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...

Primary Election Preparations Begin For Baldwin County Voters
By OBA Staff March 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Board of Registrars reminds residents to verify their current voter registration status. This helps ensure that all eligible citizens are prepared to vote in upcoming local and state elections. Officials encourage people to promptly check their information in the state...
Baldwin Pops Free Concert Brings Fiesta Theme to Orange Beach
By OBA Staff March 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin Pops Band will hold its annual John Allen Memorial Scholarship Concert at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to all. Wayne Fillingim will conduct the band for the performance. This year's theme is...
City Of Orange Beach Lists New Job Openings Across Departments
By OBA Staff March 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is actively hiring for a variety of full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions. The city aims to fill roles across multiple departments, including public safety and recreation. Open positions include Equipment Operator I (Street), Sail Camp Instructors, Fitness...
Downtown Foley Alley Closure Set For Crosswalk Mural Project
By OBA Staff March 14, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A section of alley in downtown Foley is preparing for a makeover. The City of Foley has announced that the North Alston Street alley, between West Laurel Avenue and West Jessamine Avenue, will be temporarily closed. This closure is necessary for crews to finish work on a new decorated crosswalk.
NOAA Honors the City of Foley for Its Commitment to Community Weather Safety
By Guy Busby March 14, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley has received a major national award for weather safety. NOAA named Foley a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. The title is given to organizations that help communities prepare for extreme weather. Foley is now recognized for helping people prepare for hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and...
Gulf Shores Explains The Difference Between Ordinances And Resolutions
By OBA Staff March 14, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — If you've attended a Gulf Shores City Council meeting, you've heard votes on ordinances and resolutions. They sound similar, but they have different purposes. City Clerk Tobi Waters explains the difference in a Government 101 video released by the city. Knowing the distinction can help resid
Ranked #1 Girls High School this week by MaxPreps
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Makos Softball is back atop the rankings. MaxPreps, the leading online platform for high school sports coverage, and owned by CBS Sports, moved the team back to a familiar spot. This week, they rose to the top in the nation.
Bestselling Author Colleen Coble Returns To Foley Public Library
By Guy Busby March 13, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Library is welcoming back one of Christian fiction's most beloved authors for a special evening event. USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has visited the library before and was even awarded the Key to the City of Foley by Mayor Ralph Hellmich during a previous appearance.
Alabama Extension Shares Tips For Gulf Coast Bird Lovers
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Backyard bird enthusiasts along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being encouraged to prepare as the songbird nesting season begins. Residents in coastal areas such as Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley are noticing more small birds searching for safe spots to raise their young.
Foley Main Street Hosts Marketing Workshop For Local Businesses
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Main Street invites local business owners to a new marketing workshop designed to help them attract more customers without significant expenses. The workshop will provide practical strategies and real-world examples, emphasizing creativity and community partnerships. This program supports...
Show More