Summer is a time for scattered showers and scattered people. As we move into August, I hope you are enjoying changes of scenery and routine and the last fluid activities that the end of summer often brings.

Speaking of routine, as you read this, I have just had a “routine” medical procedure to recharge the batteries, so to speak. It’s been on the “to do” list, and August seemed to be the best time for rest and recovery. I’ll admit to a bit of nervousness preceding the procedure, but I do expect a full recovery. All this is to say, our publication schedule may be interrupted a bit, but not too much… I hope!

The medical industry has surely changed a lot in my lifetime. As the years have passed, so have the issues that need to be addressed. The biggest change I’ve noticed is the pressure on the health industry as more people have moved into the Scenic 98 Coastal area. And who can blame them? It’s a great place to live. 

As population centers have shifted to the coast, new medical centers are popping up everywhere to ease the overload. Add to the explosive growth the sheer number of us Baby Boomers who have aged into, well, old age. The demands on health care are real. 

Fortunately, most stories I hear about "procedures" are positive and a tribute to the men and women in the medical field. Also, technology has come so far, so fast, that  we are enjoying better outcomes, thank goodness. I do know this: every social engagement I attend begins with a discussion about our collective health. It’s almost a full-time job trying to keep up!

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Bay Gourmet, Crown Hall Update

Linda and I recently attended the 25th anniversary celebration of Bay Gourmet and the grand opening of Crown Hall, their new 30,000 sf venue on St. Lewis Street in Mobile. Sarah Clark is the visionary behind Bay Gourmet and, with her terrific staff, has grown it into quite the enterprise. Sarah is fierce and not afraid of a challenge. We’ve always had a great experience with Bay Gourmet.

The new Crown Hall event space is a city block with three buildings creating the largest privately operated event space in Alabama. The anniversary party was a fitting tribute to Mobile’s reputation for throwing great parties, whatever the occasion. The space is bright, fun, and well-organized, with several areas that can be configured for large and small groups both inside and outside. 

Crown Hall, with Chef Jermy Newberg at the helm, is a 100-year old historic building transformed into a modern venue with all the amenities for weddings, corporate events, concerts, trade shows, private parties, and large galas, all with on-site catering and bar service by Bay Gourmet. There is also a 5,000 sf outside area for entertaining and a spectacular new techno party room for the after-party. (Dos Equis’ The Most Interesting Man in the World is back, and I remember him saying, ”In a two-party system, always go to the after party.” I agree!)

Sarah invited former Mobile mayor Sandy Stimpson to offer a toast. He’s followed Sarah’s success every step of the way, and knows her smarts and tenacity will shine in this Crown Jewel for Mobile. 

At the party, we had a chance to catch up with Sandy. Early the next day, he was heading to the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, England. Known as one of the world’s premier aerospace events, the show operates as a massive global marketplace. Amazingly, Mobile is a big player at this event via Airbus, and it is a tribute to the great leadership from Alabama and the Mobile Airport Authority that has been working behind the scenes. Sandy shared that he is optimistic that the new Brookley Field Airport facility will open on schedule and within budget, fingers crossed. 

We also talked about what’s going on at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. Under the leadership of Karen Poth, it seems to be doing quite well. The Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience, a Jimmy Buffett immersive exhibit, is set to open on September 12, 2026. The Delta Mosaic, an interactive immersive “walk through the Delta” which simulates exploring the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of the most bio-diverse areas of the world, is also scheduled to open in April 2027. 

According to the former Mayor, both projects' fundraising efforts are close to reaching their goals, but would welcome your support. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf is truly a world-class experience representing the rich history and traditions of the Gulf and the area surrounding the Port of Mobile! Make plans to visit, especially now in the heat of summer. 

When you step back and take in all that Scenic 98 Coastal has to offer, you begin to understand why people have loved living here, and why new arrivals are moving here. We had friends from Ponte Vedra, Florida pass through last week on their way to Colorado. With stops in Rosemary Beach, Fairhope, and Birmingham before heading to spend August in Vail, they were on a mission to explore and dine. 

It was Monday, so after shopping in downtown Fairhope, we decided on Bucky’s at the Grand Hotel on Mobile Bay. It proved to be a pleasant evening, with a nice breeze, low humidity (after the rains on Sunday), and moderate temperatures. We ate outside and had a nice visit. Bucky’s is always a good choice. Our friends had never visited Fairhope, but like many others before them, commented, “We could live here!”