Alabama Beaches to Re-Open Friday

As if 2020 hasn't been hard enough on the Gulf Coast, we still have two entire months left of hurricane season. Of course, this has been an unusually active year, and residents of gulf states like Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are still on edge until November 30. And rightly so, because it's not over until it's over, folks.

When Hurricane Sally slammed the coast of Alabama, it happened on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan in 2004,  a storm which also caused major devastation in the area. The brunt of the hurricane was felt between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, and landfall was squarely on Gulf Shores, Alabama. Generations of Acadiana families have vacationed in this area, and we were so sad to see the destruction wrought by this powerful storm. It even ripped the Gulf Shores State Park Pier in half.

But, a ray of sunshine is coming at the end of this week for all who love the beautiful beaches and serene area around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The beaches have actually been closed to the public since September 16th, but they are set to re-open this Friday, October 2. Considering that insurance forecasters have said that damage from Hurricane Sally has reached at least $3 billion dollars along the Gulf Coast, this is big news for an area that relies heavily on tourism. Gulf Shores State Park remains closed, including all trails.

Al.com is advising all who had accommodations reserved along the Alabama shore to check in and make sure they are open before traveling to the area. We are sending all our good wishes to our friends on the Alabama gulf coast as they continue to recover from this devastating event.