After the extreme heat of summer that seems to have encompassed the world, a couple of weeks ago, we had a weekend respite in New Orleans. My Father’s Day gift this year was for Linda and me to be treated to dinner followed by a concert by Jackson Browne at the Saenger Theater. My three sons, Zeb, Bryan, and Matthew, took care of everything.

Victor Wright has spent his entire life in and around the waters that surround Pensacola. As a kid living in Pensacola Beach, he attended school in a house that a resident, Harry Gownes, let the Pensacola School System use. It was the only school on Pensacola Beach. In the 8th grade, his family moved to Gulf Breeze so that he could attend middle school.

I recently enjoyed meeting and getting to know Ed Bloodsworth, Chief Meteorologist at WKRG in Mobile. He’s such a likable guy and a man of many talents. It’s not often you meet someone who knew at seven years old, exactly what he wanted to do in life.

On the waterfront in downtown Pensacola, one of the city’s most popular entertainment establishments, The Fish House Restaurant and Atlas Oyster House sit. The brainchild of the Merrill brothers, Collier, Burney, and Will, they formed Great Southern Restaurants seeing the need for new and exciting restaurants to revitalize the downtown waterfront area.

The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” is a tried and true axiom. Scenic 98 Coastal strives to offer its readers sage advice on where to go for good food, great entertainment, and fun places to shop. It's what we do. This week we bring you the go-to place for rock-solid advice on any subject, but it’s not free.

On Tuesday, July 18, a big announcement was made at a press conference held at Julep Point at the Grand Hotel, regarding The Eagle Reef Project. You may recall the story of John Shell, who took on the task of placing manufactured mini-reefs under wharves and piers around the Scenic 98 Coastal area, to help facilitate the growth of oysters and barnacles that, in turn, would filter water and attract fish and crabs.

“If you don’t believe you can do it, you’re right, If you do think you can do it, you’re right!” What a special place Sophiella Gallery on Dauphin Street in Downtown Mobile is. I had a wonderful time visiting with Kim Kelly, learning about her and her family and how the gallery came into being. When you walk in the door, you are immediately transported. The art and the space create an air of sophistication and the creative energy is palpable.

On the first Friday of every month, the downtown businesses in Fairhope host First Friday Art Walk, when stores, galleries, and restaurants offer special refreshments, music, and other entertainment.