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...

Foley City Hall
By John Mullen June 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley will formally accept a check from the state to buy 121 acres in the northern part of the city to use as an industrial park. The grant will help buy the land at the southwest corner of the intersection of the Foley Beach Express and the Baldwin Beach Express.
This Week's Things To Do Ideas on the Gulf Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor June 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Well, would you look at that–summer has officially clocked in on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The backpacks are getting tossed aside, the beach towels are coming out of storage, and the calendar is suddenly open to all, with overflowing reasons to get outside and make those memories. This week’
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen June 1, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Looking to address parking issues in the beach walking district, Gulf Shores is looking to add more paid parking. The streets involved are just north of the beach, an area where residents and business owners have raised concerns. Residents with hurricane decals will not be charged for parkin
Hurricane Season Begins Today
By R. Ken Cooper June 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Hurricane Season starts today, June 1st, and runs through November 30th. Gulf Coast agencies are urging residents to prepare now for hurricane season. Officials say early planning can reduce confusion during an emergency. Families are encouraged to review supplies and evacuation plans.
Orange Beach Senior Center to Close for Renovations
By R. Ken Cooper May 31, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Senior Center in Orange Beach is scheduled to close temporarily for interior updates. The closure will affect most regular programming for most of June. Some activities will move to other locations, while others will not be held during the closure.
Foley Main Street Recognized
By OBA Staff May 31, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Main Street has earned one of the most respected honors in community development. The organization has been named a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program. This designation is the highest recognition given by Main Street America, a national nonprofit with more than 40 years of experien
Gulf State Park's Shark Fest
By R. Ken Cooper May 31, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park is bringing back Shark Fest, one of its most popular summer events. The three-day festival focuses on marine life, with an emphasis on Gulf Coast sharks. It will be held at the park's Saltwater Pier in Gulf Shores. Organizers are encouraging families to register and book the
Orange Beach Lady Makos are Six-Time State Champions- Photo by Brent Williams, Wolf Bay Media
By John Mullen May 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Just about every time Shane Alexander thinks about his softball team’s incredible run, another point of history seems to reveal itself. Like the fun fact that only one percent of high school athletes experience the thrill of a state championship. In any sport.
Foley Alabama Fire Station 4 Location
By Guy Busby May 30, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is moving ahead with plans for a fourth fire station. The project would provide better coverage on the city's north side. City leaders now have the land and are beginning the design process. Current plans call for the station to be designed in 2026 and for construction to begin
Legendary Marine Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper May 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Sea Glass Initiative announced the return of the Salty Shuffle Charity Poker Cruise. This local fundraiser will benefit Baldwin County residents in need. Organizers expanded the event this year to boost participation. Participants can now join by water or on land.
Show More