AGP Executive Report

Tourism Leadership: Gov. Kay Ivey named Glenda Allred as Alabama’s new tourism director, following Lee Sentell’s retirement after more than two decades that helped push tourism revenue from $6B to nearly $25B. Outdoor Recreation: Mobile County opened Riverside Cafe & Grill at Escatawpa Hollow Park & Campground, adding a new stop for campers, paddlers, hikers and day visitors. Public Health: ADPH reported 11 cyclosporiasis cases in Alabama since May 1, with officials urging caution around potentially contaminated produce and food/water. Local Travel & Safety: Operation Southern Slow Down continues across Alabama as part of a multi-state push targeting speeding through July 18. Family Travel/Waterways: A Lake Wedowee search ended after an 8-day effort to recover a missing boater, underscoring risks on Alabama lakes. Food & Events: Southbound Food Festival returns to Birmingham Sept. 18–27 with 10 days of chef-driven dinners, brunches and music. Sports Tourism: Alabama State and Southern will headline SWAC’s inaugural Birmingham Football Classic next month.

Food & Events: Birmingham’s Southbound Food Festival is back for its 4th year, a 10-day lineup Sept. 18–27 at Pepper Place and around the city, with early-bird tickets running until July 1. Family Travel Safety: A new report highlights the rising toll of children dying in hot cars, urging parents to use reminders and routines—especially since many cases involve kids meant to be dropped off at childcare. Local Tourism & Culture: Madison approved plans for a big “Madison” sculpture in Town Madison near Toyota Field, aiming to boost foot traffic and photo ops. Downtown Revitalization: Jasper Main Street is restoring the historic artesian well on Fourth Avenue, a 1920s landmark that locals and visitors have relied on for decades. Road & Travel Planning: Redstone Arsenal reopened Gate 3 during morning rush hours to ease commute strain while it works through staffing shortages. Weather Watch: Patchy fog and scattered afternoon storms are expected across parts of Alabama and the region, with drivers urged to slow down and plan extra time. Music & Weekend Picks: Montgomery’s Capri Theatre marks its 85th birthday July 18 with food trucks, music, tours, and multiple film screenings.

Tourism Spotlight: Visit Cullman was named the 2026 Alabama Tourism Organization of the Year, honoring the group’s marketing, leadership, and measurable impact on drawing visitors to Cullman County. Local Travel & Planning: Fort Payne is weighing a possible lodging tax increase after hearing tourism numbers and revenue estimates from the DeKalb Tourism team. Road-Trip Safety: Alabama is joining the Southeast’s “Operation Southern Slow Down” speed enforcement campaign (July 14–19), targeting speeding and reckless driving during peak travel season. Family Fun & Community Events: A free July 17 country concert is planned at Amboy City Park, and Vestavia Hills hosts Pickleball Palooza on July 26 to support Red Mountain Grace housing for medical travelers. Outdoors & Wildlife: Black bear sightings are rising across Alabama, including a reported Valley backyard visit, and a Tuscaloosa travel guide highlights Lake Lurleen State Park and downtown/Northport stops. Local News for Visitors: A motorcycle-riding gunman robbed a Springville PNC Bank, and a turtle roadside rescue in Alabama went viral online.

Road Safety Across Alabama: “Operation Southern Slow Down” runs July 13–19 across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee, with extra patrols targeting speeding, aggressive driving, impaired and distracted driving. Last year, officials reported 52,000+ citations/warnings and 1,400+ DUI arrests. Travel Disruption Watch: A TSA staffing shortage tied to a 2026 funding lapse is causing uneven checkpoint coverage, fewer routes, and more flight disruptions—something travelers planning summer trips should keep in mind. Family-Friendly Local Sports: Montgomery-area fans get a full 2026 AHSAA football weekly schedule, with Week 0 starting Aug. 20 and championship games in early December in Mobile. EV Charging for Road Trips: Southern businesses are adding chargers to capture customers during stopovers, with growth in ports especially in Georgia, Texas and Florida. Community & Culture Tourism: A Catholic pilgrimage brought visitors to Montgomery for civil-rights history stops including the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Aviation & Reliability: A TSA staffing crunch at Alabama airports followed a federal funding lapse, cutting checkpoint coverage and reshaping flight schedules—an issue that hits travelers heading to work and Alabama getaways. Road Safety: Operation Southern Slow Down returns July 13–19, with Alabama agencies joining a multi-state push targeting speeding on interstates and state roads; expect extra patrols and reminders to slow down and buckle up. Mail & Daily Life: Residents in Harvest and New Market say USPS delays are stretching into weeks, including late prescription deliveries—forcing some to seek emergency refills. Local Business & Tourism Stops: Birmingham-area shoppers get a new option as a dress shop pop-up becomes a permanent storefront at The Summit, while Springville opens a ShopWell Store supporting survivors of trafficking—plus a Guntersville council move to pursue smart poles for parks and the beach. Gulf Coast Dining: Southern Living named Jesse’s on the Bay (Fort Morgan) Restaurant of the Month, spotlighting its Gulf seafood and elevated coastal dining. Travel Planning Note: A House vote is set on making daylight saving time permanent, which could shift when Alabama visitors see sunrise and sunset year-round.

Gulf Coast Weekend Guide: Orange Beach’s “The Coast, Collected” roundup spotlights local ways to spend the week—think paint-and-sip at the Orange Beach Public Library, plus more arts, food, and coastal fun. Road Safety for Travelers: Georgia’s “Operation Southern Slow Down” kicks off Monday (and includes Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee), with extra enforcement targeting speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt violations. Coastal Restoration: Mississippi and Alabama are teaming up to restore Grand Butture Island in the north Mississippi Sound, using Deepwater Horizon settlement funds to tackle erosion and protect marsh and wildlife habitat. Family Staycation Ideas: UAB experts share device-light summer activities for families, including hikes and “family Olympics,” aimed at keeping kids active and engaged. Local Infrastructure Watch: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed unveiled “Momentum 2040,” a proposed up-to-$375 million bond plan to modernize infrastructure and boost neighborhoods, quality of life, and tourism. Weather Alert: The Gulf Coast faces a wet start to the week with showers and thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and localized flooding risk before conditions ease midweek.

MLB Draft Wrap: The 2026 MLB Draft is complete after 613 picks in Philadelphia, with the White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1 and Day 2 continuing through Rounds 5-20. Pickleball Tourism: Dothan opened the $6.4 million Rip Hewes Athletic Complex with 25 covered courts and a championship setup aimed at drawing players and visitors across the Southeast. Coastal Restoration: Mississippi and Alabama plan shoreline restoration at Grand Butture Island using Deepwater Horizon settlement funds, targeting erosion control and habitat recovery for species like shrimp, crab, oysters, and seagrass. Local Travel & Events: Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is hosting free family activities this week, including hands-on habitat learning and beach games. Weather Watch: A weak earthquake (magnitude 2.4) rattled west-central Alabama near Union, while storm coverage continues across the region. Festival Spotlight: Cullman’s Alabama Strawberry Festival earned Alabama’s Best Music Festival recognition, with nearly 70,000 guests reported this year.

Alabama Tourism: The Alabama Tourism Department officially launched the Alabama Catfish Trail, celebrating more than 50 catfish-related stops statewide and kicking off a “Year of Catfish” promotion. Gulf Coast Family Fun: Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is hosting three days of free, registration-required family events July 14–16, with wildlife education, jewelry-making, and beach games in partnership with state and zoo groups. Festivals & Community: Cullman’s Alabama Strawberry Festival earned Alabama Magazine’s “Best Music Festival” recognition in the 2026 Best of Bama Awards, with reported attendance nearing 70,000 guests from 35 states. Road Safety (Regional): “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 13–18 across Florida and neighboring states, including Alabama, with extra enforcement aimed at speeding-related crashes and fatalities. Outdoor & Sports Tourism: Dothan opened a $6.4 million pickleball complex designed to draw regional tournaments and visitors year-round. Local History & Travel: Huntingdon College elected six new trustees, including Alabama civic engagement leadership, adding to the institution’s community profile.

MLB Draft Spotlight: The 2026 MLB Draft kicked off in Philadelphia with the Chicago White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1, followed by Grady Emerson (Rays), Vahn Lackey (Twins), Jackson Flora (Giants) and Derek Curiel (Pirates), as Day 1 grades and pick-by-pick analysis roll into Sunday’s Rounds 5-20. Alabama Tourism: Alabama Tourism officially launched the Alabama Catfish Trail, highlighting more than 50 catfish stops statewide and kicking off a “Year of Catfish” promotion. Coastal & Water Safety: A Gulf Coast RESTORE Act funding update points to new coastal restoration work in Alabama, including wetland creation in upper Mobile Bay and replenishment projects for Dauphin Island and Grand Batture Island. Road-Trip Safety: Operation Southern Slow Down returns for its ninth year, running July 13–19 across Alabama and neighboring states with a focus on speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving and seat belts. Local Schools: Montgomery Public Schools set its 2026-27 first day for Monday, Aug. 10, giving families a clear calendar for planning summer wrap-ups.

Road Safety Push: Operation Southern Slow Down returns for its 9th year, running July 13–19 across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, with extra enforcement aimed at speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belts. Local Travel Disruption: ALDOT plans shoulder widening on SR-227 in Guntersville next week, with daily lane closures July 13–17 between Gerald Bryant Drive and Short Creek. Gulf Coast Events: Taylor Hicks brings his “Back to the Bama Bash” stop to the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach during a milestone year, with the show set for 8:30 p.m. New Alabama Attraction: Gee’s Bend’s newest visitor draw, Willie Quill’s Quilt Studio & Pantry, opens July 18 beside the Gee’s Bend Ferry Landing in Boykin. Fishing Tourism: Alabama Tourism officially launches the Alabama Catfish Trail, highlighting 50+ locations tied to catfish culture statewide. Wildlife Alert: A black bear was reportedly spotted near Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School in Montgomery; officials urge residents not to approach and to report sightings. Food & Health: Jefferson County’s health department reports issues at two restaurants after low early-July scores, including a Little Caesars in Warrior that voluntarily closed before a follow-up inspection.

Road Safety: ALEA says Alabama’s Fourth of July holiday enforcement cut traffic fatalities sharply—four deaths in 2026 vs. 12 in 2025—after 263 crashes, 46 DUI arrests, and thousands of citations/warnings. Speed Enforcement: “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 13–19 across Alabama and four neighboring states, with extra patrols aimed at speeding and reckless driving. Weather & Travel Disruptions: Severe weather brought fallen trees and road closures in Geneva County, with ALEA monitoring impacts and clearing updates. Local Tourism & Taxes: Washington County commissioners reviewed a lodging tax ordinance tied to a November 2026 vote, proposing a jump from 3% to 5% to fund tourism marketing. New Visitor Stops: Tallassee’s Dreamcatcher Comics and Collectibles is teaming with Wet Planet TV for a bigger downtown pop-culture destination, with a planned July 18 welcome and Aug. 22 grand opening. Family Travel Deals: Alabama’s tax-free weekend runs July 17–19, covering school supplies, select clothing, books, and computers in participating cities. Food & Fun: A Birmingham-area Greek spot, The Olive Branch, earned national Cheapism recognition, while a Pine Belt food reviewer’s visit drove big sales for local eateries.

Mobile River Bridge & Bayway: ALDOT unveiled a revised plan for the $3.2B Mobile River Bridge/Bayway project, including higher tolls—$7.70 per trip without an ALGO Pass and $3 one-way for frequent users—while construction is expected to start by year’s end pending a federal TIFIA loan. Road Safety: ALEA says Fourth of July holiday enforcement cut Alabama roadway fatalities sharply: 4 deaths in 2026 vs. 12 in 2025, alongside thousands of citations and DUI arrests. Fishing Tourism: Alabama Tourism launched the Alabama Catfish Trail, highlighting 50+ catfish destinations statewide, from fishing spots to farms and restaurants. Gulf Coast Event: The Blue Marlin Grand Championship returns July 14–19 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, with free public weigh-ins and a $1.8M purse in 2025. Severe Weather Watch: First Warning Impact Days are flagged for Saturday through Monday with heavy rain and storms possible. Local Travel/Attractions: A movie-set tourism spotlight highlights Canton, Mississippi, as a “movie capital” with tours and museums—an easy add-on for Gulf Coast travelers heading inland.

Road & Rail Access: ALDOT says both southbound lanes on the US-11 widening project in Vance will open by Friday evening, completing a permanent four-lane setup (two lanes each direction) and leaving crews to finish striping and a shared-use path. Public Health Watch: A new COVID subvariant, “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1), is now dominant nationwide while wastewater signals rise in 10 states—health officials urge high-risk Alabamians to confirm vaccine status and plan ahead. Summer Safety: Florida’s “Operation Southern Slow Down” starts Monday, July 13, with Alabama and other Southeast states partnering for speed enforcement. Tourism & Culture: A descendant of enslaved people forced on the Trail of Tears returned to Fort Payne for a personalized tour of NPS-certified sites tied to his family history. Outdoor & Fishing: Lake Marion (with Lake Moultrie) earned top national bass rankings from Bassmaster Magazine, a boost for anglers planning trips. Local Eats: Trussville’s new “Redemption” restaurant opens off Hwy. 11, building on the Straight Mountain Foods food-truck and catering buzz. Gulf Coast Events: iHeartMedia highlights weekend happenings along the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Wharf Amphitheater’s TRAIN show in Orange Beach and Mobile’s Loda Artwalk and MOB Music Fest.

Alabama Gulf Coast Events: Gulf Shores is bringing back S’mores on the Shore on Aug. 6 at Gulf Place with free s’mores, live DJ music, face painting, and local vendors—plus watermelon from Wheeles Realty. Downtown Foley: Foley’s “Christmas in July” Third Thursday is set for July 16, with a beach-ready Summer Santa photo op, tropical elves, and kids’ holiday crafting. Local Community & Travel Safety: Alabama’s Fourth of July enforcement saw a significant drop in traffic fatalities, while forecasters warn first warning impact days for Friday through Sunday with stronger storm chances and dangerous lightning. Road & Visitor Impact: A new Hobo Pantry opened in Seale on Hwy. 431, adding jobs and non-ethanol fuel for commuters. Health & Tourism: University of Alabama Police investigator Justin Beal died after a long battle with a rare cancer, a reminder of the human stories behind campus life. Politics (not travel-focused): A Montgomery judge dismissed Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge to the governor’s ballot.

Alabama Travel & Safety: ALEA reports a big drop in Fourth of July holiday traffic deaths after a statewide enforcement push (4 fatalities vs. 12 last year), with 2,639 citations and 46 DUI arrests. Road-Trip Watch: A new multi-state speed crackdown, “Operation Southern Slow Down,” runs July 13–19, targeting speeding and reckless driving during peak travel. Beach Season Notes: Sea turtle nesting is in its peak month; officials urge beachgoers to keep lights low, stay quiet, and report sightings. Coastal Events: Orange Beach’s TVFCU Riverfront Nights continues with “Boys in the Band: The Alabama Tribute” at Ross’s Landing (free, family-friendly). Family Budgeting: Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday returns July 17–19, covering clothing, computers/software, textbooks, and school supplies. Outdoor & Nature: WorldAtlas ranks Lake Martin among the most snake-infested lakes in the U.S., highlighting cottonmouth encounters. Local Business: Hobo Pantry opens a new Highway 431 location in Seale, adding about 15 jobs. Hoover Growth: Stadium Trace Village Phase II advances with plans for a new healthcare campus, retail, senior living, and more.

Outdoor Tourism & Conservation: The Tennessee RiverLine is expanding North Alabama’s outdoor draw, turning the Tennessee River into a connected recreation, conservation and tourism corridor across multiple counties and states. Family Travel Safety: Children’s of Alabama highlights how fast cars can heat up—plus practical “Look and Lock” tips to prevent kids from suffering vehicular heatstroke. Local Attractions in Alabama: Gee’s Bend is set to open Willie Quill’s Quilt Studio & Pantry on July 18, adding a new public visitor stop by the Gee’s Bend Ferry Landing. Community Events (Montgomery): Here’s a week of things to do and live music in Montgomery for July 9–15, including theater and neighborhood-friendly performances. Gulf Coast Travel Costs: Visitors are adjusting Gulf Coast beach plans as prices surge, with more travelers choosing group trips or nearby Alabama options like Gulf Shores. Road Rules for Drivers: A guide breaks down whether livestreaming while driving is legal in Alabama under the state’s hands-free law. Food & Shopping With a Mission: Springville’s ShopWell Store is opening soon, creating jobs for survivors of human trafficking through its shop, café and studios.