Why did Tony Kennon resign from the Orange Beach City Council less than a year after taking office? The answer isn't as simple as a single headline. Allegations, lawsuits, public records, and competing explanations paint a story that remains debated decades later.

Long before ethics complaints, body camera disputes, and lawsuits dominated Orange Beach politics, another mayor became the focus of a sweeping federal public corruption case. Chapter One of the Tony Crony series explores Steve Russo's rise, the relationships that shaped the city, the allegations that led to his conviction, and why his story remains essential to understanding the political landscape of Orange Beach today.

You don't need years of local history to understand what's happening in Orange Beach. You just need a starting point. Tony Crony is an investigative series that untangles the people, politics, lawsuits, property deals, and public records behind one of Alabama's most talked-about local controversies. Whether you arrived here because of a Facebook post, a body camera debate, or pure curiosity, this guide will help you separate rumor from fact and show you how the investigation