Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The cities of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley have announced their schedules for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. The cities will close non-essential offices, adjust certain public services, and provide updates on events and operations to ensure residents and visitors are informed of changes.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Mobile, Alabama, on January 1, 1959, delivering a speech at the International Longshoremen's Association Hall. This event marked his only known speaking engagement in the city. The hall, built in 1949 in the Art Moderne style, became a significant gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 2011.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a national holiday in 1983, when Congress approved legislation honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy. The first nationwide observance followed in 1986. The holiday recognizes King’s leadership in advancing civil rights through nonviolent activism and his role in shaping modern American history.

Baldwin County residents will see widespread government office closures on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City and county leaders said services will largely pause for the federal holiday while essential operations continue. Trash schedules in most cities will remain unchanged. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday.

In Orange Beach, all non-emergency city offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19. Trash and recycling routes will operate on their regular schedules. City offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Gulf Shores will also close all non-essential city offices on Monday, Jan. 19. Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled. The City Council work session has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Bodenhamer Recreation Center will remain open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and tennis and pickleball courts will stay open.

Foley will close most non-emergency city offices and the Foley Public Library on Monday, Jan. 19. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Foley City Council meeting normally held that Monday has been rescheduled for Tuesday.

Recycling will not be collected in Foley on Monday. Collections will resume on Tuesday, with the remainder of the week unaffected. Limb and yard debris collection will also restart on Tuesday, with officials asking residents to expect possible delays as crews catch up.

All Baldwin County Commission offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

In addition to local offices, federal mail delivery will be suspended, and U.S. post offices will be closed. Most banks, federal courts, and state and federal government agencies will also be closed for the holiday. Schools, financial institutions, and private businesses may operate on modified schedules.

The closures are intended to honor King’s legacy and the continuing importance of civil rights, service, and community engagement.