Gulf Coast, AL July 2023

Sweet Summertime On Our Island

I hope this letter finds you lying by the Gulf or pool soaking in some muchneeded vitamin D.

As the days go longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of Summer. There’s just something about the season that brings about a sense of excitement of adventure.

Sure, Fall has football, Winter has its cozy charms, and I can’t deny the beauty of Spring in the South. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days, sitting on the white sand or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of the season on the Island. And even if Summer doesn’t mean three months of Summer vacation anymore (because we’re, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure or curling up with a new favorite beach read.

This season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside July’s issue will enrich and enliven your Summer.

“Perfect song on the radio

Sing along 'cause it's one we know It's a smile, it's a kiss

It's a sip of wine, it's summertime Sweet summertime”  - Kenny Chesney

Thank you for inviting us into your homes and lives, we can’t wait to see you around town.

Love local, live local, spend locally, Until next month…

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lillian Taylor | lillian.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pine Watch Media, J. Hodge Productions, Frontier Scuba

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

1: Local Lettuce Heads at the CAFFM every Saturday 9-2pm. They have 24+ varieties of lettuce. 2: Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market is open 9-2 every Saturday on Miflin Road. 3: Orange Beach Methodist Church baptized 30 people at the Waterfront Park in Orange Beach. 4: The 2023 Orange Beach Billfish Classic had 42 teams fishing competing for nearly $1 million. 5: OB Lady Makos softball are the 2023 State Champions, 3 years in a row. Congratulations 6: Sea turtle nesting and egg laying season is in full effect. Season: May 1-October 31. 7: Pastor Fred Franks of The Island Church led a National Prayer Day event.

OBMC

OBBC

BRENT WILLIAMS

THE ISLAND CHURCH

GSOBT

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

8: LAYP presents the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with a check from funds raised in Q1. 9: First graders had a blast on the last day of school thanks to OBFD. 10: Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics staff celebrated Dr. Corbett’s birthday. Happy Birthday Dr. C, you’re awesome! 11: Mollie won first place with a 776 lb. blue marlin, heaviest blue marlin at any OBBC. 12: The 2023 Gulf Shores Spring Game. Teal vs White. Go Dolphins! 13: Momentum Marine’s Gulf Shores location: 3041 West 1st Street. Next door to Beach Bum Outdoors. 14: Crye-Leike hosted VIBE, Very Important Business Event, with a great band and food truck.

LAYP

OBES

OBBC GSH

MOMENTUM MARINE

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Gulf_Coast_CityLifestyle

15: CABC hosted a ribbon cutting at Southern Palms Furniture & Decor. 16: Dual ribbon cutting for Hammered Crab Restaurant in Gulf Shores. 17: 7th Annual Greg Godwin American Heroes On The Gulf Deep Sea Fishing with disabled vets.

CABC CABC GUIDING LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

SORT Professional Organizing Accepting New Clients

SORT Professional Organizing is a Home Organization and Move Management company serving South Baldwin County. Services include packing, unpacking, decluttering, and organizing every room in your home or office. SORT offers military, veteran, and senior discounts. For a full list of services, visit them at LoveThatSort. com or give SORT a call today at 251223-7125 for a quote or to inquire about their referral program.

Book Bounce On The Beach For The Fun of It

Bounce on the Beach is a locally owned luxury bounce house company. They provide multiple designs and sizes of white bounce houses for both children and adults. They can make every party stand out with custom balloon art. Whether you're looking for stunning balloon garlands, bounce houses, or statement party decor,  Bounce on the Beach has it all. Let them make your party extra festive and unforgettable. Text PARTY to (251) 210-9045 to book.

Oak Bayou Candle Company Offers

Luxury Candles and Laundry Wash

Whether searching for a special gift or a unique conversation piece for your own home, Oak Bayou Candle Co. candles are quickly becoming a must-have in coastal Alabama homes. With their easily recognizable madein-house luxury cement vessels, their hand-poured candles are available in a variety of elegant fragrances. Shop their website oakbayoucandleco. com for all of their home fragrance items including wax melts, laundry washes, and linen sprays. Catch them at CAFFM on Saturdays.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast

Empowering Veterans

Indoor Yard Sale and Thrift Store Gives Back to Community Veterans

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILLIAN TAYLOR

In the small town of Elberta you’ll find big love. In a heartwarming effort to support and uplift veterans in the community, a local initiative has taken shape with an indoor yard sale that goes above and beyond traditional fundraising. This inspiring project not only provides a platform for individuals to donate their gently used items but also opens a doorway where all proceeds directly benefit local veterans. “We are a total volunteer thrift store. No paid employees. We use the money we make after expenses to help local veterans. We also help the local community with donations too.” - Cindy Whaley

The concept is simple yet impactful. The community members are encouraged to donate unwanted but usable items such as clothing, furniture, household goods, and shop the indoor sale.

These generous donations are organized, cleaned, and put up for sale in the thrift store, creating a treasure trove of affordable finds.

It has become a gathering place where individuals can connect, share stories, and show gratitude to the brave men and women who have served their country. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and make a tangible difference. Your support continues to help them help others. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

For more information and to support their mission visit them: Veteran’s In Door Yard Sale 27618 Hwy 98 Elberta, AL 36530

“We help veterans at WF Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette. We also help homeless, local schools, needy families, and our local food banks. ”

Cindy Whaley (center) Ken Towry, Tammy Pratur, Cathy Partin, Jessica Baswell, Natasha Randall, Gracie Neil-Gilley, Bruce Cilley, Steve Ingram, Glenda Dees

At

Wellness,

provide quality alternative medicine to improve your daily life.

We have therapies that help with auto-immune disorders, cancer, inflammatory issues, chronic fatigue, dehydration, athletic performance, collagen production, immune support, cognitive function (brain-fog) liver function (detox) oxidative stress, insomnia, chronic pain, weight loss, metabolism, ADHD, anxiety and depression, addiction and more.

The Southern Charm

Creating Family Ties with Sport Fishing

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. HODGE PRODUCTIONS

There isn’t an avid angler or fishing enthusiast that doesn’t know about the Orange Beach Billfish Classic tournament, but just in case you’re not in the know; let us enlighten you!

Every year, anglers and enthusiasts alike flock to the beautiful shores of Orange Beach, Alabama to participate in one of the most prestigious and thrilling events in the sport fishing world. The Orange Beach Billfish Classic Tournament. The tournament, founded in 1996 was formed to financially support organizations

that speak effectively for recreational fisherman. This widely known and well renowned tournament showcases the excitement, skill, and camaraderie that define the world of billfish angling.

Participants in this tournament have the opportunity to target and compete for a variety of billfish species, including Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, and Spearfish. These majestic creatures are known for their strength, agility, and acrobatic displays, making them a true test of an angler’s skill, patience, and strategy.

This tournament isn’t just about competition, it encompasses the angling community and coastal lifestyle. The vibrant atmosphere of shared passion from spectators and participants alike, engaging in friendly conversations, sharing stories, building connections, and becoming part of a closeknit community of fishing enthusiasts.

For Ron and Lisa Davis owners of The Southern Charm,  this event is more than making an impact, it’s making memories that last a lifetime. The exhilarating offshore fishing competition pushes even these seasoned professionals to test their skills against some of the most sought-after game fish in The Gulf of Mexico.

Spanning multiple days, the Captain, Crew, and Anglers are given ample time to navigate the deep blue waters of The Gulf in search of their trophy catch. Anglers are able to engage in various fishing techniques ranging from trolling, live baiting, and lure presentations to entice and engage these formidable opponents. Showcasing the thrill of the chase whilst promoting the importance of ethical fishing practices and responsible catch-andrelease methods.

For The Southern Charm, the allure of the open ocean, thrill of the catch, and warmth of Southern hospitality this region offers sport fishing, is like no other. This beauty of a boat boasts state-of-theart equipment and top-notch amenities, ensuring that every aspect of their fishing experience is comfortable and efficient.

The crew’s expertise in navigating these waters and their passion for sport fishing create an environment that fosters growth, commitment to excellence, excitement, and camaraderie among fellow anglers.

“Everyone has a job to do,” says Davis. “When you’re out there you have to work together and each person is assigned a specific task so that we work efficiently and well together. We feel incredibly blessed because you often find a captain that is either really good at navigating and not so much fishing, or really good at fishing and not so much navigating. We have been blessed with the best in each facet. Our crewmen Captain Landon Bell, First Mate Connor McLeod, and Second Mate Chase Richardson are the best. Each one of them keep things running smoothly and efficiently. They know these waters and work together as a team, that’s what makes us excel.”

The rules for tournaments vary from fishing hours, eligibility of fish, IGFA rules, Catch and Release, Weigh-In, Lady and Junior Angler, etc.

The Southern Charm placed 3rd in the 2023 Orange Beach Billfiish Classic winning $84,000.

Ron & Lisa Davis - Owners of The Southern Charm

Children: Tara Hogoboom, Grant Davis, Mackenzie Moll

Captain: Landon Bell

First Mate: Connor McLeod

Second Mate: Chase Richardson

“This has been such a bonding experience for our family and we are so blessed.”

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINE WATCH MEDIA

Beach Basketball USA

Follow The Wave

When the sun is shining, and the waves are crashing, there’s no better way to enjoy the beach than with a friendly game of beach basketball. Combining the excitement of basketball with the laid-back atmosphere of the shoreline, beach basketball offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both players and spectators alike.

While Beach Basketball shares many similarities with its traditional counterpart, it also has its own distinct charms. The soft sand under foot adds an element of challenge to the game, testing not only their agility but adding a fun and extra challenging layer to the game.

Beach Basketball offers a delightful combination of sport, sun, and sand. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball player or a novice trying the sport for the first time, the casual and inclusive nature of beach basketball makes it accessible to everyone.

Born more than 4 decades ago in Gulf Shores, AL and invented by Philip Bryant this widely popular game has taken off internationally. Coach Cameron Porter has been involved with coaching basketball since the age of 14. Cameron is the General Manager at HOTWORX in Gulf Shores, AL and is the co-founder / league director for Beach Basketball.

beachbasketball.com

Philip Bryant - CEO of Beach Basketball & Cameron Porter Co-Founder / League Director

are

widely known and rec-

ognized

for

their

national and international teaching of Beach Basketball.

Navigating Coastal Dreams

YOUR TRUSTED BOAT DEALER ALONG THE GULF COAST

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINE WATCH MEDIA

Everyone knows boat life is “a way of life” for those who live along The Gulf Coast. I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Momentum Marine & RV who have now opened their second location in Gulf Shores, AL. Whether you’re seeking the perfect vessel to embark on your next water-bound adventure, or looking for your next RV. Momentum Marine has you covered and is a trusted name in the boating industry, well known for their exceptional selection, expert knowledge, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Choosing the right boat is more than just a transaction for Momentum Marine. It’s an investment that provides memories, experiences, and often lays the foundation for a lifelong passion on the water. The team of dedicated and experienced professionals at Momentum Marine go above and beyond to ensure that each customer is well taken care of and treated as family. From the moment you step foot into their dealership, you’re greeted with a warm and friendly staff. They take the time to understand your boating aspirations, guiding you through the selection process with expert advice and genuine enthusiasm.

While Momentum Marine is known for selling boats and servicing what they sell. What sets them apart are the lasting relationships built over time with their customers. They are now offering a unique Concierge Service to their clientele.

Imagine this: Waking up on a beautiful Saturday in The South and setting out on your boat for a day of R&R or sport fishing. While you could have spent hours beforehand,

using precious time and energy, you’ve saved yourself the hassle of getting your boat water ready. The exceptional team at Momentum Marine already have you covered and ready to go! The boat concierge service is designed to cater to the needs of boating enthusiasts who value their time and seek a hassle-free experience. With a simple phone call, their concierge team will prepare your boat for an unforgettable experience on the water.

The experienced technicians will meticulously assess your vessel, working to ensure that it’s in optimal condition and ready for your adventure. From checking the engine performance to inspecting safety equipment, they provide you with peace of mind and help to ensure a safe and worry-free boating experience.

With Momentum Marine’s Concierge service, they understand that convenience is key, which is why the service includes a range of practical tasks. They will top up your boat’s fuel, fill the onboard coolers with ice, ensuring that your favorite beverages and snacks stay refreshingly chilled (along with your catch,) and take care of the essential preparations, giving you more time to focus on what matters most - enjoying quality time with friends and family on the water.

PICTURED: 2023 BLACKFIN

302 CC center console. Designed by Michael Peters. 10’0 ft beam, with twin Mercury 350 Verado engines.

Momentum Marine offers Sunchaser Pontoons, Sea Born, Sundance, & Spyder.

MOMENTUM MARINE & RV - GULF SHORES

3041 West 1st. St.

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

MOMENTUM MARINE & RV - FOLEY

15705 Juniper St. North

Foley, AL 36535

Ph: (251) 943 - 0330

momentummarine-rv.com

Revolutionizing Boat Protection

THE RISE OF TOUCHLESS BOAT COVERS

Ben and Tammy Turner are revolutionizing the market in boat protection. As the boating industry booms the advancement of touchless covers are also on the rise. These cutting-edge covers offer convenience, protection, and ease of use like never before, giving boat owners the safeguard of their prized possessions.

Traditional boat covers often require physical exertion and multiple hands-on to properly secure and remove. However, the innovation of touchless boat covers allow boat owners to effortlessly shield their vessels with a simple touch of a button. These covers automatically extend, enveloping the boat snugly and shielding it from the elements.

The convenience of touchless boat covers extends well beyond their effortless operation. These covers are specially designed by engineers to fit boats of various shapes and sizes, giving each one the added protection of a custom fit. The materials used in their construction provide for exceptional durability adding an additional layer of protection from things like UV rays, rain, dust, and other potential hazards.

The benefits of using touchless boat covers goes well beyond just their convenience and protection. By minimizing the manual handling that is involved in traditional covers, the risk of physical strain or injury is also minimized. Boat owners can enjoy the boating lifestyle and ease of getting in and out of their stations without cause for concern or injury in removing traditional covers. Wind ratings range from 90 - 160 mph winds and coverings are built to last.

Make your next investment the right investment with touchless boat covers. Contact them today. Ben and Tammy are looking forward to serving you.

Touchless Covers Gulf Coast, LLC

touchlesscoversgc.com

Ph: (251) 271 - 5981

Email: touchlesscoversgulfcoast@gmail.com

EXPLORING THE DEPTHS

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAST FRONTIER SCUBA

From adventure seekers with experience to novice divers, Last Frontier Scuba is teaching others an exhilarating experience beneath the waves. Will Crosby & Dakota Johnson are utilizing their military experience to bring joy, healing, and adventure to the lives of others.

Open water scuba diving is the ultimate gateway to a world of wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner eager to dive in, open water diving offers a unique opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths and discover a hidden realm teeming with life and beauty.

The best friend duo are sharing their passion with the world. Offering locals and those visiting, a lifetime opportunity to learn open water diving. “We offer an open water diving certification and an intro to scuba without certification,” Crosby says.

“We see diving as therapy and especially enjoy taking our vets and special needs persons diving. It’s an experience they nor we will ever forget.” - Crosby / Johnson

Classes for open water diving certification are held in Vortex Springs, FL and include a pool class. Participants are chartered from Baldwin Co to the class where instructors can teach and assist with learning the essential tools and safety precautions for diving. Open water diving refers to diving in unrestricted bodies of water such as oceans, seas, and large lakes. Unlike

diving in controlled environments like pools or confined areas, open water diving presents the divers with new challenges and rewards. Learning the safety and freedom it offers is essential in preparation to explore the abyss.

One of the most captivating aspects of open water diving is the rich biodiversity that lies beneath the surface, hidden treasures along the bottom of the ocean floor, geological formations and underwater ecosystems that are unique to each location.

While open water scuba is a thrilling and rewarding experience, Will & Dakota know that it is essential to remember safety should always be a top priority. Divers must receive proper training and certification to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of open water environments. Understanding the basics of dive planning, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures is crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive. “We help our divers to feel safe in the water, prepared, and work to remove the fear of diving,” - Johnson.

Those who are interested in learning more or booking a class are encouraged to contact them via phone or email.

Ph: (251) 979 - 3288

Email: lastfrontierscuba@gmail.com

Last Frontier Scuba Teaching the Thrill of Open Water Scuba Diving

Will Crosby & Dakota Johnson

Will Crosby is a veteran of the U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment.

Dakota Johnson is a veteran of the U.S. Army 101 Airborne Division.

Crosby is a NAUI certified instructor. Johnson is the team’s safety officer and is also completing his NAUI instructor certification.

The best friend duo are currently working towards partnering with Ocean Clean to establish a local underwater clean up and plan to offer international open water dives in the near future.

“A Blue Mind” is a coined term the duo says has given their lives new meaning and state of awareness.

REAL ESTATE MEDIA

205.602.6597 www.pinewatchmedia.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 1ST

Flora-Bama Freedom Run

FLORA-BAMA | 7:00 AM

Come in your most patriotic outfit and kick off your July 4th weekend at the Flora-Bama with the Freedom Run. This patriotic run will feature two courses: The 4 Mile Run/Walk or the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk! Registration includes race shirt, food and drink post race, and a portion of the proceeds of this run will be donated to 4AHERO.

JULY 4TH

The City of Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration

GULF STATE PARK PIER | 9:00 PM

The CIty of Gulf Shores will celebrate the 4th of July with a stunning fireworks display. Fireworks will be shot from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier.

JULY 8TH

RED WHITE & BLUES Pensacola Beach Air Show

PENSACOLA BEACH | 12:00 PM

The RED WHITE & BLUES Pensacola Beach Air Show 2023 featuring the Blue Angels will be held on Saturday, July 8. Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights Pensacola hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron.

JULY 13TH-15TH

2023 Blue Marlin Grand Championship

THE WHARF

Sometimes things come together at the right place and right time to create something truly unique. The Blue Marlin Grand Championship is a result of one such magic combination. The final tournament of The Gulf Coast Triple Crown with a shotgun start at noon on May 13th. May 15th, 5pm-8pm, Tournament Weigh-In. This is the greatest show in sportfishing.

JULY 15TH, 21ST, 26TH & 30TH

Summer Concerts at The Wharf Amphitheater

THE WHARF AMPHITHEATER

July 15th: Parker McCollum with special guests Morgan Wade and Dalton Dover

July 21st: Sam Hunt with special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose

July 26th: The Dave Matthews Band

July 30th: Jelly Roll with special guests Struggle Jennings + Caitlynne Curtis and hosted by Josh Adam Myers

JULY 27TH-29TH

“Dream On: A Tribute to Classic Rock”

ORANGE BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

"Dream On" is a classic rock tribute show dedicated to some of the greatest music of all time. From Elton John to Def Leppard, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come and rock out to this City of Orange Beach original production. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. on July 27-28 and at 2 p.m. on July 29.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINE WATCH MEDIA

Surf Above The Waves

FOIL SURFING OFFERS A WHOLE NEW EDGE AND EXCITEMENT TO SURFING

There are no shortages of water activities along The Gulf Coast however, you’d be hard pressed to find one exactly like this. Our friends at Foil Gulf Coast, a family owned and operated business, are teaching people how to surf above the water! Foil surfing combines the rush of surfing with the excitement of flying above the water’s surface.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just taking your first steps Foil Gulf Coast is here to help.

Foil Gulf Coast

5677 Bayou St. John Ave

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Ph: (972) 746 - 7276