Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Fire hydrants across Orange Beach now feature new patriotic artwork. Orange Beach High School students hand-painted the designs, which were placed at several public locations. City officials said the effort is part of America250.

The City of Orange Beach recently shared details about the project. The city said the hydrant paintings were created as part of Orange Beach’s participation in America250, an effort focused on the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The initiative was championed by Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon. The city said the goal was to bring students into the community. The painted designs were intended to celebrate the United States' spirit, history, and future.

From The Wharf to local schools and community spaces, each hydrant was painted with a distinct look. City officials described the finished hydrants as symbols of civic pride. The city also said they highlight artistic expression in everyday places.

“This is a great example of what makes Orange Beach special—our young people, our creativity, and our shared pride in this country,” Kennon said. “As an America250 city, we wanted to find a meaningful way to involve our students.”

Kennon said the city also wanted to create something the community could enjoy. “These hydrants are small but powerful reminders of who we are and what we celebrate,” he said. The city described the hydrants as lasting public displays.

School leaders said the project allowed art students to work beyond the classroom. The City of Orange Beach said the students were able to apply their skills in real-world settings. Officials said the work also left a visible mark on the community.

Hydrant locations included CoastAL, Fire Station 3, The Wharf, Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach Elementary School, the Orange Beach Community Center, and the City’s Building Department. The city said those sites helped spread the project throughout the city.

“The 250th anniversary is a significant moment, and our students embraced the opportunity to be part of it,” said Buster Cannova, the Fine Arts Department Chair and Visual Arts Director at Orange Beach Middle and High School.

Cannova said the work connected creativity with public service. “This project allowed them to express their creativity while contributing something meaningful to our community,” he said. The city said the project combined student learning with local involvement.

As an official America250 city, Orange Beach joins communities across Alabama to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial. City officials said local projects are intended to highlight history, culture, and community engagement. More details are available on the City of Orange Beach America250Alabama page.