Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of July.
Good morning, Mobile.
Where the Pieces Meet is hosting its 3rd Special Needs Resource Fair and Speed Social on July 25 at PZK Hall in Robertsdale.
The fair runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with vendors and local artists; the social for neurodivergent adults is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Mobile Bay area has seven new openings, including The Bay Break in Fairhope (open now), Anchor Pilates Studio (soft opening July 15–24 and grand opening July 27), Crown Hall in downtown, Valor Park, Wingstop, Sugo Italian Steakhouse and Southern Bayou Grill, as Hungry Howie’s has closed permanently.
Local native Matt Mathews will headline two shows at Regions Arena’s grand opening—after his 8 p.m. debut sold out quickly, a second show is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at 4 p.m. with tickets on sale today at 10 a.m.
Operators of Dick Russell's Bar-B-Q in Mobile announced the 72-year-old restaurant will close its doors Sunday, July 19 from 6am to 2pm at its Tillman’s Corner location.
The local landmark is known for its homemade biscuits & famous brisket and has been a community favorite since 1954.
Mobile Baykeeper hosted a Smart Growth Town Hall at Fairhope United Methodist Church on Thursday to present recommendations that aim to protect local waterways and manage Baldwin County’s growth.
Spanish Fort Mayor Brad Bass stressed that enforcing these rules is key for a better bay (for our kids and grandkids).
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program expanded its pilot 3D-printed reef project after early tests proved successful.
Six new reef structures were deployed today at a bay site with stronger waves to compare pure dredged sediment with a blend including oyster shells for coastal restoration.
The Navy awarded a $418.5 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC to dismantle and recycle the ex-USS Enterprise in Mobile (the project is expected to finish by Sept.
2030).
County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 15 for the new Riverside Café & Grill at Escatawpa Hollow Park located just off U.S. 98 near the state line.
Stevie's Kitchen owner Stevie Watford will serve full meal options including gumbo and seafood.
Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday—running through Sunday—lets residents buy calculators, notebooks and folders tax-free starting today.
Florida’s sale will run from Monday, July 20 through Aug. 20.
The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed 11 cyclosporiasis cases on July 15 in the Northern, Northeastern, and Southwestern Districts, with two cases linked to international travel and one associated with a foodborne outbreak — none have been hospitalized.
Officials urge washing fresh produce and practicing good hand hygiene.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries confirmed 11 cyclosporiasis cases in Alabama as of Wednesday, Jul.
15 and advised residents to wash produce and avoid cross-contamination. The department is working with federal partners to monitor the outbreak and update food safety recommendations.
The DIPOA is seeking a qualified operator to lease and run the Isle Dauphine Club, a historic beachfront site with panoramic Gulf views on Dauphin Island.
Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sept. 15 to fully utilize its restored mid-century architecture+ versatile spaces.
Unlock Alabama Builder Celebration
9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Innovation Portal — RSVP required — Celebrate innovation and creativity with workshops, networking, and a showcase of local builders' projects.
Weirdo Record Wednesdays
6-9 p.m. — Alabama Music Box — Free entry — Dive into vinyl vibes with local DJs and special guest appearances each week.
Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival
Three nights — The Temple Downtown — Ticket information not specified — A vibrant celebration of music, poetry, and culture in Downtown Mobile.
Culture Fest 2026 Vendors
1-5 p.m. — Africatown Heritage House — Free entry — Celebrate community and culture with engaging activities at this vibrant fest.
Weirdo Record Wednesdays
6-9 p.m. — Alabama Music Box — Free entry — Enjoy a night of vinyl records with DJ Hot Lobster and DJ RyJohn spinning tracks.
Books & Plant Bingo Night
7-9 p.m. — Oyster City Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a night of bingo with books and plants, perfect for bookworms and plant lovers alike.
Huncho Fest Summer Bash
3-7 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — An afternoon filled with live performances, DJs, comedy, vendors, and more fun.
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