Happy Wednesday afternoon, Fairhope!

This newsletter is packed with all things Fairhope—because let’s be honest, no place does charm quite like we do. One of the best parts of small-town life? You actually know your neighbors, recognize your local leaders, and can probably name at least three people who make the best homemade cobbler. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local updates just for you, but if we’ve missed something, give us a shout—we’re here to keep Fairhope in the know!

First, your Wednesday laugh: In the South, we don’t hide crazy—we parade it on the front porch and give it sweet tea.

Now, grab your coffee or tea and dive into this week’s updates! Be sure to share this newsletter with friends and neighbors. If they 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. Here’s to a great rest of the week!

– John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Fairhope Votes To Suspend Developments for 9 Months

2. Severe Weather Possible in Fairhope Mainly Late Tonight

3. Fairhope Celebrating Arbor Day This Weekend

4. Our Southern Souls - Peaks and Valleys

5. Shuck Cancer Kickoff Party Tonight at Fairhope Brewing

6. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Stella Grace

7. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope Votes To Suspend Developments for 9 Months

The Fairhope City Council voted unanimously on Monday, February 10, 2025, to impose a nine-month moratorium on applications for certain multi-occupancy projects (MOPs). The ordinance, listed as item number five on the meeting agenda, applies to developments with lots smaller than 10,500 square feet and containing three or more units. City officials say the measure is aimed at addressing concerns over rapid residential growth and its effects on infrastructure, traffic, and the overall character of the community.

Severe Weather Possible in Fairhope Mainly Late Tonight

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded parts of southwest Alabama, including Fairhope, to a Level 3 (out of 5) severe weather risk for today into tonight, with the potential for one or two strong EF2+ tornadoes. While the highest threat is currently west of Interstate 65, all residents, including those along the Eastern Shore and coastal communities, should remain vigilant as storms develop throughout the day. A squall line is expected to move through overnight, bringing the possibility of damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes. Officials urge residents to stay informed and have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, especially during the overnight hours when the risk may increase.

As of late morning, the primary focus for severe weather is in areas west of I-65, including Thomasville, Monroeville, and Jackson, where a Tornado Watch may be issued later today. If discrete supercells develop ahead of the main storm system, there is a heightened risk of strong tornadoes. However, Fairhope and other communities in Baldwin County should prepare for an increased risk late tonight into early Thursday as storms push southeast. While the worst-case scenario includes multiple strong tornadoes, the best-case scenario would see limited storm development in the first round. Regardless, officials emphasize that everyone in the region should remain weather-aware throughout the day and night, as conditions can change rapidly.

Please follow meteorologist James Spann or meteorologist Spinks Megginson for the latest updates.

Fairhope Celebrating Arbor Day This Weekend

Fairhope's Arbor Day Celebration is this Saturday! 🌳 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners, and the 2025 Beautification Award winners will be recognized during the ceremony. 🏅🏆 📍Coastal Community College Campus, Fairhope ⏰Saturday, February 15th from 10AM-12PM 🌱Free seedlings include: Red Maple, Bald Cypress, Sugarberry, American Beech, Green Ash, Eastern Redcedar, Swamp Tupelo, Blackgum, Pond Cypress, Lonfleaf Pine, American Elm, Sycamore, White oak, Cherrybark Oak, and Shumard Oak. More Info available here.

“I know How it Feels to be Homeless”

 “I grew up on the prison grounds at Parchman Prison in Mississippi. My dad was a warden, and my mom was a nurse. A few trusted female inmates kept my brothers, sisters, and me while our parents worked. These inmates lived in a bunkhouse behind our home, and sometimes, I spent the night with them. My parents treated the ones who worked around our house like family, showing us that all people deserve to be loved. Just because you go to prison doesn't mean you are a terrible person.

Dad carried out two executions at Parchman. I sat on the front steps during one of them. There was an eeriness with candlelight vigils and protesters across the street. Dad found out one inmate was innocent, causing him to become an opponent of the death penalty. He wrote a book and did talk shows and newscasts. HBO even made a movie about it…

Both of my sons have cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. I had my first son when I was 18. He was born early, and the doctors had to remove most of his intestines. He stayed in the ICU for four months and wasn’t expected to leave the hospital. Now he's 33…

We stood in the hotel room looking over Cambridge. My son had just gotten a feeding tube, and this was so far away from home. What if something happened to him? He said, ‘They keep telling me I'm not supposed to live. But I'm from Prattville, Alabama, have cystic fibrosis, and got into Harvard Law School. How can I not go?’ He moved to Boston and had the best roommates who gave him the help he needed. Today, my son is a senator’s constitutional and criminal law specialist in Washington, DC.

I became the Meals on Wheels coordinator for Ecumenical Ministries in South Baldwin. It was so much more than delivering meals to the elderly. It was providing social services and being the highlight of their day… Homelessness is also people with cancer or mothers with newborn babies living in their cars. We’ve documented 771 homeless people in Baldwin County; over 200 are kids, but we didn’t have many homeless services in Baldwin County. I started talking about doing more with Mitchell Lee of Lee Charities and Deann Servos from Prodisee Pantry. We did our research and started the Sea Glass Initiative in September 2023. People started coming fast.

We are helping nurses, a lawyer, a retired fireman, a former police officer, and someone with a PhD. All living in their cars… We housed 35 people in our first year. We also provided some with bus tickets to reunite them with family anywhere in the U.S. Our dream is to start a community council on homelessness with other agencies and build a state-of-the-art resource center where anyone can get help in one location.

I think of my dad and his legacy of giving second chances and not judging people. I have been at rock bottom and know how it feels to be homeless. But even in our worst times, there is always goodness and ways to serve outside of ourselves.” Michelle

Read the full interview on Our Southern Souls here

Shuck Cancer Kickoff Party Tonight at Fairhope Brewing

TONIGHT!!!!! (2/12) Fairhope Brewing Company + Moe's Original BBQ - Daphne = Shuck Cancer Kickoff Party!!!! Join us at Fairhope Brewing TONIGHT for a chance to win this AMAZING prize package! 🎉 This bundle includes a YETI cooler, an oyster shucking kit, and a $50 Half Shell gift card—generously donated by United Rentals, with a total value of over $400! 🦪🍻 Remember, you must be present at the Shuck Cancer Kickoff Party to win! For tickets and more information about this event: https://shuckcancersouthal.acsgala.org/kickoff/

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Stella Grace

Meet Stella Grace, a delightful 3-year-old black lab and hound mix with a heart of gold! Known for her sweet disposition and playful spirit, Stella loves nothing more than to spend time with her family. Whether she's frolicking in the backyard or enjoying a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, her enthusiasm for life is contagious. With her keen sense of smell and playful nature, she's always up for an adventure, making every outing a fun experience. Stella is not only adorable but also incredibly smart. She thrives on mental challenges and loves to learn new tricks, often impressing her friends with her cleverness. Her gentle and affectionate nature makes her a perfect companion for both kids and adults. Whether she's cuddling on the couch or playing fetch, Stella Grace is a loving presence that brightens every day. With her charming personality and unwavering loyalty, she's sure to win the hearts of everyone she meets! Learn more about Stella Grace and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Severe Weather Possible Tonight

2. Fairhope Citizens Take this Poll Today

3. LA - AI Meet Up @ The Hatch

4. Arbor Day Feb 15th @ 10 am

5. Ways that You can Help Others Here

6. Watch Video of the recent State of the City Here

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

8. 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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