https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508
Keep Voting For The Backcountry Trail!
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is in the running for Best Recreational Trail in the country by USA Today! Without the support the trail receives from our amazing community, recognitions like this would not be possible. Vote each day, through February 6th, in the USA Today Readers' Choice Awards for our Backcountry Trail at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508 (https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama?fbclid=IwAR3ZwXSL8bWWViKyAj8liU_Url4tLHFpueGDdr1yBr2Zr1SDZlJci7dzh2U&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
Latest News (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
Reminders and updates for Orange Beach residents and business owners:
- The Gulf State Park Beach Passes (for full-time residents only with proper identification) are available for pickup at City Hall at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd. Find more information on the City Website at https://www.orangebeachal.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=53&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508 (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=53&fbclid=IwAR1cJLYKlDqbrLBu65cO2IlXuDVz5kuD0Zq6EBVUj_uz6jSJLYqKOuqfQB8&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
Business license renewals are due by January 31st to the Finance Department at 4151 Orange Beach Blvd.
New Hurricane decals - the City will announce the distribution date in May and decals will be picked up at the Finance Department at 4151 Orange Beach Blvd. The decals will be valid for a 3-year period - 2023-2025.
CoastAL Resident Beach Parking Passes are still in the planning process and information will be shared when it is finalized.
Nighttime lane closures on East Canal Road shifted to Jan. 23-25
Due to construction sequence changes by the contractor, the East Canal Road nighttime construction and single lane closures were rescheduled for this Monday, January 23rd through Wednesday, January 25th - 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The nighttime construction is necessary in order to minimize impacts to traffic during daytime hours.
Please Slow Down
Due to excessive speeds through the East Canal Road work zone, the 25 mph speed limit is being heavily enforced by Orange Beach Police Department. Please slow down for everyone's safety, especially the construction workers.
New OBPD Officers Sworn In
Congratulations and welcome to new Orange Beach Police Department officers Ronald Ultz, Chris White and Rodney Shane Phillips. They were introduced by Chief Steve Brown and sworn in by Municipal Judge Chris Callaghan at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 17th.
Thank you for “protecting paradise.”
Keeping Employees Informed
Mayor Tony Kennon and City Administrator Ford Handley held a citywide employee meeting on Wednesday at the Orange Beach Event Center to keep staff up-to-date on the latest happenings in the city. More than 350 city employees were in attendance.
Community Happenings
Annual Book and Bake Sale wraps up Saturday
Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library's Annual Book and Bake Sale wraps up this Saturday, January 21st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange Beach Community Center. The sale will be going on until 5 p.m. today - Friday, January 20th.
Snowbird Trivia Night set for Feb. 11
The Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library are also hosting Snowbird Trivia Night on Saturday, February 11th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Locals are welcome. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play begins at 6 p.m. There are eight players per table, $160 per table. For more information, contact Sharon or Larry at 405-630-8731 and leave a message. Registration forms are available at the public libraries in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
'Disney's The Little Mermaid' on Feb. 2-5
“The Little Mermaid” hits the stage Feb. 2-5 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center! Expect Excellence Community Theatre will present the performance on Feb. 2-4 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Orange Beach Performing Art Center. Tickets are $15 for all ages. For each show, the doors will open one hour prior to the performance time. Purchase tickets for 'Disney's The Little Mermaid'. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/city-of-orange-beach/6384f7ef872f8e0e478bf923?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
The Little Mermaid is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All materials were provided by MTI. www.mtishows.com (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtishows.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3fnfIo2UABE5NKXVG9TN_wl28yICKBMFUPyDtqS6Sk594OaQUM6lY7Nlo&h=AT2JUVGsYKwHZTmrAWtTcVkK8Efc2iO_e0flSAnQWFpsXGpcUs_vJjMVjTg_KDRIuLcucXg-Ax15RzN0sAhLBZW75CDBoqedmMVHW-FS2r2q9cw-mcZkakbhuUSRtYDKhw&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT25XQHl7rMby9DWAy0keDrZyoYBvIlqcuK_96w_E4U-R6OEUsL53YXBgEoss883sBmJLQpuwrDbiIwnMRGhPMQllnOlc-LAnkNIDvTf0VNKPyMFH_q-87SihA-TzlN4KVCQlH4fbJ8S0WfQOhrz4rDK-VZo697a1AhNWFs8tzwowJUPB4U-OApObxwviWLsm7cJyvlDAgEx&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
Baldwin Pops free concert set for Feb. 5 at Orange Beach Event Center
The Baldwin Pops Band will present a “Reflections of Jazz” concert with special guests at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Doors open at 2 p.m.
The concert is free, courtesy of the City of Orange Beach. It will be an afternoon of jazz and swing tunes, with space for dancing, as well.
The Event Center is located at 4671 Wharf Pkwy West.
Garden Club's Game Day on Feb. 15
The Orange Beach Garden Club will hold its 35th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, February 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. Tickets are $35. The theme will be "Wild at Heart" with the club celebrating the Orange Beach Wildlife Center and members will introduce attendees to some of the local wildlife the center has rescued and rehabbed.
The guest speaker Melissa Vinson, who manages the Wildlife Center as part of Orange Beach Coastal Resources, will describe daily life at the center and the exciting plans for the future.
The public is invited to join club members for this day of food, fun and prizes!
The attendee’s $35 donation includes morning coffee and cookies, a day of gaming - participants organize the players and game - the wildlife encounter, the club’s famous member-made unlimited salad luncheon and desserts and door and raffle prizes from area local businesses.
Tickets are available at The Emporium Gift Shop in the Orange Beach Rouse's Shopping Center on the Beach Road, and at Wildflowers Boutique in The Commons Shopping Center on Canal Road, next to Another Broken Egg Restaurant.
Questions? Call Cathy Oakes 251-233-0900.
Acoustic Arts at the Coastal Arts Center
The Coastal Arts Center’s Acoustic Arts Series wraps up on February 16th at 6 p.m. with the Victory Vertical Project, “Pianos That Helped Win the War.” Tickets are $20. Seating is limited. Call 251-981-2787 (ARTS) for ticket information or stop by the art center at 26389 Canal Road.
Town Hall meeting set for March 1
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 1st at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.
The Town Hall will immediately follow the 5 p.m. City Council meeting and work session, which will also be at the Performing Arts Center.
The mayor will give a presentation updating everyone on projects in the city, including transportation and capital improvements.
As with all city town hall meetings, after presentations are done, the floor is open for anyone to ask questions.
Looking Ahead: Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming events and festivals in Orange Beach.
* Mardi Gras parades
+ The mystic societies in Orange Beach are expected to roll around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18th on the normal Perdido Beach Boulevard route.
+ The Wharf’s Annual "Moon Pies on Main" parade and outdoor activities will be held on Monday, February 20th on Main Street. A Kid and Pet Parade kicks off the fun at 4 p.m., followed by activities and an evening float parade at 6 p.m. For details, go to go.alwharf.com/MoonPiesOnMain
+ Orange Beach Fat Tuesday parade - 2 p.m., February 21st on Perdido Beach Boulevard. Find more details on the City Website's Mardi Gras page (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/427/Mardi-Gras?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
* 31st Annual Seafood Festival and Car Show (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/428/Seafood-Fest?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) at The Wharf - Saturday, February 25th.
* 49th Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/338/About?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) - Saturday-Sunday, March 11th-12th
School News
Atkins signs with University of Mobile
Congratulations to Claire Atkins who signed with the University of Mobile Rams’ cross country and track teams this week to mark the first Mako runner to join the college ranks. Go Makos!
Orange Beach High School
There are a few new faces at Orange Beach High School. Welcome to them all.
- Karen Atkins will serve as the new Assistant Principal and Head Volleyball Coach
- Laura Der Hopkins will serve as the new Assistant Volleyball Coach.
- Justin McCall will serve as the new Band Director.
https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid0kPPzeN5GANiJ1tJ5soNqaaAy8zmFe8hnibFL9rBzeNojybg2ZExQdHSMrEAPPwYDl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508
https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid022hhhDFDJeXf8PVK89riChuECkCFkoF3AJgFYN4FrX1zYoweEySsLkYTRFGpMnH8al?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508
https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid022skTs8Hfu36aw1D93QWzdt79XPvB7cqzSCyA1ddqCTTLtMCiMSNjKkMk59bn8zFQl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508
Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club
Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown set for Feb. 4
MAAAC's Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 6 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. The 2023 Masquerade Ball will have entertainment by Fly By Radio and catering by Wolf Bay. Tickets are available online at https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508 for $75 per person. A single ticket includes one drawing. A table for 10 is $1,500 and includes 12 drawings and a bottle of champagne. It will be a $7,500 drawdown jackpot!
Follow all of the latest happenings at Orange Beach City Schools on the Orange Beach City Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
Orange Beach City Board of Education
Upcoming scheduled meetings and/or work sessions:
- Thursday, February 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers
- Thursday, March 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers
Find more information on the Orange Beach City Schools website at https://www.orangebeachboe.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508.
School Websites
Orange Beach Elementary School: www.obschools.org.
Orange Beach Middle/High School: www.obcityschools.org.
Find all of the latest school news on Facebook at:
* Orange Beach City Schools (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Orange Beach High School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Orange Beach Middle School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachMS/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Orange Beach Elementary School (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachElementary/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Orange Beach Mako Athletics (https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club (https://www.facebook.com/Makos-Academics-Arts-Athletics-Club-307058323296222/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
Car Seat Clinic Set For Jan. 26
Did you know that more than half of car seats are not used or installed correctly?
Join the Orange Beach Fire Department on Thursday, January 26th to get your child's car seat professionally checked by a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
By appointment only, limited to the first 8 registrants
To register, please visit the City Website at
https://orangebeachal.gov/479/Parent-and-Teacher-Resources?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508 (https://orangebeachal.gov/479/Parent-and-Teacher-Resources?fbclid=IwAR2425jF-q5jYvwZUBsiNNaFcd4HpIZc2bA98LknE9rN-YQwfLl1OYS6iiw&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
Library to host live music by Tom Walter and Company at Senior Center
The Orange Beach Public Library will present live music by Tom Walter and Company at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26th at the Orange Beach Adult/Senior Activity Center, 26251 Canal Road. The Senior Center is located next door to the library. The live music will include a variety of styles, from folk and gospel to old-time country sure to delight the young and the young at heart!
Starting a Business in Baldwin County workshop set for Jan. 24
A free in-person workshop focused on Starting a Business in Baldwin County is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coastal Alabama Community College - Gulf Shores Campus.
Registration is required. Register and find more information on the Alabama Small Business Development Center's website (https://asbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/9359?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508) .
This workshop is focused on how to start a business in Baldwin County, Alabama and is for entrepreneurs of all ages from millennials to encores. This is an open forthcoming discussion of LLC development, business licenses, tax responsibilities, financing options and resources to start and grow your business.
It will be held at Coastal Alabama Community College - Gulf Shores Campus located at 3301 Gulf Shores Parkway/Hwy. 59. Workshop participants will meet in Frederick's, the culinary learning area, which is the building to the left of the main entrance building.
In The News
OBA Website:
* Let the good times roll on the Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast (https://www.obawebsite.com/let-the-good-times-roll-on-the-alabama-florida-gulf-coast?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to have a seed and plant swap on Jan. 28 (https://www.obawebsite.com/alabama-gulf-coast-zoo-to-have-a-seed-and-plant-swap-on-jan-28?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
Gulf Coast Media:
* It’s king cake time y’all! Here’s where to find king cake in Baldwin County (https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/its-king-cake-time-yall-heres-where-to-find-king-cake-in-baldwin-county,148916?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Orange Beach design class offers real-world opportunities for graphics work (https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/orange-beach-design-class-offers-real-world-opportunities-for-graphics-work,148275?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, Spanish Fort earn top seeds in regional bowling tournament (https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/gulf-shores-orange-beach-elberta-spanish-fort-earn-top-seeds-in-regional-bowling-tournament,148941?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
* Atkins named new Orange Beach volleyball coach (https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/atkins-named-new-orange-beach-volleyball-coach,148258?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d4e9d8dc5c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-d4e9d8dc5c-171456508)
