Welcome to March!
Mayor Andy Betterton
March 4 , 2021
Women's History Month
March kicks off Women's History Month. Join us in a month of national celebration commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Do you know a strong, inspiring woman in our community from the present or past? Nominate her to be included in the celebration.
Read Across America Week: March 1 - 5, 2021
Dr. Karen Landers and EMA Director George Grabryan provided an update on the COVID-19 virus and vaccine.
STATEWIDE MASK REQUIREMENT
Today, Governor Kay Ivey amended the Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This amended order shall remain in full force and effect until 5:00 P.M. on April 9, 2021, unless extended, rescinded, or modified by the State. Safer At Home Order
ADPH COVID Vaccine Portal I ADPH Vaccine Dashboard I Walmart COVID Vaccine Site
The Shoals Economic Development Authority: Remote Shoals Program Update
Congratulations to SEDA on the success of the Remote Shoals Program! Due to the program's continued interest, the Shoals EDA Board and SIDC approved an increase in funding for year two of the Remote Shoals program to $500,000!!
Why is the Remote Shoals Program Important for growth?
Global Workplace Analytic's estimate (in 2020) is that about 75 million U.S. employees could work-from-home at least part of the time. Nine months into the pandemic, 41.8% of the American workforce remains fully remote. By 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be remote, increasing 16.8 million people from pre-pandemic rates.
Remote Shoals Program Stats:
We currently have 17 Remote Shoals Residents living in The Shoals!!
These 17 people bring an annual payroll of about $1.8 million into our community!
A total of 27 people have moved to the Shoals area (spouses, partners, children, etc.)
8 homes have been purchased for a total of $1,406,900
8 homes/apartments have been rented for a total annual rate of $85,080
Many others are in the process of moving or making their final decision.
Learn More in the SEDA February Newsletter!
News from The Club (Florence Senior Center)
Though the Florence Senior Center, affectionately known as The Club, has suspended in-person activities due to Covid-19 concerns, we continue to fill our community's needs. We are available to speak with you over the phone and answer any questions. The Club, in conjunction with NACOLG, continues to provide the nutrition program (serving lunches) in 3 ways.
- Our Homebound Program clients continue to have their meals delivered to their homes until they let us know they are no longer in need of the meals.
- Our Frozen Meal Program continues for those who are on that program.
- Our Curbside Pick Up program continues for those who call on Monday-Friday between 8:30-10:30 am to reserve a lunch. Lunches are available to be picked up between 10:30-11:30 am.
The CLUB: March 2021 Newsletter Link
THE OLMSTED LEGACY IN FLORENCE
Frederick Law Olmsted is recognized as the very first landscape architect in America. He established his firm in 1858 and, over a short time, became the premier landscape authority through his design of such important sites as Central Park in New York City and the campuses of Wellesley College and Stanford University. His company remained active through his sons and others until well into the twentieth century, continuing to design impressive landscapes throughout the United States -- two of which were in Florence. In 1929, staff members of the company designed the campus of Florence State Teachers College (now UNA). Because of the Stock Market Crash and the subsequent Great Depression, those plans were not executed until in recent years when the grand transformation of the UNA property into a pedestrian campus took place. The other Olmsted project was the campus of the second location of Coffee High School (now Florence Middle School). Records in the archives of Florence City Schools reveal that the Board of Education contracted with the Olmsted Company to design the approximate 25 acres bounded by Hermitage Drive, North Cherry Street and Royal Avenue.
--Billy Warren, City Historian
City of Florence Boards & Commissions
There are many boards and committees that help to operate the functions of the City of Florence. Each board is comprised of members of City Administration and members of the local business community.
City of Florence Boards & Commissions
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
4:00 p.m. Work Session
5:00 p.m. Council Meeting
City Auditorium
103 South Pine Street
A little motivation...
“It takes courage to step beyond what is
comfortable, predictable & known.”
Courage to Change
How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:
- Public and community events or announcements can be submitted by attaching an email, Word document, PDF, or JPG file suitable for viewing on the web. Include graphics in JPG or PNG if possible.
- Along with your information, include your name, phone number, event name, location, date and time, and a brief description.
- IMPORTANT: Please submit your information no later than Tuesday of each week (preferably sooner). Submissions after the deadline will be added to the next week's publication. The newsletter is posted on Thursday afternoon.
- Send your information to rmansell@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.
Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400