Orange Beach Council to Discuss Major Projects at the next Meeting

John Mullen • January 21, 2025

Canal Road widening project update on city’s agenda

Orange Beach City Hall

Orange Beach, Ala. –(OBA) – Two projects being planned in Orange Beach – one well underway – will be discussed at the Jan. 28 regular/work session of the city council. The meeting is set for 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.


Note: Due to the forecast winter storm, the Orange Beach City Council meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 21 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Meetings start at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and are followed by the Committee of the Whole work session.

 

There will be a public hearing for the Lost Bay development for a zone change by DR Horton to rezone 27.8 acres behind Posh Furniture, west of the Island Church and behind Brett Robinson laundry.

 

The request is to change the Lost Bay planned unit development from a multi-family development with 82 units into a townhome subdivision with 82 lots. The development is now under construction.

 

A second, Coastal Cottages, was on the work session agenda to set a public hearing date on a 136-lot townhome subdivision on 25 acres west of the office building at the former toll bridge. Feb. 18 is the suggested date. The owners of this parcel, Coastal Land Properties from Seminary, Mississippi, received a letter from the city stating “the city of Orange Beach is considering de-annexation of properties lying north of the Intracoastal Waterway including” the Coastal Land Properties’ parcel.

 

During the regular session, the council will:

 

  • Give a report on the Rebuild Alabama road projects for the fiscal year showing Orange Beach received $66,032 from the program to help widen Canal Road east to three lanes from Waterfront Park to Wilson Boulevard.
  • OK purchases for goods and services of $218,227 from Jan. 9-22.
  • Authorizing a contract with EnCompass 360 for grant-writing services to help fund the first responder safe room to be built at the city’s shooting range on Russian Road.
  • Have a second reading of an ordinance change to the Turquoise Place planned unit development to add a six-unit condo building on the west side of the towers.See related story.
  • Consider appointing Larry Ramirez to the Library Board.
  • Discuss appropriating $10,000 to the Safe Harbor Coalition in 2025.
  • Consider a tax incentive package for the coming Margaritaville project.See related story.
  • Discuss authorizing a franchise agreement with The Dumpster Guy Baldwin to remove commercial waste and transport construction and demolition debris in the city.
  • Consider a contract with Sharp Electronics for a copier for Parks and Recreation.
  • Discuss a contract with Renee Smith to provide legal services.
  • Consider a resolution to allow the use of the Senior Center to support the 37th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon staged by the Orange Beach Garden Club.
  • Discuss contracts with Coastal Ballet to provide performances for the city.

 

During the work session, the council will discuss:


  • Changing the March 4 council meeting to March 11 to avoid a conflict with Fat Tuesday.
  • Policies and fees for the Orange Beach Shooting Range.
  • Appropriating $20,000 to the Pensacola Estuary Program.
  • Awarding a bid for two vehicles for Community Development, a bid for pouring and vending rights, a bid for Senior Center renovations, a bid for library renovations, and a bid for work on a veteran’s memorial. All bids are scheduled to be opened on Jan. 30.
  • A contract with Sally Wyrick for water aerobics instruction at the Aquatic Center.
  • A contract with Sharyon Miller for ageless grace brain fitness instruction at the Senior Center.
  • A franchise agreement with Alabama Container Company to operate in the city.
  • A franchise agreement with Bishop Enterprises to operate a debris removal business in the city.
  • A franchise agreement with Big Red to operate a debris removal business in the city.
  • A franchise agreement with BFI Waste Services to operate a debris removal business in the city.
  • Setting a public hearing on a request to rescind the Cactus Cantina planned unit development and return it to a neighborhood business zoning. The property is Alabama 161 north of Dollar General.
  • Setting a public hearing to amend regulations regarding sidewalks in the beach overlay district. The suggested date is Feb. 18
  • An ordinance amendment to add a “Wildlife Friendly Lighting” section to “to establish outdoor lighting standards for the protection of wildlife in the beach overlay district.”

Share this article w/ Friends...

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Earns Second Place in National Awards
By OBA Staff June 13, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival has been named the second-best outdoor music festival in the nation by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor places the festival among the top music events in the United States. The festival, held along the Alabama-Florida coast, is known for its unique venues and focus on talented singer-songwriters. It draws music fans from across the country each year.
The Foley Cobblestone Hotel was dedicated on Tuesday, June 10.
By Guy Busby June 13, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is seeing more visitors thanks to new hotel developments. These hotels are also creating more local jobs and boosting income for both the city and its residents. More hotel space means more opportunities for businesses and tourism. It's a win for the entire community.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By OBA Staff June 12, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — In a lengthy and sometimes emotional discussion, the Gulf Shores City Council voted Monday to reduce a $1,500 fine levied against a homeowner for removing trees without a permit—while signaling possible changes ahead for the city’s tree protection ordinance.
Foley Invites Community to Celebrate Third Thursday Anniversary
By OBA Staff June 12, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is celebrating a big milestone this month. The Third Thursday event series turns one year old on June 19. To mark the occasion, organizers are planning a special celebration. Residents and visitors are invited to shop, dine, and enjoy the downtown vibe.
Coastal Alabama Food Truck and Beer Festival Set to Return to Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again welcome a popular event focused on food and fun. The Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning for its fourth year. It will be held on November 8 and 9 at Gulf Place. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes live music, lawn games, and activities for all ages.
Gulf Shores Approves Parking Study to Tackle Growth in Waterway Village
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council on Monday approved a $72,625 not-to-exceed contract with Kimley Horn to launch a comprehensive parking study focused on the Waterway Village District. The move marks a key step toward revitalizing the area and addressing a growing need for smarter parking solutions.
New Halo Lights to Brighten Foley Streets
By Guy Busby June 11, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.
Orange Beach Man Drowns in Wolf Bay on Sunday Afternoon
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach man drowned in south Alabama Sunday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Dewayne Stephens, 55, of Orange Beach, was identified as the man who lost his life.
City of Foley Firefighters Praised for High Performance
By Guy Busby June 10, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire protection in Foley has gotten better over the past few years, even though firefighters are answering more calls than before. A national study showed that the city's fire service has improved. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the higher score proves Foley’s firefighters are doing a great job under growing pressure. He credited Chief Joey Darby and the entire department for their work in keeping the community safe.
Full Moon Paddle Returns to Orange Beach Friday
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Wind & Water Learning Center is kicking off its summer Full Moon Paddle series with a night of fun on the water. The event is open to the public and features a mix of paddling, live music, and food. Guests will enjoy a unique experience under the moonlight while supporting a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.
Show More