Downtown Parking Lot Improvements Underway with Support from Riviera Utilities
FOLEY – Foley is enhancing public parking and beautifying downtown with the help of a contribution from Riviera Utilities and Energy Southeast Inc. The Foley City Council approved the donation to help pay for improvements to the Dyas parking lot, located near the southwest corner of the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98. The city purchased the property earlier this year after leasing it for several years. Officials said the acquisition will provide long-term savings and ensure continued access to public parking in the downtown area. The planned upgrades will support local businesses [...]
Foley city elections set Aug. 26
FOLEY – Foley voters go to the polls Aug. 26, to select the candidates who will guide the city during the upcoming four years. Voters living in all districts will cast ballots at the polling site at the Foley Civic Center at 407 E. Laurel Ave. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The positions of mayor and the five City Council seats are up for election in 2025. Mayor Ralph Hellmich is unopposed in his bid for re-election. Council candidates will run by district. Residents living in each [...]
Foley City Council to meet Monday, Aug. 4
FOLEY – The Foley City Council will meet Monday, Aug. 26 for its regular work session and meeting. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the council chambers at Foley City Hall. Among the items on the agenda are: A public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding unrelated people occupying homes. Adopting Zoning Ordinance amendments. Approving the annexation of territory within the Foley city limits. Approving the annexation of territory within or abutting the Foley city limits. Amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding unrelated people occupying homes. Approving or denying a [...]
Foley candidate forum set Aug. 14
FOLEY – Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for Foley City Council in a public forum scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 14. The forum will take place at 6 p.m. at the Foley Civic Center and is organized by the South Baldwin Common Sense Campaign. The event is open to the public and will provide candidates in contested races a platform to discuss their views and answer questions on key issues. Each participating candidate will be given: Three minutes for an opening statement 90 seconds to respond to each [...]
Foley Sister Cities Launches Their First Ever “Global Leaders Alumni Association”
Foley, AL – Foley Sister Cities has launched its latest venture, the Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Alumni Association, with an inaugural meeting this week at Baumhower’s Victory Grill. The meeting brought together the first graduating students and their families, along with teachers, chaperones, and members of the Board of Commissioners. During the event, founding members brainstormed ideas to shape the alumni group’s future. Suggestions included developing newsletters, creating a Facebook page, hosting reunion events, planning a return trip to Germany, baking traditional German gingerbread cookies, assisting with welcoming new exchange groups, and designing alumni t-shirts. [...]
New BJ’s Wholesale Club Coming to Foley
FOLEY – Construction is set to begin this fall on a new BJ’s Wholesale Club, bringing the first wholesale club to South Baldwin County. The Foley Planning Commission has recommended approval for the project, which will be located on a 14-acre site along the South Juniper Street Extension, about a block east of South McKenzie Street. BJ’s will offer residents a new option for groceries, household goods, electronics, tires and automotive services, and more. The facility will also include a fueling station and is planned to cover 106,370 square feet. Mayor Ralph Hellmich [...]
Foley’s Commitment to Building Standards Enhances Community Resilience
FOLEY – Foley’s commitment to strong building standards is helping the city lead the way in storm resilience and community safety. Foley now ranks fourth in the nation for the number of homes designated as Fortified by Smart Homes America, which certifies homes built or upgraded to better withstand hurricanes and severe storms. During the last fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2024, Foley building inspectors and staff reviewed and approved permits for more than 6,400 new homes, renovations, and improvements. This process ensures that homes and businesses in South Baldwin County are [...]
Police Chief Bullock named new Foley public safety executive director
FOLEY – Foley Police Chief Thurston Bullock will become the city’s new executive director of public safety when David Wilson retires from the position in September. Wilson, who had been Foley police chief for 13 years and had previously served in the Daphne Police Department was named executive director of public safety when the position was created in 2021. Foley's public safety director is a senior management position that oversees the Police Department and Fire Department and coordinates the city’s emergency management responses. Wilson said Bullock is an excellent choice as the new [...]
Statement from Mayor Ralph Hellmich
“Foley has worked hard to build a thriving and welcoming downtown, and we are disappointed to learn of the troubling business practices under investigation at Colt Grill. These actions do not reflect the values of our city or the standards we expect from those doing business in our community. I want to thank our local police department for their professional response and continued commitment to keeping our community safe. The City is working closely with the local building owner to help address the situation with their tenant. While this incident is unfortunate, it [...]
Foley City Council to meet Monday, July 21
FOLEY – The Foley City Council will hold its regular work session and meeting Monday, July 21. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. in the council chambers at Foley City Hall. Among the items on the agenda are: A public hearing to declare weed to be a public nuisance and order its abatement on Bay View Drive. A public hearing to consider the approval or denial of a business license. A public hearing to consider the revocation of the business license for the Colt Grill. Hearing department reports for taxes, permits and [...]