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...

Red Clay Strays
By R. Ken Cooper May 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Three acts from Alabama walked away as big winners at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. The show took place this past weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Shania Twain hosted the ceremony, which streamed live on Prime Video. It was a strong night for the state, with
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor May 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Memorial Day weekend is officially rolling onto the Alabama Gulf Coast, and with it comes one of the biggest weeks of the season for coastal events, live music, waterfront dining, family fun, and unforgettable beach memories. From marina sunsets in Orange Beach and hidden gems along West B
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen May 18, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is looking to add some design work in the roadway project along East Second Street leading up to the pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The city council will consider a contract with WAS Design for $42,300 to fill out the amenities in the newly streetscaped areas.
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen May 18, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley will be looking at making an ordinance change to add language about selling hemp products in the city. This would include areas in the city’s police jurisdiction and would include the sale of derivatives from hemp plants for consumption.
Stock Image from Prior Seafood Cook-Offs
By R. Ken Cooper May 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Sweet Grown Alabama is bringing its annual seafood competition back to Orange Beach, where four chef teams from across the state will compete in front of judges and the public. The event will again take place at The Wharf and spotlight dishes featuring Alabama Gulf seafood and local farm
Foley Police Explorers 23rd Annual Golf Tournament - Stock Photo
By R. Ken Cooper May 17, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Golfers across Baldwin County are being asked to dust off their clubs and support the 23rd Annual Foley Police Explorers Golf Tournament. The charity event raises funds for the Explorer Program, which helps young people learn about law enforcement and public service. Organizers say it will be a f
New bricks are being installed at the Orange Beach Veterans' Memorial.
By R. Ken Cooper May 17, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Work is underway at the Orange Beach Veterans Memorial as crews prepare a new section for engraved tribute bricks. The project is located in front of the memorial at the Municipal Complex. City leaders say the expansion will offer residents another way to honor military service.
Yes, It's Lady's Night in Downtown Foley
By R. Ken Cooper May 16, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Main Street is preparing to host a new evening event to bring shoppers downtown for music, deals, and socializing. The event, called Yes, It’s Ladies’ Night, will feature live entertainment and special offers from local businesses. Organizers say it aims to create a lively atmosphere while s
Red Snapper
By R. Ken Cooper May 16, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Alabama anglers will soon have more time on the water as the 2026 red snapper season opens with expanded access. State officials say the new approach offers more flexibility than in past years. The season will run daily rather than on limited weekends. Leaders expect the change to improve
Race For Grace Brings Community Together on the Alabama Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper May 16, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Race For Grace invites Gulf Shores neighbors to gather for a morning of fun, fitness, and faith. The one-mile run and walk will take place on the grounds of St. Andrew by the Sea Community Church in Gulf Shores. Organizers say the event is designed to be friendly and low-pressure, welcoming
Show More