Happy Wednesday, Fairhope!

The chilly days are giving way to warmer weather, and you can almost feel spring knocking at the door and Mardi Gras excitement is in the air! Be sure to read our article on King Cakes and click thru and tell us where to find your favorite !!!! We hope you had a chance to enjoy some of the local events we shared last weekend—there’s always something happening in our wonderful town.

Here’s your midweek chuckle: Why did the crawfish refuse to share? Because he was a little shellfish!

Now, grab an iced coffee or a refreshing sweet tea and dive into this week’s updates. And don’t forget—if you subscribe at FairhopeNow.com (or click the big blue button below), you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to Kind Cafe! Just email us at [email protected] to let us know, and we’ll add your name to the raffle.

Enjoy the sunshine, and let’s make it a fantastic week!

— John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Fairhope Approves Pay Raises for Mayor and City Council

2. Two New Restaurants Possibly coming to Fairhope

3. Hope Project Clears Major Hurdle

4. Thomas Hospital Breaks Ground on New Wing

5. Tell us your Favorite Local King Cake!

6. Fairhope Expo

7. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Daria

8. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope Approves Pay Raises for Mayor and City Council

Fairhope’s mayor and city council members are getting a pay raise—but not until after the 2025 election. The City Council unanimously approved the salary bump, bringing the mayor’s pay from $85,000 to $90,000, while the council president’s salary increases from $13,200 to $15,600, and councilors’ pay rises from $12,000 to $14,400. Along with the raises, the next group of elected officials will also have access to city health insurance at no cost and a $50 monthly cell phone allowance. Council President Jack Burrell emphasized that the increase is simply an adjustment for inflation and doesn’t make Fairhope’s leaders the highest-paid in Baldwin County, noting that they still rank “fifth, sixth, or seventh” in earnings compared to other local cities.

This decision follows similar moves by Spanish Fort and Daphne, which also approved salary increases for their elected officials. Spanish Fort’s mayor will see a pay raise from $40,380 to $60,000, while Daphne’s mayoral salary will jump from $75,000 to $125,000 in 2025. Their city councils also approved increases for council members and additional benefits, including healthcare and cost-of-living adjustments. In Fairhope, Mayor Sherry Sullivan currently earns an extra $25,000 for also overseeing Fairhope Public Utilities, but it will be up to the next city council to decide whether the next mayor will receive that additional pay. The salary increases in Fairhope saw no public opposition at council meetings, signaling a quiet but steady move toward compensating local leaders for their growing responsibilities.

Two New Restaurants Possibly coming to Fairhope

Fairhope is set to welcome its second Waffle House, following final approval from the city council for a location on Highway 104, two blocks east of Highway 181. The popular 24-hour diner, known for its signature waffles and hashbrowns, will expand its presence in the city, offering another option for residents and travelers alike.

Meanwhile, Culver’s, a fast-food chain famous for its butter burgers and frozen custard, is exploring a potential location at the Planter’s Pointe Shopping Center (Publix) on North Highway 181. The Wisconsin-based chain, which already has locations in Foley and Gulf Shores, is working through parking and technical requirements before finalizing plans. If approved, it would mark another expansion of national restaurant brands into Fairhope’s growing commercial landscape.

Hope Community Project Clears Major Hurdle

Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan announced that the City Council and Baldwin County Board of Education have unanimously voted to continue leasing the 12-acre Anna T. Jeanes property to Hope Community. This decision marks a significant milestone in the organization’s plans to create a teaching farm, teaching kitchen, walking trails, and a community center, providing a vital link between Fairhope South and Downtown Fairhope. Mayor Sullivan also took the opportunity to commend the many nonprofits in the area, recognizing their role in making Fairhope a thriving and connected community.

The announcement was made during the first Hope Community meeting of the year, which was filled with exciting updates and reflections on recent successes. Susan Fontaine Godwin, secretary of the Board of Directors, highlighted the Inaugural Hope Community 5K, held at the historic Anna T. Jeanes School, as a major achievement in bringing people together and furthering the organization’s mission. With strong backing from city leaders and community members, Hope Community is poised to move forward with its vision, creating opportunities for learning, health, and connection in Fairhope. More Information is available here.

Thomas Hospital Breaks Ground on New Wing

King Cake Taste Test

We have already tried several and want to know where else to go taste test! We all know that King cakes are a traditional pastry typically associated with the celebration of Mardi Gras. But did you know that these specialty cakes are often braided or circular, decorated with colorful sugar in purple, green, and gold because those colors represent: justice, faith, and power, respectively. A small figurine, usually a baby, is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck (and is expected to host the next king cake party!). The cakes are usually made from a sweet, yeasted dough and filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, or fruit. They are a local favorite part of the Mardi Gras season, which lasts from Epiphany (January 6) until Fat Tuesday. Here are photos of a couple of our favorites (Fairhope Chocolate & Warehouse Bakery) - please share your favorite in this post on Fairhope Now so we all know where to go get our sugar highs !!!!!

Fairhope Expo Coming Soon

Next week the State of the City Expo will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center. Mayor Sherry Sullivan will deliver her annual State of the City address, providing an overview of the past year's achievements and outlining future plans for the city. This rescheduled event will maintain its interactive format, allowing attendees to engage with city leaders and explore various municipal departments.

Each department will have a dedicated table to showcase their services and discuss their objectives for 2025. The mayor's speech is set to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, enjoy a light dinner, and participate in giveaways.

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Stormy

Stormy is a handsome 4-year-old male brown and black tabby feline with a striking coat of rich, earthy tones and bold black markings that highlight his sleek and muscular frame. His bright, inquisitive eyes and confident stance give him an air of charm, making him the kind of cat that draws attention wherever he goes. Despite his rugged appearance, Stormy is the embodiment of sweetness and affection, with a gentle demeanor that immediately puts others at ease. He is an ideal companion for anyone seeking both beauty and warmth in a furry friend. Known for being an absolute purr machine, Stormy loves to show his affection through a steady hum of contentment. Whether he's curled up in a cozy nook or resting beside you on the couch, his soothing purrs are always present, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. His cuddly nature knows no bounds, as he eagerly seeks out snuggles and head scratches, often curling up in your lap or nestling into your side. Stormy's loving personality, combined with his striking looks, makes him a perfect companion for anyone who appreciates a loyal, affectionate feline friend. Learn more about Stormy and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Rain Expected By Friday

2. Fairhope Middle School Student in need of Pull Ups

3. JLN Single mom with two children and one on the way in urgent need of car repair

4. District Hall: FWES Spirit Night

5. Corner Copia: Sip, Shop & Save on 1/30/25

6. WABF, Fairhope’s Local Radio Station, Live Streaming Here

7. WABF Recent Local Interviews

Want to stay up to date on even more local events? Check out Let’s Go! Fairhope .

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