It has been quite a down year for local businesses, especially restaurants, as the events following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill greatly affected the tourism industry in such a negative way.

Condos have remained empty, souvenir shops have had to close their doors, and what is normally a booming restaurant industry has been, for the most part, simply mediocre.

Still, restaurant owners Chris and Rosemary Steele are doing what they have done for years – supporting their community.

At a recent Orange Beach Council meeting, the couple that has owned DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen in Gulf Shores since 2000 presented the Parks and Recreation Department a check for $5,000.

“Part of the reason that we live in Orange Beach is because of our Parks and Recreation department,” said Rosemary Steele during her presentation. “Especially with what has happened this summer, going to the ball park and watching your kids play, and being a strong community, we feel it is very beneficial. It is relaxing and it is fun.”

Mayor Tony Kennon said the gift was quite a gesture from the proprietors, especially since their BP claim had not been paid.

“I know for a fact that their claim has not been settled with BP, so this is huge.”

According to Park Superintendent Danny Martin, the Steeles have made substantial donations to the park and recreation department during the past three years.