The Gulf Shores are Clean Once Again

              

            The BP oil spill was the largest accidental marine spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Since this accident, Gulf Shores, Al was hit majorly from the lack of tourists in the area. Rental homes were left inhabited for most of the past eight months.

Well worry no longer, the white sandy beaches are back to normal. Almost all of the sand in the thirty-two mile stretch of beaches was scooped up before being put threw a giant sifter. Once the sand was cleaned it was placed back in the same location, almost like a giant kitty litter.

Jackson Gilmore, a local from the coast said, “I think the beach looks better now than it has ever before.” “I have never seen the sand so white!”

The local businesses are pleased to hear that everything is back to normal if not better than before the oil spill. The Gulf Shores attract many travelers during spring break; the timing couldn’t appear to be any better. Restaurants and other businesses are expected a large revenue during next weeks spring break period.

Gilmore said he plans to head back home for spring break and work as a waiter and bartender at the Dog House Grille, a job he has held for a few years.

“I am excited to be home making money during this spring break, instead of spending all of it.”

Gilmore believes that the number of vacationers will be back to normal once again after being down 15% last summer. New, white sandy beaches make the Gulf shores a great place to visit for a cheaper price than most spring break vacations. Brian McCarthy, a student at the University of Mississippi has plans to visit the coast and all of the new things it has to offer over spring break next week.

“The Coast couldn’t be in better condition at a better time.”

Whoever thought the Gulf would repair from this disaster so fast? The largest marine spill in history has been cleaned up and the sandy, white beaches are ready for reopening. If you are looking for a great, affordable location for family travel, Gulf Shores is the place to visit.

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The Oxford Run for Hope

Once a year, the beautiful town of Oxford plays host to a half marathon and 5k known as the Oxford Run for Hope. 640 people from all around the southern region participated in the event benefitting two camps in the Oxford area.

            Camp Hopwell is separated in to two different summer camps, one benefitting children dealing with type 1 diabetes and the other is designed to support families with children suffering from cancer. The camps allow families to focus on having fun while providing care for those who suffer from these terrible diseases.

            Nick Marzullo, a student at Ole Miss and a volunteer in the Oxford Run for Hope said, “Camp Hopwell is simply a great organization, it provides hope for children with these terrible diseases.” Nick volunteered his time by standing at mile markers, pointing the runners in the right direction while cheering them on.

            The race took place on Saturday, February 26^th and the course stretched all throughout the city of Oxford. Beginning at the Oxford Convention Center, the runner’s head toward the beautiful hills of northern Oxford before continuing on to the University of Mississippi campus. After completing this part of the course the runner’s move to historical downtown Oxford. They finish up where they began at the Convention Center.

            Colin Cawthorne, a runner who has competed in the Boston Marathon and numerous other events around the country said, “It was definitely a great test of endurance, the city of Oxford is full of treacherous hills and great scenery.”

            The competition was stacked with great runners from around the region. The winner of the half marathon was John Hinkle from Lake Village, Arkansas with a time of 1:11:19. Henry Olivi from Clarksdale, Mississippi captured the win in the 5k with a time of 18:41.

            As we say goodbye to the cold winter conditions and welcome in the beautiful spring, The Oxford Run for Hope allows people from outside the area to experience all that this great town has to offer. The history of this small, southern town is something everyone needs to come and experience for themselves.