Some City Council Work Sessions can be very interesting and have a big impact on the future of Gulf Shores. During these sessions the city's staff can inform the council of legal and operational details of a particular item before the council votes in the next session. Today the session will have several interesting items.

Following a successful Sand in My Boots Music Festival, the city council will consider a two-year extension of the festival’s franchise. Formerly the Hangout Music Festival, which started in 2010, the festival changed to a country theme for the 2025 edition. The festival received a 10-year franchise agreement in 2015 that expired after this year’s event. The proposal would extend for an initial term through May 21, 2026, and allow for an extension through May 27, 2027.

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The council will meet in a work session on July 21 in council chambers at city hall.

“Staff recommends approval of the amendment to Ordinance No. 1770 to support the continued planning and production of music festivals in 2026 and potentially 2027,” a memo from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Grant Brown states. “This amendment lays the groundwork for additional future discussions.”

During the work session, the council will also discuss:

• Changing inspections of short-term rental property inspections from every three years to once every five years and adding a $500 fine for business license renewals for properties not in compliance.
• Granting a taxi franchise to Surfside Shuttle.
• Entering an agreement to host the Southern States Athletic Conference track and field championships in April.
• Entering an agreement to host the NCAA Sand Volleyball National Championship in May.