Newsletter
May 10, 2024
Proclamations
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
May 19-25, 2024
Mayor Betterton proclaims May 19-25, 2024, Emergency Medical Services Week. The 50th Anniversary of EMS Week theme is EMS WEEK: Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future. He encourages the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
NATIONAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING MONTH
May 2024
Mayor Betterton is pleased to join the citizens of Florence in saluting the numerous audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and speech-language pathologists in our community who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of their clients, patients, and students.
Honoring Preston Earl Hillis
Mayor Betterton recognized and paid tribute to the life of Preston Earl Hillis at the Florence Council Meeting. The City of Florence mourns the loss of Preston Earl Hillis, a cherished member of our community, who passed away on April 16, 2024. Preston has a legacy of service and dedication to our community.
A veteran of the Air Force, Preston's professional journey was marked by integrity and skill, spanning decades at Reynolds Metals and TVA and a distinguished career as an electrician. He was also a dedicated sports official and an active member of various community organizations, including the Florence Tree Commission and other civic groups. He will be remembered fondly, as will his kindness and leadership. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hillis family.
Remembering Leo III
🦁 It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a beloved member of our UNA family, Leo III. 🌟
Leo III, the majestic lion who graced our campus with his presence, passed away peacefully on May 2nd at the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. At 21 years old, Leo III leaves a legacy that will forever be cherished by all who knew him.
Leo III wasn't just a symbol; he was an integral part of our community, captivating hearts near and far. His memory will live on in the stories we share, the photographs we cherish, and the spirit of pride he instilled in all UNA Lions.
Music In The Park
River Heritage Trail Is Open!
We're thrilled to announce a major milestone: the unveiling of the first link of our River Heritage Trail project! 🎉 This beautiful trail segment spans approximately one mile along the picturesque Tennessee River, connecting the River Heritage Park trailhead to the Patton Island Overlook trailhead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the grand opening of this incredible addition to our city. Your presence and support made the event truly special! 🙌 We also want to express our gratitude to the vendors and volunteers whose hard work and dedication helped make this project a reality.
Residents and visitors alike can now immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings while enjoying a leisurely stroll or invigorating hike along the river's edge. This trail represents a significant achievement for our community, providing a scenic and accessible route for everyone to explore and appreciate the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that make Florence truly special.
Florence Beautification Board Wildflower Project
🌼 Have you seen the breathtaking wildflowers around town? Thanks to Jean McIntyre
and the Florence Beautification Board for bringing the Wildflower Project to life! 🌸 Keep your eyes peeled for these colorful blooms – nature's masterpiece!
Florence Parks & Recreation
Royal Avenue Pool: May 25
River Heritage Splash Pad: May 25
Community Yard Sale: May 18
Blackberry Juniors Events All Summer
Florence Historian Billy Warren
100 YEARS: TENNESSEE VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
As was noted in a fairly recent installment of this column, the Tennessee Valley Historical Society (TVHS) celebrated its centennial year in 2023, having begun its existence in 1923. To celebrate that milestone, the current Board of TVHS decided to compile a book made up of selected articles from the fifty years (since 1973) of its publication of the impressive Journal of Muscle Shoals History. (See attached image.) Entitled Tennessee Valley Historical Society: The First Hundred Years, this volume includes a total of twenty-four (24) well-written articles, some of which are specifically about Florence and Lauderdale County. Among the latter are the following: “The Cypress Land Company: A Dream of Empire,” by Turner Rice; “Civil War Memories of Mrs. Cutler Smith,” edited by James R. Cabaniss; “A History of UNA Memorial Amphitheater,” by Doris Kelso; and “Life and Works of Maud Lindsay,” by Joshua Nicholas Winn, III. As is true of these articles, the other 20 were also penned by well-known students of Muscle Shoals history. Many of their writings have appeared in various respected publications over the years. This celebratory book is available for purchase ($25.00) at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. It’s quite informative and definitely a good read for anyone with even the slightest interest in the history of the Shoals.
--Billy Warren, City Historian (brwarren@florenceal.org)
Upcoming Events
Outdoor Recreation EXPO: May 11
Touch A Truck: May 11
Shoals Storytelling Festival: May 16-18
Inaugural Police Week Tournament: May 13
Deibert Fishing Days: May 18
Senior Appreciation Day: May 17
Show Choir Camp: July 8-12
Basketball Camp
BBBS Fundraiser: May 23
YOUNG LEARNER’S SERIES: Native American Jewelry of the Southwest
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs where students can explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. Each month will feature a practice that relates to Native American culture; participants will explore the history and cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that practice.
Join us on Saturday, May 18th, at 10 a.m. for a program and activity about Southwestern Native American jewelry. Southwestern Native American jewelry is important both historically and in the present. Jewelry has been created to cherish, preserve, and share culture. Join us for a short informational presentation on how jewelry making is a medium used to honor and pass down customs. We will learn about the history of jewelry from a few of the tribes in the Southwestern regions, specifically the Navajo (Dine’), Zuni, and Hopi people. We will then do an activity where students can create their own faux silver and turquoise cuffs with recycled media. Hope to see you there!
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. The Florence Indian Mound Museum is located at 1028 S. Court St., Florence, AL, and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Call 256-760-6427 for more information.
Job Openings
Street Department
Full Time - $32,373.08 Annually
Police Department
Full Time - $35,435.76 Annually
Firefighter EMT and Certified Firefighter EMT
Fire Department
Full Time - $43,461.24 - $57,849.90 Annually
Electricity Department
Part Time - $13.39 Hourly
Park and Recreation
Part Time - $13.39 Hourly
Police Chief
Police Department
Full Time - $106,511.88 Annually
Planning Department
Full Time - $51,071.02 Annually
Next Council Meeting
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
4:00 pm Work Session
5:00 pm Council Meeting
The council meetings are held at 109 South Pine Street, Florence, AL 35630.
A little funny ..
Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400
How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:
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- Send your information to rmansell@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.