clearly the right and obvious move. It also means everybody can stop asking him about it. Randy Kennedy writes a weekly column for Lagniappe and is co-host of “Sports Drive” every weekday from 3-6 p.m. on WNSP 105.5 FM, the country’s first all-sports FM station.
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STYLE HOROSCOPES A COLLECTIVE SIGH OF RELIEF
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VIRGO (8/24-9/22) — Inspired by a creepy old attorney, you’ll branch out into “fantasy fiction” and publish your first homemade erotica, “Hand me the Shoe Horn, a novel.” Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to drink all the leftover beer from your hurricane party. LIBRA (9/23-10/22) — In an effort to avoid all the Black Friday crowds, you plan to do 100 percent of your Christmas shopping at the new Buc-ee’s. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to pick up the six pinecones that fell in your yard. SCORPIO (10/23-11/21) — In honor of Renée Fleming’s performance with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, you will communicate only in opera for an entire week. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to repurpose the sand in your sandbags into a beach volleyball court. SAGITTARIUS (11/22-12/22) — Thinking it’s never too early to start a campaign, you’ll get a “Tua for Heisman” tattoo on your lower back. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to remove the duct tape from your windows. CAPRICORN (12/23-1/19) — Learning about the new amenities at the federal courthouse downtown, you plan to honestly answer your next jury duty questionnaire instead of trying to weasel out of it. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to make 100 grilled cheese sandwiches to use all the bread you bought. AQUARIUS (1/20-2/18) — Still paying off your student loan debt from the mid ‘90s, you pledge to support the University of South Alabama’s fundraising campaign one nickel at a time. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to properly organize your alkaline batteries. PISCES (2/19-3/20) — With your nonprofit organization stripped to the bone by the city of Mobile’s next budget, you send all your referrals to the mayor’s office. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to make that tarpaulin a slip-n-slide. ARIES (3/21-4/19) — It’s not too late to take a last-minute trip to Washington, D.C., where you can don your pussy hat and protest the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to remedial teach everything the kids missed while they were out of school. TAURUS (4/20-5/20) — Reading about the quality of The Blind Mule’s Sunday brunch, you’ll stay until 11 a.m. instead of going home around 5 a.m. like you normally do. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to mark yourself as “OK” on Facebook. GEMINI (5/21-6/21) — After being told 100 times “not to downplay the seriousness of the situation,” you start to downplay the seriousness of the situation. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to disassemble the “LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT” sign on your property. CANCER (6/22-7/22) —Hearing about the “Family Feud” auditions in Atmore, you assemble your most dysfunctional relatives and prepare to make TV history. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task is to turn off the weather radio and crank up the Fleetwood Mac. LEO (7/23-8/23) — Thinking that insults about his accent or educational pedigree have taken it a step too far, you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of defending Jeff Sessions. Your Hurricane Gordon recovery task to remove the sand from the road on the west end of Dauphin Island just in time for the next storm.
OBITUARY
James Ross Pritchard Jr., June 10, 1955 — Aug. 27, 2018
J
Photo | Submitted
ames Ross Pritchard Jr., a lifelong native Mobilian, died unexpectedly Monday, Aug. 27, at age 63. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Pritchard and James Ross Pritchard Sr., sister Mary Elizabeth Winstead and brother Robert Pritchard. Ross attended St. Ignatius and Murphy High School and continued his education at The University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama. He was self-employed and pursued his passions in commercial fishing. Later in life he enjoyed working as distribution manager for Lagniappe. He loved Alabama football and UMS-Wright athletics. He had a passion for beach music and Mardi Gras, and was a Life Loyal Sigma Chi. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and grandchildren. Ross is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dixie Pritchard; children, Courtney Comer (Brian) of Indianapolis, Indiana; Haertel Pritchard and James Ross Pritchard III of Mobile; and grandchildren, Ann Catherine, Charlie, Ella and Mary Solanus. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Pritchard Smith. Ross had many friends, including John McLean and Kenny Kvalheim. He deeply appreciated the fellowship shared with the Men of St. Joseph’s group he attended at Most Pure Heart of Mary. Funeral services were held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 906 Garrity St., on Friday, Aug. 31, at 10:30 a.m. following visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to UMS-Wright Preparatory School in honor of the school community Ross loved so well.
James Ross Pritchard was a devoted family man, church and community member, shrimp boat owner, football booster and most recently, distribution manager of Lagniappe.
S e p t e m b e r 5 - S e p t e m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 41
STYLE BOOZIE
Life in the cone of uncertainty BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Batten down the hatches! Stock up on batteries, Beanie-Weenies and beer! As I am writing this, Tropical Storm/Hurricane Gordon is making his way toward us. Schools are closing and weathermen will soon start losing their sports coats and rolling up their sleeves, while the folks in the field will break out their rain gear and stand in front of the Gulf and stressfully talk about the storm, whether he looks like a monster or just a regular ol’ Gulf Coast rainy day. Hopefully, Gordon will be much ado about nothing and will be gone in a “flash.” See, what I did there? If not, you’re probably too young. #Iamold
island that surprise me. But I’ll have to admit, this one kind of did. Apparently there were two kangaroos on the beach! No, they hadn’t escaped from the zoo, and Crocodile Dundee was not on the island. Nope, it seems the joeys, who were wearing diapers and were on leashes, were the pets of a woman visiting from Louisiana. I swear, the last conversation I had with someone from Louisiana, they told me they raised wolves as pets. What is going on down there, people? Are there pet
BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!
Cantore alert
On Monday night, folks on the Mississippi Coast were atwitter as images of The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore arriving at the Gulfport airport began circulating on social media. Don’t worry, Gulportians! It seems wherever Jim starts his storm coverage, the storm almost always moves east or west from his first locale. This is almost a certain meteorological fact. So this may not bode well for us or New Orleans. But poor Jim! You have to fly commercial? Whaaaaaatttt? Can’t The Weather Channel spring for a private jet? I hope you at least got first class!
Hippity hop on Dauphin Island
The ol’ Boozester has been around the block a few times, so when a spy says “You aren’t going to believe what I saw when I was down on Dauphin Island!” I usually just laugh and say “Try me!” There are very few reports from my favorite, delightfully quirky barrier
STOCK UP ON BATTERIES, BEANIE-WEENIES AND BEER! AS I AM WRITING THIS, TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE GORDON IS MAKING HIS WAY TOWARD US.” gators too? I’m sure it’s all about how you raise them, right? They can be very affectionate ... before they eat you! Anyway, my dream is that these two kangaroos end up in a live shot with Jim Cantore. Please make it happen, weather gods! Please!
F U T U R E S H O C K
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Packing PJ heat?
So one of my spies decided to get a little late-morning grub at the Waffle House on Airport near Sage on Labor Day morning. He said the place was absolutely packed and it was hard to find a spot, which made the peoplewatching even more fun. He said one woman and her family particularly caught his eye. It was a couple and they had their baby with them in a stroller. Nothing strange about that. My spy said the lady was wearing pajama pants, which is a little “People of Walmart-ish” but not uncommon to see at Waffle House either. I mean, it is a breakfast place, shouldn’t you be able to dress like you just rolled out of bed? But anyway, what troubled him the most about these pajama bottoms was that the woman clearly had an open carry permit and had a gun attached to said PJs. WTF? I’m sure there is no required dress code that comes along with carrying a gun but it seems a waistband and something not made out of plaid flannel should be required. Something just doesn’t feel right about this. In fact, I was thinking about this, and I can’t really think of anything stranger to be wearing while packing heat.
“Family Feud” auditions
Love Steve Harvey? Want to make inappropriate small talk with him while rubbing his bald head? Is your family crazy? And I mean crazy-fun, not crazy, crazy. Well, you may be able to head to Wind Creek Casino to audition on Sept. 15 and 16. Please note this is by appointment only. You have to go to familyfeud.com/audition first! Just do it. (It will give me more to write about!) Well kids, that’s all I got this week. Stay safe during the storm and wear jeans when you openly carry weapons. And just remember, whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ Cantore lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!
LAGNIAPPE LEGALS | 251.450-4466 | legals@lagniappemobile.com FORECLOSURES MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Ruth K. McIntosh and Herbert Hoover McIntosh, originally in favor of Genworth Financial Home Equity Access, Inc., fka Liberty Reverse Mortgage, Inc., on the 29th day of April, 2009, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Mobile County, Alabama, in Book 6529, Page 203; the undersigned Liberty Home Equity Solutions, Inc., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama, on April 12, 2018, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Mobile County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 16, Block 1, Summerville Place, as recorded in Map Book 3, Page 632, in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Mobile County, Alabama. The hereinabove described property being one and the same as described in mortgage recorded in Book 6529 and Page 203 and deed recorded in Book 5329 and Page 1011. Property street address for informational purposes: 2308 Holland St, Mobile, AL 36617. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVEDESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds made payable to Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address indicated below. Sirote & Permutt, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Liberty Home Equity Solutions, Inc., Mortgagee/Transferee. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until 05/17/2018 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until 06/21/2018 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until 08/24/2018 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until 10/26/2018 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama. Ginny Rutledge SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 422922
Lagniappe HD September 5, 2018
FORECLOSURE NOTICE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Vendor’s Lien deed executed by Clark Lunt as managing member of Emerald Coast Real Estate Investors, LLC {“Grantor”) on the 25th day of October, 2017, said Vendor’s Lien deed recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Mobile County, Alabama at Book LR7578, Page 1568; Grantor, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Vendor’s Lien deed, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in Mobile County, Alabama on September 19, 2018, at 12 PM, all of its right, title and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Mobile County, Alabama, to-wit:
Lot 105 of Tonsmeire’s addition to Whistler according to plat thereof recorded in Deed Book 122 N.S page 601 of the records in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Mobile County, Alabama. Property address is 3421 Stovall Street, Whistler, AL 36612. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis subject to any easements, encumbrances and exceptions reflected in the Vendor’s Lien deed and those contained in the records in the office of the Judge of Probate of the county where the abovedescribed property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied, as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Vendor’s Lien deed as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Grantor reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale in the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject postponement or cancellation. John R. Parker, Esq. 182 St. Francis Street Suite 101 Mobile, Alabama 36602 (251) 621-2216 (251) 281-2580 (Fax) John@jparkerlaw.net Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2018
PROBATE NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: EDWIN LEWIS LAMBERTH, JR., Deceased Case No. 2018-1604 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named party on the 13th day of August, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. CAROLINE SPENCER LAMBERTH as Executrix under the last will and testament of EDWIN LEWIS LAMBERTH, JR., Deceased. Attorney of Record: STEPHEN G. CRAWFORD, ESQ. P.O. BOX 123 MOBILE, AL 36601 Lagniappe HD August 22, 29, September 5, 2018.
NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING August 01, 2018 Case No. 2016-0070-1 In the Probate Court of Mobile County, Alabama Estate of CHARMAINE MARCIA BELL, Deceased On to-wit the 17th day of September, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in COURTROOM 1, THIRD FLOOR, Mobile County Government Center Annex, 151 Government Street the court will proceed to consider the FINAL SETTLEMENT as filed by VONCILLE BELL PERKINS. NOTICE is hereby given to all parties in interest who may appear and contest same or file a proper responsive pleading thereto if they then think proper. Don Davis, Judge of Probate Attorney Name and Address: SANDRA RANDER 107 N. JACKSON ST. MOBILE, AL 36602 Lagniappe HD August 22, 29, Sept. 5, 2018
NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING August 30, 2018 Case No. 2016-2151-2 In the Probate Court of Mobile County, Alabama Estate of BETTY O. BIGHAM, Deceased On to-wit the 8th day of October, 2018 at 2:00 PM in COURTROOM 1, THIRD FLOOR, Mobile County Government Center Annex, 151 Government Street the court will proceed to consider the FINAL SETTLEMENT AND REPORT OF INSOLVENCY as filed by JAMES K WELBORN. NOTICE is hereby given to all parties in interest, specifically LAUREN SCHULTZ, ZACK SCHULTZ, who may appear and contest same or file a proper responsive pleading thereto if they then think proper. Don Davis, Judge of Probate Attorney Name and Address: JON A. GREEN 711 DAUPHIN ST. MOBILE, AL 36602 Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 19, 26, 2018
NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: CHARLES VERNON WATERS, Deceased Case No. 2018-0362 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named party on the 23rd day of August, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having
claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. MARTHA BROWN WATERS as Executrix under the last will and testament of CHARLES VERNON WATERS, Deceased. Attorney of Record: NANCY J. BUSEY Lagniappe HD August 29, September 5, 12, 2018
NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: BARBARA H. DORGAN, Deceased Case No. 2018-1654 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named party on the 23rd day of August, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. DEENA R. TYLER as Executrix under the last will and testament of BARBARA H. DORGAN, Deceased. Attorney of Record: DEENA R. TYLER Lagniappe HD August 29, September 5, 12, 2018
NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: JOYCE ANN TAYLOR Case No. 2018-1327 Take notice that Letters of Administration have been granted to the below named party on the 20th day of August, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. PATRICIA JARVIS as Administratrix of the estate of JOYCE ANN TAYLOR, deceased. Attorney of Record: HENDRIK S. SNOW, Esq. Lagniappe HD August 29, September 5, 12, 2018
NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: JAMES ALLEN HAVENS, Deceased Case No. 2018-1648 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named party on the 17th day of August, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. BRIAN HAVENS as Executor under the last will and testament of JAMES ALLEN HAVENS, Deceased. Attorney of Record: R. MARK KIRKPATRICK Lagniappe HD August 29, September 5, 12, 2018
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Robert J. Baggett, Inc., has completed the contract for Cooper Riverside Park – Floating Dock, PR-004-18, 1 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602. All persons having any claims for labor, material or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the Architectural Engineering Department, City of Mobile, PO Box 1827, Mobile, Alabama 36633-1827. Robert J. Baggett, Inc. 759 Holcombe Avenue Mobile, AL 36606 Lagniappe HD August 29, September 5, 12, 19, 2018
NOTICE OF COMPLETION STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that J. Hunt Enterprises, General Contractors, LLC, has completed the contract: Taylor Park – Site Drainage Repairs & Walking Trail, PR-090-16, 1050 Baltimore Street, Mobile, Alabama 36605. All persons having any claim for labor, material or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the Architectural Engineering Department, City of Mobile, PO Box 1827, Mobile, Alabama 36633-1827. J. Hunt Enterprises, General Contractors, LLC 4657 Gold Mine Rd. East, Mobile, AL 36619. Lagniappe HD August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2018
NOTICE OF COMPLETION STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc., has completed the contract for: Covered Outdoor Football Pavilion at the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Godwin Mills and Cawood, Inc. 11 North Water St. Mobile, AL 36602 Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. 2830 Commerce Blvd. Irondale, AL 35210 Lagniappe HD August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2018
NOTICE OF COMPLETION STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Double AA Construction Company, LLC has completed the contract for: Alabama Department of Corrections, Re-Roofing Mobile Work Release, 2423 East I-65 Service Road North, Prichard, Alabama 36610. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Godwin Mills and Cawood, Inc., 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117. Double AA Construction Company, LLC 8735 Lott Road Wilmer, AL 36587 Lagniappe HD August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2018
NOTICE OF COMPLETION STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Double AA Construction Company, LLC has completed the contract for: Alabama Industrial Development Training, Maritime Training Center Water Intrusion Repair, 360 Addsco Road, Mobile, Alabama 36602. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Godwin Mills and Cawood, Inc., 2701 1st Street South, Suite 100, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. Double AA Construction Company, LLC 8735 Lott Road Wilmer, AL 36587 Lagniappe HD August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 2018
ABANDONED VEHICLES NOTICE OF SALE The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on September 21, 2018 – Time -8am, if not claimed – at 2495 Osage Street, Mobile, Alabama 36617. 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 1G11D5SL6FF209755 Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 3351 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605. 2005 Nissan Murano JN8AZ08T25W303010 2004 Toyota Tundra 5TBET34184S461864
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
These abandoned vehicles will be sold on 10/04/2018 at 5781 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619 at 9am if not redeemed before then. FORD 1FTPW14545FB03726 CHEV KL8CD6S97DC502761 HYUN 5NPET46C97H194837
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 1050 N Hickory St., Loxley, AL 36551. 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2GCEC19WX11157390 2009 Nissan Rogue JN8AS58T39W049668 2007 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WB58K579380517
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 1419 E. I-65 Service Rd. S., Mobile, AL 36606. 2005 Cadillac CTS 1G6DC67A650200711 2005 Cadillac CTS 1G6DP567450184822
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 7960 Two Mile Rd., Irvington, AL 36544. 2008 Ford Fusion 3FAHP07Z18R275414
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 261 Bishop AG Ayers St., Mobile, AL 36617. 2008 VW Jetta 3VWRM71K68M073920
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 2852 Frederick St., Mobile, AL 36607.
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed at 1037 St Stephens Rd., Prichard, AL 36610.
1996 Honda Accord 1HGCD5657TA152407
2010 Nissan Frontier 1N6BD0CT6AC415436
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 7311 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36608. 2006 Ford F250 1FTSW20P36ED55031
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 5052 Druid Dr S., Mobile, AL 36618. 2001 Honda Accord 1HGCG22531A034914
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 7960 Two Mile Rd., Irvington, AL 36544. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1G1PC5SHXC7226749 2016 Toyota Tundra 5TFHW5F10GX570953
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2GCEC19X131347591 1998 Toyota Camry JT2BG28K1W0142509 2008 Ford Mustang 1ZVHT80N085165675
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 19645 Road St., Citronelle, AL 36522. 2002 Nissan Maxima JN1DA31D92T418241
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 154 Ogden Ave., Mobile, AL 36607. 2002 Dodge Ram 1D7HA18N42J158494
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 05, 2018 - Time -12pm, if not claimed - at 1404 West Forest Ridge Rd., Mobile, AL 36618.
The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on October 12, 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 1015 E. I-65 Service Rd. S., Mobile, AL 36606.
2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1GCFC29U0YE329850
2000 Nissan Maxima JN1CA31D0YT549983
Lagniappe HD August 29, Sept. 5, 2018
Lagniappe HD September 5, 12, 2018
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