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...

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have released their show schedules for 2026
By R. Ken Cooper January 7, 2026
NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have released their show schedules for 2026 and 2027, giving fans a long look at where the team plans to perform for the next 2 years. The schedule includes dozens of air shows across the country, from spring through fall. The team also reminded visitors that...
By Guy Busby January 7, 2026
Plan Builds On Earlier Efforts To Manage Growth And Protect Foley’s Character
Acoustic Arts Series Stock Photo
By R. Ken Cooper January 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach is bringing back its popular Acoustic Arts Series, giving residents several chances to enjoy live music in an intimate setting. The winter lineup features jazz, classical cello, and vocal harmonies. Organizers say the goal is to offer relaxed evenings
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen January 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will begin the new year by purchasing several new vehicles and a leaf vacuum for city services. Public Works will receive the majority of the trucks, totaling $476,808. But the fire department is spending more to add two firetrucks at a total cost of more than $2 million.
Before New Orleans, Mobile Set Mardi Gras in Motion
By R. Ken Cooper January 6, 2026
The 2026 Mardi Gras season officially begins tonight, January 6, marking the start of Carnival celebrations that culminate on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday), February 17, with parades and festivities leading up to that date. Mardi Gras Day always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is 46 days before Easter...
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen January 5, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The city is looking to amend capital purchase accounts for fiscal year 2025 after several items approved for purchase never arrived. Two departments didn’t receive all the ordered items valued at up to $117,859. Those include the municipal complex and the police department.
A Fresh Start on the Coast: Your Week at a Glance on the Gulf
By Jessica A. Taylor January 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new year is rolling in like a gentle Gulf breeze, bringing with it a week filled with creativity, connection, and coastal charm. This week includes eco-friendly art classes, globally inspired menus, friendly community gatherings, craft beer releases, boutique shopping, and local legend...
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen January 5, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is making moves to begin the development of a new nature park area on Little Lagoon called Laguna Cove. A federal grant helped fund the purchase of land to create a nature area for public use. The city council is considering a contract to begin site work on the parcel.
Donated books help fuel programs at the Orange Beach Library
By R. Ken Cooper January 4, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library are inviting residents to browse thousands of used books at their upcoming Annual Book Sale. The event is designed to bring the community together while raising money for local literacy efforts. Organizers say the sale offers something for every...
Lifeguard Of The Year Award Shines Spotlight On Sawyer Wilson
By R. Ken Cooper January 4, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue has named lifeguard Sawyer Wilson as its 2025 Lifeguard of the Year. The award recognizes Wilson’s leadership on the beach and his strong record of preventing dangerous situations in the water. Officials say he stands out not only for his skills but also for his...
Show More