MOBILE, AL. A heavily engulfed house was destroyed by fire on Saturday even though the Mobile Fire Rescue Department was quick to respond.
MFRD crews responded to the 1200 block of Carlton Acres East during the morning and upon arrival discovered the single-story residence engulfed in flames.
Firefighters fought back the blaze in the vacant structure for approximately 20 minutes before getting the flames under control.
Two MFRD firefighters sustained minor injuries during scene operations.
A fire department spokesperson said that no civilians were injured because of the incident.
Fire Investigators have launched a preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire.
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HOOVER, Ala. An employee of the Hoover School District came under suspicion of distributing obscene materials after a tip was sent to police.
According to ALEA, an investigation followed and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation.
ALEA identified the suspect as Darrell W. Alldredge, 51, of Odenville and said that he was arrested at Hoover High School without incident and charged with two counts of dissemination of obscene matter and booked into the Jefferson County jail.
According to court documents, the obscene matter included two victims, both girls. One girl was under the age of 16 and one was under the age of 3.
School officials say that they were notified that the employee was arrested by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and prohibited from all Hoover City School properties.
“The district is cooperating with ALEA in their investigation as the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We have no reason to believe that any of our students were involved, and there is no indication of any impact on school safety,” wrote school officials.
This is an ongoing investigation and more charges are possible.
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MOBILE COUNTY, AL. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an incident, and deputies conducted an investigation of possible child abuse.
Sheriff investigators said that the alleged abuse occurred earlier this month in the Grand Bay Area.
Evidence showed that a crime had occurred and Thomas Landon Horn, 38, a Pascagoula Police Officer was arrested on Friday, April 24, 2026, and charged with Child Abuse.
Horn was released from employment with the police department.
According to a spokesperson with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Horn was released from the Mobile Metro Jail on Friday morning on a $7,500 bond.
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GULF SHORES, Ala. The City of Gulf Shores leaders approved adding more cameras to enhance their current system about eight months ago. City leaders agreed on adding additional Automatic License Plate Readers (APLR). The city approved a contract with Flock Safety and have just days ago activated the APLRs throughout the city.
Now, at least 87 flock cameras are operational, and they have two types of cameras. One set reads license plates, while the other cameras scan the area, looking for potential threats or emergency situations.
Police Chief Dan Netemeyer says they’ve made three arrests related to a stolen car and outstanding warrants almost immediately.
While the cameras will assist with crime cases, they’ll also be utilized in missing persons cases and Silver Alerts.
“We were contacted by a local resident whose mother had driven out of Gulf Shores and had driven into the area of Panama City, Florida,” Chief Netemeyer said. “We entered that person’s plate into the Flock camera system, and within 12 minutes, officers assisted in her recovery.”
License Plate Readers do not track people nor follow them around. APLRs capture license plates as vehicles drive by and search several databases to see if the vehicle is stolen or the driver is wanted. It also searches missing or wanted person databases.
“While some may understandably have privacy concerns, Chief Netemeyer wants to reassure residents that the system is not government overwatch and includes strict limits on who can access data and how long it’s kept,” the city says. “Unauthorized access is strictly prohibited both administratively and under state and federal law.”
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MOBILE, AL. Police responded to a cutting on Friday, April 24, 2026, at approximately 10:19 a.m., and found that a security officer had been injured.
When officers arrived at 3661 Airport Boulevard (Windsor Place Apartments) they found a security guard to be a victim of a cutting by a person who was trespassing.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered a male subject, who was sleeping in a vacant apartment unit, had cut the security officer with a knife during a confrontation about trespassing on the property.
The suspect was found and identified as Monte McNeil, 51, and he was arrested and transported to Metro Jail.
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FOLEY, AL. Authorities responded to a shooting Friday afternoon shortly after 3 p.m. Foley police received a call that a person had been shot on Lakeview Circle.
Officers responded to the home along with the Foley Fire Department and EMS after a person reportedly had accidentally shot themselves in the hand while unloading a firearm.
The elderly man was treated on scene and then transported to an area hospital.
Police believe that this was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There is no threat to the community, police said.
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FOLEY, Ala. Your food costs in Alabama will be a bit less during the next two months because of a tax reprieve that Gov. Ivey recently signed into law.
Governor Kay Ivey has signed legislation that will suspend the state’s portion of the grocery tax from May 1 to June 30, 2026.
The state sales tax for groceries is 2%.
You may remember that in 2022, the state sales tax was lowered from 4% to 3%. In 2024, the tax was lowered again by another percentage point to 2%.
But nationwide, Alabama remains one of only ten states in the country that rely on sales taxes. And in recent years, debates in those states have argued that “food” should not be taxed at all.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. James Lomax and Sen. Arthur Orr.
“I am also glad we were able to put a two month pause on the state’s portion of the grocery tax to help families across Alabama. Any time we can responsibly provide some relief for the hardworking people in our state, I am all for it.”
Lowering the state’s grocery tax has been a priority for the state for the Alabama Legislature. This is the third piece of legislation signed into law lowering state sales taxes in the last four years.
Will the legislators finally vote to completely remove sales taxes from food in the future? Hopefully they will but until then, let’s enjoy the break for the next two months
In addition to the sales tax pause, the bill Governor Ivey approved also extended the income tax deduction for overtime compensation until 2028.
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MOBILE, AL. Kiosks, new signage and better clearer directions to points of interest, tourist attractions and government buildings are coming to downtown Mobile.
The city has launched a program to better point the way to the places that visitors and locals are looking for.
Mobile plans to invest nearly $200,000 in a network of signs directing motorists and pedestrians to landmarks and attractions in the downtown area.
Tim Houser said there’s a lot of things happening downtown, with all the construction, the new arena and attractions and new signage will definitely be very helpful.
Shayla Beaco, the city’s chief of building and planning agreed. We want to make things easier to get to. Beaco said the so-called wayfinding signs also will guide people to government buildings, city parks and other locations that residents visit.
Visitor friendly cities that have easy walkable routes with kiosks, bright signage and phone apps with information about things to do and see often rank high on social media and in surveys.
In the next month or so, the Mobile City Council will vote on a contract worth nearly $200,000 to buy the signs for the first phase from Knight Industries. About two dozen signs will go up later this year, with kiosks planned for future phases.
New signage for the new airport close to downtown, interstate signage for directions to the new Regions Arena, airport and attractions also need to be updated, said Fred Rendfrey, chief executive officer of the Downtown Mobile Alliance.
The city will begin these updates in phases, making it easier for everyone visiting or living in Mobile to better find their way around the city.
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FORT MORGAN Ala. Baldwin County is known for its festivities, especially seafood festivals and the Fort Morgan Seafood Festival is returning during the weekend of May 9-10 at the Fort Morgan Marina.
And once again the festival brings a weekend of fresh Gulf Coast flavors, live music and family-friendly activities while raising money for a local cause.
This annual event is set for Mother’s Day weekend, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with free admission, free parking and free boat parking including 30 wet slips.
You’ll be able to enjoy good eating while knowing that you’ll be helping a local organization because the proceeds benefit the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department.
Of course, the seafood will be plentiful, but you’ll also be treated to other great food vendors including Beach Bums Coffee & Deli, Juanita’s Food Truck, Selah Fort Morgan Coffee and Tacky Jacks, which will serve a Low Country Boil along with restaurant favorites.
Beyond the food, the festival will feature a large selection of retail and craft vendors highlighting local artists, makers and organizations. Participating groups include Alabama Adult & Teen Challenge, Anne & Lowell Webb, Beach Bum Services, Fluffy’s Bait Shack, Fort Morgan Concierge Services, Fort Morgan Properties by Reed Real Estate and the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department and its Ladies Auxiliary. Additional vendors include Hope’s Art, Keep Fort Morgan Wild Art by Alex, Linda Zigler, Maggie Marlene, Michelle Caminiti Marshall, Seafood Off the Boat by Fresh Market Seafood and Wholly Fire Foods.
Family activities will play a central role, with a Kid Zone offering free face painting and hands-on arts and crafts including oyster shell painting. Educational booths hosted by groups such as Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobile Baykeeper and Share the Beach will provide interactive opportunities focused on coastal conservation and environmental protection.
Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend, beginning Friday, May 8, with Les Linton performing from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tacky Jacks 2 in a 21+ show. Saturday’s lineup includes Clay Watson from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Lauren Murphy from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by Slide Bayou from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tacky Jacks 2. On Sunday, Matthew Jaquette will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Ryan Balthrop from 2 to 5 p.m. and Cadillac Attack from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tacky Jacks 2, also for ages 21 and older.
Among the weekend’s highlights is the Splash-4-Ca$h fundraiser, where attendees can dunk local celebrities for a $5 donation benefiting the fire department. Visitors can also book boat tours to the Sand Island Lighthouse for $25 per person through Koka Charters and Blue’s Charter, offering a close-up view of one of the area’s historic landmarks.
There’ll be plenty of things to see and do.
The festival is sponsored by Fort Morgan Marina, Tacky Jacks, Fort Morgan Civic Association and Alabama’s Beaches, bringing together local businesses and organizations in a celebration of community, culture and coastal living.
Event organizers say the festival continues to grow as a signature spring gathering along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, blending tourism with local support for first responders and environmental education.
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SPANISH FORT Ala. A mother and son baker duo is opening a new bakery on the Eastern Shore that is about more than sweet and delicious cookies, pies and cakes.
Bake Blue Bakery will soon open a retail store in the Piggy Wiggly shopping center located at 6580 Spanish Fort Blvd but Debra Pennington and her son, Reed, who has autism who have been whipping up sweet treats for quite a while.
The blue heron which was chosen for its logo because it’s a reference to both autism awareness and the great blue heron, which stands as a symbol of resilience and independence that embodies the values guiding their business.
The pair say that what started in their home kitchen has blossomed much more than expected and as their business quickly grew, they started looking to open the doors to a standalone store and now, they soon will.
Pennington said that the bakery will have a new state-of-the-art kitchen installed and new items added to the menu such as cheesecakes, pies and a “cake of the day” that will be sold by the slice. She said that their baked goods are nut-free due to Reed’s nut allergy.
“Our business has outgrown the space that we have, so we’re looking forward to having commercial ovens that are more efficient and a lot more space to bake more quickly.”
The two also hope to send a message of hope to others who have autism.
The staff consists of other adults with disabilities, and Pennington said they are looking to hire as they work on getting their storefront up. Visit www.bakebluebakery.com for more information.
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FAIRHOPE Ala. Concerns from residents and visitors about e-mobility devices may have been the tipping point for the Fairhope City Council which has voted to approve an ordinance that will allow law enforcement to better get a handle on some of the problems that are happening.
Complaints about unsafe and reckless use of ‘mobility devices in Fairhope and other cities in Baldwin County have risen in recent months with the popularity of electronic scooters, bicycles, and skateboards which have become dangerous for riders and motorists
The ordinance includes new rules for riders, such as not exceeding the posted speed limit, not riding with one or more wheels in the air, not riding against traffic, and not riding on sidewalks not designated for bikes.
In addition, any rider under the age of 18 must always wear a helmet, and bicyclists must use bells when passing other bicyclists or pedestrians.
Police may now conduct stops on violators and they could find themselves receiving a $250 fine the first time.
If there is a second violation, that fine will be $450.
Thew ordinance also includes that for any further violations, the fine will be $500 for each offense thereafter.
Those under 18 who do not follow the rules could have their bikes impounded.
Under state statutes, the operators could also face charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence, or other traffic offenses.
The new ordinance is expected to go into effect in May.
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An overturned log truck Thursday afternoon sent police and fire departments to US 48 and Roberts Road with reports of someone being injured.
ALEA troopers also responded to the scene at around 3:20 p.m. Authorities also had to shut down the road while investigating the collision and while wreckers set the truck upright to be towed away.
There were reports of injuries but have not told the extent of them.
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DAPHNE, Ala. A new and unique bread store has opened on Main Street in Daphne and it’s not your run of the mill bakery.
Rise Slow Bread Company, operated by Ryan McCallum of Fairhope, is about good food and a health-concise diet, said McCallum.
While the offerings are limited, the bread, inspired by European break-making styles might surprise you with its deep flavor and old-time style.
Inspired by European bread making styles, he created his own sourdough starter and started making bread using ingredients such as organic bread flour, alkaline water and Italian sea salt. After going through 10 recipes, he finally found one he liked, saying within five days of eating only his own bread, he felt massive improvements in his wellness and movements.
After nailing down the recipe, he has since shared the bread with his family and co-workers, saying his 80-year-old mother has lost around 10 pounds eating his bread. McCallum, an electrician by trade, said that he has gotten more production out of his electricians feeding them his bread, along with smoothies and water, in the morning. As for his customers, he hopes that they’ll understand his bread is not mass produced by machine and is definitely more of an artesian style bread. He makes the bread from home through a process that takes a couple of days and includes letting the starter rise, mixing the dough and stretching it to activate the gluten process. He then lets it set and proof over a couple hours, fermenting it in the refrigerator between 48 to 72 hours.
He sells his bread at his storefront in Old Towne Daphne, located at 1800 Main St., right next door to Dragonfly Tavern. Operating on a cottage license, he is offering bread to the local community that McCallum says you can’t find anywhere else.
So far, McCallum has made loafs, baguettes and hamburger buns and has started experimenting with making different flavors at the request of his customers, such as jalapeno cheddar. He said he hopes to make more people feel better through his bread making.
McCallum posts his weekly schedule on social media and the window of his storefront, but he has also launched a website at www.riseslowbreadco.com, where people can buy his bread.
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. A two-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday, April 19, has claimed the life of a Mobile woman.
According to ALEA, the pedestrian, now identified as Jasmine R. Harris, 19, was fatally injured when she was struck by a 2023 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Richard T. Colson, 22, of Lucedale, Miss.
After colliding with Harris, the GMC then struck a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage which was in the roadway and had been involved in a previous crash.
Harris, who was initially a passenger in the Mitsubishi, exited the Mirage and was standing in the roadway at the time of the collision. Harris was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mitsubishi was an 18-year-old juvenile from Mobile.
State troopers stated that the crash occurred on Interstate 10 near the 43-mile marker, less than one mile west of the Loxley city limits, in Baldwin County.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
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MOBILE, AL. Mobile police officers were called to an address on Roys Lane which is just off Dauphin Island Parkway on Thursday afternoon, April 23rd 2026, for a report of a person being shot there.
Police and Mobile Fire-Rescue arrived just before 4:3o p.m. and did find one person shot.
Although the person, who has not yet been identified by police was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, they succumbed to their injuries and police have classified the shooting as a homicide.
Information about the shooting seems to point that it was a neighbor dispute that led to the shooting.
Mobile police said that it is an active investigation but have not confirmed whether anyone is in custody in connection with the shooting and have not released the victim’s name.
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SPANISH FORT, Ala. An urgent call for help came into the Baldwin County 911 Communications Center on Thursday at around 1:25 p.m. and dispatchers quickly sent multiple agencies to the rescue.
A boat with at least two people aboard was sinking in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta south of the Meaher State Park and needed immediate assistance.
The Spanish Fort and Daphne Fire Departments, the Alabama Marine Police, EMS and other agencies were immediately dispatched to the area. The US Cost Guard was also put on stand-by but were not needed.
Rescuers located the boaters that were in distress and transported them to land.
There were no reports of injuries.
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MOBILE COUNTY, AL. On Monday, April 20, 2026, at approximately 1:30 pm, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male subject shot at the Chevron located at 11290 US Highway 90.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies discovered a male victim, identified as Dylan Meehan (DOB: 06/03/1998), lying between fuel pumps with multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. Meehan was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The shooter has been identified as Brendan Pierce (DOB: 03/12/2006).
He was detained on scene after arriving in a white Subaru SUV with three other individuals.
Witness statements from the occupants of the vehicle indicate that the victim began yelling and waving his hands toward them.
Video surveillance corroborated an argument between Mr. Meehan and one of the occupants.
The footage showed Mr. Meehan pointing a handgun toward the vehicle before placing the weapon on the ground and approaching the driver’s side of the Subaru. Mr. Pierce then fired multiple rounds from the driver’s seat, striking Mr. Meehan in the back.
After interviewing all witnesses on the scene, Brendan Pierce was arrested for Murder and transported to Mobile Metro Jail.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. City leaders in Fairhope have given the green light to Murphy USA to not only open a new gas station on State Highway 181 near State Highway 104 in between two other gas stations, but they have also approved the company to open a second location in Fairhope on Greeno Road at the Shoppes at Pt. Clear.
Both of these locations are anchored by a Publix grocery store.
‘Publix grocery stores already anchor each shopping center.
The city’s Board of Adjustments gave its conditional approval which means that some of the details have not been finalized such as landscaping, drainage, signage, and other specifications.
These stations will be larger in size than the older, existing one in front of the Walmart on Hwy 181, according to the company’s engineer; each new station will have 8 pumps.
Construction dates have not been announced and final approvals by the planning commission still needs final approval.
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DAPHNE, Ala. Daphne Police have regularly reported traffic collisions that occur in the city to the public as they show residents and business owners how the increased volume of traffic continues to also increase car wrecks throughout the city.
On any given day, local police, firefighters and EMS respond to numerous traffic collisions, and often they involve someone that has been injured.
These are some of the most recent traffic accidents that have occurred in the city:
Daphne Traffic Collisions
Date: 04/01/2026 Time: 11:40 Location: US Hwy 98 & N. Main St.
Date: 04/15/2026 Time: 14:23 Location: US Hwy. 98 & US Hwy. 90
Date: 04/15/2026 Time: 18:50 Location: US Hwy. 98 & Santa Rosa Ave.
As we have reported in previous news stories, there are definitely hot spots in the city where traffic collisions more than in other areas. US Hwy 98 @ US 90 State Highway 181 @ CR 64 US Hwy 98 @ Main Street US Hwy 98 @ Whispering Pines Street Co. Rd. 64 & Pollard Rd US Hwy 98 @ Daphne Avenue
And these are just a few of our frequent locations where traffic collisions occur.
Daphne police started a traffic enforcement unit a few years ago and city patrol officers frequently conduct traffic stops, radar and DUI patrols to reduce accidents and injuries of the public.
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FOLEY, Ala. In late January 2026, the Foley Police Department was contacted by the Florida Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) requesting a welfare check on a female juvenile at a residence within the Foley Police Department jurisdiction. The child reported to Florida DCFS that her mother was abusing her.
Foley Police responded to the call and officers did make contact with the juvenile and her mother, 43-year-old Deysy Xiomara Perez-Mendez. Although the juvenile appeared to be in good health and unharmed, Foley Police requested assistance from the Baldwin County Department of Human Resources (DHR) due to the nature of the complaint. DHR assisted police and did later remove two children from the residence.
The ensuing investigation, involving multiple suspects in multiple states and multiple police jurisdictions, yielded enough probable cause and evidence to substantiate charges for the arrest of Ms. Perez-Mendez.
She was arrested by the Poarch Creek Police on April 18, 2026, for Torture/Willful Abuse of a Child, with one juvenile victim located in the City of Foley.
Due to the nature of the situation across numerous jurisdictions, this is all the information the police will release at this time.
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