Foley Library Expands Historical Mission with New Cultural and Heritage Collection
FOLEY – A key department at the Foley Public Library, dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s past, has a new name that better reflects its growing role in the community. Formerly known as the History and Genealogy Division, the department is now called the Cultural and Heritage Collection. This updated name highlights the broad range of resources available to residents, researchers, and visitors interested in Foley’s history—not just family trees. Paul Leonard, who leads the collection, said the change was needed to reflect the department’s full scope. “Genealogy implies that we only [...]
City, County Partner to Improve North-South Connectivity with James Road Extension
FOLEY – A new joint project between the City of Foley and Baldwin County will provide South Baldwin drivers with another north-south route, improving traffic flow between Foley and the Gulf Coast. The Foley City Council has approved participation in the extension of James Road, which currently ends at Brinks Willis Road. The project will extend the road southward, crossing Keller Road and connecting to a planned roadway near the Rocky Road Loop in Gulf Shores. The Baldwin County Commission has also approved the project. The extension is a shared effort, with funding and [...]
Pilgrim Street Extension Moves Forward with New Phase
FOLEY – Work on extending Pilgrim Street is advancing with the next phase of the project, which includes paving and a new walking trail that will enhance connectivity and accessibility for residents. The Foley City Council has approved a plan to seek bids for paving the newly constructed portion of the roadway. Funding for this phase will come from impact fees, which are collected from developers to help offset the costs of growth-related infrastructure. “This would allow us to use impact fee funds to pave the new road, which is an allowable use [...]
New Foley unit keeping trees trimmed at reduced cost
FOLEY – In a quiet neighborhood along West Orange Avenue, a Foley Public Works crew member stands high in a bucket truck, securing part of a tall pine tree before making a precise cut with a chainsaw. The dead tree poses a hazard to nearby homes and traffic—and removing it is exactly the kind of work Foley’s new Urban Forestry Unit was created to handle. “This tree is just a few feet from a house,” said Corey Parker, who leads the new unit. “A limb has already fallen and hit a parked car, [...]
ROAD CLOSURE: Southbound lane on South Cypress Street and the westbound lane on East Myrtle Avenue
Beginning Mon., June 23 at 7 a.m. through Fri., June 27 ending at 5 p.m., a portion of the southbound lane on South Cypress Street and the westbound lane on East Myrtle Avenue will be closed due to construction work at the new library site. The closure will continue to be between East Orange Avenue and East Myrtle Avenue.
Downtown Foley Sees Growth in Investment, Activity, Improvements
FOLEY – Investment and interest in downtown Foley continue to grow as the city and community partners work together to enhance the area’s appeal, vibrancy and economic development. Foley Main Street, the city’s downtown revitalization organization, held its annual meeting recently, highlighting significant progress over the past year. Public and private investment in the downtown district rose nearly 29%, increasing from $12.85 million in 2023 to $16.55 million in 2024. Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the work of Foley Main Street in boosting energy and business activity in the heart of the city. “You’ve [...]
County Road 12 Reopens at Highway 59 Intersection
FOLEY – Baldwin County Road 12 is now open at the intersection of Alabama 59, restoring a key route through Foley after several months of detours. The intersection had been closed since February for an Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) project to improve traffic flow and safety. While work continues, the road has reopened to traffic with temporary striping in place. “The County Road 12 intersection at 59, which was an ALDOT project, is open,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. “They’re not done. It takes time for mast arms and other equipment to arrive, [...]
Foley to light up water towers
FOLEY – Foley’s water towers will soon shine again as part of a new city project to enhance visibility and civic pride. The Foley City Council has approved the “Light Up the Tanks” initiative, a joint effort with Riviera Utilities, to install LED lighting on two of the city’s elevated water tanks. The lights will highlight Foley’s name and logo, which were previously visible but went dark after recent repainting projects removed the original lighting infrastructure. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project brings back an iconic feature of the city skyline using modern, [...]
Foley Plans 2025 Street Resurfacing Projects
FOLEY – Foley is continuing efforts to improve road conditions throughout the city with the launch of its 2025 street resurfacing program. The Foley City Council has approved a proposal to seek bids for resurfacing work on nine city streets, with an option to add an additional segment if funding allows. Jeff Phillips, the city’s construction manager, said the final cost of the project will be determined once bids are submitted and reviewed by the council. He added that the work is expected to stay within the city’s budget projections. “This is our [...]
Second Navy Training Aircraft Acquired for Future Aviation Museum
FOLEY -- Foley has taken another step toward honoring its rich aviation history with the acquisition of a second U.S. Navy training aircraft for display in a planned museum highlighting the city’s role in naval aviation. The newest addition is a T-34B Mentor, a primary training aircraft used by the U.S. Navy from 1957 through the mid-1970s. The T-34B was a familiar sight in the skies over Foley and South Baldwin County during that time, as pilots trained in the area. The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) in Pensacola loaned the aircraft to [...]