Many locals know the Craft name when they think of Gulf Shores. Robert Craft and his family have been tied to golf homes and community development for decades. During his past year Mayor Craft has seen the the Gulf Shores airport expand with airline service, Highway 59 open an express lane for Fort Morgan road and ALDOT begin building a new bridge which better services island transportation.

Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft announced he will run for re-election in the August 26 municipal election. His platform is "Keep Gulf Shores Moving Forward."

Throughout his time as mayor, Gulf Shores has faced numerous challenges, including the BP oil spill, the financial crisis, and damaging hurricanes. Craft's campaign said his leadership during those times made the city stronger.

Craft graduated from Foley High School and went to Auburn University, where he earned a degree in agricultural science. He built Craft Turf Farms and developed the Craft Farms community.

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His business-minded leadership took the city from a $7 million debt to a $75 million surplus, the campaign touted.

Other notable accomplishments include the allocation of $272 million towards capital improvements, $76 million in grants, and the establishment of Gulf Shores City Schools.

The school system has specialty programs that have drawn attention from other school systems statewide.

Ongoing projects Craft has pushed for include a new pedestrian bridge and a new Intracoastal Waterway bridge to ease traffic and improve walkability.

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Craft, a Gulf Shores native, is married to his wife Trudy. They have two children and seven grandchildren and are members of St. Andrew by the Sea Church.