Orange Beach Expands Sidewalks on Canal Road and Beyond

John Mullen • February 4, 2025

Library and Senior Center set for major renovations

Orange Beach City Hall

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – While work has already begun on a 10-foot sidewalk on the west end of Canal Road and some sidewalks have already poured, the city also has plans to put the sidewalks along Commercial Avenue.

 

On Feb. 4, the city council will consider a contract with Thompson Engineering to provide construction inspections and administration services for $54,542 for work along the north side of Canal Road along Commercial Avenue.

 

A sidewalk in front of the Cumberland gas station and convenience store is nearly complete and crews are doing site work in front of Cypress Village across the street from Orange Beach Middle/High School. Plans are also in place to widen sidewalks from Wilson Boulevard east to Bay La Launch Avenue at the entrance to Bear Point. See related story.

 

During the regular session, the council will discuss:

 

  • Approving payment for goods and services for $850,797 for the previous two weeks.
  • Appropriating $20,000 to the Pensacola Estuary Program.
  • Rejecting all bids for two vehicles for the Community Development Department after the only bid received came in over budget. The bids will be redone with alternate options on the vehicles.
  • Awarding a bid for pouring and vending rights to Coca-Cola.
  • Awarding a $357,000 bid to Green-Simmons for renovations at the Senior Center.
  • Awarding a $535,552 bid to Klarman & Day General Contractors for renovations at the library.
  • Awarding a bid to Sally Wyrick for water aerobic classes at the Aquatics Center.
  • Authorizing franchises for Alabama Container Company, TDB Construction, Republic Services and Bishop Enterprises to remove solid waste and construction debris in the city.
  • Purchasing three 2025 Tahoes for the police department from McSweeney Auto Group from Clanton for $143,551.
  • An ordinance amendment to add a “Wildlife Friendly Lighting” section “to establish outdoor lighting standards for the protection of wildlife in the beach overlay district.”
  • An ordinance amendment removing residency requirements for the planning commission’s administrative seat or city staffers appointed to the board.

 

During the work session, the council will discuss:

 

  • A consulting contract with the Andy Andrews Group for employee training.
  • Supporting an effort to develop a countywide bicycle-pedestrian plan.
  • Awarding bids for an Enduras wireless radiography system, two vehicles for the Coastal Resources Department and one for the police department. Bids will be opened on Feb. 13.
  • A resolution to add a discounted tournament fee for Orange Beach schools at the Orange Beach Golf Center.
  • Establishing the annual salaries of the mayor, mayor pro tem and city council members. Each council does so in an election year to set the pay for the incoming council.
  • Setting a public hearing on the request to change the Cactus Cantina planned unit development's zoning back to its original neighborhood business zoning. The parcel is north of the Dollar General on State Route 161. The suggested date is Feb. 18.
  • Setting a public hearing to amend regulations regarding sidewalks in the beach overlay district. The suggested date is Feb. 18.
  • Setting a public hearing date for a zoning change on 25 acres west of the former toll bridge office to planned unit development for a townhouse project with 136 units planned. The suggested date is Feb. 18.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Baldwin County Commission Unveils Long-Range Growth Plan
By OBA Staff August 1, 2026
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Commission has released a sweeping long-range planning document for public review. The Commission announced the "Draft Master Plan 2026" in late July. The plan outlines strategies for growth, infrastructure, land use, and transportation throughout the county. It also addr
Sunset Music Series Returns to Gulf Shores in September
By OBA Staff August 1, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores just announced its 2026 Sunset Series lineup. The free outdoor concert series takes place at the Town Green at Gulf Place, 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy. The event features live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. All concerts are open to the public at no ch
Foley Airport to get upgrades
By Guy Busby August 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley's municipal airport is set for a series of upgrades following action taken by the Foley City Council. The council accepted a bid for drainage improvements and approved federal and state grant funding to help pay for the work. The project is one of several improvements either planned or rece
Some rain with high temps and rip currents expected this weekend
By OBA Staff July 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Early-morning gauge readings already show 0.23 inches of rain across the Orange Beach area. Beachgoers and residents should prepare for a warm, humid stretch with passing afternoon thunderstorms. Sweltering conditions will push heat index values into the triple digits before scattered show
Hwy 59 Road Work Underway
By OBA Staff July 31, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is proceeding with nighttime lane closures along a stretch of Highway 59 in Gulf Shores as part of an ongoing road-widening project. Crews will mill, pave, and stripe the roadway south of County Road 6 through the Fort Morgan Road intersectio
Flora-Bama Lounge in Perdido Key, FL
By R. Peevy July 31, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast is a place of magic for many, but few locations hold as many collective memories as the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge & Package. Straddling the line between Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida, this legendary establishment has evolved from a humble cinderblock package
Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL
By OBA Staff July 31, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce's Women Mean Business Committee is hosting its next LeadHer Luncheon later this summer. The event, themed "Women Making Waves in Perdido Key," will feature a panel of accomplished local women. Their stories of leadership, entrepreneurship, and commu
Orange Beach Summer Send Off 2026
By K. Cooper July 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is closing out Parks and Recreation Month with three community events, all wrapping up on Friday. The city's 3rd Annual Summer Sendoff is a free family event billed as one last summer party before children return to school. Activities will include the Bubble Truck, Jens Bay Bal
6th Annual Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Golf Tournament
By OBA Staff July 30, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Fire/Rescue Association is preparing for its sixth annual golf tournament, scheduled for Craft Farms Golf Club in Gulf Shores. The event brings together community golfers for a day of competition and camaraderie. Players will play a full 18-hole round on the well-known Gulf
Kids Win Fishing Tournament presented by Rouses Markets
By OBA Staff July 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Young anglers along the Alabama Gulf Coast will have the chance to showcase their fishing skills this fall at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Kids Win Fishing Tournament, presented by Rouses Markets, is open to children ages 3 to 10. The event will be held at Main Street and Marlin Circle a
Show More