Newsletter

December 18, 2024

Municipal offices will be closed for the Christmas holiday on December 24 and 25.

• Next Week's garbage and recycling collection schedule:

  • Monday: Normal collection
  • Tuesday: Normal collection
  • Wednesday: No collection
  • Thursday: Wednesday's route will be collected
  • Friday: Thursday's route will be collected
  • Saturday: Friday's route will be collected

• The Parking Deck on Tombigbee and Pine Street is free through December 2024.

• Join The Best Bake Sale in The Shoals and celebrate with Chloe's Fund for Medical Needs of Florence Shelter Animals 📅 When: December 21 📍 Where: Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services (3240 Roberson Road) Delicious goodies await:✨Desserts, Cookie Platters, Breads, Pies, Pup Treats & More!✨ Extra treats will be available, so don’t miss out! All proceeds support medical needs for Florence shelter animals. 🐾💕!

At Tuesday night's council meeting, Mayor Betterton and the City Council honored two state championship teams from Mars Hill: the football team and the boys' cross-country team.

The Mars Hill boys' cross-country team, led by head coach Bridgett McKinnon, won the state championship for the first time in the school's history. This victory was a true team effort, with only 25 seconds separating the first five runners and less than a minute from the first to the seventh runner. The team edged out state runner-up Sand Rock by just one point, showcasing their determination and unity.

The football team, coached by Daryl Higgins, won the 3A title. This is the Panthers' third state championship since 2018, having previously won in different classifications: the 1A title in 2018 and the 2A title in 2020. Three state titles in three different classifications highlight the program's consistent excellence.

Certificates were presented to both teams and their coaching staff as a token of appreciation. Way to go, Panthers! Thank you for representing Florence with pride and excellence.

I hope your holiday season is going well! Please see the latest District 4 Newsletter below. To sign up to receive District 4 updates directly or with any questions, call 256-606-2033 or email meubanks@florenceal.org anytime.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2025!

All the best,
Michelle Eubanks, Council Member District 4

Thank you to everyone who attended the District 6 community meeting hosted by Council Member Jimmy Oliver. A special thank you to all department leaders and residents for engaging in the discussion and sharing concerns. Your input helps guide solutions for a better community.

Special thanks to Mayor Betterton, Council President Kaytrina Simmons, Council Member Bill Griffin, and all department leaders for taking the time to provide updates and address community concerns.

Key Updates:

• City Hall/Parking Project: Plans are underway for a new City Hall or additional parking to meet the needs of the community.

• Snow & Ice Preparedness: New equipment, prioritized roads, and EMA coordination will ensure better readiness for future weather events.

• Transfer Station: A transfer station is being developed in the Industrial Park to control rising costs and prepare for future growth.

Water Infrastructure:

• New Water Tank: Currently 60% complete, with a capacity of 2 million gallons, this is one of the largest tanks in the area.

• Lead Line Inventory: Inspections across the city continue, with minimal replacements needed on private properties.

• PFAS Compliance: Plans for a Wilson Lake facility upgrade will be needed to meet federal requirements by 2030.

Recreation & Tourism:

• McFarland Park: Improvements include RV upgrades, a new fishing pier, and enhanced outdoor facilities to support outdoor tourism.

• Pickleball & Tennis: New world-class courts will position Florence as a hub for tournaments, boosting tourism and economic growth.

• Outdoor Events: Recent tournaments and events continue to generate millions for the local economy, highlighting Florence’s strength in outdoor tourism.

Gresham Road Roundabout:

• A new roundabout is planned to address traffic concerns for the approximately 6,000 vehicles traveling the area daily.

• Construction is expected to take 6-8 months once the design, currently 30% complete, is finalized and approved by the City Council.

• Key Benefits: Roundabouts improve traffic flow by slowing, not stopping, vehicles and significantly reduce the likelihood of severe crashes such as T-bone collisions.

• Temporary paths will ensure access in and out of Hunters Ridge during construction.

• If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Todd Sullivan in the Engineering Office for more information.

Thank you again to all who attended and to our department leaders for sharing these important updates. Your input and engagement make a difference as we work together to improve our city!

“The event was truly amazing—a powerful display of love, honor, compassion, kindness, and unity in our community,” Council President Kaytrina Simmons. This event was a testament to what can be accomplished when churches and community members come together with a shared purpose. Thank you to Ekklesia Church, New Birth Ministries, The Worship Church, The Dwelling Place, and Christ World Wide Ministries who made this day such a memorable and impactful success.

One of the most incredible blessings was the payoff of a mortgage for a family in need through the Shoals Habitat for Humanity, ensuring they could enter the new year with a fully paid-off home. It was a moment that brought tears of joy and hope to everyone present. In addition to this life-changing gift, they were able to provide the community with TVs, bikes, toys, clothing, essential home supplies, and delicious meals to all attendees. The turnout was phenomenal, with standing room only, and the atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and a true sense of togetherness.

The holiday spirit was alive and well at Santa at the Barn! Thank you to the Florence Police Foundation for the special event alongside Florence Parks & Recreation! They have been spreading joy throughout our community. Thank you to everyone who came out, and a special shoutout to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Florence!

One of the most well-known poems by the late Langston Hughes is entitled “A Dream Deferred.” It poignantly describes the deep frustration that occurs when one’s dreams go unfulfilled. Such was the case, it seems, of a short-lived plan of one Claude Seales between 1899 and 1901. In the March 9, 1899, issue of the Florence Herald appeared an article entitled “Monarch of All He Surveys.” It reveals in hugely-glowing terms that one Mr. Seales “returned to the city yesterday after spending two or three weeks on his noble estate on Seven Mile Island in the Tennessee River between the counties of Lauderdale and Colbert.” In even more fulsome language, the article says, “Fortunate man, Mr. Seales! Fortunate beyond most men known to one in the world. And he deserves it all, too, for no better fellow lives.” Then, just two years later, the July 25, 1901, edition of the same newspaper posted this somber headline: “Tax Collector Sale.” Under those startling three words appeared this grim notice: “…the Tax Collector of Lauderdale County will sell in front of the Court House door in the town of Florence on Monday, the 29th day of July, 1901, to wit: “300 acres on the upper end of Seven Mile Island, being the land sold by Mrs. W.P. Campbell to Claude Seales…” A dream deferred? Or a basis for a musical play such as the well-known “Music Man”?

--Billy Warren, City Historian (brwarren@florenceal.org)

🎄 The Risk Management, Procurement, and Capital Projects Department is getting into the holiday spirit by donating to Toys for Tots! Click the link below to join the holiday cheer and help make a child's Christmas brighter.

New Business:

Breezy Bins

1235 Railroad Avenue

256-856-4759

Breezy Bins is perfect for commercial or residential cleaning, remodels, or home projects. Driveway-friendly bins are available for rent in different sizes. Call or message for a quote plus there is no delivery fee.

New Business – Now Open

Hollands Bar and Grill

116 S. Pine Street

256-275-3176

Hollands Bar & Grill is now open in downtown Florence. The new grill serves quality food and great drinks plus runs awesome weekly specials. Make plans to stop by Hollands on the corner of Pine and College Streets for lunch or dinner.

This week 7 Brew Coffee stopped by the Building Department at City Hall and the Street Department to treat city employees to some delicious drinks! Their generosity was the perfect way to kick off the day. The drinks were absolutely wonderful!

7 Brew Coffee, located at 344 Cox Creek Parkway, will celebrate their Opening Day on December 30—be sure to stop by and enjoy some great coffee and more! We’re excited to welcome them to the community!

Multi Equipment Operator Street
Street Department
Full Time - $39,580.77 Annually

Multi Equipment Operator Welder

Solid Waste
Full Time - $39,580.77 Annually

Police Officer

Police Department

Full Time - $44,330.46 - $70,840.71 Annually

The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

4:00 pm Work Session

5:00 pm Council Meeting

The council meetings are held at 109 South Pine Street, Florence, AL 35630.

Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400

• 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.