For more than 40 years songwriters from around the world have flocked to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach so they can perform their songs to thousands of fans. The event is called the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival and now it is receiving national recognition.

Sadly the world of scamming has moved into the coastal vacation areas. Almost every day you can see scammers on social media asking about local rentals. In other cases you may see a fake property being advertised. Either way, it hurts the vacation rental industry.

Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.

After months of hearing complaints from boaters along Alabama's Gulf Coast, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon is pleased with the results after a meeting with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) secretary Hal Taylor.

In the last two decades the cities within Baldwin County have made great strides in protecting their trees which give the communities character and southern charm. Most local towns are Arbor Day Foundation members and have passed laws to control 'clear cutting' a land parcel for the sake of development. Home owners and developers are instructed to check with City Planning Departments before removing or adding a large tree.

One of the most popular summer events for young adults is attending Shark Fest at the Alabama Gulf State Park. The event allows youth to learn the facts about sharks and other sea life which live in local waters.

Waterway Village has been a focus for the City of Gulf Shores ad it's development of a walking district by the canal. Once the new pedestrian bridge is finished and new buildings are open along the canal, where will visitors to the district park their cars?

In the U.S., an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 people drown each year, averaging 10 fatal drownings per day. Living in a community which is surrounded by water means local residents must stay aware of the dangers. Unfortunately we have lost a local resident of Orange Beach to such an incident.