Foley provides space for 2026 Toys for Tots campaign
The South Baldwin County Toys for Tots campaign received an early holiday gift from the City of Foley, which is providing space to help volunteers organize and distribute Christmas gifts to thousands of local children. The Foley City Council approved a request Monday, Oct. 19, allowing the campaign to use the first floor of the former Foley library building at no cost during the 2026 holiday season. “The city is very happy to be able to support Toys for Tots,” said Cian Harrison, Foley executive director for general government and administration. “They needed [...]
Foley moves to strengthen flood-prevention regulations
Foley is moving forward with proposed updates to its flood-prevention regulations following heavy rains that caused street flooding but no damage to homes or other buildings earlier this month. The Foley City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance aimed at strengthening flood-damage prevention standards. A second reading and vote on final passage are expected in November. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city's ongoing drainage improvements, including efforts by city crews to clear ditches, helped prevent property damage during recent heavy rainfall. After Foley received the equivalent of 2 inches of rain [...]
Community donations support Foley Library programs
Community support is helping the Foley Community Library expand its programs, strengthen staffing and provide more educational opportunities for residents. The Foley City Council recently accepted several donations and grants totaling $17,000 to support library operations and educational initiatives. The Friends of the Library contributed $7,000 to fund a temporary position to provide additional staffing on Saturdays. Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the organization for its continued dedication to the library. "We very much appreciate the Friends of the Library," Hellmich said. "They are an outstanding, cooperative group and they're very proud of the [...]
Foley Plans Cedar Street Sidewalk Extension
A planned sidewalk extension along North Cedar Street will help create approximately three miles of connected walkways, improving pedestrian access to schools, parks and neighborhoods throughout Foley. The Foley City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with a developer to help fund the construction of approximately 1,000 feet of new sidewalks along North Cedar Street, from West Peachtree Avenue to Village Square Boulevard. The agreement is associated with a previously approved planned unit development phase within Live Oak Village. City Engineer Taylor Davis said Foley's Technical Design Manual requires developers to construct sidewalks [...]
Foley plans additional improvements at Max Griffin Park
As plans move forward for Foley's new indoor Aquatic Center, the city is preparing additional improvements at Max Griffin Park, where the facility will be built. The Foley City Council approved plans to upgrade lighting at the park's softball field, relocate overhead power lines underground and improve electrical infrastructure. The plans also include exterior restrooms at the new Aquatic Center, allowing park visitors to access restroom facilities without entering the building. Foley Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Lee said available funding will help support lighting improvements at the park. "We would like to [...]
Foley recognizes 70th anniversary of Sister Cities International
City celebrates decades of international friendship while highlighting its growing partnership with Hennef, Germany. Mayor Ralph Hellmich and the Foley City Council are recognizing October 14, 2026, as Sister Cities International Day, celebrating 70 years of a program dedicated to building international friendships and cultural understanding. Mayor Hellmich presented a proclamation commemorating the anniversary to Linda Spangrud, executive director of Foley Sister Cities, and Jo Hellmich, chairman of the Foley Sister Cities Board. Foley's sister city partnership with Hennef, Germany, began in 2022 and has grown through educational and cultural exchanges. In May [...]
Hurricane Isaias Update #2: Oct. 8 @ 8:30AM
HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE | Thursday, October 8, 2026 Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, with significant impacts expected across coastal Alabama from Friday into Saturday. Residents are strongly encouraged to complete storm preparations today. According to the National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola's 5:30 a.m. briefing, Isaias could approach major hurricane strength while over the central Gulf before making landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast Friday night or early Saturday morning. While the exact track remains uncertain, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and tornadoes are becoming increasingly likely across [...]
Tropical Storm Isaias Update #1: Oct. 7 @ 5PM
The City of Foley declared a state of emergency Wednesday, Oct. 7, as Tropical Storm Isaias threatened the Gulf Coast. The Baldwin County Commission also issued a declaration of emergency. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state declaration of emergency for 40 counties, including Baldwin, at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Isaias is expected to make landfall on or near the Alabama Gulf Coast as soon as Friday, Oct. 9. The storm is likely to be a significant hurricane by the time it reaches the shore, according to the National Hurricane Center. Major impacts are [...]
New ladder truck nearing completion for Foley Fire & Rescue
A new ladder truck will soon join the Foley Fire & Rescue Department fleet as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fire protection and emergency response capabilities. Fire Chief Joey Darby told Foley City Council members that the truck, ordered in late 2023, is in the final stages of production at the Rosenbauer manufacturing facility in Minnesota and is expected to arrive in Foley this fall. “Our ladder truck is in final production, so we’re excited about that,” Darby said. “We’re on track for hopefully a completion date at the end [...]
Foley Community Library hosts Big Rigs event Oct. 17
Big trucks, heavy equipment and hands-on fun will return to Foley this fall for the Foley Community Library’s Third-Annual Big Rigs at the Library: A Touch-a-Truck Event. The free, family-friendly event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, on the lawn of the Foley Recreation Department’s Activity Center, 315 E. Jessamine Ave., behind City Hall. Children will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at tractors, backhoes, bucket trucks and other large vehicles while learning more about how the equipment is used throughout the community. Vehicles and equipment [...]