July 21, 2010- Orange Beach, AL (OBA)- Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Barnett Lawley has issued an order to open all previously closed waters in the Orange Beach area. These waters were previously closed as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Beginning on July 21, 2010 waterways in Cotton Bayou, Terry Cove, Old River Bayou St. John, Perdido Pass and all canals leading into these waters were open to boating traffic. There is a "Idle Speed Only- No Wake" rule still in effect for these waters.

Boggy Point and Cotton Bayou boat launches in Orange Beach is still closed to recreational traffic. Happy Harbor, next to Tacky Jack's in Orange Beach, has limited capacity to allow for launching. And because the waters are open again they have resumed boat rentals. Due to limited space we recommend that you call in advance if you want to launch your boat at Happy Harbor. Their phone number is 251-981-1910.