Orange Beach Council To Review High-Tech Police Tools
John Mullen • March 3, 2026
Motorola and Tranquility AI contracts top the agenda as the city explores new technology for public safety.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach police are looking to make several technical advances with upgrades or additions to software systems. Those include GIS, or Geographic Information System and AI applications within the department. Even facial recognition software is being considered.
The Orange Beach City Council will discuss the items in a joint regular/work session on March 3 in council chambers at City Hall at 5 p.m.
Officials are looking to contract with Motorola Solutions for the GIS services for $88,822 and with Tranquility AI for AI-powered evidence analysis for the police department for $39,999. These two items will be considered in the regular session and could be voted on on March 3.
A contract for a facial recognition software agreement is on the work session agenda and could come up for a vote in a later regular session. The contract is for four years, starting at $7,500 in 2026 and increasing by $2,500 each year to $15,000 by the fourth year, 2029.
Also during the regular session, the council will discuss buying vehicle emergency equipment for the police department from Emergency Lighting by Haynes for $63,551.
During the regular session, the council will discuss:
- Approving spending $1.8 million for goods and services for the city.
- Appointing a voting delegate for the Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Convention and the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corp. Annual Meeting in Montgomery on April 28-May 1.
- Approving a liquor license for the Wharf Restaurant Group for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s Sapphire Soiree on March 13.
- Approving a liquor license for the Red Haven Live on Canal Road in the old Lauria’s space.
- A funding request for a $50,000 sponsorship for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
- Retiring canine officer Sadie and transferring ownership of her to Officer Brennan Giles. In another resolution, the council will discuss buying another K9 officer from Gulf Coast K9 for $12,000.
- Authorizing a tax franchise for JOLA Transportation to run a taxi business in the city and in the city’s police jurisdiction.
- Approving additional site work needed for sidewalk repairs, fencing and other site work adjacent to the pickleball courts for $36,431.
- Buying lighting for the tennis courts to improve to LED Musco Sports Lighting for $139,900. This does not include the cost of installation.
- Purchasing a Ford F250 regular cab truck for the Sewer Department for $48,639.
- A contract for law enforcement services with Baldwin County to help out during special events in Orange Beach.
During the work session, the council will discuss:
- Appointing a member to the Orange Beach Board of Education
- Appointing a member to the Library Board to replace former councilmember Joni Blalock’s seat after her term ended on Feb. 1.
- Approval of the fiscal year 2024’s audit.
- Amending the golf cart ordinance to include more streets in the city.
- Buying a lifeguard tower for surf and rescue from Bausch Enterprises for $82,835.
- Authorizing the purchase of audiovisual equipment for the fire department’s training room for $45,540.
- Approving a contract with McCollough Architecture for engineering services for the renovation of the old finance building at the corner of Orange Beach Boulevard and West Oak Ridge for $68,800.
- Authorizing a contract with GeoCon for geotechnical exploration and a soil study for a new civic center for $8,565. The council will also discuss hiring Wetland Sciences for a wetlands assessment on the proposed site.
- Waiving the rental fees for the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center for the Baldwin Pops John Allen Memorial Scholarship Concert on March 18.
- A contract with Natalie van Blerk for tennis professional services.
- Authorizing a contract with Coastal Wave Diagnostics for cardiovascular screenings for city employees for $100 per screening.
- An agreement with Baldwin County for the maintenance of Navy Road on the north side of Wolf Bay. The county contract provides routine blading on the road for 24 months and is up for renewal.
- A license agreement with The Nature Conservancy for the restoration of Waterfront Park to allow work on the shoreline and park.
- Authorizing agreements for easements to Baldwin Electric Membership for underground electrical lines.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The American Red Cross encourages Orange Beach residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood at an upcoming community drive. The event will be held in the training room of the Orange Beach Adult Fitness Center, providing a convenient spot for local donors. Organizers emphasize that...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Festival of Art is scheduled to return in less than two weeks from today for its 52nd annual event, showcasing a diverse range of visual, literary, performing, musical, and culinary arts along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The festival has become recognized as the island’s premie
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Jason Aldean has announced he will be in concert at the Wharf, but do you know about his connection with the Flora-Bama and local beaches? Aldean's "Songs About Us" tour will highlight 20 new tracks from his upcoming album, scheduled for release on April 24, 2026.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — March arrives like a refreshing coastal breeze—salty, sun-kissed, and full of potential. Along the shores of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which means "safe harbor," you'll find exactly that: a sanctuary where migratory birds return, wildflowers awaken, and hikers slow their pace ...
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Looking to improve the city’s municipal campus, Foley is seeking requests for proposals for consulting firms to develop a master plan for the campus. The area for study is east of McKenzie Street, south of Section Avenue, west of Juniper and north of Myrtle Avenue. This includes the old National..
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – After issuing requests for proposals to secure a $20 million loan for the airport’s terminal expansion, the city will discuss awarding the loan. The winning bid came from Renasant Bank after nine bids were submitted to the city. The terms for the three-year construction loan include an...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — In the quiet after the diagnosis, after the doctors stepped out, after the words stopped echoing, after the reality settled in, 11-year-old Mary Grace Glover made a promise that now shapes everything she does:
“I’m going to help find a cure.”
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley City Council approved plans to provide essential services for the upcoming Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. This decision guarantees that the city will continue its long tradition of supporting one of the region's major spring events. Various municipal departments will collaborate to
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Surfing on the Alabama Gulf Coast is about to get a thrilling upgrade! Enter the next wave of young surfers, affectionately known as "groms," who are determined to redefine surfing as more than just a hobby. They’re on a mission to elevate the local surf scene, creating a vibrant...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A vibrant cultural celebration kicks off in Gulf Shores this next weekend. Organizers say the Ballyhoo Fine Art & Culture Festival will fill Gulf State Park with art, music, and local flavor. Free and open to the public, the event is expected to draw visitors seeking a fun...
