AGP Executive Report

Back-to-School Travel Safety: As Selma and Dallas County students head back to class, officials are urging drivers to slow down, give extra space near crosswalks, and never rush around school buses with stop arms out. Gulf Coast Health Alert: Louisiana and Florida are reporting more cases of vibrio vulnificus, a rare “flesh-eating” bacteria that can infect people through open wounds exposed to warm coastal waters or from raw shellfish—health officials say to protect cuts and avoid raw seafood. Local Wildlife Help: A Huntsville wildlife sanctuary is asking travelers heading to Auburn to volunteer as bird transport drivers so injured birds can reach care faster. Travel Planning Spotlight: FOX Weather is bringing its “Beach House” live special to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Aug. 12, highlighting beaches, wildlife, and the science behind the area’s sand. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Lowndes County at $3.56/gal (week ending Aug. 1), with Alabama’s regular average at $3.74. Community & Sports: The 94th Pine to Palm golf tournament tees off with an honorary first shot for Tom Dolby, and Chattanooga’s cross country schedule includes meets in Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.

Sports & Travel Spotlight: Sports Illustrated Resorts is moving ahead in Tuscaloosa with a $10.9M building permit for a 2028 opening, adding condo-style ownership units, an owners’ lounge, fitness, pools, and retail spaces—another big tourism signal for Alabama. Gulf Coast Safety: Health officials warn about vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacteria in warm Gulf waters; one survivor described how early detection helped after an Orange Beach injury. Local Recreation: Guntersville pickleball players pushed for more court upgrades and better shade/shelter, asking the city to consider replacing underused tennis courts or building a new facility. Historic Lodging Recognition: Historic Hotels of America named 2026 nominee finalists for its Awards of Excellence, spotlighting preservation and standout stays across the U.S. Community & Weather: Central Alabama braces for more hot, stormy weather with heat index near 100 and possible strong downpours. Health & School Travel Prep: Alabama parents are urged to double-check measles vaccinations as the school year starts, especially for families traveling to higher-case areas. Dining Update: Maki Fresh, a Birmingham-area sushi staple, permanently closed at Cahaba Village (and its Huntsville location), joining other recent closures in the shopping center.

Outdoor & Nature Tourism: Gulf Shores is pressing ahead on Laguna Cove Nature Park, a 53-acre conservation and recreation project at Little Lagoon with wetlands restoration, low-impact parking, restrooms, and new boardwalks for kayaking and birding. Boating Safety: Mobile County is warning boaters to use extra caution near the Fowl River work area through Nov. 30 as dredging and a submerged pipeline are underway. Road-Trip Culture: The world-famous 127 Yard Sale wrapped after four days, with Highway 127 vendors and shoppers stretching from Tennessee into Alabama. Local Governance & Community: Alabama Democrats elected Bobby Singleton as party chair, with plans to visit all 67 counties—an effort that could shape candidate support ahead of November. Travel-Adjacent Economy: A report highlights Alabama’s place in the “Boom Belt” of states drawing capital and jobs, reinforcing the region’s growing draw for business travel and relocation.

Alabama Travel & Tourism: 127 Yard Sale: The world’s longest yard sale runs Aug. 6-9 along Highway 127, stretching about 690 miles from Tennessee Valley stops through Alabama (including Fort Payne) and onward—plan for big vendor areas and bring cash and extra car space. Coastal Safety: Vibrio vulnificus warning: Louisiana and Florida report deaths tied to the “flesh-eating” bacterium, with Louisiana’s 2026 cases all linked to wounds exposed to warm coastal brackish/seawater (not raw shellfish), a reminder for Gulf visitors to protect cuts and scrapes. Local Travel Planning: Gas prices watch: National averages eased to about $4.06 for regular, while Alabama’s fuel picture stays mixed—premium and diesel reports vary by county week ending Aug. 1, so road-trip budgets may swing by where you stop. Community & Visitor Appeal: Cullman hiring: Flourish of Cullman is taking applications for job coaches, supporting employment services that can help keep local communities thriving for residents and visitors.

Road-Trip Planning: The 127 Yard Sale runs Aug. 6-9 with 690 miles of vendors across six states; in Alabama/Tennessee Valley, big stops include Loan Oak Community Center (75 vendors), Picker’s Field (70), Hot Dog Landing (25), Mountain Arts Community Center (35), and Vinterest Southside (85), with locals advised to bring cash and plan car space. Coastal Tourism & Food: Alabama’s oyster comeback gets a major boost: ADCNR won $7.1 million for a Deepwater Horizon NRDA project linking brood and sink reefs to rebuild oyster abundance and resilience along the Gulf Coast. Family Travel & Costs: Back-to-school spending in Alabama is hitting near-record levels, with tech fees, school meals, clothing, and extras stacking up fast for families. Gas Prices for Travelers: Alabama regular gas averaged $3.74 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1, while diesel averaged $5.12; the lowest regular reported was $3.19 in Etowah County and the lowest diesel was $4.89 in Bibb County. Off-Season Tips: Off-season travel can mean cheaper stays and fewer crowds, but it comes with tradeoffs like weather and limited hours—plan ahead before booking.

Gas Prices Watch: The national average for regular gasoline fell 3 cents to $4.06 as crude oil eased, with about half of states now averaging under $4. Local Fuel Deals (GasBuddy): Hale County’s lowest regular hit $3.69; Etowah County’s lowest regular was $3.19; Lawrence County’s lowest regular was $3.57; Tuscaloosa County’s lowest premium was $4.21; Shelby County’s lowest diesel was $4.59. Coastal Health Alert: Louisiana and Florida are reporting more cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacterium linked to seawater-exposed wounds and raw/undercooked seafood—officials urge beachgoers to protect cuts and avoid saltwater exposure. Oyster Restoration: Alabama’s ADCNR won $7.1 million for a Deepwater Horizon-funded project to boost oyster reef resilience by linking brood and sink reefs. Road-Trip Stop News: Buc-ee’s is expanding fast, with a new 74,000-square-foot, 128-pump location opening Aug. 12 in Texas. School Travel Reminder: Athens police are urging drivers to slow down and follow strict school-zone rules as the new year starts.

Road-Trip Spotlight: The 127 Yard Sale is officially underway along U.S. 127, stretching 690 miles across six states and bringing a big tourism bump to Alabama—DeKalb County expects 30,000 to 40,000 extra cars and says hotels and local businesses fill up fast. Local Travel & Infrastructure: ALDOT has started a US-431 resurfacing project through LaFayette, including pedestrian safety upgrades and a downtown “road diet” that shifts from four lanes to three with a reversible turn lane. Family Fun in Alabama: If you’re planning a quick getaway, Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center is highlighted as an easy, kid-friendly trip with hands-on STEM and the real Saturn V. Food Safety Watch: Cyclosporiasis continues to spread nationwide (now reported in 47 states), and health officials are urging people to follow recall guidance—especially if you ate recalled produce. Health & Travel Reality Check: A Thomasville family story shows how rural hospital gaps can force families to relocate for specialist care, turning “travel for health” into a major cost. Dining Inspections: Jefferson County reports multiple restaurants falling below satisfactory compliance, including issues like mold, temperature control problems, and expired food safety training.

Airport & Aviation: Albertville Regional Airport won $270,899 for runway and taxiway lighting upgrades, plus REIL and PAPIs work—aimed at safer night and low-visibility operations. Greenways & Outdoors: Albertville City Council approved the Drum Creek Greenway Master Plan agreement, pairing stream restoration with an 11-mile trail network for free, accessible recreation. Local Markets & Community: The Downtown Albertville Farmers Market was recognized by Sweet Grown Alabama Day, spotlighting Alabama-grown food and farm-to-market events. Coastal & Fishing: Orange Beach Sportfishing Club set its Kenny Vines Memorial Tournament for Sept. 11-12, with a captain’s meeting Sept. 11 at Tacky Jack’s Downstairs. Conservation: Forever Wild voted to move forward on acquiring 6,168 acres across six Alabama counties, expanding protected lands and recreation. Public Health Watch: Alabama reported 85 cyclosporiasis cases as of Aug. 3, with most in North Alabama and links to restaurant outbreaks and contaminated produce still under investigation. Travel Costs: AAA says the national regular gas average fell to about $4.06, with crude oil easing and demand slightly down. Culture & Tourism: Whole Backstage Theatre announced its 53rd season lineup and new seating plans ahead of “Steel Magnolias” in September. Road Disruption: A year-long SR-205 bridge replacement in Etowah County begins Aug. 3, with detours in place through fall 2027.

Outdoor & Conservation: Forever Wild voted to move forward on acquiring 6,168 acres across six Alabama counties, adding more protected land for recreation and wildlife. Coastal Food & Tourism: Alabama oyster restoration continues with added help, including cultch planting projects that boost larval oyster settlement—plus a reminder of how Gulf communities are recycling oyster shells to support the comeback. Local Travel & Traffic: ALDOT has started a resurfacing project on US-411 in St. Clair County, with one-lane traffic at times through the end of 2026. Family Travel Logistics: Shelby County is gearing up for first-day school traffic with extra patrols and staggered schedules in the Oak Mountain area. Community Events: The 127 Yard Sale runs Aug. 6-9, with Alabama stops along Highway 127. Boating Lifestyle: New NMMA data spotlights where boating is thriving nationwide, with a look at top states by 2025 retail sales. Quick Hits: TSA intercepted cannonballs at Gulf Shores International Airport; and CARTS ridership in Cullman County jumped 29% in July.

Coastal Safety Rules: Orange Beach City Council is set to vote on new safety requirements for rental golf carts, e-bikes and other micromobility devices, including visible rental identification, limits on where rentals can be driven, and insurance/location rules for operators. Yard Sale Road Trip: The World’s Longest Yard Sale runs Aug. 6-9, with major Alabama stops in Fort Payne, Collinsville, and Gadsden (including Noccalula Falls Park), plus smaller vendor hubs like Mentone and Five Points Crossing. Black Belt Tourism Boost: The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival has been named the region’s first “Black Belt Signature Event,” highlighting its growing draw for out-of-state birders and its conservation-and-tourism impact. Gulf Coast Nature Projects: Gulf Shores is pushing ahead with the Laguna Cove Nature Park near Little Lagoon (wetland restoration, boardwalks, kayaking access), and a separate Aug. 27 eco event will spotlight Alabama marine life. Local Business & Travel Economy: BendPak says it has completed a major Mobile County logistics center to speed distribution and support automotive-service operations across the region. Food Scene: Bham Now reports 60 Jefferson County restaurants earned 95+ food service scores in July, including several high-profile spots. Health Alert for Travelers: CDC says Chipotle jalapeños linked to a salmonella outbreak have sickened people in 27 states, with Alabama among the affected.

Local Tourism Spotlight: Cullman’s WildWater has opened a new 1,000-foot lazy river expansion, the “Paradise Lazy River,” adding stepped entries and a zero-entry pool with water features—another boost for a destination that already draws more than 1.2 million visitors a year. Weekend Plans (Birmingham): City Walk BHAM hosts the FISE World Series Aug. 7-9, bringing elite BMX, skateboarding, and scootering plus big action-sports energy to the Magic City. Arts & Culture (Greenville): Greenville debuts its inaugural Greenville Artwalk Aug. 7-8, turning historic downtown into a temporary arts district with juried artists, demos, and family-friendly activities. Education & Safety (Montgomery): Montgomery Public Schools is urging drivers to slow down and watch for crossing guards as “Share the Road with MPS” ramps up for the new school year, with extra congestion expected at several construction-heavy sites. Community Giving (Birmingham): The Remy Fund awarded a record $93,500 to 12 Greater Birmingham animal nonprofits, supporting programs like spay/neuter help and animal-assisted therapy.

Alabama Tourism Spotlight: Visit Cullman was named the 2026 Alabama Tourism Organization of the Year, with the tourism bureau highlighting community-wide hospitality and measurable visitor growth. Coastal Conservation: Mobile Bay oyster restoration is gaining momentum, including a 50-acre cultch planting near Cedar Point Beach and continued reef work through the Oyster Keepers program. Local Events: The Coastal Conservation Association’s 26th Annual Beach Party is set for Aug. 22 at Heron Pointe at The Wharf in Orange Beach, featuring live music, auctions, and an open bar. Black Belt Tourism: The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival was named the first “Black Belt Signature Event,” with a $5,000 grant to support Alabama Audubon’s programming. Big Picture Alabama Growth: A proposed 2,000,000-square-foot Brookwood data center plan is detailed in state permit filings, while Alabama counties push back on whether they can regulate or pause such projects. Travel & Safety Notes: TSA reportedly found Civil War-era cannonballs in a traveler’s luggage in Alabama, and ADPH confirmed a measles case in an Alabama resident, urging travelers to stay up to date on MMR.

Airport & Tourism Growth: Gulf Shores International Airport has started a $15 million terminal expansion aimed at finishing by next May, adding a second gate (expandable to four), more dining and retail, 300 parking spots, and a dedicated mothers’ nursing area—part of the airport’s fast-rising passenger momentum since Allegiant service began in May 2025. Downtown Revitalization: Foley Main Street launched “Friends of Downtown Foley,” a donation program meant to keep downtown momentum going with projects like murals, safer community spaces, public art, and regular live music. Community & Family Travel-Friendly Events: The Alabama Coastal Foundation and Healthy Gulf will host a free Eco-Center event Aug. 27 in Gulf Shores focused on protecting local sea life, with talks on sea turtles and other marine animals. Local Connectivity: Childersburg approved a franchise agreement with Coosa Valley Technologies to expand broadband internet and phone service using city rights-of-way. Health & Visitor Planning: The Red Cross declared a critically low blood supply and is urging donations in August, including extra incentives for Type O donors. Travel Safety: TSA found five inert Civil War-era cannonballs in a traveler’s luggage at Gulf Shores International Airport, a reminder to avoid bringing weapons or replicas through screening. Access to Care: An ACLU report says many pregnant Alabamians must travel long distances for maternity care, highlighting a statewide access gap.

Tourism Spotlight: Visit Tuscaloosa CEO Kelsey Rush was named Alabama Tourism Executive of the Year, credited with recruiting 160+ sporting events and pushing growth tied to the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail digital passes. Road & Access: Hoover secured $16 million in federal funding for the Exit 9 interchange on I-459, lowering the city’s expected local cost as the project’s price tag rises. Coastal Safety Rules: Orange Beach is moving ahead with updated ordinances for rental golf carts, e-bikes, and other micromobility—adding requirements like rental vehicle flags, speed limits, and insurance. Events to Plan: Opelika’s Brewzle Fest returns Aug. 29, bringing 40+ craft bourbon brands and distiller access; and the World’s Longest Yard Sale runs Aug. 6-9 through Gadsden. Weather for Travelers: Central Alabama can expect heat index values near/over 100 and scattered pop-up storms, plus a longer-range watch for a stronger “super El Niño” that could mean a wetter, stormier fall and winter. Health & Travel Caution: Alabama’s ACLU released a maternal health report citing severe rural access limits and transportation delays—an important reminder for anyone planning trips around pregnancy care. Food & Fun: Pizzelle’s Confections in Alabama was highlighted as a top chocolate shop pick, a sweet stop for visitors.

Food Safety & Travel Disruption: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries after E. coli concerns, with products sold in Alabama and other states—customers are urged to dispose or return for a refund. Public Health Watch: Alabama Cyclospora cases are rising, with 85 reported statewide (78 lab-confirmed) and North Alabama taking nearly three-quarters of infections; officials link many cases to specific dining spots and recent travel. Local Travel & Community Life: Auburn-Opelika is gearing up for back-to-school with August events like City Market in Auburn, the Market at Ag Heritage Park, and O Grows Farmers Market in Opelika. Education & Family Planning: An AL.com analysis says many Alabama virtual schools are missing basic reading and math targets, with several earning C or D report card grades—raising concerns for families choosing online options. Sports Tourism: Lee County high school football media days highlighted Auburn and Loachapoka storylines, while the new Gulf States Independent Athletic Association is expected to end the AISA athletics run after 2026-27. TSA Travel Alert: TSA found Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage at Alabama’s Gulf Shores airport; authorities determined they were inert and returned them to Fort Morgan.

Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries in eight states, including Alabama, after 12 reports of stomach illness tied to possible E. coli contamination—customers should dispose or return for a refund. Road & Visitor Infrastructure: Construction has started on a new Jackson County Welcome Center in Mississippi, aimed at modernizing visitor services for travelers entering from Alabama, with completion expected by summer 2028. Tribal Transportation: The Poarch Creek Indians received a $24 million federal grant for a multi-phase overhaul of Jack Springs Road in Escambia County, with Phase 1 road closures starting Aug. 5–10. Local Tourism & Events: The World’s Longest Yard Sale returns to Gadsden Aug. 6–9, with Noccalula Falls Park as the free starting point. Community Back-to-School: Hale County’s “Fresh Start: Fresh Cuts” offers free student haircuts Aug. 3 at Hale County High School. Arts & Culture: Huntsville released a 2026 music industry economic audit showing $278.2M in output and major growth tied to investments like the Orion Amphitheater.