A FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant program will be administered by the Alabama Department of Insurance (ADOI). It is expected to supplement retrofit costs for approximately 120 homes in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Each resident receiving a grant will be eligible for 75% of the total wind retrofit project cost, up to $5,000. Some applicants may be eligible to receive discounts on their homeowner's insurance premiums as a result of this retrofit work. The ADOI began accepting complete applications for grants online on October 28. Applicants will be prioritized on a first come, first served basis. 

Increased funding for home mitigation was a recommendation of Governor Robert Bentley's Affordable Homeowner Insurance Commission in its February 2013 report. This grant program will begin that process. A total of $635,920 will be available to the two counties for the grants; $432,184 for Baldwin County and $203,736 for Mobile County. These grants will be provided as a pilot program for what state officials hope

will be a much larger future program authorized by the Strengthen Alabama Homes Act which passed state legislature in 2011. 

Some of the details of the program include:

• Eligibility
• Single-family, owner-occupied, primary residence, homesteaded
• Must have wind and flood insurance policies. The flood policy is only required if the home is located in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Home must be structurally sound.
• Wind retrofit mitigation projects awarded will include, but not necessarily be limited to, roof sealing, roof deck replacement, and/or the installation of tested impact-resistant opening protection in compliance with the IBHS Fortified Standards.
• Home inspections will be required to validate the work.

Residents interested in applying or learning more about guidelines and eligibility requirements should contact the Alabama Department of Insurance at 1-800-433-3966 or Click Here to visit the ADOI website. Applications may be submitted online.

VOTE TUESDAY!

Former Alabama State Senator Bradley Byrne and real estate developer Dean Young will face each other in the Republican Primary Runoff Special Election on Tuesday, November 5 for Alabama's 1st Congressional District.

Mobile real estate agent Burton LeFlore, the Democratic Primary winner will face the winner of the Republican Primary Runoff in the general election on Tuesday, December 17.   

Alabama House District 104

Runoff, Tuesday, December 10

General Election, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 

If you live in Baldwin or Mobile counties and spend time on the water, commercially or recreationally, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) would like your input through an online survey, The Community Assessment of Marine Use. Representatives from Alabama State Port Authority, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ADCNR, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Gulf State Marine Fisheries Commission, Geological Survey of Alabama, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, MBNEP, U.S. Coast Guard, and Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve have joined together to improve communication between and cooperation among differing commercial and recreational interests that use marine resources. Responses received will help to improve coordination of the many ways our coastal waters are used.

The Community Assessment of Marine Use, available now through November 22, will evaluate how people use marine resources. Please provide your input by following the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/marineuses  

If you have any questions contact Kristen O'Keefe at 380-7938 or by email at kokeefe@mobilebaynep.com. 

GREATER GULF STATE FAIR

When: Now through November 3

Where: The Grounds, 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile

This 10-day agricultural fair features local and professional food concessionaires as well as commercial and community exhibitors. The grandstand shines the spotlight on local musical artists for everyone's listening pleasure. The carnival rides and games will leave everyone, young and old, feeling like a kid again! Get ready to have some fun with Thomas the Tank Engine and Angeline Ballerina!

For more information and ticket costs Click Here to view the Greater Gulf State Fair website.

 

WELLS FARGO SENIOR BOWL CHARITY RUN

  

When: 6 a.m. to noon (Day of registration 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Senior Bowl Headquarters) Saturday, November 2

Where: Downtown Mobile, Click Here to view the race courses 

 

The annual Wells Fargo Charity run draws thousands to downtown Mobile each November. Participants can run a 10k, 5k or try the one-mile fun run, with all three finishing at historic Bienville Square in downtown, near Reese's Senior Bowl headquarters on Dauphin St. Race participants are treated to free food and drinks, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities at the Family Fun Festival in Bienville Square. The one-mile fun run usually includes thousands of students, teachers and parents who sign up through the Charity Run School Program, which gives money back to schools based on participation.  

 

For more information Click Here, contact the Reese's Senior Bowl Headquarters at 438-2276 or Click Here for a printable registration form.

 

CITY OF MOBILE DAY OF SERVICE

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 2
Where: Parkway Senior Center, 1600 Boykin Boulevard, Mobile

In lieu of a traditional inaugural party, Mayor-Elect Sandy Stimpson is hosting a community clean-up and service day. Lunch and bottled waters will be provided. Bring work gloves and stay as long as you can. On Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 Mayor-Elect Stimpson is also requesting that our faith community pray for our city during their regular times of worship. Please encourage your friends and pastors to pray. 

 

For more information contact William Hanes at 709-8820.  

 

EXPLOREUM ANNIVERSARY: 15 YEARS OF SCIENCE DOWNTOWN 

 

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 2

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile

Join the Exploreum as they celebrate over 30 years of igniting and inspiring curiosity and ingenuity in the sciences. Be sure to get there early to meet the Exploreum's own Science Squad as they officially open the BASF Science Squad Headquarters! A team will be on-hand delivering the best in high-quality, exciting science-based demonstrations. Stick around for a chance to win cool door prizes and enjoy a sampling of decadent desserts from Mobile's finest bakers, ice cream makers and go-to party professionals.

For more information contact Josh Holland at 776-4558 or jholland@exploreum.com.

HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOBILE EVENTS

 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 3

Free admission and last chance to view Scottsboro Boys Exhibit

 

Friday through Sunday, November 8 through November 10

Veterans Day Weekend- free admission for military and family. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 12

HERSTORY- This annual event gives the History Museum an opportunity to honor South Alabama women who make a difference in our community. Reservations are required, $20 per person 

 

Noon Wednesday, November 13
Learning Lunch- Special screening of Mobile in Black & White and a conversation with the filmmakers 

 

Noon Tuesday, November 19 

Learning Lunch- A Fusion of Cultures, Estela Dorn, author and former director of Mobile International Festival  

 

For more information Click Here or contact the Museum at 208-7652.

 

THURSDAYS AT THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

 

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. All Thursdays

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive

 

The Museum of Art is offering free admission and access to all galleries and; special programs on Thursdays.

 

For more information call 208-5200 or Click Here.

 

 

GOVERNMENT STREET FORUM    

 

When: 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, November 7 and November 14
Where: Government Street Presbyterian Church, 200 Government Street, Downtown Mobile (Parking available in the Jackson Street lot)   

 

The government street forum is a speaker luncheon hosted by Government Street Presbyterian Church.  

 

November 7: Dr. Will Peterson, USA Jaguars Band Director

November 14: Phil Duryea, Volunteer Coordinator, National Museum of Aviation in Pensacola

 

Cost: $7 if you would like to purchase lunch. There is not a cost to attend the forum.

For more information Click Here or call 432-1749.      

 

 

 

 

MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS MARKET PLACE MADNESS

   

When: 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday, November 8 and November 9

Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile 

 

This event features 40% off everything in stock, including annuals, perennials, fruit trees, flowering shrubs and more. Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide helpful, friendly advice to go with your plants. Proceeds support the Gardens and its mission of horticultural education.  

 

For more information, call MBG at 251-342-0555 or Click Here.  

LODA ARTWALK
 
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, November 8
Where: Cathedral Arts District, Downtown Mobile

Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 8th year, the event seems to be getting better each month. Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. 

 

For more information Click Here or contact the City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1553.  

 

 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT THE EXPLOREUM DURING ARTWALK   

 

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, November 8

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street,  Downtown Mobile

  

This month's Parent's Night Out at the Exploreum will be themed "Thanksgiving, 80's Style". Activities include making a rad tad totally bad turkey and a Neat-o Native American bracelet. This is the ideal opportunity for parents of children ages 4 to 12 to spend a grown-up night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Children will be able to explore the Exploreum's hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experience a kid-friendly feature film, make new friends, and learn lots of new stuff from the Exploreum's team of informal educators! This month we will be having a Lego Challenge. Guests will be building simple machines such as merry-go rounds and Lego cars. Our IMAX feature will be the animated favorite Robots!  

Cost: From $9 to 27 depending on when tickets are purchased and membership status. Limited space available. 

 

For more information Click Here or contact the Exploreum at 208-6873.   

 

 

4TH ANNUAL BATTLESHIP RUN 

   

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, November 9

Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Causeway

 

Preregistered entry fees; adults $15, children (16 and under) $12 day of race fees: adults $20, children (16 and under) $15. Register at McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri in Mobile, or Running Wild in Fairhope until noon on Thursday, November 7. Race Day registration at Battleship Park is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

 

To register online Click Here or for more information call 438-2834.       

 

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MOBILE CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

When: Thursdays through Saturday, November 14 through 16

Where: Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile

Junior League of Mobile's 28th annual Christmas Jubilee Holiday Market is a shopping extravaganza featuring more than 100 merchants from around the country under one roof for fabulous shopping. This years Market features several special events including a breakfast with Santa and a girls night out.

For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here or contact the Junior League at 471-3348.

  
PIGSKIN PALOOZA AT THE EXPLOREUM

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, November 14

When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, November 22

The City welcomes in the holiday season with pictures with Santa, live music and much more. Shop in our merry market and enjoy live entertainment. Be sure to be there by 6 p.m., as we kick off the holiday season when Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Santa light up the tree at 6:10 p.m.!    

For more information Click Here or contact the City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1553.

MOBILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 23

Where: Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, Downtown Mobile   

Cost: Adults $10, seniors 65 and older $8; children 7 to 15 $5; children 6 and under are free. Advance tickets are available at the Mobile Civic Center Box office for $1 off regular admission price. 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.