The Fairhope Times

K-1 'Business Hub' Set to Open Nov. 19

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:59:12 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 19, 2026

Hatch's rendering.

106 S. CHURCH STREET

After over a year's construction by contractor Rogers and Willard, finishing touches are being completed and furniture, equipment, and fixtures are moving in. All should be ready for the new tenant to officially take possession by about October 1st.

The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (aka Baldwin Alliance) will then complete the interior space to its specifications as well as outdoor courtyards (front and back) in anticipation of a public grand-opening on November 19 for its new small technical business incubator called 'Hatch.'

The city's cost for the renovation was $6.1 million -- but $3.1 million of that was covered by federal grants. (The city paid $4 million to the Baldwin Board of Education for the property in 2019.)

From a May 2025 FT report:

"The city council ... passed an ordinance declaring the old K-1 building itself at 106 S. Church Street "not needed for public/municipal purposes" -- and leasing it to the Baldwin County Economic Development Foundation, Inc for use as a technology "business incubator and innovation hub" called HATCH.

The term of the lease is 15 years, at $1 per year.

From the BCEDF website: "Hatch Fairhope is a business incubator, startup accelerator, and coworking space in Fairhope, Alabama. Founded with the goal of fostering innovation and economic growth, Hatch Fairhope is supported by the City of Fairhope, Coastal Alabama Community College, and the Baldwin Community and Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem ... ."

A recent tour of the unfinished building by Hatch representatives may be found here (click).

Sept. 13, 2026.

Welcome Center Rehab Falls Behind Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:16:46 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Visible water damage.

STILL WAITING FOR FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS

Additional internal water damage was apparent after the contractor removed more defective exterior EIFS siding material this week; but new custom made front doors won't be ready to install until October 10, according to informed city sources.

Composite siding is to be installed on the exterior instead of EIFS. It is still hoped completion will be before annual holiday activities are scheduled to begin in the downtown area.

High humidity inside the building was the main reason for the project.

From a May 2026 FT report:

"Low bidder Fairhope Building Company has begun repairs to the Welcome Center in downtown on Section Street. Cost is $527K to remove leaking existing material from the exterior and replace it with siding — to prevent moisture intrusion. Contractor has 120 days for completion."

'Fannie Flagg' Exhibit Opens at Fairhope Musuem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:38:43 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

UPSTAIRS IN MEETING ROOM

A new exhibit about former Fairhope resident, author, television and movie entertainer Fannie Flagg has opened at the Museum of History on N. Section Street in downtown Fairhope.

According to the exhibit, she was born in Birmingham in 1944, but moved with family to Gulf Shores in 1952; they often took day trips to Fairhope.

Later, after several years of performing in New York, she decided to move to Fairhope in 1968 to concentrate on writing where she wrote 'Fried Green Tomatoes.'

According to wikipedia:

"Fannie Flagg (born Patricia Neal; September 21, 1944) is an American actress, comedian, and author. She is most notable as a frequent panelist on the 1973–1982 versions of the game show Match Game and for her 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which she adapted into the script for the 1991 motion picture Fried Green Tomatoes. She was nominated for an Academy Award for the screenplay adaptation ..."

The exhibit includes various awards and other memorabilia as well as costumes and clothing worn during memorable events -- all on temporary loan from Flagg herself who now lives in California.

It is possible Flagg may be able to attend an exhibit opening ceremony too if one can be arranged, according to museum staff.

Upgrades Complete: Municipal Pool Fully Open

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:34:24 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Old sand filters.

VOLANTA PARK

After filters for the indoor pool were changed the city's municipal pool officially re-opened today after a five month upgrade; the outdoor pool reopened about two weeks ago.

The project had to be extended as more problems were found including roof problems and faulty "sand filters" for the pool water.

City's announcement: "The Fairhope Municipal Pool is set to reopen after several upgrades to the facility! We are excited for our citizens to see the hard work our crews have put in to accomplish the renovation.

Thank you everyone for your patience on this project! Check out the details below!

Reopening: Wednesday, September 16 Hours: 5 AM - 7 PM"

From a March 2026 FT report:

"Contractor Bienville Construction has begun a $1.2 upgrade to the municipal pool building in Volanta Park to address the building’s chronic corrosion problem — as well as other issues.

Corrosion inside the mostly-metal structure caused by high ambient chlorine content will be reduced by installing a better ventilation system.

An isolated mezzanine level for new equipment will be added as well."

No Need For Data Center Moratorium Here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:37:32 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Edited.

CONSTRUCTION NOT LIKELY HERE

Councilman Burrell told the Times he does not think there is a need for a moratorium/ban on data centers here as some other towns are doing, because there is no place for one here anyway.

Councilman Robinson agreed it is unlikely anyone would want to put one here.

Planning department director Simmons says if it did ever come up any application would likely have to be approved by the Board of Adjustments during a public hearing because it would be considered a utility, needing special permission.

Burrell said he did have some worries about potential high water and power consumption wherever they are; the city's electrical supplier Energy South is officially neutral on the issue he added.

He said he did not generally oppose them everywhere though.

According to media reports Foley just adopted a 6 month moratorium -- and "at least eight other Alabama cities have adopted or are considering data center moratoriums, most after developers announced plans to build facilities within their jurisdictions. Birmingham imposed the state’s first moratorium in March, followed by Leeds, Homewood, Cullman, Fort Payne, Fairfield, Springville and Prichard."

One current candidate for governor is advocating for a one-year state-wide moratorium.

Former 'Johnny Macs' Building For Lease

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:28:16 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Today.

505 FAIRHOPE AVENUE

The former Johnny Mac's coffee/grill at 505 Fairhope Avenue is now for lease according to signs posted there; MacArthur Properties is the leasing agent.

Property is owned by Fairhope Land Company, Inc. according to current public records.

Before that it was MaCarthur's Garage and Fairhope Hemp; originally a gas station since the 1960s.

Circa 1990s

Closed in 2025

Dangerous Young Street Building's Demolition Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:07:54 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 11, 2026.

June 2026

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

A church's building at 371 Young Street that was once scheduled to be condemned by the city has been demolished by building owners instead, with help from donations from other local churches and non-profit philanthropic organizations.

Childress Siteworks, Inc. completed the cleanup last week, according to permit records: cost $18K.

The church is planning to re-locate, according to statements by members during recent council meetings.

Artists Selected For New Roundabout Art

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:40:51 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Updated: The council did approve the selections. See models at bottom.

Flowerclock/Veterans roundabout.

CR 13/32 Airport roundabout.

CITY COUNCIL SET TO VOTE MONDAY

Out of 70 overall submissions, the Eastern Shore Art Center's 'Committee on Public Art' has selected sculptors for new installations in "central islands" at two of the city's roundabouts: Maxwell Emclays and Nelson Grice.

If they get council's approval, Emclays will do the one for the Flowerclock roundabout for $115K and Grice the CR 32/CR 13 one near the airport for $117K.

Models of their proposals were submitted to the COPA committee for consideration but not made public yet.

Per selection criteria, artists had to have a "solid connection to the area ... to create artwork that resonates with the city."

COPA selection committee members are: Lynn Yonge, Jimmy Prestwood, Bryant Whelan, Hannah Legg, Ryan Baker, Dr. Barry Booth. Mayor Sullivan, councilmen Burrell and Gammon attended their meetings too.

Last April when the selection process began, Burrell said the COPA was consulted because "we did not want to leave it up to us (city council) ... but put it in the hands of people who know art better than us .... they are experts."

New Parker Road Crosswalk Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:26:31 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

ACROSS HIGHWAY 98

The new crosswalk/pedestrian signals are now in operation for the newly-installed Parker Road sidewalk.

From a June 2026 FT report:

EASTERN SHORE MPO PROJECT

Low-bidder Arrington Curb and Excavation Inc. has begun constructing a 2100 ft. sidewalk on the north side of Parker Road between U. S. 98 and Main Street -- with a signalized pedestrian crossing for Hwy 98.

Cost is $253K, with $200K from the MPO (federal) and $70K each from the city and county. Additional engineering cost was $40K.

Existing sidewalks on the east side of Hwy 98 will be connected to the Eastern Shore Trial, along Scenic 98/Main Street on the west end.

Car Crashes Into Fairhope 'Subway' Store Window

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 17:34:32 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

PLANTATION POINT SHOPPING CENTER

A driver lost control and crashed her car into the Fairhope 'Subway' on Greeno Road late this morning; there were no injuries.

The store reopened for business the next day.

CR 3 Tunnel Construction Progress Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 13:23:43 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update 3:Road was open Sunday Sept. 13.

Point Clear Golf Club tunnel.

ROAD COULD REOPEN SOON

The new tunnel under CR 3 being installed by developers of the new Point Clear Golf Club project about 4 miles south of Fairhope is almost ready to allow for the road to reopen, although considerable work remains around approaches to the tunnel itself.

The tunnel will allow pedestrians and golf carts to cross the road between holes two and three safely; a 310 lot residential project is planned for both sides of the road as well.

The clubhouse is to be on the west side.

CR 3 still closed.

Well #14 Pump Installation Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 18:51:08 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

CITY'S NEWEST WELL

The temporary pump that has been installed for almost a year has been removed and a new permanent pump is now being installed at well #14 at water treatment plant number number one on Fairhope Avenue behind the elementary school.

From an August 2025 FT report:

"The city's newest water well passed its final inspection by the Alabama Department of Enviromental Management, according to water department manager Morefield.

Well number 14 is now ready for final pump installation and could be in service in a month or two, he said.

It had been hoped that this well, and new well 13 south of town would be online by this summer, but they both ran into "technical" problems Morefield said.

Well 13 is still awaiting a pipe easement from a neighboring property owner.

With the addition of these two, the city will have 14 wells but one is not currently usable due to excessive iron content (#12)."

Pump installation.

City's Indoor Pool Needs Filters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 20:05:33 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

STILL CLOSED

Recreation director White told the city council recently the indoor pool's filters failed when pumps were turned back on after a long building-maintenance project, and have to be replaced. Cost is $73K.

White: "When we turned the pumps on ... the sand filter tubes failed."

He said the filters were over 20 years old and due for replacement anyway; he hoped the pool could finally reopen by Labor Day.

The outdoor pool is open.

More Odor Control For Lift Stations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 15:09:17 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New Twin Beech lift station.

Hwy 181 'Publix' station.

A new type of odor control is being installed at some of the city's lift stations to supplement the familiar green-box ones all around town; cost is $34K each.

Morrow Water Technologies, Inc. is the supplier of the 'Indusco' new ones, described below:

"Carbon Scrubber Adsorber units are offered in many custom designs to allow for the very best and highest efficiency systems. The carbon adsorbers in Spanish Fort, AL, are fabricated using the best materials of construction for the service intended, this includes: aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, and thermal plastics. This type of media is specifically selected for the application, depending on the contaminant to be removed. This includes: coconut husk, bituminous coal, and specially compounded media. INDUSCO has successfully implemented several carbon adsorbers to effectively treat H2S for many wetwell and storage tank headspace odors. It is also common to use adsorbers to perform a “finish polishing” operation for post-bio-trickling scrubber applications."

Existing odor control boxes.

New Duck Pond Alligator Sighted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:38:07 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

MUNICIPAL BEACH PARK

A Times reporter encountered a small (about 3 feet long) alligator swimming in a pond at municipal beach this morning, which is not unusual there. The city's policy for the small ones is to leave them alone until they "show no fear of humans."

There is still no explanation that we know of for the larger one found (8 ft.) on Fairwood Boulevard about a quarter mile inland recently. Speculation is it crawled up the nearby gully, then across Section Street and Bancroft Avenue ... for some reason.

Alligators grow about a foot every year.

Fairwood Blvd. gator earlier.

Councilman Questions High New Water Tower Cost

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:57:38 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Wagoner Road tank site.

Possible "composite" design.

OVER $9 MILLION NOW

During a work session discussion about next year's municipal budget, councilman Burrell questioned the high cost for a new two million gallon water tank-tower on the south side of town.

Burrell said the cost of one when he was first elected in 2012 would have been only $2 million, one-million per every million gallons of water, but is "4.5 times that now ... 450% inflation ... that can't be right ... it's highway robbery!"

Mayor Sullivan agreed the cost was once much less, but replied "it is really $12 million ... spread over three years." She said it is the same cost though for similar tanks currently going up in Gulf Shores and Bay Minette.

Sullivan: "That is the going-cost for one now ... hopefully it will come in less when put it out for bids ... it costs $1 million just to paint one now."

Burrell added he thought appointing a "committee of experts" may be in order to further-study the issue.

(The city has received a $2 million federal grant for the tower and it is being re-designed in an effort to further-reduce costs, according to previous reports.)

NO ALTERNATIVES?

When asked later if there were any alternatives to expensive tanks, such as a reservoirs instead, Burrell replied: "I do not think that there are. If you had a reservoir, you would then have to involve much filtration to purify the water enough to use. Our aquifers provide such clean water that there is very little that we have to do to prep it for distribution to homes and businesses."

The new tank is needed to provide service to the new Point Clear Golf Club residential development (who donated property for it) -- as well as other future development on the south side of town.

The mayor has said a new tank will eventually be needed somewhere on the north side of town too.

Airport Repair Facilities Expanding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:33:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Construction site.

McGOWN DRIVE COMPLEX

The Elpizo Corporation has begun constructing a new $9 million aircraft maintenance facility at 8200 Mcgown Drive in the Airport Industrial Park area.

The new building will be leased to their tenant Segers Aerospace Corp., according to their earlier presentation to the city council.

About 60 new jobs will be created.

Only Bridge Remains To Complete Bike Trail Extension

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:59:16 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: The bridge will be of wooden/timber construction.

New eastern terminus on Hwy 98.

Eslava Branch bridge coming.

EASTERN SHORE TRAIL EXTENSION

A bridge over Eslava Creek is all that remains to be installed to complete the new multi-use trail extension in the Weeks Bay area.

Contractor McElhenney Construction is extending the Eastern Shore Walking/Biking Trail along U.S. Hwy 98 east of the Fish River bridge, 1.8 miles to Pleasant View Lane.

Cost is $2.1 million using federal/state transportation grants with local matching funding by the county.

Eventually the trail will extend all the way to Foley.

Memorial Sidewalk Pavers To Be Relocated

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:56:23 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Old memorial-pavers being relocated.

NEW JULWIN'S PLAZA PROJECT

Inscribed sidewalk pavers that were taken up as part of the new Julwins Plaza project will be put back, but along Bancroft Street instead.

The city council executed a change order to add $18K to the contract with R. H. Deas Construction for the relocation. The pavers have been made available by the city to sponsors/family members as memorials all over the downtown since the 1990s.

New Bancroft St. location.

New Point Clear Golf Club Tunnel Started

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:50:48 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

UNDER CR 3

A pedestrian/golf cart tunnel is being constructed under CR 3 just south of Monk Road to connect holes two and three of the new Point Clear Golf Club course.

Phase one of an associated residential development will be on the west side of the road, with future phases on the east side: about 306 total lots eventually.

The road should reopen to traffic by mid-September.

Master plan.

Coastal Community College Renovating Administration Building

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:42:39 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

OFFICES RELOCATED

Renovation of the Administration building at the Coastal Community College in downtown Fairhope is about to begin; it was constructed in 1988 as a classroom building according, to a plaque on the side of the building.

Construction should begin after contracts are approved by the state.

Dangerous Church Building Finally Demolished

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:49:52 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

371 Young Street today.

July 2026 photo

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

A church building that was scheduled to be condemned by the city council Monday has been demolished; it came up at the previous two council meetings as well, where the owners asked for more time to take care of it themselves (at less cost). Rebuilding donations are still being sought by the congregation (see info at bottom.)

From a July 2026 FT report:

"The city council delayed authorization for the emergency demolition of a dangerous building at 371 Young Street for two weeks to allow the owners more time to deal with the situation themselves. It will come up again during the next council meeting.

Building inspector Cortinas has already arranged for a contractor to demolish the building (for $22K) if the owners do not, and then for the city to put a lien on the property to pay for it.

Cortinas said the severely-leaning brick walls pose a threat to the neighborhood, especially for children who may wander in there to play.

Members of the Church of God In Christ want to do it themselves if someone can be found to do it for less cost; a lien on the property may hinder them from selling the property to relocate somewhere else, they said.

Two other dangerous buildings in town have been demolished this year using new streamlined condemnation regulations, on Woods and Barclay Avenues."

Donations sought.

Next City Run Schools Feasibility Meetings Canceled

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:50:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

First meeting.

NOTICE FROM MAYOR'S OFFICE

The remaining scheduled city school system feasibility public meetings have been canceled.

Mayor's Office: "The City of Fairhope is canceling the two remaining meetings to evaluate the interest of a city school system. At this time, there are no plans to reschedule the meetings."

Mayor's comments: "First, I want to thank everyone who attended one of the meetings or took the time to complete a survey regarding the possibility of a Fairhope City School System. This was a difficult and important conversation, and I appreciate the passion and participation from people on both sides of the issue. To date, approximately 1,400 people have completed the survey, including 862 respondents who live inside the Fairhope city limits. The results provide valuable insight into where our community stands today:

83% oppose or strongly oppose creating a city school system.

89% said they are satisfied with the Baldwin County Board of Education.

81% oppose a property tax increase to create a city school system.

52% of respondents have children in the school system.

These results are clear, and I believe we have a responsibility to listen to our citizens and respect their voices. I am disappointed, however, that we cannot have a conversation about difficult issues without people becoming angry, upset or disrespectful toward one another. That is not the Fairhope I chose to represent, and it is not how I want people from my hometown to treat one another. We should be able to disagree. We should be able to debate difficult issues. And we should be able to do both while treating our neighbors with respect. The meetings may be cancelled, but I do not believe this topic is going away forever. It may not come up again a year from now, but it could be two or three years from now. Historically, the question of a Fairhope city school system seems to resurface every three to five years. Things change. District lines are redrawn. New schools are built. Enrollment changes. State laws change. Population changes. And the financial circumstances of our community could change.

For that reason, I believe we need to be better prepared for the next time this conversation takes place.

You will hear me support legislation that would allow the education tax to follow the student. You will hear me support legislation allowing citizens to vote on whether to form a city school system. And you will hear me support allowing property owners in the Barnwell Landmark area to legislatively annex for the purpose of education. These are all things that could fundamentally change the conversation. They could give people who live outside the city limits an opportunity to become part of Fairhope City Schools if they choose to do so. They could also change the financial picture by increasing the tax base and providing additional revenue specifically for our schools and our children. I also want to remind everyone that I grew up in Fairhope. I remember when J. Larry Newton was just getting started and Mrs. Cotten was the principal. My sister began her career at JLN and spent 24 years there and my niece and nephew attended JLN. I have attended more than my fair share of Homecoming Christmas celebrations. I consider those families, teachers and students’ part of the Fairhope community. But there is a difference between being part of the Fairhope community and living within the Fairhope city limits. Boundary lines exist for a reason, and people make choices about where they live. Some choose to live outside the city limits because of lower property taxes, fewer regulations, or other reasons. That is their choice, and I respect it. They are still our neighbors, our church families, our friends and people we care about. But when it comes to a city school system, those boundary lines matter and they will matter if Fairhope ever creates its own school system. I may or may not be Mayor when this issue comes back up but whenever that day comes, I hope we can approach it differently. I hope we can have the respectful, thoughtful dialogue that this issue and most importantly, our children deserve. At the end of the day, I believe we all share the same goal: to provide the best education, opportunities and future possible for every student in our community, whether they attend a city school or a county school. Because regardless of where a child lives, every child matters."

See less

Fairhope Police Chief: No 'Flock' License Reader Cameras Here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:44:29 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: Two other cameras in Fairhope indicated on various citizen-made online maps are not the controversial license plate readers.

Hwy 181 Flock camera in December 2025.

Gone by August 2026

ONCE WAS CONSIDERED THOUGH

According to Fairhope police chief Hollinghead, the city of Fairhope has never used Flock ALPR cameras in its police jurisdiction; but it was being considered at one time.

According to web sources: "A Flock camera is an automated license plate reader, or ALPR, made by the public-safety technology company Flock Safety.

The cameras are commonly installed along roads, at intersections, near neighborhood entrances, and around businesses or other private properties.

When a vehicle passes, the camera captures an image and uses machine learning to turn its license plate, color, make, model, and other details into searchable information.

That makes them useful for those deploying them, like the police. Law enforcement agencies say Flock's technology can help them track down vehicles and locate crime suspects. In some cases, officers can search for a specific car across tens of thousands of cameras nationwide."

MANY ELSEWHERE IN BALDWIN COUNTY?

According to unofficial "crowd-sourced" maps online (ie. 'Deflocked'), Daphne currently has several -- but when a Times reporter searched for two indicated in the 24000 block of Hwy 181, there were none there. Google Earth photos from December 2025 showed them however.

Such maps show many in the Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach area too, but there is no official resource to confirm that.

NUMEROUS OTHER TYPES THOUGH

Not to be confused with the automatic license plate readers (ALPR), there are numerous conventional video security and traffic cameras around Fairhope, on public and private property.

The city has several in public places monitored 24/7 from the police dispatch office in the Section Street police station.

ALDOT has traffic cameras on poles at major state road intersections all around town as well.

Private homes and businesses have too many to count.

PRIVACY RIGHTS THE ISSUES

The cameras, especially the Flock APLRs, have become controversial recently because of growing privacy rights concerns and reports of abuse by some police departments for unauthorized tracking.

Map of possible Flock cameras.

Fairhope High Again Rated #6 School In State

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:12:00 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Fairhope High School

First city school system debate Tuesday.

BUT BEHIND 5 CITY SYSTEM SCHOOLS

The 'US News and World Report' magazine's respected annual national school rankings has Baldwin County's Fairhope High School at number six in the state; but behind five other Alabama schools which are in city school systems. There are 391 high schools in the state according to the report.

From an Alabama Daily News report (click):

"Alabama’s eight highest-ranked schools – those who are in the top 5% nationally, are, in order from 1 to 8:

New Century Tech Demo High School in Huntsville City schools – No. 131, up from No. 380 last year;
Homewood High School in Homewood City schools – No. 212, up from No. 363;
Mountain Brook High School in Mountain Brook City schools – No. 215, up from No. 505;
Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills City schools – No. 533, up from No. 658;
Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville City schools – No. 679, up from No. 1,007;
Fairhope High School in Baldwin County schools – No. 701, up from No. 912;
Spain Park High School in Hoover City schools – No. 782, up from No. 1,126; and
Oak Mountain High School in Shelby County schools – No. 818, up from No. 1,726."

A FACTOR IN CURRENT CITY SCHOOL DEBATE?

It remains to be seen if this report may become a factor in the current community debate concerning forming a city school system here too: is #6 good enough or should the city try to do better?

Another town hall meeting about it is scheduled this Sunday at 5:30 in the council chamber.