This is week two of the South Louisiana exodus to the Red Neck Riviera. What we mean by that is it seems as if half of Lafayette, Louisiana and the surrounding communities take the week of Memorial Day, the first week after school lets out, to go the beach. The following week, the other half heads east for their fun in the sun while the returning group is stuck on the exit ramp thinking that Buc-ees would be "a quick stop for some brisket and a drink".

Fox10 News via YouTube
Fox10 News via YouTube
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Group one, as we will refer to the Louisiana travelers who have been at the beach since Memorial Day Weekend, got to spend part of their beach time wondering if an area of disturbed weather in the Gulf of Mexico was going to rain on their parade. Fortunately, it didn't but we did get our first tropical storm, Arlene out of the chaos. By the way Arlene is drifting to the south toward Cuba and should eventually dissipate.

nhc.noaa.gov
nhc.noaa.gov
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So, what's awaiting "group two", the gang heading for Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and a headache courtesy of the Flora-Bama have to look forward to? Sharks, lots of sharks. And yes, we looked it up a group of sharks is called a "shiver".

Drone footage from very near the beaches where many of us have played in the past and might be hoping to play this week shows dozens of baby sharks in the waters very close to shore.

I don't know what would be creepier in this instance the Theme from Jaws or the dreaded Baby Shark Song. But I have to admit when the drone footage pans up and you see the proximity of the sharks to the beach it will make you more uncomfortable than sand in your bikini bottom.

And since Captain Obvious has already made the comment on social media, yes, we are aware that the ocean is where sharks live. Those who swim in the ocean should expect to encounter aquatic life. What is unprecedented is the sheer number of the sharks captured in the drone video.

Actually shark encounters are not that uncommon for those who like to fish along the Lower Alabama and Florida Panhandle Beaches in the summer months. In most cases, the small sharks are a nuisance to fishermen and generally leave bathers alone. But that's not always the case which is why stories like this get reported and beach authorities use the flag system to warn you before you get in the water or allow your kids to take a dip.

Staff Photo
Staff Photo
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Marine biologists say the next few weeks should bring an increase in shark sightings to northern Gulf Coast Beaches. But as the temperatures warm up and the water temperatures also rise the sharks will retreat to deeper water further away from shore as the animals are quite sensitive to changes in temperature.

Of course, your other concern on any trip to the beach are rip currents.

weather.gov/mob
weather.gov/mob
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This weekend's forecast for the Alabama and Florida beaches looks to be quite good. I'm sure the waves are calming down as the tropical system moves further away. That should make for some smooth sailing, or floating, or just laying in the water enjoying the sun.

Tomas Salas via Unsplash.com
Tomas Salas via Unsplash.com
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So, in the meantime, enjoy your trip to the beach. Only stop at Buc-ees if you've got time to wait in traffic, avoid the tunnel in Mobile, and don't forget your sunscreen. I'd go with something coconut flavored or scented, there's a really special reason why you want to do that.  Trust us you'll be glad you did and if you do make a Buc-ees stop, try these, we think you'll like them.

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