The Mayor Of Orange Beach: Controversies, Coastal Growth, And The $300 Million Development Battle

The political landscape in Orange Beach, Alabama, is currently defined by a high-stakes balancing act between unprecedented coastal development and the preservation of its small-town character. As of late 2025, Mayor Tony Kennon, a long-serving and often controversial figure, remains at the center of this dynamic, navigating massive infrastructure projects, a heated school tax distribution fight in Baldwin County, and a bold move to pause large-scale residential growth. This article dives deep into the latest updates surrounding the Mayor's office, his political battles, and the major policies shaping the future of this Gulf Coast destination.

The Mayor’s long tenure, first beginning in 2008, has been marked by significant economic growth, transforming Orange Beach from a quiet beach town into a major tourism hub. However, his most recent term has been dominated by a controversial re-election and a series of aggressive policy decisions aimed at managing the very growth he helped foster, making the current administration one of the most talked-about in coastal Alabama. The ongoing tension between rapid development and maintaining city services is the central theme of his current mandate.

Mayor Tony Kennon: Biography, Political Career, and Controversial Re-election

Tony Kennon has served as the Mayor of Orange Beach, Alabama, for over a decade and a half, establishing himself as one of the most powerful and enduring political figures in Baldwin County. His career reflects a deep history with the area, having seen the city evolve from its earlier days before its massive modern expansion.

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• Full Name: Tony Kennon
• Current Office: Mayor of the City of Orange Beach, Alabama
• First Elected: August 26, 2008
• Political Tenure: Over 17 years as Mayor (as of 2025)
• Prior Political Service: Served on the Orange Beach Planning Commission before becoming Mayor.
• Family: Married to his wife, Paula Kennon.
• Key Political Affiliations: Active member of the Gulf United Metro Business Organization (GUMBO), which includes leaders from Gulf Shores and Foley.

Kennon’s most recent re-election campaign was notably heated and controversial. He secured a victory with approximately 60% of the vote, but the campaign was overshadowed by public reporting of a past incident involving a domestic violence call and allegations concerning the inappropriate use of city office space and city-paid harassment settlements.

Despite the political attacks, Mayor Kennon and his wife publicly addressed the issues, calling the allegations a "cabal" and politically motivated attacks. The controversy has, however, led to ongoing legal battles, including a public records lawsuit over body camera footage related to the domestic incident, keeping the administration under intense scrutiny.

The Orange Beach Development Moratorium: Hitting the Brakes on Growth

In one of the most significant policy moves of his recent term, Mayor Kennon and the Orange Beach City Council enacted a nine-month moratorium on new, large-scale residential housing projects. This decision was a direct response to the city’s rapid, almost overwhelming pace of development.

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The Mayor estimated that without intervention, Orange Beach could see over 7,000 new homes constructed within five years. This level of growth would place an unsustainable burden on the city’s existing infrastructure, potentially forcing a "diminish[ment]" of the quality of life and services Orange Beach residents expect.

The moratorium's goal is to provide the city's Planning Commission and other departments a critical nine-month window to:

• Assess the true impact of the 5,000-plus potential new residential units on the city's resources.
• Develop comprehensive plans for necessary infrastructure upgrades.
• Ensure future development aligns with the city's long-term vision for sustainable, managed growth.

This move highlights a key challenge for all coastal Alabama cities: balancing the economic benefits of tourism and real estate development with the need for robust public services, traffic management, and environmental protection. The moratorium is a clear signal that the city is prioritizing infrastructure over unchecked expansion.

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Major Infrastructure and Economic Victories Under Kennon

While the city is pumping the brakes on residential growth, Mayor Kennon has simultaneously championed massive infrastructure and economic development projects that are set to redefine transportation and tourism in the region. These efforts are often conducted in partnership with state and county officials, demonstrating his influence beyond the city limits.

The Foley Beach Express Bridge Acquisition

One of the Mayor’s most significant recent accomplishments was the successful negotiation for the State of Alabama, under Governor Kay Ivey, to purchase the Foley Beach Express Bridge from the Baldwin County Bridge Company. This deal is a monumental win for Orange Beach and the entire Gulf Shores area.

The acquisition is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourist season, by potentially eliminating tolls or improving traffic flow on a critical alternative route to the Gulf Coast beaches. Mayor Kennon was a key figure in driving this deal, citing its importance for the future of regional transportation.

Tourism and Event Development

Tourism remains the lifeblood of Orange Beach, and the Mayor is actively working to ensure its continued success. Following the cancellation of the major Hangout/Sand in My Boots Festival, Mayor Kennon announced his aim to fill that void with a new, large-scale event by 2026. This focus ensures the city maintains its status as a premier music and festival destination.

Furthermore, the city approved a development agreement with Presidium for a potentially outstanding $300 million project along the Gulf Coast. This type of high-value commercial and mixed-use development is central to the Mayor's strategy of boosting the city’s economic profile and tax base.

The Baldwin County School Tax Battle

Beyond local city politics, Mayor Kennon has been a vocal participant in the broader political debate in Baldwin County, specifically regarding the distribution of a sales tax designated for schools. He has argued that the fight over these funds is politically motivated and crucial for ensuring that the Orange Beach City Schools system receives fair and necessary resources to maintain its high standards.

The ability of the Mayor to engage in these multi-jurisdictional issues—from negotiating with Governor Ivey on infrastructure to battling for school funding at the County level—underscores his political longevity and influence. His administration is a powerful entity focused on securing Orange Beach’s financial and physical future against the backdrop of its own success and explosive popularity.

The Future: Managed Growth and Political Scrutiny

As Mayor Kennon continues his term, the key challenges will be successfully executing the city's new development strategy and navigating the continued political scrutiny. The nine-month residential moratorium will culminate in a new set of zoning and infrastructure rules that will dictate the pace and character of Orange Beach for the next decade.

The City Council, which includes members such as Jerry Johnson (Chairman Pro Tem), Robert Stuart, Ginger Harrelson, Jack Robertson, and Jeff Silvers, plays a critical role in supporting or challenging the Mayor's vision.

The focus moving forward is on the long-term sustainability of the coastal community. Mayor Kennon’s administration is committed to capital projects, including improving city services and construction, which are essential for supporting the massive influx of tourists and new residents. His legacy will be defined not just by the growth Orange Beach has experienced, but by how effectively he manages the inherent conflicts that come with being one of the Gulf Coast’s most desirable destinations. The political battles, the infrastructure wins, and the bold pause on residential development all point to an administration determined to control its own destiny in the face of rapid change.