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) — A rough-toothed dolphin that stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts determined it was in poor health. The animal was found alive near Sea and Suds, prompting a coordinated emergency response. Multiple local agencies and marine specialists assessed the situation.
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — A private developer worked with state wildlife officials to safely relocate several gopher tortoises in Baldwin County. The project shows that construction can proceed without putting protected species at risk. State officials say the effort highlights better coordination between regulat
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Riviera Utilities has announced it will offer free severe-storm preparedness sessions to the public. These sessions are available to neighborhood groups, businesses, churches, and civic clubs. The utility provider said its team wants to help neighbors feel more prepared for the season. The session
Resort market leads gains while the traditional sector shows mixed results
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach sophomore MK McMullan has been named the 2026 MaxPreps Player of the Year for Alabama, following a dominant season that saw her help lead the Makos to their sixth consecutive state championship.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Heading into the weekend, Orange Beach Surf Rescue is warning of dangerous conditions, with waves expected this weekend and Double Red Flags likely flying. The alert comes after a busy start to the season, with hazardous surf showing up more often than not. Over the past two weeks alone,
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley could see a major utility project with more than $2 million set aside for the work. The goal is to improve storm resiliency. City leaders say the project would help protect key services during major tropical storms.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is expressing heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Councilman Jerry Johnson as he steps down from the Orange Beach City Council to devote his time and energy to his family during a deeply personal health crisis. Councilman Johnson announced his resignation at Tue
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is moving ahead with a new industrial site. City leaders said it could create jobs and revenue for Foley and Alabama. State funding will help purchase the land. Officials called the purchase an investment in the area's future.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge is returning to The Wharf in Orange Beach. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the event qualifies competitors for the World Food Championships. Culinary teams, restaurants, and individuals from across the region are invited to comp
