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Alabama's Renaissance City


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First Fridays
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TOP
August 14, 2014
Message from Mayor Haddock

IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL...

 

School starts Monday, August 18and I want to wish the teachers, parents, and especially the students a great school year.  Hope you have a fabulous year!

 

 

 

The Alabama Department of 

Transportation

and

The City of Florence, Alabama

Mayor and City Council

Opened the new

Hermitage Drive Bridge

on Monday, August 11, 2014  


 

 

 

ATTENTION ALL
FRESHMEN & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

 

 

Attached is the narrative to students/parents for the upcoming school year concerning the traffic pattern for Florence High School and Florence Freshman Center.  Please pay close attention to the instructions on the attached link- Traffic Flow Click Here 

 

CONGRATULATIONS GROGAN JEWELERS

Grogan Jewelers has been named America's Coolest Jewelry Store by Instore Magazine, a magazine for jewelry store owners.  The honor was based on interior and exterior appearance, website, biography and overall individuality.  Congratulations to Jay Klos and his crew!  To read the entire article click here...

F.A.S.T

Florence Alabama Swim Team

 Fall Registration

 

August 1st - August 31st

Ages 6-18

Register online Swim Team Registration

 

Registration Fee $35.00

 


 

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED

JOHN COFFEE CEMETERY 

CLEAN-UP DAY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

 

The Florence Historical Board and others have planned a CEMETERY CLEAN-UP DAY at the John Coffee Cemetery on Saturday, August 16.  Pick your two-hour work time from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The cemetery is adjacent to the new Wal-Mart Store on Cloverdale Road and Cox Creek Parkway.  Volunteers are needed to help in the task of removing fallen limbs, trash, etc., cutting the small growth, and moving it to the street.  Please come dressed in work clothing and bring work gloves.

 

YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Shoals Scholar Dollars Foundation

will host its 2nd Auction Fundraiser

Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum

Friday and Saturday

August 22 and 23

 

Shoals Scholar Dollars is in the midst of raising funds to provide two-year scholarships to Northwest-Shoals Community College for all qualifying students graduating from the 17 Colbert and Lauderdale County high schools beginning in 2014.

 

The Auction will be the most important opportunity for the community to raise money for this extraordinary educational initiative. 

 

For more information contact:

Dr. Randy Pettus at 256-246-2907

or visit randy@shoalsscholardollars.com


ART OF ALABAMA FOOD EXHIBIT

August 15 - September 6, 2014

Court Street Market

Downtown Florence

 

Free to the Public

 

 

ALSO,

Get Tickets to the

VIP "Sneak Peak" August 14

to benefit

Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Hors d'oeuvres will be prepared by Shoals area chefs

Tickets  - $75 per person

RSVP to 256-740-4141

 

Florence/Lauderdale Tourism and the Alabama Tourism Department are bringing an art exhibit to town that is so beautiful you can almost taste it.  The mouthwatering Art of Alabama Food exhibit is coming to the new Court Street Market in Downtown Florence August 15 through September 6, 2014.

 

Featuring 36 professional food photographs from the "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" brochure and as part of the Alabama Tourism Department's "Alabama Food" campaign, the exhibit celebrates chefs and restaurants that represent the state's trademark twist on Southern cuisine.  The exhibit has already been displayed and received critical acclaim in New York City, New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham and Gulf Shores in the past year.

 

"This exhibit and the new venue at Court Street Market are a perfect match," said Debbie Wilson, Director of Florence/Lauderdale Tourism.  "We couldn't be more proud to showcase Alabama food with this wonderful exhibit."

 

"With a large pool of culinary talent and innovative restaurants, it's an exciting time for Alabama food," Lee Sentell, Director of the Alabama Tourism Department said.  "This one-of-a-kind exhibit features images of signature dishes from restaurants across the state.  It's a great representation of Alabama's food culture."  One of the dishes featured is the orange-pineapple ice cream at Trowbridge's.

 

The exhibit, which is free to the public, will be open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; and on Sundays from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

 

A VIP "Sneak Peek" reception will be held on Thursday, August 14, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., to benefit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.  Hors d'oeuvres will be prepared by Shoals area chefs. Tickets for the reception are $75 per person.

 RSVP to 256-740-4141.

 

Volunteers will be needed to work at the Market during the entire exhibit.  Contact Christina Dorough, Events Coordinator at Florence Main Street, at 256-760-9648.

 

For more details on The Art of Alabama Food exhibit, visit ilovealabamafood.com/.  For more information on the exhibit: contact Florence/Lauderdale Tourism at 256-740 4141 or www.visitflorenceal.com.  For more information on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, call 256-381-4417 or http://www.alamhof.org/.

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PANCAKES, LINK SAUSAGE, DRINK

$5.00

 

APPLEBEE'S RESTAURANT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

8:00 to 10:00 A.M.

Take Out Available

 

ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT 


"The Shoals only NON-PROFIT Hospice"

115 Fairgrounds Rd, Florence, AL - 256-767-6699

 

 

HOSPICE OF THE SHOALS EMPLOYEES AND

VOLUNTEERS TO BE YOUR SERVERS

"Sam Martin" by Scott McKinnon

Scott McKinnon, third grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary (Florence City Schools), has recently published a children's chapter book titled "Sam Martin." The book currently is available digitally via the Amazon Kindle book store. "Sam" is a realistic fiction account of a sixth grade boy experiencing life's ups and downs. Registering at a 4.2 grade level, "Sam" appeals to various readers from 3rd to 6th grade.
Click here to purchase.

FLORENCE HOUSING AUTHORITY

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

WAITING LIST

 

Florence Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Department will accept preliminary applications for the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8 Existing Housing) at its offices at Magnolia Gardens I, 110 South Cypress Street, Suite 1, Florence, Alabama starting Monday, September 8, 2014 at 12:01 a.m. for online applications and 8:30 a.m. for paper applications. This is a "date and time" created Waiting List.  The Waiting List will remain open until further notice.  Click the hyperlink for more information Waiting List Instructions.


LION NIGHT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE

Participating Merchants

 

Art & More 
Cherry Tree Lane 
Coats Clothing Company 
Coco's Boutique 
Court Street Market
Creative Jewelers 
Dish Gourmet Cafe
FloBama Music Hall 
Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe 
Hidden Treasures 
Jimmy John's 
Le Vintage Soul 
Legends Steakhouse
Lion's Den 

Merry Blu Boutique 

My Favorite Things 
Pegasus Records
Poplar South Deli & Grille 
Rosie's Mexican Cantina 
Sperry's Restaurant 
Tennessee Street Billiards 
The Chicago Cafe 
The Coiffure at 108 
The Eclectic 
The Spinning Spoke Hub Club 
Unraveled Yarn & Gifts 
Ye Ole General Store

 

 

 For more information call:

Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648

"Failure Is Not An Option!"

 

The Florence Police SWAT Challenge is an event like no other.  Your mission starts as you enter the gates and begin your mental preparation for your SWAT Operation.  After you receive your SWAT Operator assignment and mission brief, you ready yourself for the first challenge-moving through a series of obstacles to get to your target location.

 

The obstacle course includes dressing out for your operation and moving yourself and your gear to your target.  Once you negotiate the obstacle course, then it's time to take on the bad guys in your simulated assault course.  This challenge increases your adrenaline and tests your physical and mental ability to identify your targets and neutralize your threats.  But it doesn't end there...your final challenge takes you on a 1-mile fun run through mud, over walls, and through fire as you earn the right to call yourself elite!  Along the way, real-life SWAT Operators will be by your side encouraging you to complete the task at hand and support you as you take the challenge!  This event is about FUN; it is designed for all types of participants from novice runner to extreme mudder, but will allow you push yourself while having a great time!

 

Will you accept the Challenge?

 

TO REGISTER

Go to Active.com

Scroll down to

August 30 - Florence Police SWAT Challenge

 

You will be assigned a specific time to run your event.  Events will begin at 7:00 a.m.  When you arrive, go directly to the registration area and have a picture ID ready.  Once you sign your waiver and receive your bag, you'll be taken to the mission brief and receive instructions before beginning your events.  Parking is somewhat limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

 

You WILL get dirty.  Long pants are encouraged, but not mandatory.  Athletic shoes or boots (no open-toe shoes).  There will be SWAT operators and safety officers on site and assigned to each group to ensure a safe and fun environment.  There is an area to change clothes afterwards if you wish.  An entry fee of $35 entitles you to a participant t-shirt and the experience of a lifetime.  Be one of the 100!!

 



Check out this web site for the

Florence Foodies tasting series final visits of the year

 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Florence-Foodies-in-August.html?soid=1102506083038&aid=8aV-uo99QGw

 

Get your tickets:

Poplar South Deli & Grille - August 18

 


 

NEW & EXISTING BUSINESSES

 

 

 

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS/OPENINGS: 

  • Target Opening Date is August 15STARBUCKS COFFEE, 357 Cox Creek Parkway
  • Target Opening Date in August - DAIRY QUEEN, 570 South Court Street (formerly Backyard Burgers location)
  • Opening Soon - COURT STREET MARKET, INDOOR FARMERS MARKET, 218 North Court Street.  They will be bringing local and organic farmers, ranchers, bakers, cheese shop, and variety of food artisans to Downtown Florence.  Owners:  Carmen and Kai-Uwe Erdmann - Court Street Market
  • Target Opening Date is September 11 - CHICK-FIL-A, 341 Cox Creek Parkway
  • Target Opening Date in September - FASHION EXCHANGE -  1589  Darby Drive - 2nd Location in Florence

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ARTS & MUSEUMS DEPARTMENT


 

KENNEDY-DOUGLASS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

is located at 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, and is open, free of charge, 
Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
Call 256-760-6379 for information on City museums and art events or 

Click Here.


 

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NEW PET LICENSING ORDINANCE

The City Council adopted a new pet license ordinance for certain dogs and cats.  The ordinance became effective May 1, 2014.

(See Ordinance Here)

 

PET ADOPTION

The Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter has DOGS AND CATS available for ADOPTION OR FOSTER.  The Shelter is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.  Weekend hours are Saturday, open to the public and volunteers,

from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,

and Sunday, closed to the public, but open to volunteers

from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

Volunteers are always welcome!

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NOTICE

All Florence Gas & Water Customers

 

On May 15, 2014, contractors for the City of Florence began a project to install an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system for gas and water customers.  The project duration is approximately 24 months.  There will be minimal or no disruptions of your service during this process.

 

It is our desire to provide you as accurate meter readings and measurement as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact 256-760-6490 or visit florenceutilities.com/Gas_Water for more information about this important project. 

 

 

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

 

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER

"THE CLUB"

450 Country Club Drive

(Savannah Highway/Hwy. 20)

Florence - 256-760-6420

The Club - Facebook Page
 

***The Club is a drug free, alcohol free facility***

 

MASTERS GAMES PRACTICE will be each Monday and Friday mornings, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., at The Club.  On Thursday, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Shuffleboard and Baseball Free Throw practice will be at Broadway Recreation Center. 

 

THE NUTRITION PROGRAM is a NACOLG/State program which serves lunch each Monday-Friday, at 11:00 a.m., at The Club.  Suggested donation $1.  This program is based on age and not need.  Limited seating (40) available on first come basis.  Must be seated by 10:30 a.m.  Feel free to come check it out.  The only requirements are:  1) must be 60 years of age 2) must sign in and be seated by 10:30 a.m.

 

BOOMER'S & SENIOR'S SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE & GAMES at The Club, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., each week except holiday weekends.  The doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  $5 per person.  Singles & couples are welcome.  18+ years old.  Music spanning the decades will be performed by The Browns.  For those who may not be dancers but like to play games and enjoy music, here is your opportunity to come listen to some great music while playing your favorite games:  Rook, Rummy, Dominoes, Checkers or the games you bring with you.  Feel free to bring light refreshments.  For more information please call The Club at 256-760-6420, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

BOOMER'S & SENIOR'S DANCE, each TUESDAY NIGHT, continues to bring great people together to dance the night away.  Hours 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.  Singles and couples are welcome.  18+ years old.  $5 per person.  Please join us for a great night of dancing fun with The Browns.

 

The Singing River Squares will be square dance angels to the BEGINNING SQUARE DANCE CLASS (10 weeks) starting Friday, September 5, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.  All ages welcome.   $5 each week.   Following the lessons, the Singing River Squares will have dance time from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.  The Singing River Squares happily invite you to give it a try.  For more information call Fran at The Club, 256-760-6420.

 

JOINTS IN MOTION CHAIR EXERCISE CLASS for your activities of daily living.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.  No age limit-men, women, friends and family are welcome to join us at The Club.  No fee.  Class Leader:  Fran "fish" Davis.   Also, the Joints in Motion Class offers the opportunity for you to join them in prayer around the flagpole each Monday morning after class at 9:50 a.m. to pray for our community, city, nation, first responders, troops, and families and friends of The Club.

 

BINGO follows the Joints in Motion Class on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

 

BOARD GAMES, ROOK, CARD GAMES, DOMINOES and fun with friends each afternoon at The Club.  12:30 -5:00 p.m.  No fee.  We bring light snacks to share.

 

FANTASTIC FRIDAY AT THE CLUB will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., each THIRD FRIDAY of the month until October.  Our meals will be catered from three different restaurant facilities.  Pop's BBQ (St. Florian) will have fish or chicken.  Dick Howell's (Florence) serving BBQ or quartered chicken.  The Bonnet Caf� Elegant Country Cooking (Lexington) with Sunday type meals, menu will vary each time.  Please try to purchase tickets ahead of time.  You will enjoy the great food, music, games, dance opportunities, horseshoes, and have a fun time at the "FUN Raiser!"  All proceeds will go towards the local and state Master Games for persons 50 year and older.  Regularly scheduled square dancing will follow Fantastic Friday each time.

 

On FRIDAYS, the Seniors wear RED to show support for our service men and women.
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Have a great weekend!

Mayor Mickey Haddock


How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:

  • Public and community events or announcements can be in an email, word document, PDF, or JPG file suitable for viewing 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: smorgan@florenceal.org or call Sandra Morgan with questions at 256-760-6408.

 

City of Florence | 256-760-6300 | mayorhaddock@florenceal.org | http://www.florenceal.org
110 West College Street
P.O. Box 98
Florence, AL 35630