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...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens Police Academy. The free program offers community members a behind-the-scenes look at how the department operates. Sessions will be held at the new Justice Center, a modern facility designed for hands-on l
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue has a new enclosed lifeguard tower at the Gulf State Park Romar Beach Access. The structure, known as Tower 5, was built with support from the mayor and City Council. It gives lifeguards a much better field of view of the surrounding shoreline. The new tower also p
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — From a butcher shop with more than half a century of expertise to a coastal gift store with roots stretching back to 2000, the Alabama Gulf Coast continues to attract a diverse mix of locally driven businesses. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are home to a growing number of independent eateri
Lillian, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding a woman who has been missing for three years. Taylor Elizabeth Gipson, 32, was last known to be living in Lillian, Alabama. Investigators believe she may have traveled to the Pensacola, Florida, area after her disappearan
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Formed in 1946 by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to boost naval morale and cultivate public interest in aviation, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have evolved into one of the world's most recognizable flight demonstration squadrons. While the "Blues" perform for millions of spec
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Parks & Recreation Department seeks an experienced professional to serve as Golf Center Manager. The position oversees the Orange Beach Golf Center, which the department describes as one of its most important facilities. Officials say the role offers an opportunity
Pensacola Beach, Fla. — (OBA) — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back over Pensacola Beach this week for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. The event draws spectators from across the Gulf Coast and beyond each summer. This year's show holds added significance, marking the Blu
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County's housing market posted solid numbers in June 2026, with gains across both the Resort and Traditional residential markets. Data from Baldwin REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service showed year-over-year increases in average sales prices and total sales volume. Buyer demand remaine
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — One of the Gulf Coast's biggest fishing tournaments is back. The Big Blue Marlin Classic, known as "The Greatest Show in Sportfishing," returns to The Wharf this week. The event draws top anglers from across the country and raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Colorado State University has lowered its forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season again. Researchers now expect one of the least active seasons in more than a decade. The updated outlook predicts far fewer named storms and hurricanes than average. Forecasters say shifting climate p
