Orange Beach Council to Review Golf Cart Rental License
John Mullen • September 2, 2025
$1M training facility to ease administration overcrowding
Orange Beach, Ala. –(OBA) – At its upcoming council meeting, Orange Beach will discuss a license for a golf cart rental company to be operated out of a residence. Matthew Rickard wants the license for Shore Thing Golf Carts. Rickard is one of the owners of a residence at 26881 Second Street at the corner of Second and Washington Boulevard.
The council will meet in a joint/regular session on Sept. 2 in council chambers at city hall.
During the regular session, the council will also discuss:
- Paying $1.3 million to vendors for goods and services from Aug. 21-Sept. 3.
- Setting an organizational meeting Nov. 3 per Alabama state code following local elections.
- Declaring September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in Orange Beach.
- Purchasing a tractor for the Sportsplex from Parish Tractor Co. for $63,903.
- Accepting a proposal from Byers, Byers & Associates for auditing services for $79,850, a $6,350 increase from last year.
- Appointing Vince McCoy and Chris Hicks to the Fire Code Board of Appeals.
- Authorizing an installation and maintenance agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for safety sensors on highway rights-of-way.
- Authorizing Orange Beach to join the state and other local governments as participants in current and future opioid settlements.
- An agreement with the Alabama Fire College to provide clinical training for EMS students at the city’s training center.
- A public hearing for The Wharf Villas east of the Margaritaville complex to change the planned unit development to include a 12-lot, gated subdivision. There will also be a first reading of an ordinance change in The Wharf Landing Villas planned unit development.
- Levying a vape tax on vapor products in front of a state deadline to establish an ordinance by Oct. 1.
During the work session, the council will discuss:
- Awarding the bid for a new fire training center behind Fire Station No. 1. Chief Jeff Smith said the center will cost about $1 million and relieve some overcrowding in the administration building as well as house surf rescue offices in addition to the training facility.
- Accept a proposal for design services for a new civic center. No further details were provided in the agenda.
- Christmas season decorations and lighting. This will be for lighting at Orange Beach Middle/High School, the Performing Arts Center and Fire Station No. 3.
- Appointing Farra & Wang and Berger Montague as special counsel for the city in legal claims against the producers of shale oil and their co-conspirators.
- Purchasing furniture for the Parks and Recreation office for $47,978.
- A contract with Biometrica Systems for law enforcement data for the police department. No further details were provided in the agenda.
- An ordinance change to modify references to Walker Island to align with updated geographical information.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County leaders say drivers saw major road upgrades across the county last year. The work focused on resurfacing worn pavement and paving some dirt roads. Officials say the projects help protect roads people use every day. More work is planned.
Lee Charities has announced the appointment of Mitchell Lee as its new president. The organization said the leadership change reflects its continued focus on strengthening nonprofit work across Baldwin County. Lee Charities works with groups that provide critical services to residents. Leaders say the appointment...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Two fish species that have received little research attention will soon be the focus of a major Gulf-wide study. Dr. Sean Powers of the University of South Alabama is leading a $5 million project to study cobia and tripletail, two popular saltwater fish found along the Gulf Coast.
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A brush fire burned through open land west of Sunrise Drive and State Highway 180, drawing a large emergency response. Fire crews moved quickly to stop the blaze before it could threaten homes in the area. Officials said about fifteen acres were affected by the fire. Responders credited...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores city officials are inviting nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that supports vital services for residents. The City has opened the Spring 2026 cycle of its Nonprofit Grants Program, which supports community groups expanding programs that serve Gulf Shores residents.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — While City officials must sometimes approve new construction projects, they also spend time preserving tranquil areas of nature in Gulf Shores. One such area is the Laguna Cove Nature Park in West Beach.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Game Day will return to Orange Beach this winter as the Orange Beach Garden Club prepares for its 38th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon fundraiser. The longtime event is known for combining casual tabletop games with homemade food and friendly competition. Community members gather not...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Ballyhoo Festival organizers are preparing to bring fine art, live music, and American heritage back to Gulf State Park this spring. The popular event draws both locals and visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast, for a weekend of culture and community. The festival also announced new support...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County officials are preparing to help people stay warm as forecasters watch the chance of rare winter weather along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency announced that a temporary warming center will open in Foley for anyone who needs a safe place out...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials will dedicate the city’s airport this afternoon in honor of former Mayor Arthur Holk, who led the community for two decades and helped guide its growth. The airport will now be known as Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport, recognizing Holk’s years of public service and his...
