🌱 Injured Pug Finds Home + Dangerous Gummies On The Rise In Alabama

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Mobile Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

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But first, today's weather:

Not as warm. High: 68 Low: 44.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Mobile today:

1. Last week, news outlets reported that a pug was left for dead on the side of the road in Lucedale — less than an hour outside Mobile — after being hit by a car. This week, the pug gets to go home with his new family. Chelsea Merrell and her wife Avery Overstreet saw the pug move on the side of the road and pulled over to help him. He's now recovering well and the couple has decided to name him "Poochie." His medical bills totaled nearly $8,000, and anyone in the position to donate can do so here. (Fox 10 News)
2. Between the warmer weather and the upcoming spring break holidays, Alabama's national parks are sure to be full. However, a spokesperson for Alabama State Parks warns park-goers to exercise caution this spring when hiking to look out for venomous snakes. Though there have been incidents of people getting bit by snakes, they will leave you alone if you follow proper precautions. Try to avoid contact and watch where you're stepping, and always have a charged cell phone just in case. For more tips, visit the link here. (Alabama's News Leader)
3. The Alabama Poison Information Center warns Alabama residents that dangerous gummy products are on the rise in the state. Last month, more than a dozen Birmingham middle schoolers got sick from ingesting an unknown type of candy. According to the Information Center, over 16,000 calls last year involved children under six being exposed to something toxic. The Poison Information Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 for more information for children of all ages. (WBRC)

Today in Mobile:

• Create! Play! Learn! At Mobile Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Beginner Dance Class At David Miner Ballroom (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Cedar Point Pier, located down the road on Dauphin Island Parkway, offers unbeatable 24/7 saltwater fishing. A saltwater fishing license is not required for Alabama residents. Visit this link for more information. (Mobile County, Alabama via Facebook)
• Avelo Airlines will begin service at Mobile International Airport with a special inaugural flight on Wednesday, May 31, followed by twice weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Avelo will be the only airline operating scheduled service at BFM when it takes flight in May and the only airline offering nonstop service to Orlando from the greater Mobile region. (PR Newswire)
• Portions of Mobile Bay closed to oyster harvesting on Jan. 30 have been reopened. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris announced the order effective as of noon on Mar. 9.
  Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division (MRD) manages all public oyster reefs for harvest. Catchers are reminded to check with MRD for information regarding areas open for harvest. (OBA Website)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.