Gulf Coast, AL September 2026 by City Lifestyle

The Style Issue S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

September is STYLE

September 2026

Hey Neighbors, September has a way of slowing the pace just enough to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Our Style Issue celebrates the people whose vision, creativity, and craftsmanship help shape the character of our Gulf Coast. We begin by shadowing Freda Butler, the talented mastermind behind Southern Palms Decor & Furniture. Her gift for blending coastal charm with timeless style has made her one of our area’s most sought-after designers, and we loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity that brings her spaces to life. Next, Danielle Poché opens the doors to stunning new homes on the market, showcasing the modern features and thoughtful upgrades today’s buyers are searching for. Whether you’re house hunting or simply love beautiful homes, you’re sure to find inspiration. We are so excited to feature “Tacky Tara”, aka Tara McMeans: artist, entrepreneur, community leader, Tacky Jacks’ marketing guru, and so much more. Tara wears countless hats in our community, and we hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the many sides of her life and the passion she pours into everything she does. Congratulations to Tara, her artwork was selected as the official design for the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival—a well-deserved honor and a beautiful reflection of her incredible talent. One of my favorite moments in this issue takes us to downtown Mobile, where we celebrate an extraordinary accomplishment by our own Art Director and photographer, JD Swiger. We were honored to witness the unveiling of his breathtaking mural honoring The Temptations, with members of the Melvin Franklin family in attendance. Seeing JD’s incredible talent recognized on such a meaningful stage was a proud moment for all of us, and we’re excited to share this experience with you. As always, thank you for your continued support. Your support of our local businesses, artists, and neighbors allows us to continue sharing the stories that make this community so special. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and into your hearts. Love local. Live local. Spend local. Until next month…

PUBLISHER

ASHLEY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER @ G U L F _ C OAS T _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Lillian Taylor | lillian.taylor@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6 Gulf Coast City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Gulf Coast area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

18 Featured

18 26

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Designed With Purpose

Freda Butler creates beautiful Gulf Coast spaces while building family, business and community connections.

Creative Impact

Artist, entrepreneur and community leader Tara McMeans

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Open House REAL ESTATE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Events

Art That Connects

J.D. Swiger honors musical history while expanding Swiger Studio’s reach into Mobile.

On the Cover Freda Butler showcases the art of coastal living. Through Southern Palms Decor & Furniture, she blends timeless style, natural beauty, and thoughtful details to create spaces that capture the heart and soul of Gulf-Coast living. Photography: JD Swiger- Swiger Studio

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SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

LAYP

5 OBGC

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1, 2, 4: Lower Alabama Young Professionals, LAYPs, hosted Coffee & Connections at Cavala Apartments. 3: Congratulations to the winners of the Great-American-Mailbox-Challenge sponsored by OBGC. Third place: Sherlane McMurdo. 5: OBGC placed flags at our city cemetery for the 4th of July. 6: Congratulations to the winners of the Great-American-Mailbox-Challenge sponsored by OBGC. Second place: Joye Pendley. 7: Congratulations to the winners of the Great-American-Mailbox-Challenge sponsored by OBGC. First place: Sandra Sharpless.

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8, 12: Southern Coastal Aesthetics hosted a Botox & Bubbles Event. Beauty education and giveaways! 9, 11: Coastal Spotlight Theatre Camp, hosted 70 young performers and technicians from across Baldwin County. 10: OBPD’s K9 Gator, is a German Shorthaired Pointer. He is such a good boy. 13: Work of Art Team receiving their check for the tournament. See you next summer! 14: Officer Brennan Giles with OBPD has the best new partner. Welcome Gator to the department!

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

21 20

15: GSPS Marine’s superstar staff at 2026 Blue Marlin Grand Championship. 16: Work of Art wins with a 641.2 lb blue marlin. Congrats to angler, Brandon Favre. 17, 18: GSPS Marine had a great selection of offshore boats at the Blue Marlin Grand Championship. 19: 2026 Blue Marlin Grand Championship is one of the greatest shows for spectators and anglers. 20: Work of Art Team celebrating in Marlin “Championship” Circle. Champagne everywhere… 21: Work of Art getting ready for weigh-in at the 2026 Blue Marlin Grand Championship.

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DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE Freda Butler creates beautiful Gulf Coast spaces while building family, business and community connections.

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JD SWIGER- SWIGER STUDIO

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

Long before Southern Palms Furniture & Decor became a trusted name along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, there was a little girl who simply saw the world differently. At four years old, while most children were choosing toys, Freda Butler was helping her grandparents select fabric to recover a family sofa. It seemed like a small decision

at the time, but decades later, that same sofa still sits in her home a reminder of where her story began. Her childhood friends aren’t surprised she became an interior designer. “I’ve just always known.” Growing up on her family’s North Alabama farm, Freda rarely looked at a room the way everyone else did. Cleaning her bedroom usually meant rearranging every piece of furniture because she believed the room could work better another way. By high school, her imagination had grown even bigger. She cut down a small tree from the family farm and placed it behind her bed because it fit the vision she had for the space. The tree remained there until after she was married. She was constantly sketching floor plans and imagining homes she might someday create. At eight years old, she even walked her mother through the house pointing out changes she thought should be made. Most of those ideas never happened, but the instinct behind them never disappeared. Travel expanded that perspective even further. Because her grandmother owned a travel agency, Freda spent much of her childhood exploring Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe. While many travelers

remember beaches or famous landmarks, Freda remembers hotel lobbies. “They were such welcoming places that gave me excitement about what kind of adventure we would find.” Cruises introduced her to beautiful finishes and craftsmanship, while Europe inspired her appreciation for individuality. “I noticed everyone had different front doors. None were the same. I’m still stunned that in America we all have the same front doors.” One destination continues to influence her work more than any other the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. The woven palm baskets, tropical landscaping and relaxed island atmosphere helped shape the coastal style she is known for today. Those experiences also taught her one of the most important principles she carries into every design: balance. “If you go too far, it just looks like a drunken parrot.” It’s a philosophy she still follows today, borrowing inspiration from Coco Chanel’s advice to remove one accessory before leaving the house. “The same applies to interiors.” After earning degrees in interior design and public relations from the University of Alabama and studying CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

“I consider myself an artist, rooms are my canvas and furniture and art are my paintbrushes.”

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

art history in Italy, Freda made her way to the Gulf Coast. She quickly recognized that many homeowners were purchasing beach properties from outside the area and needed more than someone to sell furniture. They needed a trusted partner who could guide them through every design decision and create spaces that reflected the lifestyle they imagined. That realization became Southern Palms Furniture & Decor. Today, Freda and her team specialize in full-service interior design for vacation rentals, second homes, renovations, new construction and commercial spaces across the Gulf Coast. Every project begins with a private design consultation not a walk through the showroom because understanding how clients will live, entertain or host guests is the foundation of every successful design.

From there, Freda and her team create a complete plan that may include furnishings, lighting, artwork, rugs, accessories and styling. They also assist with finish selections during renovations and new construction while coordinating deliveries, installations and the countless details clients rarely see. For owners who live outside Baldwin County, that local expertise provides peace of mind from the first consultation to the final installation. “The dedication to the details is what makes everything come together.” While Southern Palms is known for its full-service design, the company also welcomes customers into its Orange Beach showroom and online boutique. Both feature carefully curated furniture, artwork and home décor selected by Freda and her team. Whether someone is searching for a single statement piece or furnishing an

entire property, Southern Palms offers a starting point for creating a home that feels intentional and inviting. For Freda, beautiful spaces have never been about filling rooms with furniture. They are about creating experiences. “I hope clients have that feeling you get after you’ve been traveling for a while and finally arrive at your destination and it’s even better than you expected. That overwhelming feeling of, “That feeling when you finally arrive, take it all in and realize, this is where I get to unwind.” That philosophy has shaped some of her favorite projects, including helping three siblings renovate the beach condominium their parents purchased more than thirty years ago. Rather than erase its history, they preserved meaningful pieces while updating the home for future generations. Another unforgettable project was designing the lobby for Phoenix Gulf Shores II. It brought her story full circle. The little girl who once lingered in hotel lobbies studying every detail was now creating the first

impression thousands of families would experience before beginning their own vacations. Her creativity also extends beyond Southern Palms. Each year, Freda partners with Gulf Shores Middle School’s art classes to create Christmas trees for the Merry Memories Tinsel Trail. Together, the students design handmade ornaments that become part of the holiday display. The following year, those ornaments are sold, with proceeds benefiting a local foundation. It’s a collaboration that allows students to see how creativity can strengthen a community while giving back to it. Family remains the heart of everything she does. Her partner, Lance Rabren, and her four children, Evie Rosa, Jack, Hans and Coco are both her biggest supporters and her most honest sounding board. Their perspectives have taught her that every member of a household experiences a home differently, and good design should reflect the people who live there. Being a mother has shaped her professionally as well. She admits that years ago she installed light gray carpet in a busy family home and quickly learned that CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

beautiful choices also have to be practical. Those experiences continue to influence the recommendations she makes for every client. When asked what she hopes people remember years from now, Freda doesn’t mention furniture or finished rooms. She hopes they remember how those spaces made them feel. The excitement of arriving. The comfort of gathering. The laughter shared around a dining table. The memories created with family and friends. Perhaps that’s because she’s never really believed interior design is about decorating. “I consider myself an artist. Rooms are my canvas, and furniture and art are my paintbrushes.” With every consultation, every installation and every finished room, Freda and the Southern Palms team aren’t simply designing beautiful interiors. They’re creating the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments.

“When all the pieces in the design take their places, that’s where the magic happens!”

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Creative Impact ARTIST, ENTREPRENEUR AND COMMUNITY LEADER TARA MCMEANS ARTICLE BY LILLIAN NORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JD SWIGER- SWIGER STUDIO

Creativity has never occupied just one corner of Tara McMeans’ life. This year, McMeans and her team celebrate the 20th anniversary of Design Print Promote, the creative marketing agency she founded to help businesses connect with their audience. Over two decades, the company has supported clients through branding, design, printing, promotional products and marketing strategy. For McMeans, the work is about more than creating attractive materials. It is about helping local businesses tell their stories, reach the right people and grow with confidence.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

“TARA MCMEANS TURNS CREATIVITY INTO CONNECTION, USING ART, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SERVICE TO STRENGTHEN BUSINESSES, INSPIRE YOUNG LEADERS AND GIVE BACK THROUGHOUT THE GULF COAST COMMUNITY.” Her story is entering a memorable chapter in 2026. McMeans was selected as the official poster artist for the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival, held October 8–11 in Gulf Shores. It is the second time her artwork has been chosen for the festival’s official poster and merchandise, placing her among a small group of artists to receive the honor more than once. She will be signing posters during the festival on Saturday, October 10, and encourages collectors to purchase theirs early. The last time her artwork was featured as the official Shrimp Festival poster in 2022, all posters sold out by 1 p.m. on Saturday. The recognition brings several parts of McMeans’ world together: Gulf Coast culture, visual storytelling, community celebration and entrepreneurship. Her festival artwork will be seen throughout one of the region’s largest traditions, but her creative presence at the event will extend beyond the official poster. McMeans will also host a festival booth featuring Saltwater heALs, the lifestyle brand she launched in 2020 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic and the destruction left by Hurricane Sally. The brand began as a way to combine her original artwork with a commitment to giving back. Each design starts with one of her own pieces, and a portion of proceeds supports local nonprofit organizations. The idea behind Saltwater heALs is simple but meaningful: people can purchase apparel they enjoy while supporting work that improves the place they call home. The capitalized “AL” reflects the brand’s Alabama roots, while its coastal designs celebrate the water, wildlife and lifestyle that make the Gulf Coast distinctive. McMeans’ professional responsibilities have also expanded through Tacky Jacks, where she stepped into the role of marketing director earlier this year. The position is a natural progression after more than 13 years working with the waterfront restaurant company as its “Director of Fun.” During that time, she helped develop marketing campaigns, special events, entertainment and community engagement across its locations. Whether she is developing a campaign, creating art or planning an event, McMeans brings the same energy to community service. She is especially passionate about programs that support education, entrepreneurship and small businesses throughout South Baldwin County. CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

TA R A M C M E A N S Tara McMeans will celebrate her second selection as the National Shrimp Festival poster artist during the 53rd annual festival, October 8–11, 2026, in Gulf Shores. She will sign official posters and merchandise on Saturday, October 10. Festival visitors can also shop McMeans’ Saltwater heALs booth, featuring coastal apparel created from her original artwork. A portion of proceeds supports local nonprofit organizations. To learn more about Tara McMeans, explore her businesses and community projects including Design Print Promote, Saltwater heALs, and Epic South Baldwin, or enter to win a signed Shrimp Festival poster prize package, visit TaraMcMeans.com.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

One initiative close to her heart is EPIC South Baldwin, a student entrepreneurship program she helped launch through the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation and Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, with support from Coastal Alabama Community College, sponsors and volunteers. Students learn to develop business ideas, work with experienced mentors and are provided startup funding to help move their concepts forward. For McMeans, encouraging young entrepreneurs is another form of creative investment. By sharing experience, building connections and opening doors, she helps students see that their ideas have value and that meaningful businesses can begin right here at home and at any age. Twenty years after launching her agency, McMeans is still creating, promoting, volunteering and finding new ways to contribute. The hats may be many, but the purpose remains consistent: use creativity generously, support the community and leave every project stronger than she found it.

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Modern design meets quality construction Today’s homebuyers want more than a place to live. They are looking for thoughtful design, durable construction, everyday comfort and long-term value. That’s when Danielle comes along; you see, all across Baldwin County, D.R. Horton continues to build communities that combine modern finishes, practical floor plans and convenient locations for buyers in every stage of life. As D.R. Horton’s Baldwin County New Home Sales Representative, Danielle helps buyers explore communities from Orange Beach to Spanish Fort and throughout the surrounding area. She works with clients to compare locations, available inventory, floor plans and neighborhood amenities, making a process that can feel overwhelming easier to navigate. Many D.R. Horton homes include features that create an elevated yet functional living environment. Nine-foot ceilings add openness and allow natural light to move throughout the home, while open-concept layouts provide flexible spaces for entertaining, working from home and family life. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is featured in many homes, offering the appearance of hardwood with added durability and easy maintenance. It is a practical choice for active families, pet owners and coastal living. Granite or quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms add timeless style while providing dependable surfaces for daily use.

ARTICLE BY LILLIAN NORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JD SWIGER- SWIGER STUDIO

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Modern cabinetry, updated lighting and contemporary fixtures help create interiors that feel current without becoming overly trendy. In select communities, eight-foot front doors make a strong first impression, while exterior details such as shake, lap siding and awnings add character and curb appeal. Quality also extends beyond what buyers can immediately see. Many homes are constructed

using ZIP System® sheathing, which combines structural panels with an integrated weather-resistant barrier. Gold FORTIFIED construction standards further support durability and performance in a coastal environment. D.R. Horton’s Smart Home package may include features such as a video doorbell, keyless entry, programmable thermostat, smart lighting controls and a touchscreen panel. Homes are also

supported by a one-year builder warranty and a ten-year structural warranty. Buyers can choose from communities offering resort-style amenities, including pools, fitness centers, walking trails, lakes, pickleball courts and clubhouses. Other neighborhoods offer quieter surroundings and lower HOA dues. One of the newest communities Danielle is introducing is Tealwood Estates in Foley. Located off County Road 24, it

offers access to Gulf Coast beaches, downtown Foley, Fairhope, shopping, dining and recreation. Its one-story, three- and four-bedroom floor plans are designed for buyers with a range of needs. Whether someone is purchasing a first home, relocating, downsizing, investing or buying a second residence, Danielle helps identify the features and communities that best support their lifestyle and long-term goals.

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Art That Connects

J.D. SWIGER HONORS MUSICAL HISTORY WHILE EXPANDING SWIGER STUDIO’S REACH INTO MOBILE. ARTICLE BY LILLIAN NORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.D. SWIGER - SWIGER STUDIO

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

For the third time, Gulf Coast City Lifestyle is proud to feature artist J.D. Swiger of Swiger Studio, whose work continues to connect people through creativity, history, and community. Known across the Gulf Coast for inspiring budding artists and making creative expression feel approachable, Swiger has built a reputation that reaches far beyond the walls of his studio. His expansion from Gulf Shores into Mobile reflects that growing impact, allowing his work and influence to touch more families, artists, and communities.

One of his most meaningful recent projects was a commissioned mural honoring Melvin Franklin, a founding member of The Temptations. Franklin, whose deep bass voice became one of the group’s most recognizable sounds, performed with the Motown group from 1961 until 1995. Commissioned by the Franklin family, the mural carries significance beyond portraiture. It preserves the legacy of a musical icon while creating a visual connection between family history, cultural memory, and the wider community. CONTINUED >

“Art has the power to preserve a family’s history, honor the people who shaped our culture, inspire emerging artists, and connect communities across the Gulf Coast.”

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Through Swiger’s interpretation, Franklin’s story becomes something people can encounter, reflect on, and celebrate. That ability to transform personal history into shared experience is central to Swiger’s work. Whether he is creating a commissioned piece, encouraging an emerging artist, or contributing to a public project, his approach is rooted in connection. As Swiger Studio expands its reach into Mobile, the mural stands as a powerful example of what J.D. does best: honoring the past, engaging the present, and creating art that invites people to feel part of something larger than themselves. His growth also speaks to the trust he has earned across coastal Alabama. Clients value the care he brings to every commission, while aspiring artists look to his journey as proof that creative work can build bridges. By extending Swiger Studio’s presence into Mobile, he is not leaving Gulf Shores behind. He is widening his reach and strengthening his commitment to touch communities from Gulf Shores to Mobile and across the Gulf Coast.

J.D. Swiger J.D. Swiger’s relationship with the Gulf Coast has been shaped by more than paintings and commissions. Through Swiger Studio, he has spent years showing others that art can be approachable, personal, and connected to place. Although Swiger is not a traditional art teacher, his career and community presence have inspired budding artists to trust their creativity and pursue artistic paths. That influence matters because his work reaches beyond a canvas. He creates with purpose, shares his journey openly, and demonstrates what is possible when talent is paired with persistence. Expanding Swiger Studio’s services from Gulf Shores into Mobile gives him the opportunity to connect with a broader audience while maintaining the personal approach that has defined his work. It also creates possibilities for commissioned pieces, collaborations, public art, and projects that preserve family and cultural history. The Melvin Franklin mural brings those elements together. It required artistic skill, historical sensitivity, and respect for the family that entrusted Swiger with Franklin’s image and legacy. For Swiger, art is more than decoration. It is a way to honor people, carry stories forward, inspire others, and create lasting connections across the Gulf Coast.

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ARTICLE BY STACY LEACH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Wear Colors That Truly

LOVE YOU A quick guide to finding flattering shades for life.

KNOW YOUR UNDERTONE Your undertone doesn’t change with the seasons. Check your wrist veins: blue means cool, green means warm, and unclear may be neutral. Cool tones love jewel colors; warm tones glow in earthy, rich shades.

CONSIDER CONTRAST Do you have high contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes (like dark hair and light skin)? High contrast looks great in bold, clear colors. Low contrast (like blonde hair and fair skin)? Softer, blended tones often suit you best.

THE WHITE VS. CREAM TEST Hold a white and ivory shirt near your face. If white flatters, you're likely cooltoned. If ivory glows against your skin, you're likely warm-toned. This quick test reveals your undertone with ease.

BUILD AROUND YOUR “WOW” COLORS Once you identify a few colors that make you look and feel amazing, use those as the base of your palette. These are your power colors—build your wardrobe and makeup around them!

PRO TIP You don’t have to follow rules perfectly. Your color palette is a guide, not a limit. Mix, match, and most importantly—wear what makes you feel beautiful.

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST

SEPTEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S SE PT E M BE R 6T H

Light Up Labor Day at The Wharf The Wharf | 6:00 PM Labor Day Event Schedule: 5-9 pm: Live Music at Portside, 6-9 pm: DJ on Main Street, 8:45 pm: Fireworks, 8:30, 9 + 9:30 pm: SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. SE PT E M BE R 1 9 T H- 2 0 TH

6th Annual OB Freedom Fest - Bama Coast Cruisin'Car Show The Wharf | 9:00 AM Saturday, September 19th - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Sunday, September 20th - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Bama Coast Cruisin' car show on Main Street and Wharf Parkway, Kids' Zone by the Ferris wheel, Patriotic military booths, Arts, crafts and outdoor vendors as well as Food vendors, Live music stage with entertainment provided by the Flora-Bama and CoastAL. O C TOBE R 8T H- 1 1 T H

The 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am–10pm; Sunday 10am–5pm. For over 50 years this volunteer-driven event has been a tradition on the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama. Food, music, art, and so much more make up an action packed weekend with nearly 250,000 of your closest friends.

GeAUX PREAUX M A R I N E D E TA I L I N G S t o p H a r d D e c k i n g , S t a r t S e a D e k- i n g RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | CONDOS

TOO HOT? TOO COLD? CALL US. Proudly serving the Alabama Gulf Coast for over 12 years.

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EVE N TS

Marine Construction Built to Last Tough Builds for Tough Water At Weeks Bay Marine, we are committed to delivering exceptional services and expert care, specializing in all marine construction and repair needs. Our expertise extends beyond marine construction to include land development, dredging, demolition services, boat salvage, and tree and sod installation, and seawall construction.

251.597.8155 www.WeeksBayMarine.com

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