Hey there, Fairhope! It’s Wednesday, and Hurricane Francine is bearing down on Louisiana, so time to batten down the hatches and maybe channel your inner Jimmy Buffett with a hurricane drink in hand! Don’t worry though—your Fairhope Now newsletter is here to keep things light and breezy, packed with all the local news and events you crave. Know someone out of the loop? Do them a favor and share the love by forwarding this, or just send them to FairhopeNow.com to subscribe. And if they hit that big blue button, boom—instant local insider! Stay safe and sip wisely! 🍹

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter :

1. Hurricane Francine UPDATE for Fairhope

2. Fairhope Favorite The Red Clay Strays Nominated For CMA Award

3. Updates on the Fairhope Hermit Hut

4. ESAC ArtSquared Auction is Open

5. Quick News from around Fairhope

6. Fairhope Adoptable Pets : Pierre The Poodle

7. Let’s Go! Fairhope Events Section

Hurricane Francine UPDATE for Fairhope

As of 10 AM Hurricane Francine has held steady with winds near 90 mph and a central pressure of 976 mb, according to reports from Air Force Reserve and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft. The storm’s elliptical eye remains open to the south, and satellite images show the cloud pattern elongating due to increasing wind shear. Francine is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast later today, bringing life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. While it is unlikely to strengthen further, the storm will weaken quickly after landfall and transition to an extratropical system by Friday.

The forecast for Fairhope remains basically the same but we do note that the National Hurricane Center has removed Fairhope and Baldwin county from their Tropical Storm Force wind graphic though the immediate Alabama Gulf Coast is still under a Tropical Storm Warning. Winds could start ramping up in Fairhope as early as 6PM tonight, but some time after midnight is more likely. Sustained winds could reach up to 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, especially along the coast, so residents should finalize preparations for possible wind damage. The storm surge is another concern, with a forecast of 2-4 feet of inundation, especially near Mobile Bay and low-lying areas, potentially causing flooding along roads like the US 90 Causeway. Rainfall totals of 4-6 inches are expected, raising the risk of flash flooding across the region. Tornadoes are also a possibility late tonight into Thursday, so stay alert to warnings and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.

Here are 5 key points to consider for the Alabama Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Francine approaches:

1. Winds along the Alabama Gulf Coast could reach 20-30 mph, with gusts to 35 mph in some areas. These winds may cause minor damage to structures and scattered power outages.

2. Storm Surge Threat: A storm surge of 2-4 feet is expected along the coast, particularly near Mobile Bay. This could result in flooding in low-lying areas, including the US 90 Causeway.

3. Heavy Rainfall: Rainfall amounts of 4-6 inches are predicted, with locally higher amounts possible. This raises the risk of flash flooding in vulnerable areas.

4. Tornado Potential: There is an increased threat of isolated tornadoes, especially near the coast, from Wednesday night into Thursday. Stay alert to warnings.

5. Rip Current Danger: The Alabama Gulf Coast will experience dangerous rip currents through Friday, making swimming and water activities hazardous.

Fairhope Favorite The Red Clay Strays Nominated For CMA Award

AL.com reports that The Red Clay Strays, a band from southwest Alabama, have earned a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year at the 58th Country Music Association Awards. The catch? They’re up against two other acts with Alabama roots—Little Big Town, whose members have ties to Samford University, and the Zac Brown Band, featuring Birmingham native Chris Fryar. The Red Clay Strays are enjoying a breakout year, fresh off a sold-out tripleheader at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Their single “Wondering Why” just went platinum, and they couldn’t be more excited, sharing the news with a humble “Well, that’s pretty neat” on social media.

Updates on the Fairhope Hermit Hut

The Fairhope Times reports that Fairhope is moving forward with plans to potentially relocate the historic concrete hut built by Henry Stuart, also known as the “hermit of Montrose,” to Flying Creek Nature Preserve. Recently, a marker believed to be inscribed with the names of Stuart’s pets was uncovered in front of the hut. While experts are unsure if the names refer to dogs or cats, it adds to the charm of the site. The city council approved a $6,500 feasibility study to determine if the structure can be moved, with Wolfe House Movers conducting the evaluation. Fortunately, no formal archaeological study is needed, and private donations will cover the costs, ensuring the hut’s preservation as a future tourist attraction.

ESAC ArtSquared Auction is Open

ArtSquared is officially open for bidding, and the talent lineup is amazing! With featured artists like Pinky Bass, Chris Cumbie, Hannah Legg, Cat Pope, and many more, there’s no shortage of incredible work to discover. If you’re new to the Event.Gives platform, it’s easy—just click this link to set up a free account and start placing your bids. The auction will run through October 4th, wrapping up during the next Art Walk. Don’t miss out on your chance to grab a piece of local art!

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather : Hurricane Francine Will Bring Heavy Rains

2. Fairhope West Students in Need of Shoes

3. Cafe Viola is Hiring

4. The Haven Pet of the Week on Fox 10

5. Share Your Opinions on Traffic with Local Planners

6. 3 Disney workers bond over shared Eastern Shore home

7. Fall Car Festival to have British cars from all over the Gulf Coast

Fairhope Adoptable Pets : Pierre The Poodle

Pierre is a 4-year-old blond male standard poodle who effortlessly combines regal elegance with a delightfully goofy personality. His striking golden coat and poised demeanor make him the epitome of canine grace, while his playful antics reveal a charmingly whimsical side. Whether he's trotting with an air of dignified sophistication or playfully bouncing around the yard, Pierre commands attention with his handsome appearance and joyful spirit.

Despite his impressive stature and refined looks, Pierre is known for his endearing quirks and affectionate nature. His goofy antics, from playful leaps to hilarious expressions, bring endless smiles to those around him. With a heart as big as his personality, Pierre enjoys cuddling up with his favorite humans and is always ready to brighten their day with his unique blend of grace and goofiness. His presence is a testament to the perfect mix of elegance and fun, making him a beloved companion and a true standout in any setting. Find information on Pierre and other adoptable pets at The Haven website by clicking here.

Let’s Go Fairhope sifts through endless posts, websites and insider-scoop information to bring you the skinny on events locally. It’s a simple list, presented in a friendly format, reminding us at-a-glance of what’s happening each week. Let’s Go! fans say they like it because it’s basic, easily accessible, can be printed and posted on the fridge, and found on social media. Click here to visit website and subscribe to the newsletter.

Wednesday, September 11
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 8 am, 9:05 - 10 am: Local News / Gulf Coast Swap Shop @ WABF 1480 AM Radio

• 9 am: Annual 9/11 Ceremony @ Outside Fairhope Police Department

• 12 - 2:30 pm: Teen Meetup @ Unity on the Eastern Shore

• 12:30 pm: Fairhope Rotary Meeting w/ Guest Speaker @ Fairhope United Methodist

• 1:30 pm: Weekly Bible Study @ Fairhope United Methodist Church

• 6- 7 pm: Guided Meditation & Sound Bath @ Lotus Bluum

• 6 - 9 pm: Trivia Night @ American Legion Post 199

• 6:30 pm: Music & General Trivia @ District Hall

• 6:30 pm: Wise Guys Jazz Band @ Gambino’s Italian Grill

• 6:30 - 9 pm: Live Music @ Rotolo’s

• 6:30 - 9 pm: DJ Music Bingo @ Section Street Pizza

• 7:02 - 7:25 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

Thursday, September 12
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 7 am: 12th Annual Baldwin County Education Coalition Golf Classic @ Rock Creek

• 8 am, 9:05 - 10 am: Local News / Gulf Coast Swap Shop @ WABF 1480 AM Radio

• 8 - 10 am: Pickleball @ Fairhope United Methodist

• 9 am - 3 pm: Walk-in Healthcare Interviews @ Infirmary Health 300 S. Greeno R

• 9 am - 3 pm: Friends of the Library Book Sale @ Fairhope Public Library

• 10 am: Weekly Grief Support Group @ First Fairhope

• 11 am: Eastern Shore Republican Women Luncheon @ (ESRW Meeting Location)

• 2 pm: Weekly Thursday Bible Study - Community Welcome @ FH Christian Church

• 3 - 9 pm: Fairhope West Spirit Night @ Mr. Gene's Beans

• 5 pm: Fairhope Fitness Court Ribbon Cutting @ Mike Ford Tennis Center

• 5 pm: Spark Golf 9-Hole Social League @ Rock Creek

• 5:30 pm: Sunset Rotary Meeting w/ Guest Speaker @ (Sunset Rotary Location)

• 5:45 pm: Blissful Wellness Yoga on the Bluff @ Contact Blissful Wellness Yoga

• 6 pm: Carmel Apple Class $35 per person (Limit 10 ppl) @ Fairhope Chocolate

• 6 pm: Running Wild Fairhope shoes demo and Group Run w/ @ Meet at McSharry's

• 6 - 8:30 pm: Trivia @ Rotolo’s Pizzeria

• 6:30 pm: Bell Bottom Boogie Dance @ Nix Center

• 6:30 pm: Eastern Shore Camera Club Meeting @ Dahlgren Hall 501 Fairhope Ave.

• 6:45 pm: Live Trivia in the Taproom @ Fairhope Brewing Company

• 7 pm: Lee Yankie - Live Music @ Bone & Barrel

• 7:01 - 7:24 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

• 8 pm: Rock & Roll Bingo @ The Ravenite Pizzeria

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- John Oldshue, Anne Dorman, & Lynn Oldshue