AGP Executive Report

Local Governance & Community Growth: Thompson’s Station highlighted Williamson County Schools progress at its second annual “State of the Town,” spotlighting town wins and school updates. Education & Family Travel: Selma reopened the $17M School of Discovery with a ribbon cutting and open house, adding a new fifth- and sixth-grade campus for Aug. 10 classes. Tourism Infrastructure: ALDOT accepted bids for safety upgrades along SR-204 near Jacksonville State University, including wider lanes, new sidewalks, and a pedestrian signal at the Chief Ladiga Trail crossing. Public Safety Tech Debate: Decatur residents are pushing back on Flock license-plate cameras, saying they weren’t informed about the system’s presence for years. Wildlife Encounters: A juvenile black bear dubbed “Shelby” has locals talking in Shelby County near Oak Mountain State Park; experts say dispersing bears are normal. Travel Disruption & Security: TSA at Gulf Shores International Airport stopped a passenger with five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in checked luggage. Sports & Visitor Planning: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed invited the Birmingham Stallions to consider a “right-sized” stadium in the capital as the UFL looks for a new home. Food & Culture: Lee University’s Encore Program opened fall 2026 registration, offering courses that include travel, culture, and arts—an easy way for older visitors to plan learning trips.

ALDOT Airport Grants: Alabama’s regional and municipal airports are getting a boost: ALDOT announced more than $3.1 million in grants for 12 facilities, adding up to over $7.2 million when paired with FAA funding—supporting everything from emergency response to tourism. TSA Travel Safety (Alabama): TSA officers at Gulf Shores International Airport stopped a traveler with five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in checked luggage, calling it an “Indiana Jones-esque” discovery and coordinating with local authorities. Road Work for Beach Travelers: Gulf Shores Highway 59 lane closures are set for nightly work (7 p.m. to 4 a.m.) through Aug. 6, with drivers urged to watch for slowdowns and reduced lanes. Health Alert for Coastal Trips: Health officials report Alabama has had vibriosis cases this year, part of a wider U.S. rise in Vibrio vulnificus infections tied to warm coastal waters—another reminder to protect cuts and be cautious with seafood. Family Travel Planning: The 2026 Little League World Series begins Aug. 19 in Williamsport, Pa., with the championship game set for Aug. 30. Retail Tourism Buzz: IKEA is coming to Oklahoma—its first Oklahoma store opens this fall in Tulsa Hills—part of a broader expansion that also includes plans for an Alabama location.

Civil Rights Tourism Boost: Decatur’s Early Old Town with Art is launching a $20M campaign to build the Northern Gateway to Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail, aiming to draw visitors to the Decatur Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum and the Judge James E. Horton Jr. Legal Learning Center. Travel Safety & Weird Finds: TSA says five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs were found in a passenger’s suitcase during screening at Gulf Shores International Airport—inactive relics tied to Fort Morgan. Local Food & Community: Mercy House in Montgomery is expanding hunger-fighting with a new prepared food commissary, a food truck, and a mobile command unit. Road Trip Planning: ALDOT will close part of State Route 205 in Etowah County for about a year starting Aug. 3 for a bridge replacement and detour routing. Family Fun Calendar: Huntsville Culinary Month + Restaurant Week runs Aug. 1–23, with Food Truck Fridays and a free Dish Pass for specials. Tech & Privacy Watch: A new report breaks down how Flock roadside cameras work and why communities are split on public-safety benefits vs. privacy concerns. Passport Travel Alert: The State Department is expanding access to the limited-edition “Patriot Passport” with more copies and appointment-based application events.

TSA & Travel Safety: TSA officers at Gulf Shores International Airport stopped a traveler trying to fly with five stolen Civil War-era cannonballs from Fort Morgan after an X-ray raised concerns; authorities say the items were prohibited artillery munitions and were returned to the fort. Public Safety & Local Travel: Drones and license plate readers helped Dothan police and partners arrest a Florida woman wanted for kidnapping a minor; the child was recovered and is now with DHR while extradition is underway. Family Fun on the Coast: The Wharf in Orange Beach will host the Kids Win Fishing Tournament (ages 3–10) Sept. 26, with registration opening July 30 and proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Alabama. Community Events: Gulf Shores Fire/Rescue Association’s sixth annual golf tournament is set for Sept. 18 at Craft Farms, with limited team spots and lunch included. Food Stops for Visitors: Paramount Bar in Birmingham was named Alabama’s best bar food, Barnyard Buffet in Saraland topped best all-you-can-eat, Dean’s Cake House in Andalusia won best cake, and Yo’ Mama’s in Birmingham was picked as the best foodie destination. Heat Watch: West Alabama remains hot and humid with heat index values near 100–105, plus scattered storms for relief.

Mosquito Season Alert: Alabama travelers are being warned that this summer’s heat and humidity are driving especially intense mosquito activity, with peak bites likely at dawn and dusk—especially near marshes and woods. Tourism & Safety: TSA says five Civil War-era cannonballs stolen from Fort Morgan were found in a passenger’s checked bag at Gulf Shores International Airport, a reminder to pack carefully and expect strict screening. Outdoor Recreation Growth: Alabama Forever Wild added 328 acres to the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, expanding habitat protection and public outdoor access. Arts & Community Travel: Tuscaloosa received a $40,000 Creative Places grant for the Chief Tuskaloosa Plaza, a new public arts space tied to local tourism partners. Local Culture Picks: Tuscaloosa game-day shoppers can find essentials at downtown boutiques like the Pants Store, plus other campus-area stops. Family-Friendly Learning: Birmingham’s Villas Early Learning Center opened after a $2.6M renovation, adding classrooms and a new playground for more than 65 children. Wildlife Buzz: A black bear sighting in North Shelby County has gone viral, with officials urging residents to keep distance and avoid feeding.

Tourism Leadership: Gov. Kay Ivey named Glenda Allred as Alabama’s new tourism director, replacing Lee Sentell, who retired after decades of record-setting tourism growth. Outdoor & Family Fun: Wild Alabama is rolling out more hikes, including a “Salamanders and Sunsets” outing and weekly Wild Wednesday ranger hikes for kids and families. Food & Local Flavor: Southern Living’s Food Hall of Fame spotlighted Alabama staples—Wickle’s Pickles, Conecuh Sausage, and Big Bob Gibson’s white sauce—giving travelers more reasons to plan a taste-stop. Pet Health Alert: The Alabama Department of Agriculture is warning about New World screwworms, urging pet owners to watch for skin sensitivity and open wounds. Community & Safety: Foley approved pedestrian safety upgrades along U.S. 98 near schools, with work set to start in September. Beach Calendar: Gulf Shores’ free “S’mores on the Shore” returns Aug. 6 at Gulf Place with campfires, music, face painting, and beachside activities. Travel Disruption/Heads-Up: TSA recovered five stolen Fort Morgan cannonballs at Gulf Shores International Airport after an unusual checked-bag discovery. Sports Tourism: Auburn released dates and order for its 2027 SEC schedule, including early matchups against Texas A&M, Tennessee, and Georgia. Health Access: A new report highlights millions of Americans struggling to access hormone care, with “hormone deserts” especially affecting rural areas and parts of the South.

Festivals & Family Fun: North Alabama’s late-summer lineup is getting busy, with the World’s Longest Yard Sale (Aug. 6-9 along Lookout Mountain Parkway), Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days (Aug. 7-8 in Athens), the Dragon Boat Race and Festival (Aug. 8 in Scottsboro), and the Franklin County Watermelon Festival (Aug. 14-15 in Russellville). New Access for Visitors: Huntsville launched the Redstone Recreation Passport, offering eligible locals a free six-month badge for select Redstone Arsenal Family and MWR spots like golf, bowling, parks, disc golf, dog park, and trails. Arts & Heritage: Tuscaloosa received a $40,000 state arts grant for the Chief Tuskaloosa Plaza, and Decatur’s Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum/Legal Learning Center plus Bricklayers Hall in Montgomery were named among $3M in national grants for historic Black sites. Local Tourism Upgrades: Selma officially kicked off its Main Street Alabama designation, aiming to accelerate downtown redevelopment. Travel Safety/Travel Tips: ALDOT marks Bridge Strike Awareness Week (July 27-31) and reminds drivers to check vehicle height before heading under bridges and through tunnels. Road Changes: The first phase of the Gordo bypass opened Tuesday, with Highway 82 shifting to the bypass and Highway 482 covering the old route through town. Alabama in the Spotlight: Sen. Katie Britt invited a viral German World Cup traveler back for a Tuscaloosa game day after he named Fairhope his favorite Alabama stop. On-the-Ground Moments: TSA found five Civil War-era cannonballs in checked luggage at Gulf Shores International Airport; they were inert and returned to Fort Morgan.

Aviation & Aerospace: Gov. Kay Ivey says Alabama’s strong Farnborough International Airshow run led to two major industry announcements and 50+ meetings with aviation, aerospace and defense companies. Tourism & Hospitality: Timberline Glamping Huntsville at Monte Sano State Park earned a 2026 Best of Alabama Regional Award, highlighting safari-style tents and easy access to outdoor trails. Downtown Revitalization: Monroeville Main Street won a 2026 Best of Alabama Award for efforts to strengthen historic downtown through preservation, promotion and small-business growth. Local Eats: Wing District opened in Midfield with 33 wing flavors plus hibachi, adding a new family-friendly stop near Western Hills Mall. Travel Safety & Weather: Cullman Tribune launched Tribune Weather Command to give residents and visitors a single place to check local conditions and safety resources during storms. Outdoor Travel: Beachmate’s Beachmate Shovel is rolling into 100 Walmart stores nationwide, aiming to replace disposable beach gear for families. Heat Alert: West Alabama remains under a heat advisory with heat index values topping around 109, urging hydration and limiting time outdoors. Road Trip Planning: ALDOT is running Bridge Strike Awareness Week, reminding drivers to check vehicle height and clearance signs before traveling. Family Fun: A Tallahassee-area team, Chaires Capitola Little League, won Florida’s title and advanced toward the Southeast regional.

Alabama Tourism & History: Want the oldest hotel in Alabama? It depends on whether you mean the oldest surviving hotel building (Selma’s St. James Hotel, dating to the 1830s) or the oldest still operating today (a Birmingham landmark). Workforce & Education: Alabama launched “Alabama Career Pathways,” an online hub meant to connect students and families to high-demand career routes, alongside plans for a $40M CTE center in DeKalb County. Travel Safety (Heat): With extreme heat hitting the Gulf Coast and Northwest Florida, local cooling centers are opening across Alabama and officials are urging visitors to hydrate, seek shade, and check on kids, seniors, and pets. Family Fun: Gadsden’s “Slide the City” drew 2,000+ riders to a 1,000-foot waterslide downtown, a big summer draw for the region. Visitor Caution (Air Travel): TSA says it found stolen cannonballs in checked baggage at Gulf Shores International Airport—no explosives, but travelers are warned not to bring weapons or relics. Local Events & Culture: A new statewide push for private school athletics is being discussed, aiming to reduce travel and create more competitive balance.

SEC Schedule Buzz: The SEC rolled out the 2026-27 men’s basketball slates, including Alabama opponents and key dates for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Georgia—useful for fans planning road trips across the region. Alabama Workforce & Training: Alabama launched its “Alabama Career Pathways” initiative, unveiling a statewide CTE roadmap and new facility funding tied to the workforce pipeline. Gulf Shores Tourism & Events: Gulf Shores City Council will weigh AHSAA tournament extensions plus updates on the pedestrian bridge and other visitor-facing projects, while the coast’s weekly “What’s Up & What’s Good” guide highlights family-friendly activities. Travel Safety on I-65: ALDOT plans a Tuesday closure of the two inside lanes on I-65 south at Exit 167 over Catoma Creek for bridge repairs, with delays expected. Outdoor Fun for Families: Okeeheelee Chiefs 8U earned a spot in the Cal Ripken World Series in Florence, Alabama (Aug. 2-8), bringing more youth sports attention to the state. Health & Safety Reminder: ADPH confirmed a measles case in an Alabama resident who was out of state, urging travelers to stay up to date on MMR.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: WorldAtlas named 10 Alabama towns among the nation’s favorite places to visit, with the Gulf Coast leading the way—Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Dauphin Island and Foley highlighted for beaches, trails, dining and family attractions. Airport Watch: TSA says five cannonballs were found in a checked bag at Gulf Shores International Airport after an X-ray alarm—an “Indiana Jones-esque” discovery tied to Fort Morgan. Outdoor Events: Alabama Audubon’s Black Belt Birding Festival returns July 31–Aug. 2 across eight Black Belt counties with guided trips, art and music, plus a Selma civil rights walk and birding at Perry Lakes Park. Local Growth: Trussville is seeing construction progress on new eateries—Culver’s and Raising Cane’s—moving from approvals to active builds. Public Health Reminder: FDA issued a voluntary recall of 1.5 million dozen shell eggs in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana due to possible Salmonella contamination, urging travelers to check cartons if they shopped in nearby states.

Outdoor Recreation & Family Fun: Alabama Power’s 74 Preserves keep summer plans simple with 70+ free spots for swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnic stops across 13 reservoirs, plus pollinator-friendly landscapes. Fishing & Wildlife: A new University of South Alabama-led study finds Gulf greater amberjack numbers about double federal estimates, raising hopes for more fishing opportunity as regulations tighten. Coastal & Waterways: A push to ban “thin-layer placement” of dredged material in Mobile Bay is gaining traction in Congress, aiming to protect seagrasses, oysters, and clearer water. Events on the Calendar: Gulf Shores is set for the 19th annual Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on Sept. 12 with sprint, Olympic, and relay options. Local Tourism Spotlight: The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest crowned a Virginia angler after a 67-pound Alabama River catch—an instant boost for catfishing tourism. Community & Safety: Authorities identified a Mobile-area woman as the victim in a deadly Baldwin County boat crash near Wolf Bay.

USGA Golf Spotlight: Noah Maclauchlan of Moseley, Va., won the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley, beating Miles Russell of Jacksonville Beach 6 and 5 in the first all-left-hander individual final in USGA history—an Alabama-area connection worth noting for young golfers and families planning future trips. Alabama Tourism Roundup: WorldAtlas highlighted 10 Alabama towns as top favorites for 2026, with the Gulf Coast leading the way (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Fairhope, Dauphin Island, Foley) plus inland draws. Gulf Shores Travel Alert: TSA says officers found five cannonballs in a checked bag at Gulf Shores International Airport—an unusual reminder to travelers that “souvenirs” can turn into serious trouble. Outdoor & Nature Events: The Black Belt Birding Festival returns July 31–Aug. 2 across eight Black Belt counties with guided trips, music, and history. Local Community Spotlight: Cherokee County held an inaugural “Honoring Our Heroes” dinner at Gadsden State Cherokee to recognize veterans and public safety responders. Health Care Expansion: DeKalb Regional Medical Center acquired an OB/GYN practice, expanding women’s healthcare services in DeKalb County.

Alabama Tourism & Travel: WorldAtlas named 10 Alabama towns among the nation’s favorite places to visit for 2026, with the Gulf Coast leading the way—Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, Dauphin Island and Foley highlighted for beaches, trails, family attractions and local flavor. Airport Security: TSA says officers found five stolen cannonballs in a checked bag at Gulf Shores International Airport, after an X-ray alarm led to the “Indiana Jones-esque” discovery. Gulf Conservation: A new multi-year study led by researchers including the University of South Alabama suggests the Gulf holds about twice as many greater amberjack as federal estimates, raising questions about restrictive seasons. Local Recycling: Baldwin County opened its third CHaRM hard-to-recycle materials center in Orange Beach, expanding drop-off hours and capacity for residents. Travel for Sports Fans: United added new nonstop flights from Birmingham for Alabama road games—Knoxville (Tennessee) and Baton Rouge (LSU)—with special schedules for October and November. Health & Community: DeKalb Regional Medical Center acquired an OB/GYN practice, expanding women’s healthcare services in DeKalb County. Business Watch: Anniston’s Coldwater Mountain Brewpub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but says it remains open.

Local Health Alert: Alabama’s ADPH confirmed a measles case in an out-of-state worker who tested positive while living/working outside Alabama, urging travelers to stay up to date on MMR—especially since unvaccinated people can catch measles while traveling and bring it home. Coastal Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha is driving dangerous surf and rip-current risk along the Gulf Coast, with reports of impacts near Dauphin Island as conditions shift. Family & Community Events: Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s free 15th Annual Job Fair heads to Selma on Aug. 6 at Wallace Community College, bringing employers across industries to connect with job seekers. Outdoor Access: Happy Trails in north Alabama is expanding inclusive recreation along the Locust Fork River with free all-terrain track chair experiences for visitors ages 12+ (reservations required). Gulf Coast Tourism Legacy: Flora-Bama mourns longtime owner Pat McClellan, credited with helping turn the state-line roadhouse into a major live-music destination. Travel Culture: The H.L. Hunley replica submarine is set to appear at Fort Tribute this weekend, part of a traveling Civil War exhibit.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Alabama’s Gulf Coast is dealing with dangerous surf, flooding, and power outages as beaches close and double red-flag warnings roll out for Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan—officials urge visitors to watch for updates and heed rip-current risks. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national regular average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with crude volatility cited—another reminder for road-trip budgets. Outdoor Travel & RVing: Outside Van is expanding its Southeast dealer network via Donohoo Auto in Pelham, giving Alabama-area overlanders faster access to adventure van inventory. Local Food & Travel Stops: Wawa is partnering with Lands’ End on a beach-themed “Analog Summer Shorti” and tote/tee lineup, available at select stores and online. Family Fun: Little League softball regionals are underway with TV/streaming details and host sites—teams from across the U.S. are chasing spots toward the World Series. Alabama Tourism & Community: Alabama lawmakers push to make daylight saving time permanent, and local leaders continue honoring Will Roberts’ legacy statewide.