The Fairhope Times

Fairhope's 'Trial of the Century' Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:16:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Tuesday afternoon.

FREE SPEECH OR JUSTIFIED ARREST?

Preparations are already underway for possible demonstrations during the Jenae Renae Gamble (aka 'Penis Lady') trial scheduled for municipal court Wednesday at about 2 PM. Municipal Judge Haymes Snedecker will preside during the bench trial.

The 'Indivisible Baldwin' non-profit organization is planning a demonstration in support of Gamble; and there are reports counter-demonstrators may be present as well.

Gamble's attorney David Gespass asserts she was only exercising her constitutionally-protected free speech rights; city prosecutor Marcus McDowell will contend local city ordinances were broken: disorderly conduct and resisting arrest at last word.

INCIDENT DURING POLITICAL DEMONSTRATION

The incident occurred at the beginning of the October 18, 2025 'No Kings Day 3' demonstration on Greeno Road (organized by Indivisible Baldwin against Trump administration policies) -- after officers say they received citizen complaints about the "offensive" phallus-looking costume Gamble was wearing (photo at bottom).

COURTROOM SPACE LIMITED

There is very limited space where trials are held (in the city council chamber); no video or audio recording is usually permitted. Visitors must pass through a metal detector too.

Demonstrators must stay on sidewalks or other public spaces outside -- and not block traffic.

If found guilty Gamble could decide to appeal to state court.

Oct. 18 'NKD 3' demonstration.

October 18 arrest.

Auditor Finds City's Finances Still Strong Last Year

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:48:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Popular audit.

ENDING SEPTEMBER 30

CPA Warren Averett Llc. of Montgomery audited the city's finances for the last fiscal year and found no discrepancies:

"We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, the aggregate discretely presented component units, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Fairhope, Alabama (the City) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City’s basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, the aggregate discretely presented component units, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City as of September 30, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America."

A simplified "popular" audit and the detailed formal one may be found in the Treasury Department section of the city's website (click).

Formal audit.

Water Pump Removed For Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:09:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

TREATMENT PLANT 4

The water pump at well number four on CR 3 south of town was removed recently for unspecified maintenance; a temporary pump was installed to continue operation.

The pump had just been replaced about two years ago.

Fairhope's First 'Consumable Hemp' License Applied For

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:50:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: It was subsequently approved 4-1. Councilman Gammon voted no.

18153 Wright blvd.

KATHY'S PACKAGE STORE

During today's meeting, the city council will consider approving a specialty-retailer consumable hemp products license for Kathy's Package Store in the 'Shoppes at Pt. Clear' shopping center on S. Greeno Road.

This is the first CH application to be considered by the city since the enabling ordinance was approved during the council's last meeting in March; additional ones are said to be in the pipeline though.

Suicide Confirmed Friday At Beach Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:07:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Morning of April 10.

Afternoon photo.

ON APRIL 10

FPD has confirmed a suicide early on the morning of April 10 at the base of the "steps" at north beach park. There was another one last November at the pier park just to the south. Some area residents say it was an older man, but that has not been confirmed yet.

From FPD: Update: The death investigation appears to be the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As the investigation continues, we appreciate the public's cooperation during this sensitive matter.

Our officers are currently conducting a death investigation in the beach area, north of the Fairhope Municipal Pier. There is no threat to the public. Please be advised that vehicle and pedestrian access is restricted in the immediate area while the investigation is ongoing. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

'E-Bike' Safety Crackdown Coming?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:31:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: A final vote will be taken at the April 23 council meeting.

Library parking lot.

Proposed new ordinance.

"UNSAFE" OPERATION ADDRESSED

Kids doing E-bike wheelies on downtown streets and otherwise riding recklessly may become a thing of the past if the city council decides to enact new restrictions during this week's council meeting; they will apply to conventional bicycles, hoverboards, Segways, scooters, and other such mobility devices as well (but not those for the disabled, like wheelchairs).

The purpose of the ordinance is "to implement reasonable regulations on the operation and use of these types of mobility devices pursuant to the City's police power to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to better promote the safe use and operation of regulated mobility devices, to prevent vehicular and pedestrian conflicts and other traffic hazards, to prevent hazards to public safety, and to enhance pedestrian and motorist safety."

Escalating penalties begin at $250 for first violations; confiscation is possible too in some cases.

Police chief Hollinghead said sometimes pursuit is difficult in the congested downtown especially, but some new ways are being developed.

Fairhope's Apple Market Grocery Opens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:04:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

FORMER WINN DIXIE

The Apple Market No. 1 grocery had a "soft opening" today in the Baldwin Square Shopping Center on Greeno Road in the former Winn Dixie store building.

This business is owned by Manning Inc., who also owns the nearby Piggly Wiggly; it is not affiliated with a store in Pensacola FL. with a similar name.

Unannounced "soft-openings" are often held to work out the bugs before official hard ones; a grand opening is being planned for July too, according to a company announcement.

Some shelves are not fully stocked yet.

Sidewalk Design Change Proposed To Save Big Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 09:13:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

301 Magnolia Avenue.

Church Street

CITY COUNCIL MUST DECIDE

What type of sidewalk or if one is installed at all will have to be decided by the city council after the planning commission gave its final approval to the Vatan mixed-use project at the NE corner of Magnolia Avenue and Church Streets (301 Magnolia).

The project's tree consultant (Ickes) is worried a conventional 6' wide sidewalk along Church Street would seriously-damage heritage tree roots and is recommending a 3' one be installed instead, or using pavers instead, or eliminating it altogether since there is not one anywhere else on that side the street, north of Magnolia.

During its April meeting, the planning commission gave its approval to the final plat design, but has no authority to waive sidewalk policy: only the city council may do that.

From a October 2023 FT report:

"The planning commission already gave its blessing to the proposed 3-storey, 9-unit, Vatan mixed-use development on .52 B-2 zoned acres in the central business district at the corner of Church and Magnolia -- and the city council is poised to do the same during its meeting Monday.

Commercial retail businesses are to occupy the bottom floors facing Magnolia; and the upper two floors will be residences -- with on-site parking provided.

Unlike the previous owner's earlier plan, most of the big live oak trees will be saved; the current owner is RW Llc. according to property records.

SE Civil is project engineer. "

Vatan rendering.

Sailboat Race This Weekend At Municipal Pier

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 15:01:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Municipal beach today.

HYDRA-FOIL SAILBOATS

Set up has begun at Fairhope's municipal beach for the 'Fast Eddy Cup 2026' this weekend, put on by Performance Regattas; practice begins Tuesday and racing Friday at noon, according to the event's website. Another event is scheduled for late June.

Teams are competing for $15K prize money.

From their website: "Performance Regattas is bringing two weekends of nonstop foiling action to Fairhope City Beach — April 10-12 & June 26 – 28.

Race once to win the regatta, or race twice for a shot at the series title, bigger prize money, and a place in the Grand Finale!"

Hydra-foil sailboat.

Schedule

Sewage Plant's Headworks Project Wrapping Up

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 05:58:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

TREATMENT CAPACITY INCREASE

Upgrades to the "headworks" where sewage first-enters the treatment plant from out in the community and initial filtering begins should be completed by summer

From a May 2025 FT report: "A project to upgrade the city's wastewater treatment plant's headworks is about to begin using a $1.2 million federal ARPA grant disbursed by ADEM.

Taylor Corporation was the low bidder at $4.9 million; $5 million was budgeted by the city for it this year. Krebs is the engineer for the project."

NEXT PHASE COSTLY

More capacity upgrades for the rest of the treatment plant will be next (phase 2), now being designed. Cost could be up to $50 million.

Martins Returning To New Birdhouses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 13:40:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

NEW GOURD TOWER DESIGN

After an absence of over a year because of construction in the area, purple martins are beginning to return to new birdhouses installed for them along the waterfront at the pier park, a Mobile Bay Audubon Society project.

Previous ones that were installed out in the bay there will not be returned because of chronic maintenance issues, according to the mayor.

They were first installed in the 1990s to provide shelter for the martins and help reduce mosquito populations.

2018 photo.

New Volanta Park Baseball Restrooms Being Constructed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 16:55:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New restrooms construction.

Construction has begun on new restrooms at Volanta Park located between the 6U and 5U baseball fields at the park's northwest corner; GAF Companies is the contractor for $171K (low bider).

The familiar old blue restrooms located nearby in the parking lot area are now closed; we were told they are to be demolished.

Closed.

Another Condemned House Demolished

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 06:39:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

416 BARCLAY AVENUE

The house was demolished this week.

From an earlier FT report:

"After hearing from building official Erik Cortinas, the city council authorized demolition of a "dangerous" vacant house on Barclay Avenue within 60 days-- unless the owner steps in to do it sooner.

Cortinas said the city has been in communication with the owner many times since 2021, who promised to address it (rehabilitate or demolish) but that never happened -- so the city intends to hire a contractor to do the demolition itself -- and then put a lien on the property for financing.

He said he thought the original owner had passed away and the heirs could not agree on what to do about it now.

Three quotes will be solicited for the work; lowest will get the job.

The neighbors there have been "very patient" about the "public nuisance" in their neighborhood so far, Cortinas added."

Barnwell Jetway Gas Station Being Remodeled

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 06:17:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

The 'Jetway 98' gas/convenience store in Barnwell was being repaired this week. Their canopy was damaged by hurricane Sally in 2020.

Jai Sri Krishna Llc. is still the owner, according to county property records. Plans for the property are not known; it was a Shell station for many years before the storm.

2025 photo.

Museum Archives Moved For Welcome Center Remodel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 09:34:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Fire truck bay closed.

Storage container.

The archives of the Fairhope Museum of History have been moved from the top floor of the Welcome Center to the firetruck bay inside the museum to allow for remodeling the Welcome Center; some of the more durable items are being stored in an IPOD storage container in the parking lot.

The Welcome Center's exterior envelope is to be replaced due to chronic moisture intrusion issues; construction should be starting soon.

Pier Park Memorial Bench Inscriptions Replaced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 15:14:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Old inscribed benches.

New bench plaques installed.

Dedication inscriptions from the old wooden benches that were removed early last year to make way for the waterfront renovation project are being replaced with metal plaques on the newly-installed composite benches, as promised.

2025 CONTROVERSY

In early 2025, several citizens expressed concerns when their loved-ones benches were being taken out.

Mayor Sullivan, whose family actually had a memorial bench there too, addressed the situation during a city council meeting in February of 2025:

"Mayor Sherry Sullivan and city staff addressed public concerns on Wednesday about replacement of benches at the Fairhope pier, saying the city will surplus the old benches, return inscribed boards to donors on request and install more durable resin benches with a substantial plaque.

"Those benches at the pier were surplus at the last meeting, which means that we can now give those away," Sullivan said during the council meeting, seeking to correct social‑media accounts that described a different plan. She said many of the wooden benches and their concrete anchors were in poor condition and that the city plans to replace them with a resin material that is more durable.

Sullivan said the city will remove the wooden boards that carry inscriptions and make those available to the original donors. She added that the new benches will feature a single, more substantial plaque rather than the small routed wooden inscriptions that residents have come to associate with the pier. "It is not the plaque that has been circulated on social media," the mayor said; she described the replacement plaque as a more substantial, longer‑lasting piece that will include memorial inscriptions."

Local Authors Room Opens At Fairhope's Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:51:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

FORMER TEEN SPACE

The new 'Local Authors' room has opened at the library; it will focus on local history as well according to library director Gourlay.

The new display case was provided by the Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts non-profit organization.

The space became available after the library's teen area moved upstairs, into their newly-constructed room.

Walmart 'Package Store' Ok'd By City Council

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:16:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

THE ‘LIQUOR BOX’

The city council voted to issue a retail liquor license to Walmart for a ‘Liquor Box’ package store at their super center on Hwy 181.

To-go sales of liquor, beer, and wine will be allowed per their new license.

Building department sources say it likely will be located in vacant spaces up-front, possibly in the area of the former Mcdonald’s restaurant.

No timeline was mentioned.

This will be one of the company’s first package stores in the state: the first was in Tuscaloosa, which opened last summer.

Roundabout Still Needs Street Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: Contractor is still waiting for horizontal components at the top of the poles too according to city engineer.

Veterans Drive Roundabout

ALMOST COMPLETED

Poles have been installed but electrical contractor Bagby and Russell still has to install a controller before new street lights at the Veterans Drive roundabout may be installed.

The controller will be on the east side entrance just up the hill where three small the transformers are located, according to city electric department supervisor Patterson.

Fluoride To Stay In City's Water For Now

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:56:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Water Well 4.

March town hall.

After consulting with local dentists and doctors, fluoridation of city drinking water will likely continue for now, according to mayor Sullivan in answer to a citizen's question during a recent town hall meeting at the Nix Center.

Last October she said removing it was being considered, as is being done some other places in the country because of its high cost ($100K per year) and potential hazard for employees, among other reasons (no longer needed?).

The states of Florida and Utah have already banned it completely, as has the city of Orange Beach in Alabama. Some federal-level officials have expressed doubts about continued use as well.

OTHER ISSUES

The presence of fluoride may also make filtration of pfas/pfos (polyfluoralkyl substances -- aka forever chemicals) more difficult according to earlier comments from city utility officials; two city wells have tested high for pfos: wells 4 and 5. New federal regulation of those chemicals are still set to take effect in 2029 (subject to change).

Effective filtration to remove pfas/pfos also may remove the fluoride; other more expensive methods could be used instead though, such as drilling deeper wells or new wells.

'No Kings Day 3' In Fairhope

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:46:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Eggplant costume.

Greeno Road today.

PROTESTING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICIES

A lady dressed as an "eggplant" was the only costume we saw at today's 'No Kings Day 3' political demonstration on Greeno Road; she did say she was there in support of the protestor who was arrested for a different style costume at the last such event here.

We saw only one pro-Trump demonstrator, but numerous passers-by expressed audible/verbal (honks, yells) support both for the president .... and for the NKD demonstrators.

As far as we know today's event went off without incident; pedestrian barriers were installed along the highway this time.

Organized by the Indivisible Baldwin non-profit organization self-described as "a grassroots movement with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda."

Fly Creek Boat Channel Dredging Project Halted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:21:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

January 30, 2026.

CONTRACTOR UNABLE TO FINISH

Dredged-up sand was being smoothed-out on the beach at the west end of Volanta Avenue after the city council passed a resolution Monday to start a process to terminate the dredging company's contract -- and make a claim on the surety bond in order to complete the project.

Sources tell the Times the problem arose over the disposal of dredged-up material (aka spoils) found not suitable for beach replenishment.

A bond claim is a legal demand for payment made by a subcontractor, supplier, or project owner against a surety bond when a contractor fails to pay for labor/materials or fails to complete a project. It acts as a safety net, allowing damaged parties to seek compensation from the surety company (insurer).

From a January 2026 FT report:

"Last November, the city council selected low-bidder M & N of Alabama Llc. ($718K) to dredge the main Fly Creek boat channel (10' depth) as well as a portion of the upper creek channel in the vicinity of city's boat docks.

Necessary Army Corp. of Engineers permits were obtained earlier.

The city and Fairhope Yacht Club will share the cost for the main channel -- but the city will bear all cost for the other -- per a supplemental memorandum of understanding with the club.

Dredging spoils will be used to replenish nearby beaches. Dredging is necessary about every five years, to maintain channel depth for boat clearance. It was last-done in 2019."

March 24, 2026

'Working Waterfront' Project Completion Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:53:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Kant at center.

RESTORE GRANT FUNDED

Mayor Sullivan, council members, and Dogwood Trail Maids marked the successful completion of the $10+ million Waterfront Renovation project during a brief ceremony this afternoon; the fountain and rose garden area was renamed in honor of former mayor Tim Kant as well.

Most of the project's funding was provided by a federal RESTORE grant, using 2010 BP oil spill fine money.

Proposed Silverhill Pre-school Questioned

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Proposed Early Learning Academy.

Old Silverhill Elementary site.

TOO FAR FOR PARENTS TO DRIVE?

On the brink of awarding contracts for actual construction, the Baldwin County School Board began debating the merits of a proposed Early Learning Academy in downtown Silverhill -- on the site of the former elementary school.

The new 72K square foot school is to have 34 classrooms and accommodate about 612 students with 171 parking spaces.

District 3 representative Tony Myrick (Foley area) and others worried that the proposed 10 mile attendance zone would cause a "hardship for parents" by being too far to drive to drop off their children, since the grant-funded program (Office of School Readiness, OSR) is non-mandated and no transportation is provided (except for some special education cases).

Growing traffic congestion in the Silverhill area is a worry too, especially on the two main roads, HWY 104 and CR 55.

Myrick suggested adding wings to existing schools may be a better approach.

District 1's Ken Bradley (Bay Minette) agreed: "Crux of the matter ... 2 lane roads ... north and south ... 600 angry parents (drivers) ... adding on to local schools better?"

APPROVED IN 2024

BOE staff said the proposed new school was designed to serve over 600 children in a 10 mile radius -- from Summerdale, Loxley, Foley, Fairhope, and Robertsdale-areas, out of over 800 anticipated annual applicants: selection of the "winners" is made at random (numbers drawn from a bowl).

The new school's design was altered somewhat after Siverhill's mayor raised objections about its appearance recently; their city council was consulted too (one council member spoke during this meeting, in favor of the school's location there).

Superintendent Tyler said the Board had given the go-ahead for the Silverhill location during a February, 2024 board meeting -- and got updates during subsequent meetings.

Currently space for pre-schools is set aside at individual elementary schools around the county, but that space will be needed for regular K-6 classrooms some day -- according to the staff.

Cost for the one new centralized pre-school would be considerably less than adding-on more wings to each of the existing schools.

"NEED" NOT IN QUESTION

Myrick and said he was not questioning the need for the service, just the proposed location. Pre-school is a proven factor for a child's success later in life, he said.

Bradley agreed, citing the high cost for private day care in his city as more evidence of the need.

OTHER OPTIONS?

District 6's Christenberry (Fairhope-area) remembered their original intention was to eventually build several such pre-k's around the county beginning with Silverhill, then other ones somewhere in S. Baldwin and N. Baldwin to cover all regions of the county.

Christenberry: "We have to begin somewhere."

Myrick agreed having more than one such school would be "ideal."

Superintendent Tyler referenced another possible site nearby, school property on Hwy 59 between Loxley and Robertsdale -- but some of the others thought that site had potential traffic problems too.

$990K ALREADY SPENT

Preliminary engineering design (Adams and Stewart, Llc,) and demolition of the old Silverhill school has already cost $990K, according to staff.

At the end, Tyler called it a "good discussion" -- but no decision was made: the Silverhill Early Learning Academy plan has been put on hold.

Pre-school discussion..

10 mile radius.

Silverhill plan.

'Apple Market' Coming To Old Winn Dixie Store Building

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

187 BALDWIN SQUARE CENTER

The new grocery store coming to the vacated Winn Dixie in the Baldwin Square Shopping Center will likely be called 'Apple Market'; but the actual owner is Manning, Inc. according to records filed with the state and city

Manning, Inc. also operates several Piggly Wiggly stores in the area. (Incorporators Kenneth, Danny, and David Manning; Constantine Kamal is the registered agent.)

Social media posts say they are hiring now, but no other timeline was mentioned yet.

Winn Dixie decided to sell all of their Alabama stores last year.

Manning, Inc.