Orange Beach Mayor Says ALEA Marine Patrol Is Less Aggressive This Summer

Mayor says ALEA Marine patrol less aggressive following local pushback

After months of hearing complaints from boaters along Alabama's Gulf Coast, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon is pleased with the results after a meeting with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) secretary Hal Taylor.

"It's been very calm," Kennon told a statewide news outlet. "There isn't near as much activity on behalf of the state and it's more in line with how we do it down here and how other departments do it."

Kennon and Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch voiced concerns about how ALEA's Marine Patrol operated in local waters. Burch went as far as to say troopers were harassing boaters.

Representatives from multiple agencies attended a meeting in May to discuss the issues with Taylor. Kennon said he had support from nearly every sheriff in Alabama when asking for change.

Although he hasn't heard from Taylor since the meeting, Kennon said he believes those changes have been made.

"I wish they had given us a call but if we have some inroads and things are much better, I'll take it," Kennon said. "We understand they made personnel changes and locations and the last few weekends, things have been really good."

Kennon said local and state marine patrols will be watching for violations on the water. However, he wants people to enjoy their time in Orange Beach without worrying about unnecessary boat searches.

In Alabama there are more than 250,000 registered recreational boating vessels. ALEA has to monitor the waters on the coast. lakes, rivers and streams within the state borders.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button

Add As GOOGLE News Source

Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button

Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button

Consumers And Restaurants Can Buy Direct From Local Farmers

By Gulf Shores News Staff • February 13, 2026

Sweet Grown Alabama is a non-profit foundation that enhances marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers by connecting retailers and consumers to Alabama grown foods and other agricultural products. Their searchable database allows consumers to easily connect with local farmers in their area and find specific Alabama g

Orange Beach Boys Basketball Crowned Area Tournament Champions

By Ken Cooper • February 13, 2026

Orange Beach boys basketball added a major trophy to its collection with a tough‑nosed victory over St. Michael Catholic in the Class 4A Area 1 championship game, 33‑19. The Makos relied on their defense to control the tempo and never allowed the Cardinals to find a rhythm.

Foley Student’s Artwork Chosen For BBQ and Blues Event

By Gulf Shores News Staff • February 12, 2026

The Foley BBQ & Blues Cook Off is heating up again, and this year’s event has a special reason to celebrate. The South Baldwin Chamber Foundation announced that Foley High School student Soledad Sanchez won the 2026 T-shirt Design Contest.