Orange Beach Expands Sidewalks on Canal Road and Beyond
John Mullen • February 4, 2025
Library and Senior Center set for major renovations
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...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — There’s just something about summer on the Alabama Gulf Coast that makes you want to slow down a little–even when things seem fast. Maybe it’s an old-fashioned milkshake served in a real glass dish, the rumble of the Blue Angels overhead, a plate of boiled shrimp shared picnic-style with f
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The unpopular Pirate Dinner Theater project being considered for the current Beech’s Camper and Mobile Home Park hasn’t completely left the building. But it’s more than likely on the way out, even as it appears as a non-action item on an upcoming planning commission agenda.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — World Oceans Day is a global call to protect the sea and the life it supports. Oceans cover more than 70 percent of our planet and produce over half the oxygen we breathe. It feeds billions of people, drives weather patterns, and supports entire economies. The day is meant to remind people
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will see a large emergency response presence on Monday morning, but officials say there is no cause for concern. The activity will be part of a planned training exercise involving city agencies. It will take place at Alabama Point near the east jetties at Perdido Pass. The dri
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with a series of improvements at its nature parks. The work includes new restrooms, a pavilion, and trail signs. City leaders also plan to seek grant funding for a boardwalk project at Wolf Creek Park. The projects are intended to make the parks more useful and accessible fo
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A major drainage project in the Fort Morgan area is now complete, and the timing could not be better. The Baldwin County Commission announced the completion of the Surfside Drive Drainage Improvements Project just as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway. The project was designed
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fitness Center employee David Dale has been recognized for his strong work ethic and community spirit. He received the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s April 2026 Catch the Island Spirit Award. Dale is known among gym members for his early hours, friendly demeanor, and commu
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A rough-toothed dolphin that stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts determined it was in poor health. The animal was found alive near Sea and Suds, prompting a coordinated emergency response. Multiple local agencies and marine specialists assessed the situation.
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — A private developer worked with state wildlife officials to safely relocate several gopher tortoises in Baldwin County. The project shows that construction can proceed without putting protected species at risk. State officials say the effort highlights better coordination between regulat
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Riviera Utilities has announced it will offer free severe-storm preparedness sessions to the public. These sessions are available to neighborhood groups, businesses, churches, and civic clubs. The utility provider said its team wants to help neighbors feel more prepared for the season. The session
