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...

Official Gulf Shores Book From The Official Gulf Shores Store
By OBA Staff May 1, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The official store of Gulf Shores has the official book of the city available for a limited time. The Small Town, Big Beach™ book is filled with historic pictures and stories about the community. A must have for every resident, property owner, or those who love to visit the beach.
ALDOT Sets Detour Ahead Of New ICW Bridge Traffic Shift
By OBA Staff May 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — ALDOT is preparing to open the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County. Final work is underway. A temporary detour will affect southbound traffic. This change is part of a new travel pattern to the beach.
Dolphins vs Porpoises
By R. Ken Cooper May 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast often spot marine mammals swimming near shore or alongside boats. Many people call these animals porpoises, but that is not accurate. According to NOAA Fisheries, the animals commonly seen in local waters are dolphins. The agency says dolphins and porpois
The Wharf in Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper May 1, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — May has arrived, and the Wharf in Orange Beach is set to launch its 2026 summer event lineup, featuring a series of family-friendly activities and entertainment. The season kicks off with a celebration featuring music, interactive attractions, and fireworks. Organizers say the events...
Foley Plans Upgrades At Farmers Market And Sports Fields
By Guy Busby May 1, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is planning a series of upgrades at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market and the city’s sports tourism complex. City officials said the improvements will add new amenities for visitors and vendors. The projects are intended to support both recreation and local busin
Orange Beach Lady Makos - Photo by Brent Williams, Wolf Bay Media
By John Mullen April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Lady Makos advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs with a 10-0 win on the road at New Brockton on Tuesday night. The No. 2-ranked Lady Makos scored early and often, with Gami Ausmuth scoring four goals en route to the blowout win. The home game highlight
Grand Lagoon Yacht Club - Stock Image
By R. Ken Cooper April 30, 2026
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a new event series for women in business. The Women Mean Business Committee created the LeadHer Lunch Series to connect, inspire, and empower professional women in the area. The series showcases local leaders making a real difference
Gulf Coast Businesses Are Saddling Up for Kentucky Derby Celebrations
By OBA Staff April 30, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Kentucky Derby is one of the United States' most celebrated sporting events, and Gulf Coast residents will have several ways to join the fun this year. Three venues in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will host watch parties this weekend. Fans can expect live music, themed cocktails, costu
Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff April 29, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — At their Monday night meeting, the Gulf Shores City Council approved a pre-zoning and annexation request for the Riviera property. The decision permits a new residential and commercial development. The property sits at the northwest corner of County Road 8 West and Highway 59. City official
Nesting season runs through late October
By R. Ken Cooper April 29, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sea turtle nesting season is set to begin along the northern Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The annual event brings threatened sea turtles ashore to lay eggs. Officials say public awareness is key to protecting the endangered animal and urge beachgoers to follow s
Show More