The Fairhope Times

More Municipal Golf Course Greens Being Renovated

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 8 May 2026 20:26:33 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

QUAIL CREEK COURSE

Renovation of greens on the back nine at the city’s Quail Creek Golf Course has begun: completion is expected by mid-August. (Greens on the front nine were done last year.)

Practice putting greens will also be renovated. Temporary greens will be installed during the project.

Sur-Line Turf Inc. of Northport, Alabama was the low bidder for the contract: $199K.

Notice To Golfers at Quail Creek Golf Course:

“Tif Eagle grass will be introduced to Quail Creek on the Practice Putting green and back Side Greens. The greens renovation project will begin Monday May 4th. Temporary greens will be in front of the existing greens. Large 8” inch cups will be installed, and a Local Rule of Automatic Two Putt will be used during this time.

We would anticipate the Back Side greens to re-open near the 3rd week of August, weather permitting.”

More 2026 Baldwin County Election Fundraising Records

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 8 May 2026 14:02:12 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

May 19 primary election.

Sheriff candidates fundraising.

County Commission candidates fundraising.

FOR SHERIFF

Latest campaign fundraising data from the Secretary of State indicates incumbent sheriff Anthony Lowery ahead of challenger Matt Mckenzie.

Lowery raised $100K so-far in 2026 and McKenzie $30K according to the records.

FOR COUNTY COMMISSION

Commission candidate John Harris raised the most, $26K so far in 2026. B. J. Underwood spent the most, $32.5K.

Both incumbents James Ball and Underwood had $57K left at the end of the reporting period.

Go to the SOS's website for detailed individual weekly/monthly reports (click).

Election is May 19.

Traffic Signal Ok'd For Busy St. Michael High School Intersection

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 7 May 2026 14:43:43 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Hwy 104 at St. Michael Way.

HIGHWAY 104

The Baldwin County Commission gave the go-ahead for a traffic signal to be installed on Hwy 104 at St. Michael's Way in east Fairhope, approving a joint project agreement with the state's ALDOT.

Commissioner Underwood said the commission had been considering one for there for some time, but being a state road causes complications.

Lawrence Road on the south side is currently a dead-end but plans are to complete it through to CR 48 eventually, if funding can be found.

It is possible the signal may be expedited and installed later this year.

Big Fundraising Lead For Incumbent State Senate Candidate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 6 May 2026 17:25:57 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

District 32 election.

Latest campaign finance report.

SOUTHWEST BALDWIN COUNTY AREA

The latest-available campaign finance reports show District 32 incumbent Chris Elliot of Josephine with a big campaign cash advantage over challenger Mike Vandenheuel of Foley.

As of the May 4th report, Elliot had received $419K -- compared to only $17K by Vandenheuel.

Elliot has spent $497K campaigning so far -- to Vandenhuel's $22K (some addition non-contributed money included).

LAST WEEK'S CONTRIBUTIONS

Elliot received an additional $51K the week before and Vandenheuel received nothing, according to the electronically-filed data available from the Secretary of State's website (click).

Largest recent donations for Elliot were from the NEWPAC and ALFORPAC: $10K each.

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY MAY 19

The primary election is May 19th. Since no Democrats qualified, the winner will be automatically appointed after the November general election.

Elliot week ending 5/4/26

Vanderhauvel week ending 5/4/26

Fairhope Gasoline Prices Rise To Over $4/Gallon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 6 May 2026 13:37:25 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Hwy 181

IRAN CONFLICT TO BLAME

For the first time since March of 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, gasoline prices in Fairhope topped $4 per gallon in places, although some less than that could still be found early this morning.

A continuing conflict between the United States and its ally Israel with Iran is being blamed for disrupting oil supplies worldwide.

Highest-ever prices were later in 2022, about $4.80 according to Gasbuddy online records.

Prices over 10 years.

Thirteen Streets To Be Paved This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 5 May 2026 18:32:21 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Johnson Ave. alley.

Grand Avenue.

ANNUAL PAVING PROJECT

Area contractors are now being asked to submit bids for streets to be paved later this year; the lowest bidder will be awarded the contract by the city council.

Streets are graded according to condition by pubic works department to determine priority. (Others may be added as needed.)

Streets to be paved:

A. Gaston Ave – From S. Section St. to S. Bayview Ave. – 2,511 L.F.
B. Ann St – From S. Section St. to Boone Ln. – 475 L.F.
C. Bon Secour – From Gayfer Ave to Grand Ave – Approx. 415 L.F.
D. Grand Ave – From N. Section St. to E.O.M. (East) – 1,670 L.F.
E. Blue Island St. – From Fairhope Ave. to Gayfer Ave. – 2,855 L.F.
F. Fig Ave. – From S. Mobile St. to Southern Run – 3,804 L.F.
G. Volanta Ave. – From S. Section St. to E.O.M. (West) – 1,517 L.F.
H. Liberty St – Fig Ave. to Cliff Dr. – Approx. 3,800 L.F.
I. Quail Creek Dr Striping – Quail Cir. to Lakeridge Dr – Approx. 1,828 L.F.
J. Honours Ln – Clubhouse Dr. to Clubhouse Dr. – Approx. 1,522 L.F.
K. Johnson Ave Alley – Johnson Ave to S. Bancroft Alley – Approx. 187 L.F.
L. Pensacola Ave – Grand Ave. to N. Section St. – Approx. 872 L.F.
M. Perdido Ave – N. Section St. to Pensacola Ave – Approx. 215 L.F.

Studies Clear Way For Airport Industrial Park Expansion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 3 May 2026 16:50:48 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

NO SIGNIFICANT ISSUES FOUND

Studies of west-side Airport Authority property required to qualify for a $3 million federal grant to be used to install necessary infrastructure there (roads, utilities) found no significant issues.

Environmental and cultural (historical) factors were studied by 'Volkert Engineering' and 'All Phases Archaeology', who were hired by the city last year.

Only two small insignificant wetland areas were found as well as minor evidence of farming from the 1900s; no evidence of Native American activity was found, but several area tribes were consulted.

CITY TO DEVELOP INDUSTRIAL PARK

Current plans are to have the Airport Authority give the property to the city — so that it may be developed for non-aircraft related industrial activity using the grant.

This should also help defray the Airport Authority’s longstanding debt to the city, that originated with the city’s original purchase of property for the airport in 2006, about $8.4 million.

Term As Municipal League President Ends For Mayor Sullivan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 3 May 2026 14:08:06 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Sullivan at left.

ANNUAL MONTGOMERY CONVENTION

Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan's one year term as Alabama League of Municipalities president ended Friday during the organization's annual convention in Montgomery; she had been its Vice President the year before.

During an interview with Todd Stacy's 'Capital Journal' APT news show, Sullivan called her term "great" especially the "relationships" with other officials she built during the year.

Sullivan: "Representing Fairhope and the League is not something I take lightly ... really enjoyed it ... interacting with other officials ... will remember it forever."

Mayor Rusty Jessup of Riverside was elected as the organization's next president.

(Mayor James Nix also severed a term as president -- in the early 1980s.)

PRIVATE NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

"The Alabama League of Municipalities is a nonpartisan membership association of over 450 incorporated cities and towns. Since 1935, the League has worked to strengthen municipal government through advocacy, training and the advancement of effective local leadership. As the recognized voice of Alabama’s cities and towns, ALM’s member municipalities benefit from a variety of member programs, services and activities that are impossible to accomplish alone.

The ALM is overseen by a president, vice president, and executive director and is governed by a Board of Directors composed of the president, vice president, all active past presidents still in office as voting ex officio members, and five to seven members from each of the state's congressional districts. Additionally, six standing committees develop and implement ALM policies and procedures: State and Federal Legislation; Administration and Intergovernmental Relations; Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources; Community and Economic Development; Transportation, Public Safety and Communication; and Human Development. First published in 1937 as the monthly Alabama Municipal News, the Alabama Municipal Journal is the League's official magazine. It is produced quarterly in digital and print formats."

Hurricane 'Safe Room' Authorized By Council

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 3 May 2026 09:05:34 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Pecan Avenue site.

Building design.

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Low-bidder Roy Lewis Construction was awarded a $1.9 million contract by the city council to construct a first responders' safe room -- to be built at the city's Pecan Avenue warehouse facility using a FEMA hazard mitigation grant: the city's share will be 10%.

The 4072 square foot building will withstand winds of up to 200 mph.

Construction could take up to a a year.

Representative Fidler Explains 'Beau's Law' Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 2 May 2026 15:48:18 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Fidler's town hall.

DURING TOWN HALL MEETING

During a recent town hall meeting in Fairhope, District 94 Representative Fidler explained her controversial "no' vote for SB 361, Beau's Law concerning keeping dogs outdoors (video at bottom).

Senate Bill 361: "Relating to dogs; to provide methods for tethering and confining dogs; to provide certain standards of care for dogs kept outside; to exempt certain persons and activities; to provide criminal penalties for violations; ... ."

She cited a number of confusing last-minute amendments (see below) -- as well as the rejection of one of her own to allow local communities (who may already have such ordinances) to opt in/out as reasons.

According to Alabama Daily News, "two agricultural organizations with powerful lobbies in the State House – the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association – have publicly opposed Beau’s Law. Both organizations encouraged their members to contact their representatives to share their opposition to the bill."

Filder's family still owns Fidler Farms in the Silverhill community in Baldwin County.

The bill ultimately passed and was signed into law by the governor.

Many amendments.

City's First Library Restored By Year's End?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 2 May 2026 10:18:49 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Restoration underway.

10 NORTH SUMMIT STREET

Fairhope Single Tax President Lee Turner told the Times recently the corporation's $2 million restoration of the oldest parts of the former Summit Street Library building should be completed by October; then FSTC offices are to be relocated from their current downtown building -- where space is limited.

The bottom floor of their current also-restored 336 Fairhope Avenue 'Gaston' building is to be leased out to a food-related retail business that has already expressed interest, he added.

Annual rent paid by Colony land lessees is financing the restoration.

Circa 1920s.

Roundabout Best For Busy Twin Beech Intersection?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:24:09 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Twin Beech Road.

'TWIN BEECH CORRIDOR' STUDY COMPLETED

A roundabout seemed to be the most popular choice of the city council for the busy Twin Beech/Boothe-Bishop Road intersection after city engineer Johnson presented findings of a traffic study just completed there.

Other suggestions included a traffic signal and 4-way stop; adding turning lanes at other intersections down the entire length of the road was mentioned too (Greeno Road to CR 13).

Johnson said he would talk to the county about their new 30 Cubed Program for financing; cost for the roundabout would be about $3 million due to extensive infrastructure needs there, he said.

Besides higher cost, what to do about local school traffic during construction is one drawback of a roundabout there, Johnson added. (The county high and middle schools are nearby.)

The study by Neel-Schaffer Engineering was funded by the ESMPO.

30 Cubed Program explained:

"The 30 Cubed Program is aimed at fostering collaboration and encouraging voluntary partnerships with municipalities of any size across the County with the objective of enhancing capacity and connectivity of the local roadway system, regardless of jurisdictional ownership. This may be accomplished through the building of new roadway segments or significantly enhancing the capacity of existing roadways.

The County Commission is designating thirty million dollars ($30M) to be matched with thirty million dollars ($30M) in municipal funding for various types of capacity and connectivity transportation projects throughout Baldwin County.

The goal is to have $60 Million of these projects Constructed, under Construction, or under Contract by 2030. This will be thirty million ($30M) by the County, thirty million ($30M) by Municipalities, by 2030 (30 by 30 by 30) becoming the 30 Cubed Program.

Due to being funded and managed completely through local agencies, the 30 Cubed Program is designed to accomplish significant transportation infrastructure projects in a timely and cost-effective manner by avoiding Federal and State bureaucracy, as often found in conventional grant programs."

City's Long Time Golf Director Retiring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:45:57 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

BOBBY HALL

After 20 years with the city, it was announced during a city council meeting PGA Professional and the city's Director of Golf at its Quail Creek course will be retiring later this year; he left city employment for a while in December 2017 but decided to return in 2021.

The search is on for a new director; Hall will stay on a while to help with training his replacement (until about October).

Nearby Wedding Venue Purchases Old Barons Inn?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:56:26 -0500

Update: This was subsequently confirmed.

701 S. Mobile St.

Sunday photo.

TO BE RENOVATED

According to a Facebook post by the long-time owners of the 'Little Point Clear' venue nearby (Patricia Niemeyer Littleton), they have purchased the former 'Barons Inn' at 701 S. Mobile Street and it will be renovated into the 'Little Point Clear Scenic Inn'.

LPC: "We’re so excited about our newest venture and have purchased the former Barons Motel. Our sister property will be the Little Point Scenic Inn and will be open for vacationers in early 2027. The buildings will be renovated in a coastal, Fairhope vibe ... ."

Plans likely will have to be approved by the city planning/building department at some point too.

The main building was originally called the Magnolia Beach Motel, which opened in 1953. Original owner/operators were Mr. and Mrs. F. Wayne Hughes. The Khim N. Vira family owned and operated it in more recent years.

The building was heavily damaged by hurricane Sally in 2020.

(Besides the Facebook post by the new owner and a 'sold' sign posted there, no official confirmation could be found yet in government records; but we have no reason to doubt it. Stay tuned for updates ... .)

Proposed design provided by LPC.

Silverhill's Mayor Renews Criticism of Proposed Pre-school

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:38:50 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Lyles addressing School Board.

Pre-school plan.

LACK OF PLANNING?

During the April 23, Baldwin County Board of Education meeting, Silverhill Mayor Jared Lyles renewed his objections to current plans for a Early Learning Academy pre-school in his town to be located on the old elementary school's site, this time over possible traffic congestion issues.

Lyles said the parents drop-off car line for the expected 600+ students every morning could be up to 500 cars and stretch out onto major highways, possibly forcing his police officers to issue citations. He added his investigation found no traffic study was ever completed for the project.

As proposed, parents within about a ten mile radius would have to bring/pick-up their 4 year olds, since transportation is not provided. (Some three year old special needs students would have buses though).

Lyles had objected to the proposed design of the school at another meeting last year too; he said those objections still stand.

BOARD MEMBERS CONFLICTED

During a work session earlier in the week, school board members debated whether to move forward with the project at all -- or come up with a different plan.

At least two members wanted to look at different locations (other than Silverhill); others thought locating new preschools at existing community schools makes more sense: no lengthy drives for parents (Foley, Loxley, Summerdale, Daphne, Fairhope).

Adding on wings locally to existing schools would cost considerably more than building larger centrally located ones according to staff: up to three are currently planned ... eventually.

Other board members wanted to wait until a new superintendent is selected to decide, after the retirement of Eddie Tyler last month.

CONSTRUCTION BIDS NOT OPENED YET

Three sealed bids to construct the $30+ million Silverhill facility are still waiting to be opened -- whenever the Board decides how to proceed.

Adams and Stewart are the architects.

Pre school site.

City's Historical Commission Finally To Get Federal Certification?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:37:37 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Fairhope's Historical Commission

A 'CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT'

The city council passed an amended ordinance (1797) that should lead to the city finally receiving CLG ("certified local government") status from the National Park Service that will make grants, tax breaks and other technical assistance available for preserving eligible historic property in the city, according to councilman Robinson.

According to the NPS: "The goal of the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program is to facilitate State and local government cooperation with Federal partners to promote nationwide preservation initiatives. Through the certification process, local communities make a commitment to national historic preservation standards. This commitment is key to America's ability to preserve, protect, and increase awareness of our unique cultural heritage found across the country."

The vote was 4-0; Robinson arrived late, after the vote, but told the Times later he would have voted in favor too.

The cities of Mobile, Foley, Magnolia Springs, and Atmore have already become CLG's in the S. Alabama area.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission was originally formed by the council in October of 2024, but it turned out language in the original ordinance did not meet federal standards to become a CLG.

Gaining CLG status was the whole purpose of forming a Historic Commission, according to councilman Conyers.

The new CLG application will now have to be re-submitted via the Alabama State Historical Commission: Fairhope HPC chairperson Mara Kozelsky is a board member there too.

The certification process could take several months.

Amended Ord. 1797.

Twin 'Publix' Gas Stations Get Board's Go-ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:02:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Likely design.

NEW MURPHY OIL STATIONS

The city's Board of Adjustments gave its conditional approval to two new Murphy Oil gas station/convenience stores: one at the Planters Pointe Shopping Center on Hwy 181 north of town and the other at the Shoppes at Pt. Clear on Greeno Road -- on the south side.

'Publix' grocery stores already anchor each shopping center.

For gas stations in B-2 general business district zoning, the B of A must give a special exception, per the city's zoning ordinance.

These stations will be larger in size than the older, existing one in front of the Walmart on Hwy 181, according to the company's engineer; each new station will have 8 pumps.

Details (drainage, landscaping, etc.) will have to worked out during upcoming mandatory site plan reviews by the planning commission and city council.

Shoppes at Pt. Clear site.

Planters Pointe site.

Helicopter Training at Coastal Community College Today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

LIFE FLIGHT COPTER LANDING

A Life Flight helicopter participated in EMT class training at the Coastal Community College campus today in downtown Fairhope.

The Fairhope VFD and FPD participated as well.

Fire chief Ellis told the Times such landings will no longer be necessary when the new helo pad at the hospital opens.

New Gas Station Coming To Busy Intersection

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:14:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Proposed location.

Likely design.

HWY 181 AT 104

A new Murphy Oil gas station is being planned for the northwest corner of the Hwy 181/104 intersection in east Fairhope.

Corte/Cave Mitchell 1 is owner of the 1/18 acre parcel in the Planters Pointe Shopping Center (aka Publix).

Access will be from the interior road only, Rockwell Blvd.

City will have to approve final plans.

There are two existing gas stations at the intersection, a Wawa and The Hub.

Earth Day Mobile Bay 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:43:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Earth Day Mobile Bay returned to south beach park after last year's absence due to park reconstruction.

First Chase Bank Branch Coming To Daphne

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:18:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Hwy 98 site.

Old cleaners demolished.

1702 HWY 98

The old Eastern Shore Cleaners building has been demolished in preparation for the Daphne branch of Chase Bank, in front of the Target store.

Actual construction will not begin for a while and extend into next year. Site plans will have to be approved by the Daphne planning commission.

Daphne Chase Bank location.

New Roundabout Street Light Delay Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:32:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Veterans Drive roundabout.

STILL AWAITING PARTS

According to the city engineering department, poles finally came in and were installed and the fixtures themselves are here as well ... but the contractor now says curved connecting tubes between the two have not come in yet, holding up final completion of the new roundabout.

A central electrical control box will still have to be installed as well, to provide power.

No timeline was mentioned.

Stay tuned for more updates .... .

Similar style.

Bancroft Street Corner Plaza Reconstruction Started

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:19:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Updated photos.

New design.

Contractor RH Deas Building Company is starting the reconstruction of the plaza on the corner of Fairhope and Bancroft Avenues, designed by Christian Preus Landscape Architect (cost $432K).

Design is similar to nearby Gaston Plaza; the adjacent sidewalk along Bancroft will be reconstructed as well.

No parking spaces will be lost, according to the engineers.

Construction could take up to 3 months.

No official name has been selected for the plaza.

Funds Shifted For Water Well Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:53:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Well 4.

DRY WEATHER CONTINUES

The city council moved $200K from capital funds to maintenance to pay for water well pump repair due to a series of pump failures over the past several years.

Well pump 4 failed two years ago and pumps at wells 8 and 9 last year. Another problem occurred at pump 4 just last month.

Council president Conyers said the failures could be the result of defective manufacturing during the COVID epidemic. He said the pumps come with only a two year warranty.

NO SHORTAGES EXPECTED

Spare portable submersible pumps are being installed to keep water flowing while the main pumps are examined and repaired -- so as not to interrupt service.

NEW WELLS ADDED TOO

Two new wells have been completed in the past year too: wells 13 and 14.

Well 4 repairs.

'Big Lots' Store Sign Removed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:24:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Today.

A MARSHALL'S COMING

The sign at the former Big Lots store in the Eastern Shore Village Shopping Center on Greeno Road has been removed; the building is being remodeled to become a Marshall's department store.

The building has been vacant for about a year; before Big Lots it was a Winn Dixie grocery for many years.

The Big Lots company went bankrupt about two years ago.

Last year.