AGP Executive Report

Survivor 50 Spotlight: Orange Beach’s Jonathan Young is headed to the “Survivor 50” finale after cracking the top five, with the three-hour finale airing Wednesday, May 20 (7 p.m. CST) and Young flying to Los Angeles for the live event. Coastline Buzz: Orange Beach’s CoastAL Restaurant just landed on a national list of best waterfront spots, built around the idea that dining right on the Gulf changes the whole vibe. Beach-Trip Planning: Alabama’s Beaches are leaning into summer tradition—road-trip tips, Gulf State Park ideas, and “first stop” stops in Gulf Shores are all part of the plan. Travel Costs & Weather: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face some of the highest gas prices in four years, while Tuesday brings hot, humid conditions with showers and storms returning this afternoon. Local Sports: Orange Beach softball is one win from history after a 3-0 run that sets up the state championship round.

Memorial Day momentum: AAA says Memorial Day travelers will face the highest gas prices in four years, with the national average around $4.51 and Alabama near $4.06—so plan routes early. Coast & summer plans: The Alabama Gulf Coast is rolling out its biggest week of the season with fireworks, live music, family events, and a Memorial Day weekend “what to do” guide in Orange Beach. Local travel infrastructure: ALDOT is closing I-59 northbound ramps at Chalkville Mountain Road (Exit 141) as the widening project continues, with traffic shifted to the left lanes. Big Alabama sports buzz: Alabama baseball climbed to No. 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll after a series win over Ole Miss, while Alabama softball advanced to Super Regionals after a 9-0 shutout of USC Upstate. Safety & alerts: A crash alert helped lead investigators to the remains of a missing Northport woman, and authorities are still asking the public to watch for an 87-year-old man traveling from Alabama to Princeton.

Sports & Culture: Andscape’s 10-year oral history spotlights how sports media has mixed reporting, protest, and community-building since 2016. College Sports: Conference tournaments are kicking off, with updated MLB draft buzz reshuffling the middle rounds and a fresh NCAA baseball top 25 as postseason play begins. Alabama Politics & Voting Rights: Thousands filled Selma and Montgomery to fight Alabama redistricting that critics say weakens Black voting power, with rallies tied to the “All Roads Lead to the South” push. Alabama Travel & Tourism: Alabama’s tourism hit a record $24.9B economic impact in 2025, and local waterfront momentum continues—from Woody’s on Weiss’ grand opening at Little River Marina to Gulf seafood events. Safety on the Water: Alabama officials are urging boaters to plan ahead, share itineraries, and communicate—especially with Memorial Day traffic ramping up. Weather: Hotter days are ahead with fog possible early and more storm chances midweek.

Alabama Softball Surge: At the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, Alabama crushed South Carolina–Upstate 9-0 to punch its ticket to the Super Regional, with Vic Moten and Jocelyn Briski leading the charge. Weiss Lake Dining: Woody’s on Weiss held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at Little River Marina in Cedar Bluff—waterfront dining is now officially the new draw. Gulf Coast Food Plans: Orange Beach’s 11th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off returns Monday at The Wharf, with four chef teams, live cooking, and a $2,500 prize plus a shot at a national competition. Travel Watch: Gas prices are still high enough to make some Memorial Day and summer trips feel too expensive. Voting Rights Mobilization: Thousands marched in Selma and Montgomery against redistricting after a Supreme Court ruling weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act—expect more political activity leading into the May 19 primary. Weather: Showers and storms ramp up by midweek, with daily downpours and lightning possible through the holiday weekend.

Tourism Boom: Alabama just logged another record year—2025 tourism hit $24.9 billion in economic impact, supporting 255,000+ jobs and generating $1.4B+ in state and local tax revenue, with spending up 4% year over year. Voting Rights Fight: Thousands packed Selma and Montgomery for “All Roads Lead To The South,” pushing back against redistricting moves after the Supreme Court weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act—rallies also doubled as voter registration drives ahead of November. Outdoor & Coastal Planning: Alabama anglers get a break—red snapper season opens May 22 with seven-days-a-week access through the state quota, aiming to improve safety and fishing success. Local Life & Travel Notes: A big spring migration sweep showed 188,500 birds over Birmingham Saturday night, and Alabama’s travel calendar stays busy as communities gear up for summer events.

Black Voting Rights Rally: Thousands flooded Montgomery for “All Roads Lead to the South,” with MLK Jr.’s daughter Bernice King and other leaders urging Alabama voters to protect Black political power after Supreme Court changes weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. Local Election Prep: Birmingham-area transit is offering free rides on Election Day to help people reach polling sites. Alabama Sports: South Point’s Kota and Adyson Copley powered a 14-2 Division V quarterfinal win over Warren, while LSU baseball wrapped up its regular season with a sweep loss to Florida State. Outdoor & Travel: Alabama anglers get a longer red snapper season—daily access starting May 22 through the quota or Dec. 31. Tech & Defense: UAH showcased its Skyspear autonomous aerial defense platform at a DoD T-REX event.

Election Day logistics: Birmingham-area voters can ride free to the polls Tuesday via MAX Transit, using fixed routes plus the Magic City Connector and Birmingham Xpress, with routes and polling-site help at BJCTA and WVTM 13’s voter guide/app. Voting rights & redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Virginia’s congressional map effort, while Alabama lawmakers are still reacting to the Court clearing the way for Alabama’s 2023 redistricting map—sparking fresh calls to mobilize and vote in the May 19 primary. Local races: House District 82 (Macon County and parts of Lee County) heads to a four-way Democratic contest Tuesday. Road & travel notes: ALDOT has I-59 lane closures planned in Etowah/DeKalb, and Mobile is preparing a major transit overhaul as Wave Transit becomes Second Line Transit mid-July. Health & safety: AAA reports little relief at the pump as national gas prices dip then rise again.

Public Health Watch: A new Asian longhorned tick was found on a dog in DeKalb County, adding to Alabama’s growing list of tick concerns as summer ramps up. Gulf Coast Travel Notes: Sea turtle conservation is getting a big classroom boost—Baldwin County students are learning “Leave Only Footprints” through Share the Beach. Local Roads & Delays: Monroe’s Alabama Street will close May 18-19 for a pump station force main project, with detours via Winnsboro Road and Parker Street. Mobile Transit Shake-Up: Mobile’s bus system is shifting this summer—routes, times, and more small-vehicle service are planned, with public feedback still being folded into the final plan. Politics & Voting Rights: Alabama lawmakers are reacting sharply after the Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama’s 2023 congressional map, setting up major attention ahead of the May 19 primary. UAH Defense Tech: UAH’s Rotorcraft team is showcasing its Skyspear™ counter-drone platform at a DoD T-REX event.

Coastal Safety Push: Orange Beach is hosting a Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course on May 23, just after National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22), with hands-on training and an Alabama certification quiz at Orange Beach Fire Station 1. Summer Heat Outlook: An El Niño-driven forecast calls for warmer-than-normal summer conditions across much of the U.S., meaning more AC and busier HVAC demand. Travel Costs Watch: Gas prices are wobbling—nationally down then rising again—so drivers heading out soon may not get much relief. Aviation Security: U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s SAFEGUARDS Act would keep 9/11 Passenger Security Fee money focused on TSA and airport security upgrades. Alabama Sports Buzz: NCAA softball starts today—Stetson and UCF are in the Tallahassee Regional, and Alabama baseball’s Justin Lebron returned vs. Ole Miss with a first-at-bat homer. Road & Travel Planning: ALDOT is planning concrete replacement and new lanes on I-459 in Hoover, and the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo returns Sunday with up to 900 cyclists.

Road Work in Hoover: ALDOT is moving ahead with concrete replacement on I-459 from Lorna Road to Little Shades Creek, plus new two-mile auxiliary lanes near I-65 to ease merging bottlenecks—public input is open through June 12. Weekend Travel Buzz: Cyclists are gearing up for the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo in Jacksonville, with hundreds expected to ride the 126-mile out-and-back to Cheaha Mountain. Sports Spotlight: Alabama baseball’s Justin Lebron is back in the lineup vs. Ole Miss and homered in his first at-bat after a concussion protocol following a collision. Primary Watch: Voting rights advocates are urging turnout ahead of the May 19 Alabama primary, warning that confusion over new congressional maps could depress participation. Health & Tourism: Alabama’s first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open soon in Montgomery, while the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s planetarium is being promoted as a must-do summer stop north of Birmingham.

Tourism Boom: Alabama just logged a record year—29.2 million visitors spent $24.9 billion in 2025, up nearly $1 billion from 2024, supporting 255,780 jobs and driving big earnings for hotels, food, and entertainment. Gulf Coast Growth Watch: New Census estimates suggest the Gulf Coast’s population surge is easing in many beach towns—Foley still grew fast (about 8% last year) but slower than 2024, while places like Fairhope and Pass Christian slowed to near-flat. Local Public Safety: DeKalb County says 16 people were charged in April drug cases after checkpoint and enforcement operations. Outdoor & Travel Ideas: Gulf State Park is pushing more visitor-friendly experiences, including a new Venture Out outdoor festival and expanded RV options. Family-Friendly Planning: Foley broke ground on workforce housing aimed at teachers, nurses, and first responders—part of a broader push to keep up with demand.

Defense & Tech: The U.S. Air Force awarded Aevex an $18.5M contract for autonomous one-way attack drones, pushing more low-cost strike capability into the field. Local Housing: Foley broke ground on a workforce housing complex, “The Grove at Foley Beach,” using Alabama tax credits to target lower rents for teachers, nurses, and first responders. Coastal Updates: Gulf Shores opened a new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge traffic pattern, and sea turtle nesting season is underway—Orange Beach reported the first nest, with volunteers urging beachgoers to keep lights off. Public Safety: Tuscaloosa’s INTERCEPT Task Force arrested 13 in an online child-exploitation sting. Travel & Events: Gulf State Park is launching its first “Venture Out” outdoor festival May 15–17, while Orange Beach’s Pirates Voyage dinner theater proposal was pulled from the planning agenda amid heavy opposition. Sports Tourism: Huntsville-area soccer and North Alabama baseball headlines keep the region’s weekend plans busy.

Local Politics (May 19): Walker County sheriff candidates are making their final pitch ahead of the Tuesday, May 19 vote, with incumbent Nick Smith touting lower crime and school deputy coverage, while challenger Tommy Barnes frames his U.S. House bid around term limits, more constituent engagement, and infrastructure/jobs for rural Alabama. Arts & Family Fun: Theatre Tuscaloosa is previewing its 2026-27 season with “Curtain Up!”—including “Frozen” (Broadway version) and “Clue”—aimed at drawing a wider audience. Travel & Hospitality: Gulf State Park just opened a major new RV resort with 103 premium sites, and G6 Hospitality is rolling out its Studio 6 Plus extended-stay brand with 18 new hotels planned across Alabama and the region. Safety for Summer Trips: A new guide shares how to stay safe on roller coasters as amusement parks gear up for fresh rides. Community Watch: Tensaw residents at Fort Mims raised concerns about a proposed 2,900-acre industrial solar project.

Tourism Boom: Huntsville and Madison County just posted a major win for Alabama travel—Madison County generated $2.4B in travel spending, supported 23,000+ tourism jobs, and welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, keeping it among the state’s top destinations. Road & Travel Alerts: Plan ahead—I-59 southbound in northeast Alabama will close 8 a.m. May 13 for repairs on a 17-mile stretch (Collinsville to Reece City), with detours via Highway 68, U.S. 11, and Highway 211. Health Watch: Alabama tick season is ramping up—officials say tick-borne illnesses are reported year-round, so use repellent and check after outdoor time. Local Comeback: Courtland’s turnaround is gaining traction with defense work, road improvements, and heritage tourism. Safety & Community: A Henagar-area kidnapping report ended quickly with the child recovered unharmed and arrests made. Outdoor Picks: Southern Living highlighted eight Alabama lakes for summer getaways—good news for anglers and weekend explorers.

Supreme Court Map Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use its new congressional map for the 2026 midterms, setting aside lower-court blocks that would have kept one majority-Black district intact—another flashpoint in the national redistricting fight. Voting Rights Backdrop: Across the country, lawmakers and civil rights voices are still arguing over what the Voting Rights Act means now, with fresh letters and commentary calling new district lines a direct affront to democracy. Job-Search Reality Check: A new national analysis ranks Birmingham as the easiest of 49 major metros to find work, while California metros land at the hardest end—useful for anyone planning a move. Coastal Alabama Travel: Gulf State Park opened a major RV campground expansion, adding 100+ sites and pushing total capacity past 600. Weekend Ideas: Baldwin County event listings are packed, and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are marking National Police Week with community tributes.

Gulf Coast Travel Boost: Gulf State Park just opened a brand-new RV resort with 103 premium sites—bringing the park to 607 RV spots and making it the biggest state-park-operated RV campground in America. Road Safety: A deadly head-on crash on Navarre Beach Expressway killed a 79-year-old Kentucky man; two others are in critical condition. Health Watch: Alabama officials say there are still no confirmed hantavirus cases in the state, urging basic hygiene as travelers head into summer. Outdoor Plans: Lake Lurleen State Park is fully reopened after a major renovation, with upgraded RV sites, new beach and playground, and fresh bathhouses. Local Events: “Carry the Load” remembrance relay is coming to Mobile (May 20) and Pensacola (May 21). Sports Spotlight: Alabama baseball jumped to No. 16 after sweeping South Carolina, and Auburn is No. 6 after a big road series win over Mississippi State. Quick heads-up: Topgolf is reportedly cutting jobs nationwide; Alabama locations still operate, but impacts weren’t confirmed.