Meet Your Orange Beach Mayoral Candidates

Meet Your Orange Beach Mayoral Candidates

Tony Kennon: For Orange Beach Mayor:

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as your Mayor for the past seventeen years. Today, I am excited to announce that I will be seeking re-election.
I have never had any aspirations to seek higher office- I only want to be your Mayor. This journey has been deeply humbling. I am incredibly thankful to our dedicated staff, our Council, our community, and most of all, my family — ALL who have been a steady source of encouragement, strength, and motivation. Without them, the many accomplishments we have achieved together simply would not have been possible.
I have a well-documented track record. I feel that track record demonstrates my leadership abilities in both quiet times, and in times of crisis. In these 17 years, I have established so many great relationships that make a difference in my ability to lead and our city’s success.
When I was first elected in 2008, our city was facing the height of the financial and banking crisis. We were financially upside down.
By 2009, I had led us out of deficit and into surplus – and we have maintained a financial surplus every single year since. In just over a decade, we eliminated city debt, being prepared to take on inexpensive debt when or if a city school system opportunity presented itself.
In 2010, the BP oil spill devastated our coast. I became a leading voice for the entire Gulf Coast, working to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution for environmental, ecological, and financial recovery.
In 2020, we faced two major crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Sally. I fought to keep our city open so our families and businesses could survive – while also putting safeguards in place to protect our most vulnerable. Just months later, Hurricane Sally struck. In the face of widespread devastation, we worked together as a community to clean up, rebuild, and return to normal, faster than anyone thought possible.
Over the years, we have achieved so much – too many accomplishments to list – but some highlights include: Construction of the Veterans Memorial; The establishment of our own city school system and the “Expect Excellence” programs; Sidewalk and golf cart path initiatives; A new Event Center and our own City Beach; An ISO One Class Rating Tier for our Fire Department, the highest possible, along with enhanced ambulance service; Strategic land acquisitions totaling over $50 million to preserve community character and growth control.
Looking ahead, protecting our quality of life is my number one priority. “Life is better here” is more than a slogan — it is our reality, and it must be protected.
Growth is happening at an unprecedented pace. That is why we have implemented a nine-month moratorium on certain zoning types to carefully assess their impact on infrastructure and livability. Throughout my tenure, we have prioritized growth by right and have essentially eliminated up-zoning – always putting our neighborhoods first. We have declared our neighborhoods sanctuaries for families and are doing everything possible to preserve them.
We have seen major transportation wins as well: Canal Rd. was five-laned; The toll bridge was eliminated; I personally negotiated with ALDOT to make the five-lane bypass behind McDonald’s, in The Commons Shopping Plaza, a top state priority – alleviating the bottleneck at Canal Rd. and Hwy 161; We are lobbying for a second bridge near The Wharf to create two lanes north and two lanes south, allowing uninterrupted access to the expressway
We have also made major strides in conservation. We are balancing recreational access with true environmental stewardship — protecting the natural beauty we are so fortunate to call home.
Seventeen years ago, I stepped into this role to serve a city I love. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever. We have momentum, a clear vision, and a community worth fighting for. I humbly ask for your continued support. Let’s protect what makes Orange Beach special — together. Please “Stand With Tony” on Election Day, August 26.

Jeff Boyd: For Orange Beach Mayor:

In a heartfelt and unexpected announcement that has already electrified the local political landscape, I declared my candidacy for mayor of Orange Beach. Speaking candidly during a live radio interview, I laid out a compelling vision for the city’s future — one grounded in steady leadership, deep community roots and a calm, unshakable resolve.
I’ve been thinking about this for four years. But when the police chief called me Monday night, June 23, and said he couldn’t take the pressure anymore — that he was retiring the next morning — it hit me like a freight train. I was halfway to Baton Rouge. I made a U-turn at Diamondhead and came home. I knew then: It’s now or never.
My decision, though sudden in timing, is the culmination of decades of service and leadership in Orange Beach. A resident since 2003, my wife Kay and I have raised our three children — Camden, Cade and Carson — in the heart of the community. Our family’s dream of living where we could vacation became a reality, and I have spent the last 22 years working to preserve that dream for others.
I want to protect the small-town fishing village we fell in love with. People come here for the safety, the beauty, the islands, turtles and dolphins, and the sense of community. That’s what I’m fighting for.
My record on the City Council speaks volumes. From securing over a billion dollars in tourism and maritime investment to influencing federal red snapper legislation or helping secure the island’s National Estuary designation, my behind-the-scenes work has had a lasting impact. I’ve built strong relationships with state and federal leaders, advocating for dredging projects, infrastructure improvements and environmental protections that have shaped the city’s growth.
These are the things people don’t always see. But they’re the backbone of a thriving city.
My campaign is focused on long-term planning, especially around traffic and infrastructure. While I support the new bridge project, I believe Orange Beach needs a broader vision to manage its rapid growth. I had worked for years to get a cross-island parkway from The Wharf to the beach and will continue to tirelessly fight to for this. I also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation with Gulf Shores and Foley. Our futures are linked. The stronger our relationships, the stronger our cities.
My leadership style is marked by calm confidence and emotional steadiness — qualities that have earned me respect across political lines. I’m not one for theatrics; I’m a listener, a problem-solver, and a coalition builder.
My announcement, first posted on Facebook, quickly went viral – garnering over 70,000 views in just two days. The response reflects not only the community’s interest in the upcoming election but also the trust I have earned over the years.
As mayor, I will fight to protect our coast, support our working families, build on our educational success and keep Orange Beach a place we’re proud to call home. This city deserves steady leadership rooted in service — not politics.
With a proven track record, a clear vision and a heart for the people, I am stepping forward — not for power, but for purpose. And Orange Beach is listening.