We would first like to send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to our neighbors in New Orleans in light of the recent tragic events there.

Good Wednesday Afternoon, Fairhope! After a crazy few days—marked by an intense storm that washed out North Section Street, a bomb threat downtown on New Year’s Eve, and even a reported jumper on the Fairhope Pier—we’re thrilled to welcome the first day of 2025 and hope for some calmer days to come around here.

If you celebrated the holidays here in Fairhope, share your best moments; we’ve rounded up some local events, but let us know if we missed anything. Pass FairhopeNow.com along to your favorite holiday helper—or the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come—and if they subscribe, email us at [email protected] so we can add you to the raffle for a $25 Kind Cafe gift card!

– John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Fairhope North Section Street Repair Started

2. New Years Eve Bomb Threat and Pier Jumper Update

3. Fairhope’s Riley Leonard to Play in Delayed Sugar Bowl

4. Hope Community Walk / Race

5. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Daisy

6. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope North Section Street Repair Started

The Fairhope City Council held an emergency meeting on December 30th, 2024, to address a critical drainage failure on Section Street caused by heavy rainfall. The collapse of a double HTP pipe at Big Mouth Gully resulted in significant embankment loss and rendered the roadway impassable. To expedite repairs, the council declared an emergency and approved contracts with Sawgrass Consulting for engineering and Melany Construction LLC for general contracting, with a total estimated cost of $754,000. The council stressed the urgency of the repairs, as Section Street is a major entry point into the city, and aims to have the road reopened within 15 days. Public Works Director Richard Johnson noted that the existing pipe system, installed in the 1990s, may be inadequate for current conditions, and a hydraulic study will be conducted to assess necessary modifications. The council expressed gratitude to the Public Works department and Mayor Sullivan for their quick response to the situation. The repairs started yesterday.

New Years Eve Bomb Threat and Pier Jumper Update

Yesterday, Fairhope police cordoned off part of downtown after receiving a bomb threat via an online service request form, and the Mobile Police Bomb Squad and a K9 Team from Orange Beach later determined there were no explosive devices. The downtown area was then reopened, allowing the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration to continue as scheduled. Earlier that same morning, around 2:00 a.m., surveillance footage showed a man jumping from the Fairhope Municipal Pier, prompting a search by the Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. They found no evidence of distress or a missing person, and the investigation concluded with officials asking anyone with information to contact Detective Jackson.

Fairhope’s Riley Leonard to Play in Delayed Sugar Bowl

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, a Fairhope, Alabama, native who transferred from Duke after three seasons and has started every game this year (2,293 passing yards, 17 TDs; 751 rushing yards, 15 TDs), will now lead the seventh-seeded Fighting Irish into the Sugar Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 3PM instead of Wednesday night. Leonard’s elusive running, combined with the explosive ground attack from Jeremiyah Love and Jardarian Price, has powered Notre Dame’s offense to 38.8 points per game (fourth in the nation). The game was postponed after a tragic New Year’s incident on Bourbon Street in New Orleans left at least 15 people dead, numerous others injured, and prompted authorities, in consultation with bowl organizers, to delay the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against second-seeded Georgia until public safety could be assured.

Hope Community Race / Walk

Mark your calendar for the Hope Community Walk on January 4th in Fairhope. The Hope Community, in collaboration with the Mobile Bay Maker’s Market, invites you to join us in the inaugural 5K Race/Walk fundraiser to be held in the historic Fairhope South neighborhood.

After the race, Hope Community invites the community to enjoy food, music, and fellowship while strolling through the booths of local makers and growers of Baldwin County on the grounds of the Anna T. Jeanes School property.

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Daisy

Meet Daisy, a 2-year-old shorthair grey tabby with a personality that's as vibrant as her stunning coat. Daisy strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, bringing a unique blend of affection and playful energy to her new home. Her striking grey tabby markings are just the beginning of her charm-this delightful kitty has a knack for keeping things interesting with her lively antics and affectionate purrs.
Daisy's playful nature and zest for life make her a captivating companion, while her sweet side ensures she'll snuggle up for cozy moments when the day winds down. If you're looking for a feline friend who offers both heartwarming cuddles and a touch of spirited fun, Daisy is the perfect match. Get ready for a delightful adventure with this sweet and spicy tabby! Learn more about Daisy and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Arctic Blast Possible Next Week

2. Glass Blowing Class at ESAC

3. Watch Party: Sugar Bowl Rescheduled @ FBC

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

5. 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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