Perdido Key residents see park plans | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“Perdido Key residents got their first look Tuesday at plans for a $4.5 million sports complex that will be built off Bauer Road.

At a meeting at Jim Bailey Middle School, residents reviewed two conceptual plans and advised officials about the amenities they favor.

Some were concerned about noise, parking, access, drainage and a central location for trash at the park.

‘My concern is quality of life,’ said Sue Byrd, 59, who lives near where the complex will be built. ‘It’s so quiet here after 8 o’clock or 9 o’clock. That’s going to be gone.’”

(read more: here )

Shrimp any way you want it | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“Shrimp Basket of Milton has been serving up grilled, steamed and fried shrimp with all the trimmings since its official opening in November.

The Milton location 6390 U.S. 90 is one of seven along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, with two restaurants in Pensacola and one in Perdido Key.

The first Shrimp Basket opened in Gulf Shores, Ala. and that restaurant is still going strong. Other restaurants are in Foley, Ala., and Bay Minette, Ala.”

(read more: here )

June 20, 2008

Bars, burger and bands

Best spots to hangout with a view of the islands

BRIAN KELLY
bkelly@pnj.com

Flora-Bama

It somehow seems appropriate that we start this list with the beach bar of beach bars. If there’s only one place you get to all summer, then it’s got to be the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package in the heart of Perdido Key.

And the drink of choice to accompany the view of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh raw oysters? The bushwacker of course.

For the perfect combination of beer, burgers and live bands, then when you get right down to it, the ‘Bama’s got it locked. But, if tourists and huge crowds aren’t your cup of tea, then you’ll want to head back east on the beach highway for something a bit more low key.

Details: 17401 Perdido Key Drive, (850) 492-0611.

Hub Stacey’s on the Point

Hub Stacey’s on the Point along Innerarity Road has earned a reputation as one of the best places around to get a good deli sandwich or soup and cold beer along with a great view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Hub’s carries an array of beer including many domestic and imported microbrewery ales. The pub recently added a commercial deep fryer to its menu. The appliance that makes all cuisine better is now at Hub’s. For buffalo wings, high octane drinks and a large selection of brew, plus a great view of the ICW, Hub’s is the place to be.

Details: 5851 Galvez Road, 850-497-0071.

JellyFish Bar

No, they don’t offer the same view of the Gulf like the ‘Bama does, but patrons who are perched on the outdoor deck at the JellyFish Bar get a glimpse of the water between the two condominiums and a full view if you face west. However, this hip dune-side cocktail lounge on Perdido Key has got the best martinis on the key and best sushi, so the obscured view isn’t so bad. Plus, you can wave at all the tourists driving down the road. For a swanky, chic establishment with a partial view of the water then the J’Fish is a best bet.

The Oyster Bar

On Perdido Key, in the shadow of “the hump” is the Perdido Key Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina.

The view of Intracoastal Waterway from the upper deck of this famous eatery is second to none — and the only thing more impressive than the view is the cuisine, a mix of surf and turf, sandwiches and appetizers.

The Oyster Bar’s steaks and seafood have been bringing in natives and tourists for nearly a decade. The pan-fried grouper is a favorite dish of the locals.

With an indoor and outdoor bar, getting on island time at the Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina is no problem.

13700 River Road, Perdido Key, 850-492-5600.

Fisherman’s Corner

Resting in the shadow of the Perdido Key bridge, there sits an old shack that belongs in the bayous of Louisiana selling bait and tackle than it does a superb seafood eatery and pub.

Fisherman’s Corner is a watering hole and gem of the Key that has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike for seafood chow, cold beer, atmosphere and the live music of The Corner Band. But it’s the blue crabs, a soft-shell item “that you eat whole” that brings em’ in week after week.

Seafood not your thing? Well, you can also throw down one of the best burgers and tastiest fried chicken at Fisherman’s Corner. Details: 492-5574.

Fishtales

The Wharf in Orange Beach has several superb restaurants and bistros, ranging from Mexican to Italian to Creole cuisine.

Now, The Wharf has its own eatery, FishTales at The Wharf, which opened about a year ago.

With a roofed outdoor dining room, FishTales is drenched in natural light and offers a great view from all angles in the dining room. Patrons enjoy a stunning view of The Wharf’s Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway from the bar, too.

But it’s not just ambiance that customers have been coming in for — it’s the menu, the drinks and the live music all summer long. Details: (251) 224-1910.

The Hangout

It was a Pleasure Island institution for decades and its absence in Gulf Shores has been felt. But it’s back and better than ever — the legendary seaside bar, The Hangout overlookes Gulf Shores Public Beach.

This huge restaurant features several bars, an open-aired dining room and live music. Once you want to stick out that thumb and pinky and give a it shake because you’re definitely on island time.

Details: 101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, 251-948-3030.

The Pink Pony

Famous for their food, drinks and rocking live music, the legendary Pink Pony Pub adjacent to Gulf Shores Public Beach is for both tourists and locals. This Redneck Riviera classic juke joint is one of the last great drinking and eating parishes with a unblocked view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Details: 137 East Gulf Place (251) 948-6371.

Bayside Grill

Bayside Grill offers something that most area bistros don’t offer — a stunning view of Terry Cove and Sportsman’s Marina from the restaurants two decks. The view can be enjoyed for Bayside’s Sunday Brunch or at night from the “topside bayside deck” where patrons can sip on a tropical cocktail from the full service bar.

That one-two punch of location and cuisine is what has made Bayside Grill the popular restaurant it is today — and Will Eberlin hopes to carry that tradition into this summer.

Details: 27842 Canal Road, Orange Beach, 251-981-4899.

Pirates Cove

Ask anybody on Pleasure Island where Pirates Cove is and they’ll likely respond that it’s hard to get to by car. At this point you’ll settle on the Flora-Bama, which is also a great way to waste away a weekend afternoon.

Pirate’s Cove is the unofficial meeting place of “riff raff,” beach bums, poets of paradise, wandering musicians, seafaring sailors of questionable character — and dogs. Lot’s and lot’s of dogs. And oh yeah, arguably the best cheeseburger in paradise.

The marina with its many sailboats and view of Perdido Bay make the Cove a must, especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a blood mary and a greasy burger. And you can bring your dog. Details: Go west on Highway 98, take a left on County Road 95 and continue until you smell the cheeseburgers. 6664 U.S. 95, Josephine, (251) 987-1224.

Calypso Joe’s

For an unforgettable dining experience that blends tropical island appeal with Pleasure Island’s relaxed atmosphere, Calypso Joe’s Caribbean Grille in Orange Beach is that establishment.

With its idyllic marina-side dining area and accompanying raw bar, Calypso Joe’s perfectly embodies the soul and flavor of the Caribbean. The up-close view of the stunning boats moored at Orange Beach Marina continues to bring new and loyal guests to this classic eatery.

Whether you go for a cocktail after work or entertain the entire family, Calypso Joe’s promises to transport all who enter to the Caribbean. So, order a frozen drink or ice cold Corona, order their Jamaican grilled grouper and you’ll truly be relaxing on island time.

Details: 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, Next to Orange Beach Marina, (251) 981-1415.

Tacky Jack’s

Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach offers outstanding food, great drinks and live music — and a view unlike any other establishment on the island. Its seafood, cheese burgers and other traditional island chow is some of the best along Marina Road. And when it comes to breakfast, it’s has a Sunday biscuits and gravy and bloody marry that will take the edge off the previous evening’s debauchery.

Details: Tacky Jack’s Tavern and Grill, 27206 Safe Harbor Drive, Orange Beach, Ala., (251) 981-4144.

Anglers Oyster Bar

Angler’s offers ample outdoor seating, surrounded by Zeke’s Landing Marina and a stunning view of Cotton Bayou. But the biggest draw has to be the tiki bar on the deck. Here, customers can belly up with a frozen beverage or cold beer and watch the Zeke’s Charter fleet come in with fresh catch.

Angler’s menu along with their tiki bar, outdoor seating, large dining room and unmatched view is sure to become an Orange Beach staple for anyone looking to soak up the sun, sip a cold beverage and watch life on the water unfold this summer.

For Angler’s owner, Tonia Turner, it’s hard work competing with all the other restaurants, but worth it when she sees happy patrons in the setting summer sun.

Details: 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd. at Zeke’s Landing, (251) 981-1864.

Live Bait at The Wharf

Live Bait at The Wharf features an outside bar along the Wharf Marina.

Live Bait at The Wharf features a nightspot with full raised dance floor, cocktail seating area and full service bar. This section also offers indoor cabanas, secluded areas to sit, enjoy a glass of wine in private while listening to live music or a comedian.

When it comes to the menu, Live Bait has added a few items to its cuisine — sushi, which is served in a secluded area. The food menu also offers a Seafood and Grill Sections.

Featuring an outdoor bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Live Bait at The Wharf along with their food, frozen drinks view is a must this summer. 4851 Wharf Parkway, Suite D130, (251) 224-BAIT.

Opinion – Another view: Myths of species law – sacbee.com

“As far as Perdido Key Beach mice and reconstruction after Hurricane Ivan are concerned, it’s worth noting the hurricane struck the Florica Panhandle in 2004. The Fish and Wildlife Service didn’t propose critical habitat until December 2005, and it was not finalized until October 2006. No lawsuit was ever threatened by us. And in the case of this natural disaster and others, homeowners were given the green light to rebuild on existing footprints, no questions asked.”

(via: read more… )

101 things to do on Pleasure Island | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“Let’s face it, Memorial Day Weekend is a time to forget about the job or school and just get on island time, which, most times means food, music, atmosphere and dancing. If there’s a restaurant that is the hot spot for Memorial Day Weekend that offers all those things and more, it has to be Live Bait, Live Bait Too and Live Bait at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

This famous eatery and nightclub combines a classic family-style eatery with a jumping nightclub with live music and dancing nightly. Live Bait restaurant offers an outstanding menu, featuring traditional Pleasure Island fare, lunch menu, kid’s menu and daily and nightly specials.

Live Bait will keep the kids entertained in their video arcade game room and surrounding bayou teeming with small alligators and turtles.

For the ultimate paradise atmosphere, enjoy a Red Stripe in their outdoor Tiki Hut and watch the sunset beyond the bayous of Orange Beach.

When the sun goes down, just walk across the bridge for a night of live music at Live Bait Too. Also, Live Bait is serving sushi at Live Bait at The Wharf.

Details: Live Bait and Live Bait Too, 24281 Perdido Beach Boulevard, 251-974-1612, www.livebaitrestaurant.com.

Try Mexican this holiday

When it comes to Memorial Day Weekend on Pleasure Island, it’s typically all about the grilling staples like fresh fish, USDA meats, maybe some skewered shrimp, you know — the stuff of Memorial Day.

By Monday, you just might be grilled out and have a mysterious and sudden hankering for a mammoth bean burrito and a side of yellow rice. Pleasure Island has many great Mexican places, but here’s a few to keep in mind if burgers and hot dogs just won’t cut it.

Tequilas

Up Gulf Shores Parkway at the Bruno’s Shopping Center is Tequilas Mexican Restaurant. This place doesn’t have pool tables or a bar or televisions — it just serve delicious Mexican cuisine in a place that you might find in Tijuana. Patrons sit in wooden booths with high backs. Sombreros hang from the wall next to fine prints and quilts. It’s a small, quaint restaurant tucked in the corner of the shopping center. What the restaurant lacks in size, Tequilas makes up for it in taste. Their menu features nearly 85 items, including 13 lunch specials. While 85 items might seem overwhelming, it basically means you can combine just about any items you crave. Most of all, Tequilas is a relaxed simple place to enjoy a Mexican feast.

Details: Tequilas Mexican Restaurant, Highway 59, Bruno’s Shopping Center, Gulf Shores, 251-968-5171.

El Toro

At El Toro Mexican Restaurant in Gulf Shores, customers are greeted with ‘Bienvenidos amigos!’ It’s fitting, because not only does El Toro serve fresh Mexican food, but their watistaff is quick, accomodating and friendly. Three things rarely found at any Pleasure Island eatery. Elo Toro’s menu features 70 usual Mexican dishes, plus a botanas (appetizer) section. Beyond the usual chili con carne and chili relleno, El Toro prepares several specialty dishes, including their Mezquite Grill, a succulant dish piled high with Chorizo, grilled chicken breast, rice, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and six tortillas to wrap all the goodness in. Another special dish is their Camarones El Toro, a fresh shrimp dish with steamed vegetables and special Toro Dip. El Toro has a full bar where you can enjoy a margarita at lunch. El Toro Mexican , 3645 Gulf Shores Highway, Suite 102, 251-968-9030.

Original Point Restaurant

The official saying at the Original Point Restaurant is ‘In Mullet We Trust’ And why not? Mullet is said to have mystical powers for the soul that ingests it — and the Original Point Restaurant’s got plenty of the fish you can’t catch with a pole, plus a lot more on their menu. But before it was the legendary eatery it is today, the Original Point Restaurant was, in the words of its owner David Lively, ‘An old hippie joint.’ That free spirit can still be found at this favorite restaurant of ‘Point people.’ Tourists flock from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to sample some of Lively’s true Southern cuisine, including alligator bites, mullet, grouper and shell fish, done to your liking. And gumbo. Real gumbo. One cup of Lively’s gumbo and you won’t need to travel to Louisiana for the real McCoy. Add the bluegrass sounds of Bubba N’ Them this Memorial Day Weekend and you’ll feel like you’re on the Louisiana coast. Original Point Restaurant, Innerarity Point Road, Pensacola, 850-492-3577.

Fishtales at The Wharf

Last summer saw the opening of Fishtales at The Wharf when they opened to hungry and thirsty visitors on Memorial Day Weekend. With a roofed outdoor dining room, FishTales is drenched in natural light. Patrons enjoy a stunning view of The Wharf’s Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway. The dining room also has a full service bar. But it’s not just ambiance that customers have been coming in for — it’s the menu. The menu consists of traditional Southern fare, including a genuine Alabama Shrimp Boil dish prepared by Chef Fletch Miller. The menu consists of traditional Southern fare, including a genuine Alabama Shrimp Boil dish prepared by Chef Fletch Miller. Everything is cooked over a oak wood oven fire, so nothing has that microwave taste. The food keeps all its natural flavor, with a hint of oak. nother popular item at FishTales is their spare ribs prepared with Hank’s Bar-b-cue sauce. And this holiday weekend FishTales features live music under the tent with Cary Laine. FishTales at The Wharf, 251-224-1910.

Waterville U.S.A.

Water, water and more water; that basically sums up Waterville in Gulf Shores, but you’re not going to wade in shallow kiddy pools at this amazing water park. From the Waterville Wave Pool to Rainbow Falls to Gold Rush, their signature ride, the twisting slides will leave your stomach in your throat. And their Kamikaze slide will test even the most fearless.

Everybody already knows how much fun Waterville U.S.A in Gulf Shores is, but what a lot of folks don’t know is that this Gulf Shores summertime favorite has added the ‘Flowrider,’ a self-contained wave that will challenge even the best surfer. Hang ten or ride this incredible wave on your stomach as water rushes up at nearly 35 miles per hour. Of course, Waterville U.S.A. has their usual thrill rides and slides, too, plus some new heart stopping slides. Waterville features a Coney Island style roller coaster. The Cannonball Run is a pure adrenaline rush for any speed freak. For the NASCAR fanatic, The Waterville 500 will test your driving skills on their Grand Prix racetrack. So, you can cool off at the beach or spend the day at Gulf Shores number one attraction, Waterville.

906 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 251-948-2106.

The Track Family Recreation Center

Gulf Shores has several amusement places and you could spend a weekend hitting all the fun things to do, but before this weekend is out, you certainly want to spend one full afternoon at The Track. Maybe one of the biggest attractions to The Track in Gulf Shores (besides the water bumper cars, miniature golf course, bumper rides, thrill rides and video games) just might be Wild Woody, a three-tiered wooden track that spirals three stories high, and back down again. If Wild Woody was the only thing to bring you to The Track, that’d be enough, but they offer much more, including Skycoaster. Skycoaster is a thrill ride that hoists and drops you from 110 feet in the air at 70 mph, before recovering just feet from the ground. You might want to hold off on the barbcue before getting strapped into this ride. If you want to get out of the sun for a spell, The Track features a huge arcade with dozens of games. 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 251-968-8111.

Southern Rose Dolphin and Dining Cruise

One of the most popular pastimes along the Alabama Gulf Coast is dolphin watching — maybe nobody does it better than Southern Rose out of Sun Harbor Marina behind Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach. Watch dolphins break the surface, and view multi-million dollar homes from their classic 64-foot, double decker boat, which offers a snack bar in an air conditioned enclosure or sit upstairs in the open deck. This Memorial Day, enjoy a narrative tour and beach music while cruising the pristine waters of Bayou St. John, Perdido Bay and Pirates Cove in search of the bottle nose dolphin. Enjoy a late morning cruise at 11:00 a.m. or a sunset cruise at 5:30 p.m. For a two-hour outing you’ll never forget, break away from the grill and madness of the cookout and enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway and all it has to offer. Bring your binoculars and camera as Southern Rose guarantees dolphins. Reservations are required, so call ahead. Southern Rose Dolphin, Sun Harbor Marina, Marina Rd., Orange Beach, 251-981-7673.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Get wild this holiday weekend with a visit to one of Pleasure Island’s premier attractions, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in the heart of Gulf Shores. If you’d been watching the Animal Planet a few years ago, then you probably caught ‘The Little Zoo That Could,’ the highly-acclaimed 13-week series that chronicled the trials and tribulations of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons on the Discovery Channel. But if you didn’t catch it, you need only get in your car and visit this superb zoo, which is now flourishing with exotic animals. While the zoo has gone through many changes, big plans are in the works including a move to higher ground, but Pleasure Island’s very own zoo is still only minutes from the beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is tucked away just blocks from Gulf Shores Public Beach and is home to more than 290 animals, including lions, tigers, bears and macaws just to name a few. There’s also a petting zoo, reptile house, aviary and daily animal shows and gift shop, too. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, 251-968-5731

Legends Bar and Grille

For some, Memorial Day Weekend is all about a day on the links. All day, if possible, and one of the most popular courses on or near the key is Perdido Bay Golf Club. But this short profile isn’t about golf, it’s about food after or before golf. And the restaurant at Perdido Bay Golf Club is Legends Bar and Grille. In the few months they’ve been opened, the Hatcher’s have drawn new and old patrons with a new menu unlike any found on or near Perdido Key — and the word is catching on.

The menu consists of breakfast served every day from 6:30 a.m. — 10 a.m., and features such standards as French toast, two eggs any style, biscuits and gravy and pancakes. More appealing items are their breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, bell peppers, and sausage. Then there’s the favorite, the Western omelet and shrimp omelet. Squeezed between the appetizer and salad portion of the menu the dinner section features a superb 12-ounce New York Strip aged for 21 days, shrimp and grits with Andouille and Vermont white cheddar grits topped with sautéed jumbo shrimp.

The lunch menu that boasts eight lunches perfect if you’re coming off the 18th hole or are heading into downtown Pensacola, but want to eat near the Key. From a juicy eight-ounce burger with large fries to shrimp salad and chicken club wrap, all for under $8. One of their most appealing (but quite large) lunch items is the grouper sandwich. It’s a grilled, blackened or fried grouper served with tartar, lettuce and tomato. This is big, big lunch, but one you’ll enjoy later at dinner. Legends Bar and Grille, Perdido Bay Golf Club, 1 Doug Ford Drive, Perdido Florida, 850-492-1223.

Fisherman’s Corner

Sometimes Memorial Day Weekend is all about just getting out of the house and letting someone else prepare the food and mix the cocktails. On Perdido Key, resting in the shadow of the Perdido Key bridge, there sits an old shack that looks like it belongs in the bayous of Louisiana selling bait and tackle than it does a superb seafood eatery and pub. In fact, that’s exactly what Fisherman’s Corner Seafood Pub once was before the Montogmery’s assumed ownership three years ago. No longer trading in live shrimp for anglers, this watering hole and gem of the Key has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike for seafood chow, cold beer, atmosphere and the live music of The Corner Band. But it’s the blue crabs, a softshell item ‘that you eat whole’ that brings em’ in week after week. Seafood not your thing? Well, you can also throw down one of the best burgers and tastiest fried chicken at Fisherman’s Corner. And since it’s Memorial Day, you know they’ll have a killer barbecue plate ready to chow down. And recently, The Corner has brought in a pool table, Foozball table and darts to pass the time. This weekend, they’ll feature Gary Story, Ryan Corner and Scott Bryan. Fisherman’s Corner, 492-5574.

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill

What does Key West, Marco Island and Orange Beach have in common? All three places have a Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurant. And The Wharf’s addition of the family eatery has just opened. Not only can you collect all of Harvey’s clothing for men, women and children, but you can also enjoy some classic Orange Beach fare at the large restaurant. Choose delicious items from the Light Tackle section of the menu including Island Style Fish Dip, Chicken Tenders Basket and the Captain’s Buffalo Wings. The Captain’s Sandwich and Burgers features some half a dozen tasty items. And from the Captain’s Bridge section, select from several fresh seafood items. Guy Harvey’s boasts a large outdoor bar with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. This new location is sure to become an Orange Beach institution, and this Memorial Day will be Guy Harvey’s will be the place to be for great food, drink and live music. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill 4851 Wharf Parkway, 251-224-8180.

Calypso Joe’s Caribbean Grille

Hey, mon, for an unforgettable dining experience that blends tropical Caribbean island appeal with Pleasure Island’s relaxed atmosphere, Calypso Joe’s Caribbean Grille in Orange Beach is that island time establishment. With their idyllic water-side dining area and accompanying raw bar, they blend the soul and flavor of the Caribbean. The outdoor Tiki Bar and view of Orange Beach Marina continues brings guests to this classic eatery. Enjoy their expertly prepared dishes and a cold beer inside, where ceiling fans whir, or pull up to their indoor bar. Calypso Joe’s promises to transport all who enter to the Caribbean, mon! Traditional Caribbean food as well as seafood. Some live music. 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach, next to Orange Beach Marina, 251-981-1415.

Pirate’s Island

Not all of us can hold our own on the links, but then there are those folks who are avid miniature golfers. Maybe the best course anywhere around here is Pirate’s Island on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores. No, Pirates Island doesn’t have water slides or go karts, they don’t have a roller coaster, and they don’t have a huge, indoor arcade. Pirate’s Island in gulf Shores does just one thing, and they do it the best — miniature golf. Their miniature golf course will challenge even the most skilled miniature golfer. Surrounded by ancient graveyards, cascading waterfalls, old shipwrecks and historical markers of Blackbeard, this 18-hole swashbuckling course promises a day of miniature golf adventure for the whole family. Set sail for Pirate’s Island, mate. Pirate’s Island, Highway 59, Gulf Shores, 251-968-4653.

Bear Point Marina

Didn’t have the opportunity to take your significant other on that dolphin cruise last summer? Or romatic sunset cruise? At Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach folks can cruise over the ICW, view dolphins, a stunning sunset or just let the wind blow through your hair aboard one of their many cruises. Rent a boat through Wallace Boat Rentals, or go dolphin watching aboard the Cold Mil Fleet or Dolphin Express Cruises. Or set sail aboard the beautiful Corsair. When it’s time to restock on provisions, then visit the Bear Point Marina Dock Store where you’ll discover everything you need for a Memorial Day on the calm waters surrounding Pleasure Island. At Bear Point, there’s no shortage of water activities. And now customers can enjoy the breathtaking view at Flippers Seafood and Oyster Bar, the new restaurant at Bear Point Marina. Bear Point Marina, 5749 Bay La Lauch Avenue, Orange Beach, 251-981-2327.”

(via: )

M. David Stirling: Rodents shouldn’t trump humans in disaster recoveries – sacbee.com

“Residents of the Southeastern United States know what to expect from the Atlantic hurricane season, but in 2004 it arrived with particular ferocity.

Hurricane Charley hit Florida, causing more than $14 billion in damage. Hurricane Frances prompted a record Florida evacuation.

But Hurricane Ivan proved the champ. At peak power Ivan ripped up nearly every house on the island nation of Grenada. After causing 60 deaths and massive destruction across the Caribbean, Ivan reserved a devastating punch for Florida’s panhandle, striking with 130 mph winds.

That spelled trouble for Paul and Gail Fisher and other residents of Perdido Key, a barrier island near Pensacola. Ivan struck Perdido Key with a fury, leaving a destructive path a few hundred yards wide and 16 miles long. The Fishers survived, but Ivan destroyed their home and many of their neighbors’ homes.”

(via: read more…. )

Pastel artist making his mark from Perdido to Eastern Shore | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“Tommy Vogel, one of the island’s hardest working and most prolific pastel artists is evolving.

The Orange Beach artist can often be found painting or teaching at ArtZ on Canal Road or Artworks on Perdido Key Drive, two galleries that exhibit this up-and-coming artist’s work. Vogel, who works in the often over-looked pastel form sells only originals. It’s that combination of using the underappreciated pastel and originality of a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that makes this easy going artist standout.

Using pastels may not be living on the edge, but as Vogel explains, you better have forethought.

‘All of my artwork is soft pastel and is all original. I find pastels to be more challenging than other mediums. With pastels you don’t have the luxury of painting over or changing, so you need to be sure of what you want to do before you start,’ Vogel said. ‘I learn a new technique or a different way of working with pastels with every picture I do. The vibrancy of the colors draws as much attention as the subject or style in a picture.’”

(via: | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal )

The Key’s ‘J’Fish to throw first anniversary bash on Sunday | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“It can’t be easy being a nightspot sandwiched between Pensacola and Orange Beach, two hot pieces of real estate when it comes to food and drink, especially if you’re opening a martini lounge on lagging Perdido Key.

But that’s exactly what Marcus Reno Story did one year ago with the popular JellyFish Bar at Villagio in the heart of Perdido Key. In a time when bars and restaurants come and go with regularity, this is no easy feat. But Story credits the first year to the area’s need for something different, something that was right and at the right time.

‘This first year was amazing. I have had many businesses in the past but never owned or operated a bar, and from the very first day of opening and throughout the first year to be where we are makes me ecstatic,’ Story said. ‘I think it was just the timing. Perdido Key was screaming for something new and I think the JellyFish fit perfectly for the area.’”

(via: pnj.com )

Festival now spring event | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“For nearly the last quarter of a century, the first week of each November on Pleasure Island and Perdido Key has come to be known as the time for the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, the annual multiple venue music festival that draws songwriters from Nashville, Memphis and as far away as New York City. But fans of this musical phenomenon don’t have to wait untill autumn, because this May and June, the Silver Moon Café on Perdido Key introduces the Frank Brown International Songwriters Spring Into Summer concert series. For festival organizer Reneda Cross, the event was something she just couldn’t pass up.

‘So many of our local people love the songwriters’ festival. And with so many of the songwriters coming through each spring, I thought, ‘why not give the fans something besides just the November festival,’ ‘ Cross said. ‘When they have visitors this spring and summer they’ll remember to tell them about the festival and they’ll want to come back.’

This weekend kicks off with Atlanta-based recording artist Shawn Mullins. Mullins will perform songs from his latest CD, ‘Honeydew.’ Mullins, who has played the Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival in previous years, makes his much-anticipated return to Perdido Key.

‘I go way back when it comes to performing in this area. I can recall playing Sluggo’s when it was punk rock back in 1991 and somehow this guy got me on stage. That was one of my first times playing in Pensacola. I haven’t played Pensacola since 1996 or 1997. So, Pensacola feels close to my heart and I’m real excited about playing there again.’

But the FBISWF is, if nothing else, about homegrown musicians, and this spring’s festival will highlight some of our finest songwriters, including Bo Roberts, Ken Lambert, Smokey Otis, Maggie Brown, Rick Whaley and John Joiner and more.

‘We need people in these venues in November and a spring musical festival can only help when it rolls around,’ Cross said. ‘We have a lot of songwriters that are now coming down at other times to visit friends they have made or to write songs with some of our local talent.’ n”

(via: Pensacola News Journal )

Commissioner to meet with state officials on Perdido Key building cap | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

“Escambia County Commission Chairman Mike Whitehead expects to leave a Tallahassee meeting today with some level of resolution on the county’s attempt to remove the building cap on Perdido Key.

Whitehead and county legal and planning staff, will meet this afternoon with representatives of the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Whitehead said DCA Secretary Tom Pelham told him recently ‘we are going to stay there until we get resolution on it,’ referring to the meeting.

All the parties involved in the proposed cap met with DCA in March to discuss remaining issues with the county’s attempt to amend its comprehensive land-use plan to allow far more residential development. The DCA agreed to get back to the county with a response by April 20, but the county is yet to see a response, said County Attorney Alison Rogers.

So the purpose of today’s meeting is to resolve any remaining concerns DCA may have.

‘I would be glad to see it resolved, but they have not indicated anything to us in writing that it’s resolved,’ Rogers said. ‘We are extremely, cautiously optimistic.’

A maximum 7,150 dwelling units — houses or condominiums — and 1,000 hotel or motel rooms are allowed on Perdido Key. The county’s proposal would increase that amount to about 12,000 dwelling units and 2,500 lodging units.”

(via: pnj.com)