Good morning, Mobile.

The annual Blessing of the Fleet event will be held May 3-4 in Bayou La Batre when Archbishop Thomas Rodi blesses shrimp boats to mark the start of the season.

The event at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church grounds runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—offering live music, a parade, food booths and kid activities.

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department units were dispatched at about 8:39 p.m. Sunday night, April 27th, to a report of a residential fire on Dog River and later found a two-story wood frame home on Venetia Drive (2400 block) burning heavily as crews deployed hose lines, secured water from a hydrant, and confirmed no injuries while the home suffered extensive damage from fire, smoke, and water.

Blakeley State Park will host a day of special boat cruises and an outdoor concert on May 9, with one-hour cruises departing from the Mobile Convention Center dock to view the SS United States as it prepares for its new life as an artificial reef.

Local historian John Sledge will lead the cruises (sharing the ship’s storied past) and the band High Cotton will perform at 6:30 p.m. (with food available from Pat Sledge Catering).

Amtrak is preparing to launch its Mardi Gras Service this summer that will link Mobile with stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis before reaching New Orleans.

Leaders have supported the project through Mobile’s investment (over $3 million across three years) and contributions from neighboring states, with coach fares estimated between $29 and $55.

Tributes have rolled in for former U.S. Labor Secretary and Mobile native Alexis Herman, who passed away on Friday at age 77.

Longtime friend Shelia White recalled their childhood together and praised Herman for her lifelong work for fairness—ensuring her legacy endures.

Senator Tommy Tuberville and the U.S. Department of State will host a one-day Passport Fair on April 30 at Mobile Convention Center (Room 106AB) to help locals complete passport applications and renewals before new travel rules take effect.

Residents must secure an appointment by calling Tuberville's office (205-760-7307).

The Mobile County Commission installed two state-of-the-art driving simulators in January to train Public Works and Sheriff's Office employees.

Officials said the simulators create a safe, realistic setting for practicing decision-making — and refreshing driving skills — a measure aimed at lowering accident risks.

Last April, city leaders and community members broke ground on C.J.

Small Heights on Arlington Street at the site of the former Arlington School. The project will use $4.5 million in ARPA funds to build 23 owner-occupied single-family homes (designed to help working families become homeowners) as construction moves forward.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

4-10 p.m. — OWA Parks & Resort — Family-friendly activities — Experience the vibrant spectacle of colorful hot air balloons along with games and crafts for kids.

Mix & Mingle with Junior League Mobile

6-8 p.m. — Greer's St. Louis Market — Free entry — Engage with community volunteers and learn how to make a positive impact in Mobile.

Little Flower Vaccine Clinic

9-11 a.m. — Little Flower School — Affordable vaccines for pets — Get your furry friends vaccinated with low-cost services and support local animal welfare.

32nd Annual First Light Community of Mobile Football Preview

6-8:30 p.m. — Mitchell Center — $70 per person — Celebrate local football and support community sports at this annual preview event.

Dave Matthews Tribute Band

8-11 p.m. — The Merry Widow — Presale $20/ Day of Show $25 — Enjoy a night filled with the spirited sounds of the Dave Matthews Tribute Band.

12th Annual Gulf Coast Showdown AAU Basketball Tournament

Multiple sessions — Mobile Convention Center — Admission fees may apply — Watch over 130 youth teams compete in an exciting three-day basketball tournament.

Mobile Sunrise Pickleball Event

2 PM – 2 AM — 4101 Wimbledon Dr W, Mobile, AL — Check local listings for fees — Join the pickleball community in Mobile for lessons, courts, and tournaments.

2025 Project Homeless Connect

8 AM – 2 PM — The Grounds — Free services available — A day to connect those experiencing homelessness with vital resources and services in the community.

Port City Pacers 5K Race

7:30-11:00 a.m. — Medal of Honor Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in a fun and challenging 5K cross-country race benefiting local scholarships.

Import Face-Off Car Show

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Mobile International Speedway — $20, kids 10 and under free — Gear up for exciting car competitions, drifting, and more at this vibrant car show.