AI-generated editorial illustration for the June 2026 report. Symbolic composition, not a documentary photograph or exact site rendering.
Spanish Fort News | Monthly community report
Reporting period: June 1–30, 2026
Retrospective prepared October 28, 2026, from public records and attributed reporting.
June linked a major commercial-property purchase with changes in public-safety and school-sports leadership. Development decisions, a police operation and a new arts event added distinct community stories to the month.
Economy, chamber and mayor: a new purpose for the former Kohl’s
Infirmary Health purchased the approximately 86,000-square-foot former Kohl’s building at Spanish Fort Town Center for a regional operations and support facility, according to June reporting by WKRG carried by AOL. The purchase offered a reuse strategy for a large vacant commercial space rather than another conventional retail tenant.
Eastern Shore Chamber President Casey Gay Williams described the location’s value and the prospective benefit of returning the property to activity. Mayor Brad Bass anticipated jobs and additional business interest along the corridor. Those comments describe expected benefits; the announcement did not establish final employment totals or measured nearby sales growth. The planned operations-and-support use also should not be confused with an announcement that a new hospital had opened.
Source: WKRG via AOL, June 25–26.
Fire department: Chief Roger Few announces a September retirement
Fire Chief Roger Few announced plans to retire September 30 after 45 years of service, according to WKRG’s June 23 report. The announcement credited him with 35 years as chief and 17 years as the city’s first paid fire chief.
His statement reflected on the department’s transition to a combination of paid personnel and volunteers. For the community, June’s news was advance notice of a significant leadership change, allowing attention to turn toward continuity, staffing and the next chief’s priorities. The reported retirement date remained in the future during June.
Source: WKRG via AOL, June 23.
Development: Highway 31 zoning and Longleaf temporary facilities
The council approved B-3 General Business zoning for property at 11699 U.S. Highway 31 on June 15, according to Baldwin REALTORS. The owner had sought M-1 Light Industrial zoning. The final classification reflected discussion about commercial uses and compatibility with surrounding development.
The same update reported approval of Longleaf PUD amendments allowing temporary golf-related facilities while permanent amenities are constructed. The temporary provisions included cart storage, a pro shop and an existing residence used for sales and information. These were interim operating arrangements, with removal and restoration tied to replacement by permanent facilities.
Source: Baldwin REALTORS, June government update.
Police: June operation includes victim identification
Police said a June 26 undercover operation conducted with the Little Tree Project resulted in seven arrests for alleged agreements to engage in prostitution. FOX10’s June 30 report also said one potential victim was identified.
Chief John Barber described the activity as part of addressing exploitation that can remain out of public view. The partnership linked enforcement with a victim-support organization. These are police-reported allegations and operational results, not convictions; the monthly record should preserve that distinction without identifying a potential victim.
Source: FOX10, June 30.
School sports: Guy Howard selected to lead baseball
Spanish Fort announced Guy Howard as its new head baseball coach in June, following Tommy Walker’s retirement. AL.com reported the selection June 23. Howard had previously led Pelham and Northridge and had played for Walker in high school.
The appointment connected a new coaching chapter with the program’s existing history. Howard’s background also included playing at Faulkner State, now Coastal Alabama. His hiring was the personnel development of the month; future improvement in team results would need to be assessed through later seasons.
Source: AL.com, June 23.
Events and arts: a debut performance gathering
Five Rivers Performance Collective advertised its debut Night at the Gallery for June 13, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gulf Coast Dance Alliance on Ember Lane. The program combined live music, visual art, refreshments and a small dance performance.
The event announcement expanded June’s community calendar beyond sports and civic meetings. It described participation by the collective and Gulf Coast Dance Alliance dancers, providing a local platform for several art forms in one evening. The announcement establishes the planned program, rather than a ticket-sales or attendance result.
Source: FOX10 Studio10, June 5.
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