Orange Beach High School Star Gains Attention at University of Alabama

OBA Staff • June 7, 2025

Alabama staff impressed by freshman's skill and drive

Orange Beach High School Basketball Star Lee Steele with Alabama Coaches

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach High School freshman Lee Steele is starting to make waves in the basketball world. The 6-foot-6 player had a standout day during a visit to The University of Alabama. His skills and work ethic caught the attention of head coach Nate Oats and his coaching staff. Observers say Steele is playing his best basketball yet.

The visit happened on June 5, 2025, when Steele was invited to take part in activities at the university. His performance made a strong impression. According to coaches, Steele has a bright future and may just be getting started.

Coaches described Steele as a gym rat who works hard and is easy to coach. He is also known for being a good teammate. His dedication and love for the game are helping him grow quickly as a player.

One coach said Steele is only beginning to reach his full potential. His progress so far shows he could be a top player in the coming years. Supporters from Orange Beach and beyond are cheering him on.

Steele’s performance and attitude have earned him respect on and off the court. With continued hard work, many believe he has what it takes to play at the next level.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Jerry & Yo Johnson Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner

City of Orange Beach Honors Councilman Jerry Johnson As He Steps Down To Support His Family

By R. Ken Cooper • June 4, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is expressing heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Councilman Jerry Johnson as he steps down from the Orange Beach City Council to devote his time and energy to his family during a deeply personal health crisis. Councilman Johnson announced his resignation at Tue

New North Foley Industrial Site Backed By $3.33 Million Grant

By Guy Busby • June 4, 2026

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley is moving ahead with a new industrial site. City leaders said it could create jobs and revenue for Foley and Alabama. State funding will help purchase the land. Officials called the purchase an investment in the area's future.

4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge Return to The Wharf

Fourth Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge Returns to The Wharf in Orange Beach

By R. Ken Cooper • June 4, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge is returning to The Wharf in Orange Beach. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the event qualifies competitors for the World Food Championships. Culinary teams, restaurants, and individuals from across the region are invited to comp

Orange Beach Councilman Jerry Johnson Resigns to Care for Ailing Grandson

By John Mullen • June 3, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Speaking to a crowd, engaging a crowd, has never been a problem for longtime Orange Beach City Councilman Jerry Johnson. Once, at a town hall meeting, former Gov. Bob Riley got up to follow a presentation by Johnson, deadpanning, “If I come back to Orange Beach, y’all don’t make me follow t

Penny Hughey - South Alabama Rotary Next Governor Nominee

South Alabama Rotary District Names Penny Hughey As Its Next Governor Nominee

By R. Ken Cooper • June 3, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Rotary District 6880 has a new leader in the wings. Penny Hughey was unanimously elected District Governor Nominee at the organization's Annual Multi-District Conference. The conference took place over Memorial Day weekend in Opelika, Alabama. In her new role, Hughey will help shape the fu

Amberjack Photo By David Rainer - Stock Photo

NOAA Sets Longer Greater Amberjack Season In Federal Waters Of The Gulf

By R. Ken Cooper • June 3, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — NOAA Fisheries has set the 2026 recreational greater amberjack season in federal waters in the Gulf. It announced the opening and closing dates. Size and daily limits remain the same. The agency also outlined rules for the closure.

Orange Beach Kids Camp Offers A Week Of Learning Fun With Police And Fire Teams

By R. Ken Cooper • June 3, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is bringing back one of its most popular summer programs for kids. The Orange Beach Public Safety Kids' Camp is set to return for another year. The free camp offers children a hands-on look at local police and fire departments. It is a fun, educational experience that has beco

Alabama School Resource Officers Meet in Orange Beach

Alabama School Resource Officers Gather in Orange Beach for Annual Training

By R. Ken Cooper • June 2, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Police Department is once again hosting the School Resource Officers and educators from across Alabama at the annual TAASRO Safe Schools Conference. Held at the Orange Beach Event Center, the event brings together law enforcement and school staff for a week of critical tra

Orange Beach Council Prepares Busy Agenda For Recreation And Development

By John Mullen • June 2, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – More work is being planned for Orange Beach’s recreation campus as a new pickleball complex is complete, and a new pool and refurbishing of the aquatic center are on the drawing board. A new western addition to the campus, Contorno Park, now has a walking path around the pond there in addit

Orange Beach Warns About Misuse Of Pickleball Courts

By R. Ken Cooper • June 2, 2026

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are asking for help protecting the city’s new pickleball courts. Parks and Recreation staff reported recent misuse. The city says damage has already occurred. Police plan increased evening patrols.