Foley adopts new commercial solicitation rules
Foley residents will soon have more control over commercial door-to-door solicitation under new city regulations taking effect Oct. 30. The Foley City Council approved new requirements for commercial solicitors, including permits, background checks, city-issued identification badges, business licensing requirements and limits on solicitation hours. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said Foley officials have been working for several months on regulations that protect residents’ privacy while also respecting free speech. Representatives of local homeowners associations have also told city officials that their members want more options to regulate commercial solicitation in their neighborhoods. “Solicitation has always [...]
Foley recognizes Color the World Orange Day
The Foley City Council has declared Nov. 2 as Color the World Orange Day, joining an international effort to raise awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. The proclamation was requested by Anna Beck, who attended the City Council meeting to accept the recognition. For Beck, the effort has a personal connection. Her boyfriend lives with CRPS, giving her a firsthand view of the challenges the condition can create in everyday life. Beck sought the proclamation as a way to bring greater awareness to CRPS and show support for individuals and families [...]
Foley hosts inaugural Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo
Foley brought public works professionals from across the Alabama Gulf Coast together Friday, Sept. 25, for the inaugural Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo at OWA Parks & Resort. The city-produced event showcased the skills of the workers who operate heavy equipment and help maintain critical public infrastructure throughout the region. Organized by the City of Foley, the competition featured 14 teams representing municipalities, counties and utility agencies from across the Alabama Gulf Coast. Operators competed in a series of challenges using bulldozers, excavators, skid steers and other heavy equipment. Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich [...]
Midday Melodies Returns to Downtown Foley in October
Foley’s free lunchtime concert series, Midday Melodies, returns to Heritage Park on Wednesday, Oct. 7, kicking off four weeks of live music in downtown Foley. Concerts will be held each Wednesday in October from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the Centennial Clock Tower in Heritage Park. Residents and visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy an afternoon of live music in the park. Guests can pick up lunch from one of downtown Foley’s nearby restaurants, bring their own picnic or purchase concessions from the Masonic Lodge. The [...]
Foley Library Has Long History
More than a century ago, a group of local women set out to provide books to the residents of a growing community. Their efforts laid the foundation for what is now the Foley Community Library, a 40,000-square-foot facility that opened its doors in August 2026. The new $20 million library opened on Aug. 4, 2026, offering expanded resources and amenities for residents of all ages. The facility includes a sensory room, separate activity areas for children and teens, a STEAM/STEM lab and a large multipurpose room that seats 277 people. A second-story porch [...]
Foley expands road resurfacing plan to 6.3 miles
Foley is expanding its road resurfacing plan, adding more than a mile and a half of roadway to the list of streets scheduled for improvements in the coming year. The Foley City Council approved an updated plan that includes resurfacing 1.54 miles of West Park Avenue between South Hickory Street and South Pine Street. The addition brings the city's upcoming resurfacing project to a total of 6.3 miles. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in October. Asphalt Services submitted the lowest of six bids for the project at approximately $1.08 million, [...]
Foley City Council sets agenda for Sept. 21 meeting
The Foley City Council will hold its regular work session and meeting Monday, Sept. 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 proclamation declaring Nov. 2 as "Color the World Orange Day." A presentation by the Safe Harbor Animal Coalition. A report on bills approved and paid in August. Monthly reports on taxes and permit plans and from the Planning and Zoning, Police, Building, Fire and Human Resources departments. The first reading of an ordinance adopting a [...]
Foley sidewalk, drainage project to begin in Mills Community
Construction is set to begin on approximately 8,700 feet of new sidewalks and drainage improvements in Foley’s Mills Community. The Foley City Council approved a bid from Trenchline Civil to construct the sidewalks and complete related drainage work. The project will extend from the site of the new Mills Community Park, which is also under construction. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city and community members have worked for several years to move the park and sidewalk projects forward. The improvements will provide new pedestrian connections between the Mills Community and other areas of [...]
Foley remembers former Councilman Rick Blackwell
The city of Foley remembers former City Councilman Cecil Richard “Rick” Blackwell Jr. with gratitude for his years of service and the lasting impact he made on the community he called home. Blackwell died Friday, Sept. 4, at the age of 83. Blackwell represented District 4 on the Foley City Council for 17 years, serving from 2008 until his retirement in 2025. During that time, he helped guide Foley through a period of significant growth and was a strong supporter of investments in recreation, infrastructure and economic development. A native of Baldwin County, [...]
Foley approves FY2027 budget, plans continued investments
Foley will continue to meet the growing needs of the community under the city budget approved for the upcoming year. The Foley City Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 8, to approve the municipal budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the new budget includes more improvements for Foley. “In last year's budget, we finished two major projects that cost approximately $38 million, the library and the Public Works Campus, which are outstanding facilities,” Hellmich said. “This year's projects amount to about $18 million. That includes the new Aquatic [...]