Fairhope Now | 08.14.2026 | Gator Alert: Police Handle Unexpected Visitor

Friday, August 14, 2026

Happy Friday, Fairhope!

It is a classic August Friday on the Eastern Shore. The kind where the air conditioner earns its paycheck and the to-do list moves a little slower than it should. We had quite a week: Fairhope Police were called out to escort a large alligator off the premises, which is the sort of errand that reminds you exactly where you live. On a much cooler note, the Volanta Park municipal pool is freshly filled after a $1.2 million building repair, and the mayor says it could reopen as soon as later this week which, in the middle of August in Alabama, qualifies as breaking news. And Fairhope Brewing is spotlighting female musicians this weekend through Lilith Fairhope, which sounds like exactly the right way to close out a long, hot week.

Your Friday Funny: What do you call an alligator who is holding a compass? A navigator.

— Joy Davis, Anne Dorman, John Oldshue

Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

Fairhope Police had an unusual Tuesday when officers were called to assist a state wildlife expert in removing an eight-foot alligator that was making its way toward downtown Fairhope. The large reptile was safely relocated to a habitat more suited for its species — which, as we can all agree, is not Church Street. WKRG has the full report.

The Fairhope Times reports the municipal pool at Volanta Park is being refilled following a $1.2 million building repair, with the mayor saying a reopening could come later this week.

The second annual Lilith Fairhope festival is coming to Fairhope Brewing, spotlighting female musicians of the Gulf Coast across a full weekend of live music. The Slice of Fire food truck will be on hand Friday through Sunday with their full menu, plus a Hellfire Pizza and a White Truffle pie — and of course, Fairhope Brewing's beer and seltzer to wash it all down.

A Fairhope Fixture: 30 Years of Dr. Music

When Wade Wellborn opened Dr. Music in Fairhope 30 years ago, he wasn't sure the town could support a record store. What he did know was that, as a former Fairhope high school student and lifelong music lover, he had often struggled to find the music he wanted locally. After graduating from college with an English degree and considering law school, Wade finally admitted to his parents that he had always wondered what it would be like to own a record store. Their response? “We’ve waited your whole life for you to say that.” So Wade returned to his hometown and opened a shop for people looking for something a little different.

Three locations, the rise and fall of CDs, the arrival of iTunes and the unexpected resurgence of vinyl later, Dr. Music has become a fixture in downtown Fairhope. Wade has watched generations of customers grow up with the store, from teenagers who once walked in after school to adults who now return with children of their own. And while the music formats have changed—vinyl is booming again, and Wade says CDs are even making a surprising comeback among younger customers—the philosophy of the store hasn't. “Be nice, welcome people, help them, try to have cool stuff,” Wade said. For him, Dr. Music is more than a place to buy music; it's a place where people can share a passion, discover something new and feel welcome. That same spirit has led Wade into live music and art events, with a new series of shows beginning September 19 featuring Rufus McBlack and Black Titan. After 30 years, Wade says he's still simply grateful to be doing what he loves—and to have a community that keeps showing up.

Source: Editor

The City of Fairhope's "Faces of Fairhope" series spotlights Shelby Hangen, Assistant Marina Manager at Fairhope Docks Marina — the woman helping keep our waterfront clean, safe, and running smoothly every single day. Shelby is Deaf and communicates through spoken language, a cochlear implant, lip reading, sign language, and a video relay service for marina phone calls — something that tends to surprise boaters when they finally meet her in person. One of her proudest milestones: in January 2026, Fairhope Docks Marina became Alabama's first Clean & Resilient Marina, and Shelby was part of making that happen. Her favorite advice? "Work hard. Stay humble." — which, honestly, sounds about right for someone who also maintains a 29-year-old retired palomino Quarter Horse named Goldi on the side.

Events

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