A lot of changes are in the works in the Gulf Pines neighborhood of Gulf Shores. This is the area framed by the 90-degree turn at Tacky Jacks including a detour around the turn through the neighborhood and streetscapes planned to improve the streets with landscaping, benches and other amenities.

The latest could be the inclusion of the streets there in the golf cart ordinance for the city. Adding those streets will be discussed at the May 6 council work session at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

“The city has received citizen requests to amend the golf cart ordinance to allow operation of golf carts within the Gulf Pines neighborhood,” a memo to the council states. “Golf cart operations are limited to streets that have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, have been specifically designated as streets where cart operation is allowed, and to the hours between sunrise to 10 p.m. only. Carts must have numerous items of safety equipment, including seat belts, and each will be inspected by police personnel prior to authorized operation. Cart-designated streets will be marked with appropriate signage by the Streets Department.”

The detour is necessary when construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway begins possibly later this year. It will close the 90-degree turn and traffic will be rerouted through the neighborhood.

In late 2023, the city awarded a $1.8 million bid to Asphalt Services to make improvements to East Third Street from Canal Road to East 22nd Avenue and from there to East Second Street.

“There’s going to be a traffic signal at 22nd Avenue and another traffic signal at Third Street at 24th Avenue,” Construction Manager Clint Colvin said. “Then repaving and a little bit of widening and some sidewalks.”

Because of this work and the traffic volume expected, Colvin is asking that golf cart traffic be limited to east of East Third Street and south of State Route 180 or Canal Drive.