January on the Gulf Coast: Where community never takes a break!

January can mean fresh starts or full-on hibernation, depending on where you live. Here along the Gulf Coast, we do things differently. In Mobile and the surrounding counties, our community shows up—filling streets for Mardi Gras, gathering around football, and supporting the arts that give our city its rhythm.

Homes come alive again this time of year. Friends gather around kitchen tables, new recipes are tested, stories are swapped, and laughter carries long after the dishes are cleared. These moments—shared meals, familiar faces, unhurried conversations—are what community really looks like.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been reminded just how much local business owners contribute to the city we call home. Not always in the spotlight, and often without fanfare, they’re doing meaningful work that strengthens our community every single day. Let me give you a glimpse of some of the good happening behind the scenes.

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Community Safety, Care and Celebration

Alisha & Jimmy Bailey, founders of Bailey 360 Security LLP

We’re excited to welcome Bailey 360 Security LLP as our newest meet da’ boss partners. Owners, Jimmy & Alisha Bailey have 40 years of combined local law enforcement experience. When it comes to protecting what matters most—people, property, and peace of mind—this is a team built on trust.

Bailey 360 Security provides commercial, residential, private, and event security services, serving businesses, neighborhoods, and community gatherings throughout our area. Their approach is rooted in integrity, professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment—values that show up in every detail of how they operate.

Security is more than a uniform or a presence; it’s knowing you can focus on living, working, and celebrating while someone capable has your back. Whether it’s safeguarding a business, protecting a home, or ensuring a successful event, Bailey 360 Security lives by their motto: Protection you can trust.

We invite you to visit their new website to learn more about their services and what sets this local security team apart. Click here to check it out.

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Serving Those Who Served Us:

Local Businesses Making a Difference for Veterans

Supporting our veterans is more than a gesture of gratitude—it’s a responsibility our community takes seriously. We’re fortunate to have local businesses that go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served.

Mobile Marble Company is proudly HISA-trained, helping veterans access Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants to convert bathrooms into safer, more accessible spaces. These upgrades allow veterans to remain independent in their homes with dignity and confidence—often with financial assistance many don’t realize is available. Give Mike Waldo, president, a call at 251-344-6272 for more information.

At Liberation Chiropractic, Dr. Jordan Moore works closely with veterans who qualify for VA referrals, offering chiropractic care at no cost once approved. It’s a powerful example of local healthcare meeting veterans where they are—supporting mobility, pain relief, and overall quality of life through compassionate, patient-centered care. Give him a call at 251-607-0040 or email him at drjordan@liberationchiropractic.com

Navigating healthcare and benefits can be overwhelming, which is where Jessica Zoltek at Zoltek Healthcare Services makes a real impact. She helps veterans understand their Medicare supplemental options, ensuring they receive the benefits they’ve earned and the coverage that truly fits their needs—without confusion or pressure. Give her a call at 251-751-5434.

I am delighted that these partners are working together to build a stronger community.

These businesses remind us that community support doesn’t stop with a “thank you for your service.” It shows up in accessible homes, trusted healthcare guidance, and hands-on care that improves daily life.

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Why Local Matters More Than Ever in 2026

Community support doesn’t always make headlines, but it’s felt in everyday moments—in neighbors showing up, in local businesses choosing service over spotlight, and in the quiet commitment to care for one another. When we support local, we strengthen the places we live, the people we rely on, and the stories that bind us together.

As we move into this New Year, let this be a reminder that community isn’t built by chance. It’s built by intention, by trust, and by choosing to support those who pour back into our city every day. The more we show up for one another, the stronger Mobile and the Gulf Coast becomes.

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Normally I share my latest recipes from my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/charlsiepecoraro, however the past few weeks have been very busy and I haven't recorded anything new. I will offer this tried and true appetizer/salad that we served to friends recently. The wife loved it so much she found my channel online and has made in twice in the past week. Here is my recipe for Crab & Avocado salad! Enjoy!

Click here for the recipe! This is a healthy choice for folks cutting out the carbs! It looks complicated. Trust me, it takes all of 10 minutes to put together...in fact we're having it tonight!

Thank you to everyone for reading my blog! Let's go out and have a great January 2026! ~ Charlsie