Orange Beach Seeks Grant for First Responder Safe Room Project
John Mullen • September 17, 2024
Council to Vote on Multi-Use Trail and Storage Expansion
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is considering authorizing a grant application to build a safe room for first responders during storms for a total of $6.2 million with the city’s 10 percent match at $627,916 if the grant is awarded.
The council will meet in a joint work/regular session on Sept. 17th at 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
Orange Beach qualified for the grant program when FEMA declared a disaster after Hurricane Sally on Sept. 16, 2020.
“The city wishes to construct a first responder safe room to act as a base of operations for our emergency response teams during future disasters,” the resolution states. “First Responder Safe Rooms are considered eligible for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.”
During the regular session, the council will:
- Considering the approval of payment for goods and services from Sept. 5-19 for $578,359.
- Discuss declaring Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in remembrance of the 237th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
- Consider an ordinance change to approve additional mini storage buildings at Keel Storage on the north side of Canal Road west of Sam’s Stop N Shop.
- Discuss naming Mayor Tony Kennon and council members Jeff Boyd, Joni Blalock, Jerry Johnson, Annette Mitchell and Jeff Silvers and City Administrator Ford Handley to the city’s Solid Waste Disposal Authority.
- Consider a contract with Tanner Myatt for golf instruction services.
- Discuss awarding the bid for the Canal Road multi-use trail connectivity projects. Bids were opened on Sept. 12 and Wiregrass Construction was the winning bidder at $3.6 million.
During the work session, the council will discuss:
- Annexing property on Roscoe Road and owned by David Gatlin into the city of Orange Beach.
- Changes to the city golf cart ordinance.
- Awarding a bid for building the Coastal Alabama Sea Turtle Center for triage of injured sea turtles. Bids are scheduled to be opened on Sept. 26.
- Awarding a bid for tent rentals for the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. Bids are scheduled to be opened on Sept. 26.
- A contract with J.F. Morris Performance for theater direction for “Shrek The Musical.”
- A resolution authorizing a contract with Peak Software Systems for Golf Center member management software for $4,485.
- A resolution accepting a proposal from ThreatAdvice Security Services to connect the field house and batting cage buildings at the Sportsplex to the fiber network for $19,280.
- A resolution authorizing a contract with Watermark Design Group to provide design, bid, and construction administration services for roof replacement at the Expect Excellence Music Building following the April 2021 hailstorm for $15,200.
- Setting a public hearing for an ordinance change to allow residents of Fish Camp Landing to improve and expand the marina to 52 slips to offer a slip for each residence in the subdivision.
- Setting a public hearing for a change in the sign ordinance to allow an expansion of the Columbia Southern University’s sign on the Foley Beach Express.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley plans to add new features to Wolf Creek Park. A state grant will help fund the work. Plans include an elevated boardwalk and an observation tower. The project also calls for a parking area and additional signage.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Parks and Recreation has officially launched "Locals Month," a full schedule of activities and community gatherings honoring area residents. Organizers created the initiative to thank the local community for its ongoing participation, enthusiasm, and support for municipal parks
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Today, the nation pauses to honor millions of Americans who stand ready to protect lives, property, and communities at a moment's notice. National First Responders Day honors the courage, selflessness, and enduring vigilance of the personnel who rush toward danger when others must seek saf
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Today is National Navy Day. The annual observance honors everyone who serves or has served in the United States Navy. The Gulf Coast region has deep ties to the Navy. NAS Pensacola ranks among the Navy's most historic installations.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Coastal Public Safety Cadets introduces teens to careers in law enforcement. The program serves ages 14–18. Participants gain hands-on experience and learn the fundamentals of policing. They also help with community events while exploring whether a law enforcement career fits their interest
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CoastAL Orange Beach brings the Gulf Coast's deep gumbo tradition to the beachfront for its annual Gumbo Festival. The event brings together seafood lovers, culinary competitors, and community members for an afternoon of food and live music. Louisiana developed gumbo through a blend of West
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — October is making its grand exit, Halloween and hayrides are stealing the spotlight, and the Alabama Gulf Coast is giving us every reason to squeeze a little more fun out of our short-lived fall. From cozy coffee dates and off-key karaoke to candy-filled trails, hometown festivals, and wat
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Wildlife Center is seeking community members to join its volunteer transport network. The center helps injured and distressed wildlife along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Volunteer transporters play a key role in safely capturing animals and transporting them to the facility for
Gulf Shores is advancing major infrastructure improvements around its pedestrian bridge project and preparing to move forward with the first phase of the Pedestrian Bridge Plaza, which will convert undeveloped ground into functional public spaces.
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — A trip to Johnson Beach will cost a little less on an upcoming national park fee-free day. The beach is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore on Perdido Key. It’s a short drive east from Orange Beach. A vehicle pass normally costs $25 and covers seven consecutive days.
