community and elected leaders.

Four potential routes have been proposed, but a final decision cannot be made until the draft environmental plan is released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and a series of public meetings regarding the potential $1 billion project are conducted on both sides of the bay. At the meeting, Representative Byrne asked the FHA to release the draft environmental study by July 1, 2014, or provide a concrete reason for the ongoing delay.

The route preferred by the majority of community stakeholders is "B Prime," which offers the least disruption to local businesses and activity along Mobile's waterfront. The route starts past the Virginia Street exit. The proposed bridge would run south of the Alabama Cruise Terminal, include the possible addition of footings on  

Austal USA's property and terminate just north of the AIDT Maritime Training Center on the Causeway - which feeds directly into the existing bayway that would be widened to eight lanes as part of the project. 

Mike Lee, president of Page & Jones Inc. in Mobile and co-chairman of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce's "Build the Bridge" task force said that when the Wallace Tunnel was completed in 1973, the structure had a target optimum operating capacity of 50,000 vehicles per day, and that figure was reached in 1998. By 2004, the figure had increased more than 25 percent, to 63,000. When the last study was completed in 2009, modest projections indicated daily traffic of 75,000 vehicles with spikes to as many as 90,000 on peak travel days.

Once the draft environmental impact statement is released, the public will be given 45 days notice for hearings in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Based on previously released estimates, it could take anywhere from five to eight years to complete design, engineering and construction for the project once it receives formal approval.

Commissioner Hudson pictured with Mike Lee, Co-Chairman of the Build the Bridge Coalition at the I-10 bridge meeting.

For more information and to view renderings of the proposed I-10 bridge Click Here. For more information on the Build the Bridge coalition Click Here. 

MOBILE PROPELLER CLUB 17TH ANNUAL RUFUS B. LEE  

GUMBO COOK-OFF

 

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16 

Where: Cooper Riverside Park, Downtown Mobile

 

The Propeller Club of Mobile will sponsor the 17th Annual Rufus B. Lee Gumbo Cook-Off in observance of National Maritime Day featuring entertainment by Thom Oglesby. Proceeds from this event will benefit GulfQuest (National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico), Mobile's new maritime museum, currently under construction at Mobile Landing. 

 

Cost: Tickets are $15 each (children 15 years old and younger admitted free) 

 

For more information or if you would like to volunteer for this event contact Pamela Brewer 436-8901 or email pbrewer@gulfquest.org. 

 

   

 

 

 

MARKET ON THE SQUARE

 

When: 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Now through July 26

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

 

The market features locally grown produce, seafood, beef, honey, breads, pastas, cheeses, plants, handcrafted goods for kitchen and home, live music and other activities. Arts and crafts vendors are featured on alternate Saturdays.

 

For more information Click Here or call the City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1550.

BROWN BAG IN BIENVILLE CONCERT SERIES

 

FORKS OVER KNIVES FILM NIGHT AT THE EXPLOREUM

   

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 23

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

 

This event will be the first of many health-and fitness-oriented documentary nights with Cindy Lane Ross of Bodies By Cindy, promoting a new, healthy living focus at the Gulf Coast Exploreum. The film Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods.  

 

For more information or to reserve your seat Click Here or contact the Exploreum at 208-6873. 

 

 

MOBILE POPS "AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS"
 
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24
Where: Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion at Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road, Mobile

Come join the Mobile Pops for an evening of live music under the direction of David Dueitt. This event is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested.

For more information on this event or the Mobile Pops Band Click Here or contact 679-6036.

SOUTH ALABAMA VETERANS COUNCIL MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

  

When: Monday, May 26

 

A flag-raising will kick off the day at 6 a.m. at the Lower Alabama Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Battleship Park and a Memorial Day Ceremony at Mobile National Cemetery, Virginia Street, Mobile, commencing at 8:30 a.m.  

 

Wherever you are on Memorial Day please attend a ceremony or pause during your busy day and remember the ones who gave their lives so that we could have the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today.

 

For more information on the SAVC Click Here to view their website.

CITY OF SEMMES HONOR PARK DEDICATION
 
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where:  4100 Wulff Road, Semmes

Join the City of Semmes as they dedicate Honor Park and host guest speaker, Congressman Bradley Byrne, from Alabama's 1st Congressional District.

For more information contact City of Semmes City Hall at 649-8811.

DISTRICT 7 COMMUNITY MEETING
 
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile

Join Councilwoman Gina Gregory at this important community meeting. Invited guests are Mayor Sandy Stimpson and representatives from the Mobile Police Department, Mobile Fire-Rescue, Municipal Court and the District Attorney's Office.

For more information contact the Mobile City Council office at 208-7441.
 

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN AT THE GULFCOAST EXPLOREUM

When: Beginning June 2 through August 15 

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

Are you ready for another HUGE summer full of awesome summer science camps? These camps feature explosions, rockets, dinosaurs, mad science, engineering and more. If you have a child with a passion for science, education or just plain fun, then we have everything they need for a exciting and educational summer at the Gulf Coast Exploreum.  

Click Here to download the camp guide which includes camp schedule and cost information. Click Here to download the registration form.  

For more information contact the Exploreum at 208-6892 or Click Here to visit their website.

SAVE THE DATE: TANNER WILLIAMS ROAD PROJECT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MEETING

When: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3

Where: Faith Academy School, 8650 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile

Save the date for this important community involvement meeting sponsored by Mobile County and the engineering consultant for the project, Volkert, Inc. regarding Mobile County Road Project 2012-001 which will widen Tanner Williams Road from Snow Road to Zeigler Blvd.

CONNIE HUDSON MOBILE REGIONAL SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER FOUNDATION FISH FRY

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7

Where: CHMRSCC, 3201 Hillcrest Road, Mobile

This fish fry - eat in or take out - will benefit the senior community center and assist in their efforts to construct a covered patio/BBQ area at the center. The Modern Woodmen of America Chapter 18192 will match the proceeds raised up to $2,500. 

Cost: Donation of $10 per plate.

MOBILE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL FARM-TO-TABLE TASTING EVENT

When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 9

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Hall, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort 

Again this year, the Mobile County Master Gardeners will pair local growers and producers with area chefs and caterers to celebrate the culinary bounty of our region. Locally-sourced produce, meats and seafood will be prepared for diners by professional South Alabama chefs. This eating-local feast will include wine, dessert, and music. Last year's event sold out well in advance, so make your reservations early!

Cost: $65 per person, Reservations requested by May 30 

For more information or to make reservations contact 574-8445, email jda0002@aces.edu, or Click Here. 

SAVE THE DATE: CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 5 COMMUNITY MEETING

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 10
Where: St. Pius, 217 South Sage Avenue, Mobile

Join Council member Joel Daves for this important community meeting.

For more information contact the City of Mobile Council office at 208-7441.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

June 11 through July 30

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore 

Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature among 65 acres of blooms!

Summer Garden Walk with Dr. Bill Barrick

English Decorative Arts within the Bellingrath Home with Tom McGehee

Cost: Adults, $12; children 5-12, $6.50; and children 4 and under are free. Additional charges for Home tour and/or Riverboat Cruise. Reservations are requested. 

For more information or to make reservations contact BGH at 973-2217.

For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.