Orange Beach City Council Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Invocation

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call

V. Consideration of Agenda

VI. Consideration of Previous Minutes

Committee of the Whole 12/29/09
Special-Called 12/29/09
Regular Meeting 01/05/10

VII. Reports of Officers/Committees

A. City Administrator
B. Director, Public Works
C. Engineering & Environmental
D. Chief, Police Department
E. Chief, Fire Department
F. City Clerk
G. Director, Finance
H. Parks & Recreation
I. Director, Utilities
J. Librarian, Orange Beach Public Library
K. Director, Municipal Court
L. I. T. Director
M. Mayor

VIII. Hearings on Petitions, Applications, Complaints, Appeals and Communications, Etc.

IX. Presentation(s)
X. Recognition(s)
XI. Auditing of Accounts

XII. Unfinished Business

XIII. New Business

Resolutions

1. Resolution reappointing Karen Clark to the Library Board.

2. Resolution extending the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance contract term.

3. Resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a Task Order with Olsen Associates for Post-Tropical Storm Ida Design Survey.

XIV. Adjourn

Alabamians still paying more for insurance, but premium growth slows | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com

Alabamians still paying more for insurance, but premium growth slows | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com: "New data show Alabamians are still paying more than the national average for homeowners insurance, although premiums aren't rising as fast as the spikes seen since 2002.

The average premium for a homeowners policy in Alabama rose 1.2 percent, or $11, to $904, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC. That was the 12th highest among the states in 2007, the most recent year available."

Burned body found at Foley school identified - al.com

Burned body found at Foley school identified - al.com: "FOLEY, Ala. -- The burned body found following a Christmas fire in a Foley High School storage area has been identified as Lance Joe Bammer, 41, of Foley, according to county officials.

Bammer's body was found in a storage shed that was reported burning at 2:38 p.m. Dec. 25."

WEAR ABC 3 : Dept. of Transportation: Three Mile Bridge Is "Structurally Deficient"

WEAR ABC 3 :: Top Stories: "ESCAMBIA COUNTY - It's one of the area's busiest bridges, and it may be unsafe.

The Pensacola Bay Bridge, or the 'Three Mile Bridge,' as most people know it, has connected Pensacola and Gulf Breeze for 50 years.

But now, the state is calling the bridge structurally deficient. The pilings are chipping and eroding, which is leading the Department of Transportation to say it needs to be replaced in the next six years.

But some drivers we talked with say six years isn't soon enough."

Third strike keeps man behind bars | Fox10tv.com

Third strike keeps man behind bars | Fox10tv.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) - A man accused of using a street sign as a murder weapon is back behind bars. The reason: the suspect has been arrested thee different times, by three different agencies.

Jonathan Hadley walked into the Baldwin County Courthouse in black and white stripes. the District Attorney's office wanted his bond revoked, citing his criminal background."

Orange Beach preparing pitch to keep SEC women's soccer tournament in town - al.com

Orange Beach preparing pitch to keep SEC women's soccer tournament in town - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- With one year remaining on its contract to host the Southeastern Conference women's soccer tournament, city officials said this week that they were preparing their pitch to the athletic conference to keep the event in south Baldwin County beyond 2010.

'We're going to do whatever it takes to keep it here,' Mayor Tony Kennon said. 'With an 8-year track record, we won't really have to sell ourselves.'

Orange Beach first hosted the eight-team tournament in November 2003. Hurricane Ivan forced the conference officials to move the event to Auburn in 2004. Play resumed in Orange Beach in 2005 and the tournament has been a staple event for the area each fall."

‘Nunsensations’ to open Jan. 15 - Baldwin County NOW

‘Nunsensations’ to open Jan. 15 - Baldwin County NOW: "GULF SHORES, Ala. — It's feathers, sequins and fans for the five talented nuns from the fictional convent of Mount St. Helens, who are in Las Vegas to raise money for their latest project."

Gulf Shores council hears from both sides in Little Lagoon vacation rental proposal - al.com

Gulf Shores council hears from both sides in Little Lagoon vacation rental proposal - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala -- Elected officials are considering opening up the northern shore of Little Lagoon to short-term vacation rentals and anticipate making a decision on the matter within the next few months, Mayor Robert Craft said.

'It is my recommendation that we do come up with an ordinance and we do vote on it and, either up or down, we decide and put this to rest,' Craft said Monday at the conclusion of a public meeting with area property owners."

Baldwin County Get to Know: Art instructor encourages creativity among students - al.com

Baldwin County Get to Know: Art instructor encourages creativity among students - al.com: "ROBERTSDALE, Ala. -- Although he graduated from Robertsdale High School nearly 10 years ago, art instructor Bryant Baggett can still be found walking the halls of his alma mater.

Baggett, who is now in his third year teaching at RHS, said his job allows him to return to his 'first love' every day.

'Ever since I was little, I enjoyed art,' he said. 'Throughout the years, I had many teachers who noticed my talent and pushed me in that direction.'"

Snowbirds welcomed by numerous local events in Baldwin County - al.com

Snowbirds welcomed by numerous local events in Baldwin County - al.com: "Winter guests from the Midwest and some Canadian residents have arrived on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, giving a boom to the local economy.

'These winter guests are a vital part of the area’s offseason economy, and we are honored that they have chosen our beautiful beachfront communities to escape the cold, northern winters,' said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. 'In addition to staying in local accommodations or campgrounds and frequenting restaurants and attractions, they generously donate their time and talent to many worthy causes in the community.'"

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge announces winter tour schedule - al.com

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge announces winter tour schedule - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has announced an expanded slate of guided tours this winter, ranging from birding trips to jaunts through swamps and sand dunes.

Last year the Fort Morgan sanctuary's biologists offered the free tours on Tuesdays and Thursday throughout February, February and into mid March. This winter, however, Wednesday tours have been added to the schedule and they will begin in January, said Lillian Falco, a refuge park ranger."

Pensacola man charged with reckless murder after May car wreck in Orange Beach - al.com

Pensacola man charged with reckless murder after May car wreck in Orange Beach - al.com: "A Pensacola man has been charged with reckless murder in the death of John Edward Dolan of Orange Beach in a single-car accident in May, according to Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb.

Officials with Alabama State Troopers said Michael Bradford Kendall, 24, the driver, was eluding police traveling at 77 mph in a 50 mph zone on Ala. 180 in Orange Beach when the Cadillac DeVille left the road and struck a concrete utility pole about 5:50 a.m., killing Dolan, 47, the car's passenger."

Full report: Causey Middle School teacher arrested on child sex abuse charge in Baldwin County - al.com

Full report: Causey Middle School teacher arrested on child sex abuse charge in Baldwin County - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- A teacher at Causey Middle School in west Mobile was arrested Tuesday evening on a child sexual abuse charge in Baldwin County while on paid administrative leave involving a drunken-driving arrest last week, officials said.

Charles Milton Lewis Jr., 50, of Summerdale, was booked into the Baldwin County Corrections Center charged with sexual abuse of a child under age 12, Baldwin Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery said in a news release."

Marijuana sold to undercover officers | Fox10tv.com

Marijuana sold to undercover officers | Fox10tv.com: "SUMMERDALE, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack says Anthony O. Barlow was arrested on drug charges after he sold marijuana to an undercover officer.

Mack says the sales happened on January 6th, and January 11th. Mack says the first time, the sale was for a quarter pound of marijuana, and the second time 3 ounces were sold. Mack says both sales were made in Summerdale."

Murder suspect arrested while on bond | Fox10tv.com

Murder suspect arrested while on bond | Fox10tv.com: "FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - A Baldwin County man who was out on bond after being accused of murdering a man with a street sign is once again in jail. This time, he's accused of shooting a man.

Police arrested Johnathan Hadley for a third time in the past three months. The first incident happened in Foley where Hadley is accused of hitting a man's truck with a stick and causing $1,400 in damage. The victim was Josh Graham's brother."

Haitian orphanages suffer heavy damage | Fox10tv.com

Haitian orphanages suffer heavy damage | Fox10tv.com: "ROBERTSDALE, Ala. (WALA) - Adoptions in Haiti could also take a hit from Tuesday's massive quake. A lot of the orphanages in Haiti were destroyed and many families are waiting to hear word on the safety of their children. But some local families got their children out before the devastation struck.

If life went the way it was supposed to, Estonia and Titus might have been sitting in an orphanage in Haiti when the earthquake struck. Instead, they're in the US with members of the Lippincott family."

Gulf Shores approves zoning change for hotel, conference center project - al.com

Gulf Shores approves zoning change for hotel, conference center project - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Zoning for a 250-room hotel and a 40,000-square-foot conference center at Homeport Marina won approval Monday from the City Council, which also agreed to let the developers relocate a road to accommodate the designs.

First proposed in May, designs also call for three new restaurants of varying sizes, a trio of retail buildings, a 500-space parking deck and a ferry terminal on the Intracoastal Waterway. Lulu's, the 450-seat restaurant that occupies a corner of the property, would get a new bar and stage area."

Mullet Wrapper- Nashville Charity Show Jan. 23 in Orange Beach

Mullet Wrapper: "There's something extra special about the Nashville Charity Concert on Jan. 23 sponsored by the Old River Optimist Club. More than 100 military personnel in training at NAS Pensacola have been invited to attend, free of charge. As members of the club have been selling tickets to friends and family, they have also been asking for donations for tickets for the military. Many have purchased tickets for one of the military guests. The Jan. 23 show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Orange Beach Community Center. All proceeds support local children's programs."

Wintzell’s makes donation to OBAC - Baldwin County NOW - A Gulf Coast Information Source for South Alabama

Wintzell’s makes donation to OBAC - Baldwin County NOW - A Gulf Coast Information Source for South Alabama: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Wintzell’s Oyster House in Orange Beach opened their doors on Dec. 27 to a large crowd of enthusiastic art patrons."

Gulf Shores approves zoning change for hotel, conference center project | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com

Gulf Shores approves zoning change for hotel, conference center project | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Zoning for a 250-room hotel and a 40,000-square-foot conference center at Homeport Marina won approval Monday from the City Council, which also agreed to let the developers relocate a road to accommodate the designs."

Cold Kills More Than 100 Birds - Pelican Island Alabama - WKRG.com

Cold Kills More Than 100 Birds - Pelican Island Alabama - WKRG.com: "Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the deaths of at least 100 birds.

The birds, mainly brown pelicans, were found on the southern tip of Pelican Island, also known as Sand Island."

Man with local ties makes idol cut | Fox10tv.com

Man with local ties makes idol cut | Fox10tv.com: "FOLEY, Ala. (WALA) - The good, the bad, and the really bad. That's what viewers saw as the ninth season of American Idol kicked off. Included in the 'good' category was Joshua Blaylock. His parents live right here on the Gulf Coast. They couldn't wait for Idol to start and for their son to make his debut."

Cold stunned sea turtles get help | Fox10tv.com

Cold stunned sea turtles get help | Fox10tv.com: "OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla (WALA) - It's not just humans dealing with the cold. For area sea turtles, the chilly water is a matter of life or death. This cold snap has killed dozens of endangered green sea turtles. One group is trying to save the ones that are still alive."

Crystal Meth Problem In Baldwin County - Loxley Alabama - WKRG.com

Crystal Meth Problem In Baldwin County - Loxley Alabama - WKRG.com: "LOXLEY, Alabama - Police in Loxley say their streets are now safer since shutting down a 'rolling' meth lab near Interstate 10 last night. On a routine traffic stop, officers confiscated chemicals and components used to make crystal meth and seized 18 grams of the finished product."

WKRG.com News

RELAY TEAMS GET A CHANCE TO STUFF THE BALLOT BOX

Submitted by Clayton Wallace

Voters in Baldwin County are debating and preparing to go to the polls in a couple of months on the one-cent sales tax increase. Before that vote however, organizers of the 2010 Relay For Life on the Alabama Gulf Coast want to draw record crowds Thursday for another election.

“This is the second year in a row we’re going to let our Relay teams decide what our theme will be this year,” Relay Chairman Emily Stowe said. “We did this last year and the voting was a huge success.” The voting will take place at the Relay Kickoff Event at The Hangout in Gulf Shores between 6 and 7:30 p.m.

According to Stowe, each team member at the kickoff will get to choose between three themes and vote for their favorite. “The more team members that show up at our kickoff rally, the more votes a team has to influence the outcome of the election,” she said.

Along with voting on this year’s theme, team members will be eligible for door prizes, and can enjoy some great food and live music.

“I’m truly excited about letting the teams choose the theme,” Stowe said. “I think the more input you allow individual teams, the more involved and excited they become about Relay. I would also like to thank the owners, management and staff at The Hangout for allowing us to hold our kickoff at such a great place.”

At the kickoff, Relay committee members will be on hand to give team captains their materials and sign-up anyone else interested in fund-raising. “I have had people tell me they would love to participate in Relay but they don’t have a team. We’re trying something this year that has worked well the past couple years. If you don’t have a team, we will be glad to provide you a spot on a team,” Stowe said. “We want to give anyone an opportunity to participate in any way they can.”

Stowe said she wants to invite everyone interested in Relay out for the kickoff. “We want to encourage anyone and everyone who is – or even just may be – interested in supporting Relay this year to attend our kickoff event,” she said. “Who knows, this may be something you can tell your kids or grandkids about. It’s a rare occasion when you get to stuff a ballot box.”

The 2010 Relay will take place May 1 at Lake Shelby in the Gulf State Park. For more information on Relay, contact Stowe at 948-1881. “I’m excited about this year’s Relay and have many ideas about how to get more of the community involved in finding a cure for cancer,” Stowe said. “I want to let people know that their involvement in Relay can help save lives.”

Orange Beach Library Events

"Victorian Cemeteries: Death and Art in a Place of Life" , a presentation given by Mr. H. F. Marston, Cemetery Specialist for the City of Mobile will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the Orange Beach Public Library. Mr. Marston will discuss the importance and symbolic meaning of the tombstones and other ornamentation characteristic of 19th century cemeteries.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information on winter programming events at the Library visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org or call 251-981-2923.

Judge ties controversial Baldwin County landowners to tax evasion scheme - al.com

Judge ties controversial Baldwin County landowners to tax evasion scheme - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- A group that's been accused of questionable construction work in Lillian has been tied by a federal judge in Seattle to schemes that help people evade income taxes by forming their own religious organizations, according to court records.

The Family Defense League of Edmonds, Wash., owns nearly 7 acres on Baldwin County 91, where someone is building several small structures without land-use or building permits, according to county officials and records.

There is also a shipping container on the property and a school bus in which people have reportedly been living.

County Attorney Scott Barnett said last week that he would send a letter informing the group of the violations."

Power fails in cold in south Baldwin; high demand led to outage, officials say | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com

Power fails in cold in south Baldwin; high demand led to outage, officials say - al.com: "Thousands of south Baldwin residents faced a freezing Monday morning with no electricity as high electrical demands in the cold weather overloaded circuits in several areas of the county, utility officials said.

At Summerdale School, smoke from a heater also caused some intermediate grade classrooms to be evacuated, but no fire was reported, education officials said. Power went out in areas of south Baldwin and the Eastern Shore at about 6:30 a.m., David Horton, Riviera Utilities spokesman, said. Almost 8,000 customers were affected."

Top musicians from Baldwin County schools will take part in honor band concert - al.com

Top musicians from Baldwin County schools will take part in honor band concert - al.com: "DAPHNE, Ala. -- The Baldwin County middle and high school All-County Honor Band will showcase some of Baldwin County's talented musicians tonight at Trojan Hall at Daphne High School.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. and will feature representatives from band programs across the county."

Dr. Regina Benjamin Receives Stars - Washington Dc - WKRG.com

Dr. Regina Benjamin Receives Stars - Washington Dc - WKRG.com: "WASHINGTON, DC - She's been on the job for a couple of months now, but, today, Baldwin County native Doctor Regina Benjamin officially received her stars as U.S. Surgeon General."

WKRG.com News

Summerdale School back in session | Fox10tv.com

Summerdale School back in session | Fox10tv.com: "SUMMERDALE, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County School System spokesperson Terry Wilhite says there is no fire at Summerdale School, and classes back in routine."

Bingo to benefit Mary's Shelter in Elberta - al.com

Bingo to benefit Mary's Shelter in Elberta - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Bingo is back at St. Thomas by-the-Sea Catholic Church in Orange Beach and will continue each Thursday through March.

The games benefit Mary’s Shelter, a caring home for homeless, pregnant women.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Early bird games begin at 5:30 and regular games at 6:30. Food and beverages are available."

Baldwin Get to Know: The tight wire beckoned him and the pipes called | Press-Register Community News - al.com

Baldwin Get to Know: The tight wire beckoned him and the pipes called | Press-Register Community News - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- From walking the high wire to playing the bagpipes, Warren Chivers has many talents -- talents he attributes to growing up in both the northern and southern United States.

'I was born in Mount Kisco, N.Y., but I consider my home to be Sarasota, Fla.,' Chivers said. 'My family lived in the Adirondack Mountains until I was 9, so I learned to ski as a kid.'"

Amid cold snap, fish struggle to adapt | Fox10tv.com

Amid cold snap, fish struggle to adapt | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - The cold weather is doing a number on the mullet population in our area. Hundreds of dead fish have washed ashore in Gulf Shores

At least 300 mullet have been found dead along Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores and other areas. Vacationer Larry Day and his wife spotted the fish Monday morning."

Police: Meth lab found in Gulf Shores apartment - WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA |

Police: Meth lab found in Gulf Shores apartment - WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA |: "GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) - Gulf Shores police have arrested a man and woman they suspect were running a meth lab in her apartment.

Foley residents 43-year-old Angela Catherine Cuellar and 30-year-old Kevin Roger Stabler were charged with first-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance."

Police Officer Laid To Rest - Elberta Ala. - WKRG.com

Police Officer Laid To Rest - Elberta Ala. - WKRG.com: "ELBERTA, Ala. - An Elberta reserve police officer killed last weekend in a car accident was laid to rest Friday.

Police agencies from across the area turned out for the funeral or officer Stephen Gaydos. Gaydos was a reserve officer in Elberta for nearly 10 years."


WKRG.com News

iTrip.net iTrip Closes Out 2009 with Strong Presence in 10 Markets, Plans for 10 New Markets in 2010

iTrip.net iTrip Closes Out 2009 with Strong Presence in 10 Markets, Plans for 10 New Markets in 2010: "Franklin, TN (PRWEB) January 11, 2010 -- Despite the tough economic climate faced by many businesses in 2009, iTrip.net, a full-service, web-based vacation rental management system, has grown its presence both online and in the markets it currently holds, including Sandestin, Panama City, Orlando, South Walton Beach and Perdido Key in Florida, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, Gulf Shores / Orange Beach in Alabama and Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica."

Local charter fishermen plan to join national protest in D.C. | national, charter, plan - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

Local charter fishermen plan to join national protest in D.C. | national, charter, plan - News - Northwest Florida Daily News: "DESTIN — They protested in Fort Walton Beach and on the city’s harbor. Now they are taking it to Washington, D.C.

More than a dozen Destin boat captains are planning to join others from up and down the Gulf Coast and East Coast in a “United We Fish” march on the Capitol on Feb. 24.

The march is to protest of the “unintended impacts” of the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act, the federal fisheries law that was revised in 2007."

Gulf Shores resident wins women's division at BankTrust First Light Marathon - al.com

Gulf Shores resident wins women's division at BankTrust First Light Marathon - al.com: "On the women's side, Gulf Shores' Anna Hallex, 32, won with an unofficial time of 3:20:21. Hallex is the children's librarian at Foley Public Library. Hallex has now run 3 marathons and won two of them."

Baldwin County's Own Dr. Regina Benjamin will be sworn in Monday as U.S. surgeon general - al.com

Dr. Regina Benjamin will be sworn in Monday as U.S. surgeon general - al.com: "WASHINGTON -- More than 500 people -- including a healthy sprinkling from Alabama -- are expected to be on hand Monday afternoon when Dr. Regina Benjamin is formally sworn in as the 18th U.S. surgeon general.

The ceremony, to be held at the National Museum of the American Indian near the Capitol, will include Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Benjamin's predecessor, Dr. Richard Carmona, according to Lt. Kate Migliaccio, a spokeswoman for the surgeon general's office."

Justice delayed: In Baldwin County, court cases linger - al.com

Justice delayed: In Baldwin County, court cases linger - al.com: "More than one in three criminal cases in Baldwin County Circuit Court -- including assaults and high-dollar thefts -- have been awaiting resolution for more than a year, falling far short of state guidelines, data suggest."

Get to Know Celia Dionne: Artist now weaving Baldwin County into her life - al.com

Get to Know Celia Dionne: Artist now weaving Baldwin County into her life - al.com: "Veteran weaver Celia Dionne has settled in nicely to life in south Baldwin County.

Dionne and her husband, William, visited the Baldwin area on and off for a while before choosing to make the move from north Alabama.

'I was doing art shows and I did shows in Fairhope and Orange Beach, then we started looking around,' she said. 'We thought this was a great area. My husband wanted to retire and move out, so we moved down from Huntsville.'"

Chili Bowl Cook-off planned - al.com

Chili Bowl Cook-off planned - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- The Flora-Bama Lounge will host the 16th annual Super Chili Bowl Cook-off Feb. 6, starting at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $50 for a three-person team."

Insurance companies do well from flood program; critics question whether industry alliance is good for taxpayers - al.com

Insurance companies do well from flood program; critics question whether industry alliance is good for taxpayers - al.com: "WASHINGTON -- When lawmakers ponder the woes of the federal flood insurance program, they tend to dwell on the billions of dollars in red ink spilled since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina left a backwash of huge losses.

Less attention has been given to the program's dependence on private insurance companies and agents to do most of the actual work of selling policies and adjusting claims."

Gulf Shores backs off personal watercraft ban to see if new safety rules assuage concerns - al.com

Gulf Shores backs off personal watercraft ban to see if new safety rules assuage concerns - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- The companies that rent personal watercraft to tourists should know by the end of the month the new guidelines they'll have to follow in 2010 to avert a ban on the business, Mayor Robert Craft said.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 19 so that municipal officials can hash out a slate of safety rules and operational procedures with the five companies that are licensed in Gulf Shores to rent personal watercraft along the beach.

'We're allowing Jet Ski rentals,' Craft said, 'just forcing them to be safe.'"

Elberta man who stabbed mom 11 times before stealing her truck to buy drugs pleads guilty - al.com

Elberta man who stabbed mom 11 times before stealing her truck to buy drugs pleads guilty - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- A man who stabbed his mother 11 times before stealing her truck to obtain drugs pleaded guilty to murder Thursday in a deal that took the death penalty off the table."

Baldwin County bus route begins next week - al.com

Baldwin County bus route begins next week - al.com: "DAPHNE -- Starting next week, workers and shoppers will be able to ride buses from north Baldwin County to Eastern Shore destinations, including the Eastern Shore Centre, the Daphne Walmart and Thomas Hospital in Fairhope.

'We knew it was important for people in the Bay Minette area to get to their jobs, especially at Thomas Hospital, which is a big employer,' said Taylor Rider, director of the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System."

Brutal cold settles into area, with mercury expected again to dip down to teens - al.com

Brutal cold settles into area, with mercury expected again to dip down to teens - al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Some of the coldest air in decades is expected in southwest Alabama through the weekend as one of the lengthiest cold snaps in recent years drones on, according to forecasts.

The mercury was predicted to plunge into the teens throughout the region by this morning, with wind chill values expected to range from 0 to 10 degrees."

Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce fills chief executive job with a familiar face - al.com

Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce fills chief executive job with a familiar face - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- When the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce set about searching for a new chief executive, it turned to a familiar face and hired Linda Mickelson Whitlock, who held the position from 1994 to 2001.

'I'm very happy to be back,' Whitlock said Wednesday at the conclusion of her first day on the job. 'I consider this home.'"

Town Hall meeting set in Gulf Shores - al.com

Town Hall meeting set in Gulf Shores - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- The first Town Hall meeting of 2010 will be held 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center. This meeting will introduce Grant Brown, the city’s new Director of Parks and Recreation.

Grant will discuss the city’s focus to improve the safety and cleanliness of the public beaches for the 2010 season."

Mission at St. Thomas by the Sea designed to teach life lessons - al.com

Mission at St. Thomas by the Sea designed to teach life lessons - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- St. Thomas by the Sea parish in Orange Beach will welcome the Rev. Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem., at all Masses at the church Jan. 30 and 31 and after the 9 a.m. Masses on Feb. 1-4.

Kratz, director of the Spiritual Life Center and Retreat House at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wis., will bring an adult faith formation to the parish. The mission will feature life lessons."

Foley Woman Robbed At Knifepoint - Foley Alabama - WKRG.com

Foley Woman Robbed At Knifepoint - Foley Alabama - WKRG.com: "FOLEY, Alabama - Deborah Pliar thought the man wearing a ski-mask was just a cold customer trying to stay warm. But Pliar soon found out he had a cold heart."

WKRG.com News

Orange Beach C.O.W. Meeting Agenda

I. ROLL CALL

II. CONSIDERATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

Committee of the Whole 12/29/09

Special-Called 12/29/09

Regular Meeting 01/05/10

III. PUBLIC REQUESTS AND COMMENTS

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

V. NEW BUSINESS

Miscellaneous

1. Presentation of Time Capsule items - Iris Ethridge.

2. Presentation of SEC Soccer Championship 2009 Coverage. (KG/TK)

3. Discuss differential increase to residents outside the city limits. (PSC)

4. Discuss Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance contract extension. (KG)

5. Discuss establishment of legal department. (WC)

Resolutions

1. Authorize the mayor to execute a Task Order with Olsen Associates for Post-Tropical Storm Ida Design Survey. (KG/PW)

2. Library Board reappointment. (BL)

VI. ADJOURN

Mobile, Baldwin county schools plan to be open today -Register - al.com

Mobile, Baldwin county schools plan to be open today | - al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- Schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties are scheduled to open at their regular times this morning, officials said Thursday.

But if freezing temperatures and precipitation cause road conditions to be too dangerous, officials said they would alert the public of any closures or delays.

Some schools, including public schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties, would use their telephone alert systems to let parents know of any changes, officials said."

Family, friends mourn loss of Gaydos | Fox10tv.com

Family, friends mourn loss of Gaydos | Fox10tv.com: "ELBERTA, Ala. (WALA) - Visitation for an Elberta reserve police officer who was killed in a tragic car accident was held Thursday, January 7. Florida State Troopers say Stephen Gaydos was hit by a distracted driver."

Orange Beach council changes meeting schedule - al.com

Orange Beach council changes meeting schedule - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- The next time the City Council meets it will be at 5 p.m. And the time after that the proceedings will begin at 5 p.m. And so on.

The council on Monday voted unanimously to end its experiment with starting official biweekly meetings at 6 p.m. and will hold all of its meetings, formal or informal, at 5 p.m. starting Tuesday."

Cold weather pushes Mullet into protected waters

January 7, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - Cold temperatures in our area have pushed thousands of Mullet into protected waters. The photos below were taken and submitted to The OBA Website by an area resident. They requested that we not reveal the exact location of the photos to prevent a stampede of anglers.

Click on the images below to view a larger version.

Baldwin commissioners tweak 1-cent sales tax vote wording - al.com

Baldwin commissioners tweak 1-cent sales tax vote wording - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- In March, Baldwin County voters won't be 'for' or 'against' a proposed 1-cent sales tax for county schools.

They will simply vote 'yes' or 'no.'
That change was made Tuesday to the official wording of a resolution setting a March 23 referendum for the tax, which according to estimates would generate about $25 million a year over three years for the financially ailing county Board of Education.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to reword the choices on the ballot from 'for' or 'against,' to 'yes' or 'no.'"

Ban on driver texting strongly supported by Alabama House, Senate members - al.com

Ban on driver texting strongly supported by Alabama House, Senate members - al.com: "MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- State Rep. Ken Guin says Alabama needs to ban people from text messaging while driving a motor vehicle, and a recent experience with a driver swerving 'all over the road' is a reason why.

'I started to drive around her. I thought she was drunk,' said Guin, D-Carbon Hill. He said he pulled up alongside the vehicle and noticed that the driver was holding her cell phone on the steering wheel and appeared to be sending a text message.

Maybe not for much longer."

Two injured in Meth Lab explosion | Fox10tv.com

Two injured in Meth Lab explosion | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. - An apartment building in Gulf Shores had to be evacuated late Tuesday night after police say a Methamphetamine Lab exploded.

It happened at the Colony Club apartments at Drake's Landing, 6194 State Highway 59, shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. Gulf Shores Police say two people in the apartment were injured."

Body found floating in Gulf of Mexico | Fox10tv.com

Body found floating in Gulf of Mexico | Fox10tv.com: "BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. - The United States Coast Guard say they recovered a body floating in the Gulf of Mexico. North Baldwin Sheriff's Office has confirmed the body has been identified as that of Alan Clemons, one of two hunters missing since early December."

Elberta officer killed in wreck | Fox10tv.com

Elberta officer killed in wreck | Fox10tv.com: "ELBERTA, Ala. - Elberta Police Reserve Officer Stephen Gaydos was killed in a traffic accident Sunday morning.

The wreck happened at the Alabama/Florida state line in Escambia County, Fla."

Meth lab explodes, injuring one man | Fox10tv.com

Meth lab explodes, injuring one man | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. - Gulf Shores police say a meth lab explosion sent one man to the hospital, and put one woman behind bars.

The explosion happened late Tuesday night, at the Colony Club Apartment Complex."

Body of missing hunter recovered | Fox10tv.com

Body of missing hunter recovered | Fox10tv.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. - It's been a month since two hunters went missing on the Tensaw River and the search for one of the men has come to an end. The body of 29-year-old Alan Clemons was found floating in the Gulf of Mexico. Clemons and his cousin disappeared during a hunting trip on December 6."

Don Quixote and the speeding rail - Baldwin County NOW

Don Quixote and the speeding rail - Baldwin County NOW: "FOLEY, Ala. — Stan Virden of Gulf Shores admits he’s about the only person in South Baldwin who has an interest in the upcoming Alabama High-Speed Rail Conference set for Friday, Jan. 8, in Birmingham. But Virden believes interest will mount once the Port of Mobile develops a container terminal that will eventually dump more container loads on I-65.

In Virden’s opinion, that’s eventually going to make travel north on the interstate “really uncomfortable” to say the least.

“I think I’m Don Quixote on this,” he said recently of interest in high-speed rail transportation."

H1N1 vaccine clinics for Baldwin County students announced - al.com

H1N1 vaccine clinics for Baldwin County students announced - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- Thursday and Friday, the Alabama Department of Public Health will administer the second dose of the H1N1 vaccination for students ages 4 through 9 with permission forms on file.

Parental consent forms were sent home with students 10 years of age and older Tuesday and those are due back by Friday. This vaccine is provided in injectable form."

Zoo protects animals in freezing weather | Fox10tv.com

Zoo protects animals in freezing weather | Fox10tv.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. - Tropical macaws, monkeys and lemurs are not exactly from this area. But you can find plenty of those at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. So, in this chilly time of year, how do these animals stay warm?

On a chilly January afternoon, one macaw is in for a treat. It's lunchtime, so a handler is pouring a helping of warm noodles and lima beans."

Two charged in meth explosion that forced evacuation of Gulf Shores apartment building - al.com

Two charged in meth explosion that forced evacuation of Gulf Shores apartment building - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- A methamphetamine manufacturing operation exploded Tuesday night at a residential complex off Ala. 59, blowing out an apartment's windows, sending one occupant to the hospital and forcing an evacuation of the building until early Wednesday.

Gulf Shores police said that Grant Bieber, 29, suffered non-life threatening injuries in the explosion. He and Jacqueline E. Slaughter Cagle, also 29 and the apartment's leaseholder, face charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, according to investigators."

Baldwin Register's Senior Scene | Press-Register Community News - al.com

Baldwin Register's Senior Scene | Press-Register Community News - al.com: "SPECIAL EVENTS

THE JAMES P. NIX CENTER is offering basic and intermediate ballroom dance lessons to Nix Center members and guests. Instruction will begin Thursday. The basic and intermediate class will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the six-week class is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. To register, call 251-928-2835 or stop by the Nix Center."

Meth Lab Explosion at Apartment Complex - Gulf Shores Alabama - WKRG.com

Meth Lab Explosion at Apartment Complex - Gulf Shores Alabama - WKRG.com: "GULF SHORES, Alabama - Stan Price lives directly above the apartment unit where the explosion happened at Colony Club at Drake's Landing Apartments.

'It was loud, about lifted the sofa off the floor,' he said."

WKRG.com News

Updated: Cold likely to stay in southwest Alabama all week - al.com

Updated: Cold likely to stay in southwest Alabama all week - al.com: "It's 18 in Opelika, Ala., this morning and it feels like 8. It's 15 and clear in Birmingham. And it's a relatively balmy 20 degrees in Mobile.

Welcome to some serious winter weather. And it's here to stay for a while."

Driver reaching for cell phone kills Lillian, Ala., man in head-on wreck, Florida police say - al.com

Driver reaching for cell phone kills Lillian, Ala., man in head-on wreck, Florida police say - al.com: "PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A 21-year-old Alabama man has been charged after Escambia County police say he reached to grab a cell phone on the floor of his pickup, swerved into oncoming traffic and killed a Lillian, Ala., man, according to a Pensacola News Journal report."

Hurricane Forecasters Will Send Storm Warnings Earlier - Miami Florida - WKRG.com

Hurricane Forecasters Will Send Storm Warnings Earlier - Miami Florida - WKRG.com: "MIAMI, Florida - Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say they will issue storm warnings and watches about half a day sooner than before.

They hope warnings about 36 to 48 hours ahead of the storms will give coastal residents more advance notice. They said Tuesday that improved storm tracking allows them to do it."

Marshall County Tribune: Local News: Beating victim emerges from coma

Marshall County Tribune: Local News: Beating victim emerges from coma: "A Marshall County man has awakened from a coma suffered from a beating nearly three weeks earlier, according to his brother who says about $5,600 were stolen from a hiding place.

Lones Allen Butler, 56, a retired CSX railroad bridge repair gang member on disability whose wife died seven years ago, has been treated at Vanderbilt Medical Center and faces rehabilitation therapy, his brother, Sherman Butler of Nashville, said last weekend.

Michael Dean Marlin, 22, of 308 Bandiwood at Chapel Hill and an accomplice, Travis Lankford, who's awaiting extradition from Gulf Shores, Ala., allegedly entered Allen Butler's home where he's been living with Leigh Ann Taylor, 31, at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 13, according to a statement from Sheriff's Detective Keith Jolley."

Gulf Shores City Council considering opening Little Lagoon's north shore to vacation rentals - al.com

Gulf Shores City Council considering opening Little Lagoon's north shore to vacation rentals - al.com: "GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Next week city officials plan to publicly debate opening up the northern shore of Little Lagoon to short-term tourist rentals.

Mayor Robert Craft said the City Council has planned a public hearing on the matter for Monday at 3 p.m."

City of Orange Beach Relay for Life team to host ‘Big’ Yard & Craft Sale Jan. 16

ORANGE BEACH — The City of Orange Beach - Relay for Life Team is preparing for their 7th Annual ‘Big’ Yard & Craft Sale Jan. 16 from 7 a.m. until noon at the Orange Beach Community Center. The event has grown each year, and 2010 will be no exception.

In 2009 there were 27 separate booths where shoppers found great bargains, and organizers plan for even more booths and great items this year. Locals and visitors will have the opportunity to browse one of the largest combined yard sales on the island, all inside the warm Community Center, located at 27235 Canal Road adjacent to the Orange Beach Recreation Center. In addition, sausage biscuits and coffee will be available for hungry shoppers.

Proceeds from the ‘Big’ Yard & Craft Sale are directly donated to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the Relay for Life campaign. Spaces are rented to individual sellers, insuring that a wide variety of items are available for sell. Anticipated items for sale include youth and adult clothing, toys, household items, sporting goods, exercise equipment, furniture and more. Arts and Crafts vendors from around South Baldwin also participate by showing and selling their wares.

The City of Orange Beach Relay for Life Team is also seeking donated items for their booth. Donation receipts will be given for all items. Deliver items to the Orange Beach Community Center on Friday, January 15, between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Please, no clothing items or shoes.

Mark your calendar for a great chance to shop, browse, clean out or stock up on great products and gadgets, at the same time supporting a worthwhile American Cancer Society event. For more information on the event, or to rent a booth, contact Jeanne Fitzgibbons at 981-1524.

Brett-Robinson Relay for Life team to host Murder Mystery Dinner Jan. 22

ORANGE BEACH — The Brett-Robinson Relay for Life Team will present “Murder in Margaritaland” - a murder mystery dinner Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Phoenix West Condominium Meeting Room. Filled with drama and excitement, the murder mystery is just part of the fun.

Dinner will be catered by the North Shore Deli, and will include such culinary delights as shrimp skewers, “Hula-Hula” barbecue chicken, North Shore salad, vegetable medley, Caribbean rice, roasted fingerling potatoes and Key lime pie.

Tickets for the show are $25. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, contact Allison Benson at 974-5283 or hkpurchasing@brett-robinson.com. “Instead of going to just another dinner and a show, you can do something a little different,” Alabama Gulf Coast Relay Chair Emily Stowe said. “You can come have dinner with us and be a part of the show.”

Letters prompt anthrax scare | Fox10tv.com

Letters prompt anthrax scare | Fox10tv.com: "FOLEY, Ala. - Foley Police responded to several Alabama politician's offices, and several federal courthouses, where packages with a white powder substance were found. The preliminary results from testing came back negative for anthrax, but it sent up red flags across the state."

Foley Manhunt Suspect Captured | Local15tv.com, Mobile & Pensacola News, Entertainment, Videos, Business Search and Shopping

Foley Manhunt Suspect Captured | Local15tv.com, Mobile & Pensacola News, Entertainment, Videos, Business Search and Shopping: "(FOLEY, Ala.) - Authorities have arrested the suspect who took off after punching a state trooper during a traffic stop.

The state trooper stopped two men on Charolais Road in Foley Monday afternoon. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the driver, Alonzo Duwayne Prim, had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court."

Baldwin County schools staff planning tax referendum campaign | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com

Baldwin County schools staff planning tax referendum campaign | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- With a vote on a three-year, 1-cent sales tax for schools less than 80 dayss away, employees in the Baldwin County education system were formulating a game plan and taking their argument to the people."

Loxley Police Investigating Rape - Daphne Alabama - WKRG.com

Loxley Police Investigating Rape - Daphne Alabama - WKRG.com: "Detectives with the Loxley Police Department are investigating a possible rape and robbery that happened at an abandoned baseball field Friday night.
Investigators say a woman filed a report, claiming she picked up three men who needed a ride then was sexually assault and robbed at gunpoint. Police say the crime happened off Walnut Street near Highway 90 in the Loxley Heights community."

WKRG.com News

Orange Beach seeks money for multimillion dollar sewer project - al.com

Orange Beach seeks money for multimillion dollar sewer project - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- City officials are looking for money to pay the estimated $3.35 million bill to replace a crucial sewer pipe that is the city's link to its valuable sewerage north of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Last week the City Council voted unanimously to apply for funding through a state environmental program that provides low-interest loans to local governments for certain water and sewer projects."

Baldwin, Mobile schools don't have required money in reserve accounts - al.com

Baldwin, Mobile schools don't have required money in reserve accounts - al.com: "More than half of Alabama's public school systems had enough money in reserve at the close of the fiscal year to operate for one full month, as the state requires, according to a report.

Baldwin County was not one of those systems. In fact, it wasn't even close."

Baldwin County superintendent search meetings start Jan. 13-14 - al.com

Baldwin County superintendent search meetings start Jan. 13-14 - al.com: "BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- Baldwin County Public Schools officials should decide the scope of the search for a new superintendent soon and will meet Jan. 13 and 14 with the firm conducting the process, according to board President Tracy Roberts."

Top house sales fall short of '06 figures | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Top house sales fall short of '06 figures | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Archer and Ivy Frierson of Shreveport, La., sneaked onto the back deck of a vacant Gulf-front home on Pensacola Beach this year, just to sip some wine and get a feel for what it would be like to live there."

Swimmers take Polar Bear Dip at Flora-Bama | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com

Swimmers take Polar Bear Dip at Flora-Bama | Breaking News from the Press-Register - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala.�-- Twelve hours into 2010, hundreds of swimmers waded into chilly Gulf waters as part of what has become an annual new year's tradition at the Alabama-Florida state line.
Twelve hours and a few seconds into the year, some began coming out of the water, moving more rapidly than when they went in."

Anniston Star - Alabamian of the Year

Anniston Star - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts - Anniston, Ala.: "In the time it takes to read this sentence, some half-million people across the globe will search for something on Wikipedia, the innovation of The Anniston Star's 2009 Alabamian of the Year, Jimmy Wales.

According to one estimate, on any given month almost one-third of the world's Internet users will reference Wikipedia, which bills itself as 'the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.'"

Snowbirds flocking again to Baldwin County - al.com

Snowbirds flocking again to Baldwin County - al.com: "Thousands of visitors from Midwestern and Northeastern states have begun their annual exchange of snow for sand, and in the process will warm up the economy and community support in south Baldwin County."

Foley approves Wolf Bay Lodge restaurant plans - al.com

Foley approves Wolf Bay Lodge restaurant plans - al.com: "FOLEY -- A second location for the Wolf Bay Lodge restaurant should open on Baldwin County 20 this summer, following action by the City Council on Thursday.

The council voted unanimously to lease the former site of the Wilson Pecan Co. east of Juniper Street to the restaurant's owners, sisters Charlene Haber and Alice Bretz. Officials said the final terms of the lease will have to be approved by the council once the deal is complete."

Hundreds plunge in Gulf of Mexico for New Year's Polar Bear Dip - al.com

Hundreds plunge in Gulf of Mexico for New Year's Polar Bear Dip - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- About 1,500 people gathered at the edge of the Gulf at noon Friday for the 26th annual Polar Bear Dip at the Flora-Bama Lounge on the Alabama-Florida state line."

Hundreds go swimming in the frigid Gulf | Fox10tv.com

Hundreds go swimming in the frigid Gulf | Fox10tv.com: "PERDIDO KEY, Fla. - It's a New Year's tradition that has been going on nearly three decades, but you have to be pretty courageous to give it a go. We're talking about the polar bear dip at the Flora-Bama and there was no shortage of folks willing to take the plunge."

Polar Bear Plunge at Flora-Bama - Perdido Key Florida - WKRG.com

Polar Bear Plunge at Flora-Bama - Perdido Key Florida - WKRG.com: "PERDIDO KEY, Florida - From Baby New Year to The King of Rock and Roll. The Polar Bear Dip has become a pilgrimage of sorts. Pat McClellan says, 'It's a new year you know. This is the way we bring in a New Year we try to make sure all things from last year are gone. If we successfully come into the water, out of the plunge, then it's been a good year'."

WKRG.com News

Bill banning use of offshore platforms for fish farms could affect Gulf aquaculture - al.com

Bill banning use of offshore platforms for fish farms could affect Gulf aquaculture - al.com: "roposed federal legislation could make the Gulf of Mexico a less likely site for the nation's first commercial offshore fish farms.

Under the National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2009, proposed by Rep. Lois Capps, D-Calif., it would be illegal to use oil or natural gas platforms for fish farming operations."

Hard freeze possible Monday night, forecasters say - al.com

Hard freeze possible Monday night, forecasters say - al.com: "MOBILE, Ala. -- An arctic air mass moving into the Deep South could bring the first hard freeze of the season to parts of southwest Alabama on Monday night into Tuesday, according to forecasters.

Temperatures in the Mobile area and near the beaches could dip into the middle and upper 20s, while inland areas could experience readings near 20, according to forecasters."

Cable dispute delayed | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal

Cable dispute delayed | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal: "Sinclair Broadcasting and Mediacom cable have extended their transmitting agreement for eight days.

That means college football fans in Santa Rosa County, on Pensacola Beach and in parts of southern Alabama can watch the Rose Bowl and the BCS National Championship Game on cable TV."

Two arrests solve two dozen cases | Fox10tv.com

Two arrests solve two dozen cases | Fox10tv.com: "ELBERTA, Ala. - Elberta Police say they have now cleared almost two dozen cases with just two arrests, the investigation isn't over yet.

It is at a home on Stuki Road in Elberta where detectives say they caught Angela Gardner and Donald King red handed."

3 girls coping one year after accident | Fox10tv.com

3 girls coping one year after accident | Fox10tv.com: "ROBERTSDALE, Ala. - Exactly one year ago, three girls in Robertsdale were hit by a car. Two of them were life-flighted to a hospital. FOX10 News caught up with one of the families."

Hurricane Grants Target Gulf Marine, Rail | Journal of Commerce

Hurricane Grants Target Gulf Marine, Rail | Journal of Commerce: "Alabama gets $4.7 million as part of Commerce Department recovery package

The U.S. Commerce Department is sending grant money to port and rail projects in states around the Gulf of Mexico to help the region’s recovery efforts from two hurricanes in 2008.

The largest of the department’s Economic Development Administration freight transportation-related grants will send $4.7 million to the city of Gulf Shores and the Airport Authority of Gulf Shores, Ala., to build a dry dock basin to support the maintenance of seagoing vessels for the Gulf Coast’s marine service industry."

Wharf deal closing delayed as lawyers ask for more time to renegotiate public-private pact - al.com

Wharf deal closing delayed as lawyers ask for more time to renegotiate public-private pact - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- Asked by lawyers involved to extend the deadline to renegotiate a revenue-sharing pact between taxpayers and The Wharf, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to push back the closing date for the reworked deal to April 1.

'We've got it nailed down but there's just a couple of provisions that have to be exactly right, and they're not right,' City Attorney Wanda Cochran told council members. 'So we need additional time.'"

Orange Beach bridge toll increased by private company, concerning city officials - al.com

Orange Beach bridge toll increased by private company, concerning city officials - al.com: "ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- For the second time since acquiring the Beach Express toll bridge in 2007, American Roads LLC is raising the cost of crossing the span.

Starting Friday, it will cost $3.50 for typical vehicles to use the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.

Orange Beach residents, who pay a discounted rate as part of a 2004 revenue-sharing deal with the bridge's builders, will not see any increase from the $1.50 they are currently charged, as long as they don't pay cash. If they do, crossing will cost $1.75."