Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — In Monday night’s city council meeting, Gulf Shores moved closer to a more walkable West Beach, a larger and improved high school theater, and a series of smaller but meaningful quality-of-life upgrades that will impact everything from landfill operations to storm preparedness and traffic flow.

City leaders spent a significant part of their Feb. 16 work session discussing a new 10-foot-wide multi-use path planned for West Beach Boulevard, mainly funded through a state Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The project would run along the north side of West Beach from the intersection of West Lagoon Avenue to West 11th Street, providing walkers, runners, and cyclists with a dedicated, vehicle-free path.

Unlike the winding asphalt path on West Lagoon, the new route is expected to be concrete and fairly straight, designed to handle frequent driveway crossings more smoothly. A landscape strip will separate the path from the travel lane—sometimes just sand where it already exists, with sod where it makes sense—providing a physical and visual buffer between cars and pedestrians or cyclists.

The total project cost is estimated at just over $1 million, with the TAP grant covering 80 percent of eligible construction, design, and inspection costs, up to $800,000. Design work is budgeted and expected to be finished this year, but due to approval processes and state procedures, construction probably won’t start until early 2027.

TAP is a state program that funds sidewalks, trails, and similar projects to offer alternatives to driving and help “get cars off the road” where possible. Council members confirmed the grant is offered annually, which immediately sparked discussion about next steps.

One council member advocated for the city’s next TAP application to prioritize a multi-use trail on the north side of Windmill Ridge Road. The goal is to connect Highway 59 to the East 4th Street Bridge and ultimately enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists on a road that already sees considerable neighborhood and cross-town traffic.

Windmill Ridge presents a more challenging design due to existing drainage problems and the need for additional work that TAP won’t fund, including specific drainage and structural improvements. The city had previously sought other grant funding for that corridor but was unsuccessful, so any future TAP-supported trail there would likely require additional local funding for the non-eligible sections. However, officials agreed it still remains a priority and are “working on trying to figure out a solution” to build a safe path.

Taken together, the West Beach path and a potential Windmill Ridge trail would create a more connected network, enabling residents and visitors to travel between neighborhoods, schools, and the beach without a car.

After the work session, the council moved into a special regular meeting to address an urgent item: funding for an expanded theater at Gulf Shores High School. The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Davenport Public Finance, the city’s financial advisor, to pursue roughly $17 million in additional funding through both direct bank loans and a public bond sale.

When the high school project was originally bid, the plan included a smaller “black box” theater and training space for students in theater arts programs. As construction progressed, city leaders recognized a unique opportunity to add full-audience seating and transform the facility into a true performance venue that could serve both the school and the wider community. Without acting now, they said, the city might never revisit the expansion, leaving the community with an undersized space for performances and events.

The agreement allows Davenport to:

• Solicit proposals from banks for a direct loan.
• Arrange a competitive public sale of municipal bonds for the same project amount.

Officials will compare the two routes and select the most cost-effective option, with preliminary bank information expected in mid‑March and bond-sale decisions targeting mid‑April. City staff noted that Gulf Shores has a long history of using bond funding and has successfully relied on direct bank loans for capital projects over the past 15 years. Engaging Davenport would expand the pool to include local, regional, and national lenders.

The larger theater—expected to accommodate over 700 people—would host school productions, regional events, and public shows, with city leaders describing the additional borrowing as the cost of “doing it right,” given that construction crews and infrastructure are already in place.

Not all of the evening’s discussion was about the long term; some of it focused on current issues.

Fire Chief Cely briefed the council on an overnight fire at the city’s landfill that began around midnight, was extinguished in the early morning hours, and then reignited. Because the fire involves a deep pile of construction debris, water alone isn’t enough to fully extinguish it, so crews are working with landfill staff to spread dirt, peel back layers, and smother the burning material.

The chief emphasized that the fire is 100 percent contained and “not going anywhere,” although residents might notice periods of heavier or lighter smoke as the wind shifts and equipment stirs up hot spots. He also noted that the smoke isn't from household waste; it originates from construction debris. While it can be irritating, it's not considered hazardous in the same way as fires involving residential trash.

On the preparedness front, council members reminded residents about the upcoming severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday. From Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 26, certain storm-related supplies can be purchased in Gulf Shores without state or local sales tax, including items like batteries, cell phone batteries, plastic sheeting, duct tape, and plywood. Residents were encouraged to check official social media or statewide retail resources for the full list of eligible items.

A handful of other decisions and updates rounded out the meeting:

• The council discussed several change orders related to public works and school projects, including expanding courtyard spaces, upgrading a special education playground, improving the practice pavilion, and maintaining the storm shelter. One major change order will not exceed $751,289, and the overall project timeline was extended by 18 days to March 17, 2026.
• Staff reported that several deficiencies identified by inspectors—such as ceiling height conflicts, exposed ductwork needing insulation, and fire pump room modifications—have led to change orders. The city is also monitoring which costs might be linked to design errors versus new requirements.
• New roads in the Village at Craft Farms, phases one and two, meet the city’s standards and timelines and are being recommended for acceptance into the city street network, providing relief given past concerns about construction quality.
• Julie’s Beachside Services received a positive recommendation for a taxi franchise in Gulf Shores, with a 2024 Subaru Outback already licensed, insured, and inspected as the service vehicle while the operator completes permitting with the police department.
• Contractors are installing new traffic signal poles on Highway 59 (near West 36 and Cotton Creek Drive), with mast arms scheduled to be hung overnight after 7 p.m. No lane closures are planned, but brief delays may occur while crews work at the intersection.

From sidewalks and school seats to smoke plumes and storm preparations, the Feb. 16 meeting covered both small details and major decisions that influence daily life in Gulf Shores. Residents will get another opportunity to share their opinions when the council reconvenes next Monday to vote on many of the items discussed during the work session.