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) — South Baldwin voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for Alabama’s 2026 primary election. The ballot will look familiar in some ways and very different in others. A late court decision on redistricting has changed the timeline for several congressional races. Local officials say voters s
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley highlights the hard work of local teachers and school supporters who are helping improve education across the city and Baldwin County. City leaders recently honored area public school educators named Teachers of the Year at their schools. The event also shone a light on the partnership amon
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A longtime sea turtle education effort along Alabama’s Gulf Coast is inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards. Hundreds of young students are learning how to protect wildlife and care for beaches. The program is reaching more schools each year, and support from volunteers and donors c
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Meeting of the Minds just announced that Peter Mayer will join the 2026 event in Gulf Shores. The long-time Coral Reefer Band member and singer-songwriter brings his musical talents to this year's gathering. Organizers are encouraging attendees to register now so they can begin planning the
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Long Bayou Preserve will be situated in Orange Beach at the convergence of the Intracoastal Waterway and Long Bayou (Portage Creek), spanning 36 acres of waterfront land. The property is directly East of the new Margaritaville development.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Safe Harbor Animal Coalition warns that the growing number of stray animals has reached a crisis point in the community. Leaders say the problem is no longer confined to rescue groups or shelters. Instead, it is affecting neighborhoods, families, and local resources. They urge residents to
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Public Schools are preparing to celebrate the Class of 2026 as graduation season approaches. Students across the district are getting ready to mark the end of their high school years. Families, friends, and community members are invited to attend ceremonies throughout
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park is preparing to welcome visitors to its first-ever Venture Out festival, a new three-day event centered on nature, education, and outdoor recreation. The festival will span multiple sites across the park and showcase the area’s trails, lakes, and coastal habitats. Families,
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park has opened a new RV resort that replaces a former golf course and expands camping options along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The project adds more than 100 campsites and introduces amenities for modern travelers. State officials say the resort meets strong demand for camping in t
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Coastal Baldwin County is marking National Police Week with a special focus on the officers who protect Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, and surrounding communities. Residents and visitors see these officers at work every day on busy highways, in neighborhoods, and around popular attracti
