Gulf Shores FD to Propose Fines for Faulty Alarms and Elevator Rescues

John Mullen • October 7, 2024

Liquor license, bank withdrawal, annexation requests also on agenda

Gulf Shores Alabama Fire Truck

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Fire Department will go before the city council at Oct. 7’s work session meeting to ask for an ordinance to be able to levy fines for elevator rescues due to faulty equipment and false fire alarm activations.

 

The council will meet in a work session on Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

 

“Due to the increase in calls for fire alarms and elevator entrapments, we are recommending changes to the Code of Ordinance to implement a fine schedule upon the third response,” department Chief of Staff Melvin Shepard wrote in a memo to the council.

 

Shepard said in May and June crews responded to 13 calls for elevator rescue at 903 W. Beach Blvd, six calls for fire alarm activation at 213 W. Fort Morgan Road and four fire alarm activations at 21300 Cotton Creek Drive.

 

During the meeting, the council will also discuss:

 

  • A liquor license for Down South Kitchen located in the southeast corner of East 24th Avenue and East Second Street.
  • Reappointing Councilman Joe Garris to the Chamber of Commerce Board, Merileigh Moen to the Library Advisory Board and Councilman Steve Jones to the Library Board.
  • Withdrawing $47 million from SouthState Bank by Oct. 15. The funds are already in the budget.
  • Two annexation requests by Mickey Ezell and Betsy Dozier at 650 George St. and Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Slater in the Oak River View subdivision also on George Street.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Police Cruiser
By R. Ken Cooper January 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach police officers ended a vehicle pursuit Tuesday evening in East Orange Beach after a brief chase. The incident began with an attempted traffic stop for multiple violations. The driver refused to stop and fled from officers.
Orange Beach Event Center
By OBA Staff January 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are encouraging residents to take part in a pair of public meetings designed to help shape the city’s future. City leaders say the events will play a major role in completing the Orange Beach Comprehensive Plan, which will guide long‑term decisions. Organizers hope...
USDA to Drop Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits in Baldwin County and Beyond
By R. Ken Cooper January 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Wildlife officials are warning Alabama residents to watch for oral rabies vaccine baits that will be distributed from the air. The effort is part of the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services program. Low-flying airplanes and helicopters will be used in the vaccination...
Snow at the Orange Beach Post Office on January 23, 2025.
By R. Ken Cooper January 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A major winter storm is taking shape for the southern United States this weekend, but forecasters say the worst conditions are expected to stay north of the immediate Gulf Coast. Even so, residents along the shoreline, including in the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Foley areas, are being...
Baldwin Beach Express Plans
By OBA Staff January 21, 2026
Baldwin County leaders have approved a key update to a major north–south highway project that they say will shape traffic and growth for years to come. The Baldwin County Commission has adopted a new access management plan for the Baldwin Beach Express II, a planned multi-lane divided corridor between Interstate 10...
Holk Field Sign Unveiled At Foley Municipal Airport
By Guy Busby January 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley honored former Mayor Arthur Holk by officially adding his name to the city airport during a recent dedication ceremony. City leaders, family members, and residents gathered at the Foley Municipal Airport as a new sign was unveiled, reading Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport. Speakers...
Orange Beach Sidewalk Project on Canal Road Nears Finish Line
By OBA Staff January 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Canal Road sidewalk‑widening project in Orange Beach is moving toward completion, bringing relief to residents and motorists who use the route near Caswell and Bear Point. City officials said the expanded sidewalk will be substantially complete by the end of January. All sections are...
Orange Beach Police Cruiser
By R. Ken Cooper January 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Late Sunday night, a group of thieves stole eight outboard motors and several lower units from Jones Canvas Storage in Orange Beach, located at 27011 Canal Road, Orange Beach. Investigators say the theft occurred overnight and appeared carefully planned. The suspects worked through the...
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen January 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will discuss spending nearly $800,000 on the renovations and a new pool at the city’s recreation campus. The work will include design services to develop construction plans, permitting services, bidding assistance, and other construction-related services. This is the...
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen January 20, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The city of Foley awarded bids in December worth $4.5 million in December for various projects around the city. A safe room for first responders to use during hurricanes was the biggest-ticket item. Others, including street work, lighting for a city park, and furniture for the new library.
Show More