Welcome to the
City of Florence
Message Center  

Alabama's Renaissance City




In This Issue
Message from Mayor Holt
We are pleased to present these
2016 Years of Service Awards
to our Water Department Employees!
 
CONGRATULATIONS!

Benjamin Burnett - 10 Years

Phillip King - 10 Years

William Parrish - 10 Years

Michael B. Hipps - 15 Years

Jill Gibson - 15 Years

Doug Atkinson - 25 Years

Gina Hall - 25 Years

Michael N. Burns - 25 Years

Tommy Baker - 25 Years
                                                   Darren Duncan                                          Michael N. Burns
                                                Perfect Attendance                                    Perfect Attendance


Cong ratulations to
Sandra Morgan
on 40 years of service
in the Mayor's Office!


New Business:  Now Open 
BOYD'S AUTO SALES
3060 Cloverdale Road
256-712-5373
  (Boyd's has been operating on Chisholm,  and has now located into our city limits.)   Boyd's Auto Sales carries pre-owned vehicles.  They offer good prices, and specialize in financing. 

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New Business:  Now Open
CLAY BISQUE STUDIO
1551 Florence Boulevard
256-275-5552
 
Clay Bisque Studio is located next to Big Lots at 1551 Florence Boulevard. Choose a piece of bisque that is ready for you to put your unique and special touch to. Paint it just the way you like with your special charm, and Clay Bisque will glaze it and fire it!  Dishwasher safe, and safe to eat off of!
 
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New Business - Now Open
COLLEGE STREET FARMERS MARKET
526 E. College Street
256-762-1760
  College Street Farmers Market at Singin' River Live is a seasonal market beginning in May and ending in November, on Thursdays,  from 3-7 p.m.   Established and newer small-scale farmers  from within 25 miles of the Alabama State line, as well as a  variety of artisans, service providers, micro-businesses and community groups will be present.  The College Street Farmers Market at Singin' River Live was created to provide a place for producers to come together to provide access to locally grown and produced, healthy, and affordable food.

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Now open
FARMER'S HOME FURNITURE 
214 Seville Street
 

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New Business:  Now Open
NERD NOW COMPUTER SERVICE
1117 Florence Boulevard
256-284-7005
  Nerd Now Computer Service provides computer and mobile
repair.  Established in 2012, Nerd Now has one mission: to bring
reliable, high quality computer service to the Florence area.
 



Beautification Board
City of Florence
P. O. Box 98
Florence, AL  35631
WILSON PARK BENCHES
Available for Purchase
 
The Florence Beautification Board has worked with the City to effect an upgrade of the landscaping in Wilson Park; including the removal of the old wooden benches to be replaced by metal ones.
 
Benches "In Honor Of" or "In Memory Of" or "Donated By" may be purchased from the City for placement in Wilson Park.  The tax deductible cost is $875.00 and includes the bench, an engraved plaque, and installation.  The benches are six feet long with an armrest in the center.  They are constructed of powder coated metal, green in color, and have a curved back.


The dedication
of the
COFFEE HIGH SCHOOL
HISTORICAL MARKER
was held Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 2:00 P.M.
 Check it out...
It is located at Hermitage Drive and Walnut Street.



The 4th Annual Uber Region Fest was a Success!

This year's festival was open to the public and the turnout was great, with over 500 attendees on hand to view approximately 200 Porsches. Guests were able to test their driving skills outdoors at our autocross, or indoors on the racing simulator, which featured the Barber Motorsports race course in Birmingham, AL. Our entertainment lineup consisted of five local bands, many of whom have had worldwide impact on the music industry, including David Hood, of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio's Swampers fame, as he jammed on stage and welcomed attendees as he proudly displayed his own Porsche 911. Tremayne, The Will McFarIane Band, Archie Hubbard, Harvey Thompson and Friends, and American Rock troop The Fiddleworms entertained guests with hours of amazing music. Ober Region Fest IV featured variety of vendors, from German automobile specialists to artists, including painter Richard F. Webb and photographer Bruce Sweetman.

PROCEEDS - Most importantly, our festival was able to rise over $8,000 in donations
for St. Jude  Children's Research Hospital and the City of Florence Police Department.
This amount was matched  by TMT America, Trissl Sports Car's parent company,
making our total dollar amount raised $16,000.



TENNESSEE VALLEY STRUMMERS RETURN TO 
FLORENCE/LAUDERDALE VISITOR CENTER
Friday, June 16
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
 
The Tennessee Valley Strummers will return to the Florence/Lauderdale Visitor Center in McFarland Park to play folk dulcimer music in the Gallery on Friday, June 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Tennessee Valley Strummers will be performing at the Visitor Center the 3rd Friday of every month.

"The Visitor Center has become a venue and gathering place for free cultural events and entertainment," Alison Stanfield, Director of Operations said. "Our visitors thoroughly enjoy the entertaining folk music we are delighted the strummers are performing here on a monthly basis.
 
The dulcimer, which means "sweet sound," is a four-stringed instrument developed in the 1700s in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The featured players use a tablature system of playing, based on fret numbers, which enables them to play with others - even if they have never met before.  Visitors are encouraged to join the Strummers in playing as well.  
 
Visitors are encouraged to come out and listen to the music and tour the Center. Admission is free.
For more information call the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Office at 256-740-4141.

2nd Annual Rock the River Music
and Family Fun Festival
to benefit  U
nited Way of Northwest Alabama's 211 Program
 
  
Buffalo Rock Pepsi, Wellspring Advertising and United Way of Northwest Alabama will present the 2 nd Annual  Rock the River event on  Saturday, June 17, 2017 , at  Riverfront Park in Sheffield, Alabama, from  Noon until 9:00 p.m .
 
Rock the River will feature local musical artists throughout the day and will wrap up with special guests The Wolves of Chernobyl at 7:30 pm.   There will be food and drink vendors, specialty vendors and activities for the kids.  All proceeds will benefit United Way's 2-1-1 Information & Referral. 
 
2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline that connects people from all communities and of all ages to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Last year, United Way's 211 answered nearly 5000 calls and provided over 8000 resources to individuals and families in crisis in Northwest Alabama. 
 
Tickets are only $5 and children 12 and under are FREE!  For more information, including how to get advance tickets and which musical acts will be performing, visit www.rocktheriver.net .    
  
Please Come and Be a Part of the
 
North Alabama Christian Children's Home
15th Annual
Benefit Dinner

Saturday, June 17, 2017
6:00 p.m.  
Florence-Lauderdale County Coliseum
702 East Veterans Drive
 
Musical Entertainment Provided By :
Nu-Tones
 
Catering By :
Pop's Barbeque
(BBQ or smoked chicken, baked beans,
potato salad, roll, tea, coffee and dessert)
 
Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
COST: FREE
 
(Donations will be accepted)

 
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Thrive Alabama Expanded Services Open House
Wednesday, June 21
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
112 South Pine Street

Florence, Ala. - Thrive Alabama invites the community to an open house highlighting new medical services now offered at their Florence location. 
 
Expanded services include:
  • Sexually transmitted infection treatment
  • PrEP, a once-daily pill that protects HIV-negative people from becoming infected
Thrive has been providing HIV care for over a decade in the Shoals, but these new services open care to a wider population of people who do not have HIV.

There will be tours of the clinic and a meet and greet with the Thrive Alabama staff, including new nurse practitioner Victoria M. Casson.  Food and beverages will be on hand. 

For more information about Thrive Alabama, visit  www.thrivealabama.org .

SAFEPLACE LIBERTY LUNCHEON
 
Wednesday, June 21
12 Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Marriott Conference Center
 
Celebrating 36 years of domestic-violence free life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
 
If all homes were safe homes communities would not need services like Safeplace, Inc.  However, numberless homes, including many in the Shoals, are not safe havens.
 
Each month Safeplace, the only domestic violence program in northwest Alabama, serves an average of 650 people. The organization offers emergency housing, transitional housing assistance, counseling services, children's outreach programs, and intervention programs for adults and teenagers. As a non-profit entity, Safeplace is funded solely by grants and donations.
 
On June 21 Safeplace will host the Liberty Luncheon, its largest annual fundraising endeavor. The event will take place at the Marriott Conference Center from 12 pm to 1 pm.
 
"Event entry is free although I hope guests will be inspired to make contributions" said Rachel Hackworth, Executive Director of Safeplace, Inc. "Within the last year, with the help of donors, we have been able to add brand-new services for children experiencing domestic violence."
 
Tickets are available by emailing safeplaceinc@gmail.com, and by calling 256-767-3076.

 

For Children in Grades 1 st through 6 th
Your child will learn the basics of art in fun and innovative ways.
 
Hosted by the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts
________________
Two Sessions:
June 12 - 16, 2017
June 19 - 23, 2017
 
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Students entering Grades 1st through 3rd
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Students entering Grades 4th through 6th
 
Tuition is $50 for first child/second child in a family is $45.00.
Classes are limited.
 
For applications call 256-760-6379 or come to
the K/D Center for the Arts, 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence.


 
The University of North Alabama Summer Theatre
will present
The Mountaintop
by Katori Hall
 
Performances are:
Thursday, June 29 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 1 - 7:30 p.m.
And
Sunday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m.
 
All performances will take place in the George S. Lindsey Theatre.
 
The Mountaintop is a fictional depiction of the Reverend Martin
Luther King Jr. 's last night on  earth set entirely in Room 306
of the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his assassination in 1968
after delivering his legendary "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech.
 
General admission is $5 for UNA students/faculty/staff/alumni and $15 for adults.
 
Tickets can be purchased at the Department of Entertainment Industry Office
Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 Noon;

For more information: Wanda Dixon, Events Coordinator, at 256-765-4342.

SAVE THE DATE!
 
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Marriott Conference Center
5:00 p.m.



Live and silent auctions with entertainment
Featuring:  The Wildwood Ruminators
 
Burgers, Beers, Bids, and Blues!
 
Admission:  $30.00
 

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2
ND Annual
Florence Invitational
GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
BLACKBERRY TRAIL GOLF COURSE -AUGUST 4-6, 2017
 
Groups:    Eddie Frost Group - Up to 49
                Chris Burns Group - 50-64
            Alex Sloan Group - 65 & Over
 
  • New set of irons for each division winner
  • Name engraved on plaque in golf shop
  • Flights in each age group depending on number of participants
  • Winners of each flight will be awarded gift certificates to golf shop
 
* Lunch will be provided all three days
* Saturday evening BBQ dinner  --  Couples Putting Contest   --  Cornhole Fun
 
Call Golf Shop @ 256-740-8825 to register TODAY!!!!!!
$150.00 per entrant  --  Last Day to Register is July 26th
               *** Field limited to 120 players ***


WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!
 
Please contact:
Jennifer Sutton
256-765-5558
  Any questions can be sent to housing@una.edu










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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CITY BOARDS
 
The City of Florence has numerous boards and commissions through which our citizenry can get involved.  We depend upon you to help us make wise decisions and we solicit your advice and ideas.  Your service is invaluable in helping us continue to build and prosper as a progressive City. 
 



If you are interested and willing to serve on one of these boards, you may: 

Pick up an application from the Mayor/Council Office or
download a simple application that is available on the City's website at

A description of each board, along with the resolution
detailing the guidelines  for serving, is also posted on the same website.  Applications stay  on file for one year.  After one year, you will need to reapply or  let us know to update your application that is on file.   



PET LICENSING ORDINANCE 

 

The City Council adopted a  pet license ordinance for certain dogs and cats. 

The ordinance became effective May 1, 2014.

(See Ordinance Here)

 

Click here for the Quarterly Newsletter... 

 

  

PET ADOPTION

The Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter has

DOGS AND CATS available for ADOPTION OR FOSTER.

 

NEW SHELTER HOURS - The Shelter is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.  

 

Friday Evenings the Shelter is open for Pet Adoption - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Weekend hours are:

 Saturday, open to the public and volunteers,

from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and


 

Sunday, closed to the public,

but open to volunteers from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

 

Volunteers are always welcome!

Top of page

SENIOR NEWS

Please join us and enjoy the MYSTERY TRIPS and OVERNIGHT trips with your new friends at The CLUB.
The Dam Fall Color Tour and Searching for Christmas Lights are two of our favorite annual tours along
with Reelfoot Lake, the Earthquake Lake, Tiptonville, TN during bald eagle season.
   
Upcoming Tours for 2017
Taking Reservations Now.
Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm @ The Club .
Your choice of seats on the motor coach will be in the order that your register.
Limited seating. Please call for additional information:  256.760.6642
 

The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum:
Cincinnati/September 11-15, 2017, 5 days 4 nights. $535.
This is a life-sized Noah's Ark Experience, The Creation Museum,
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens,
Newport Aquarium, 8 meals.
 $75 deposit upon signing - Remainder amount by June 30, 2017

Branson Holiday Show Extravaganza:
November 5-11, 2017, 7 days 6 nights. $625.
7 Branson Shows, Showboat Branson Belle, 10 meals.
$75 deposit upon signing.
Remainder payment amount by August 25, 2017.


PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
 
The CLUB 
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
"Where Boomers and Seniors Come Together As ONE"
450 Country Club Drive
(Savannah Highway/Hwy. 20)
Florence - 256-760-6420
***The Club is a drug free, alcohol free facility***
 




2017 Weekly Schedule of Events

 

 
O n FRIDAYS , the Boomers and Seniors wear RED to show support for our service men and women.  Get your " CLUB " shirt the next time you visit.
 
 
 
"JOINTS IN MOTION" CHAIR EXERCISE CLASS will help you with your activities of daily living.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:45 a.m. 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 .
 
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 financial need.  Limited seating (35) available on first come basis.  You 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, and
2) Must sign in and be seated by 10:30 a.m.
 
BOOMER'S & SENIOR'S TUESDAY NIGHT DANCE at The CLUB , 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., each week.  The doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  $6 per person.  Singles & couples are welcome.  21+ years old.  Music spanning the decades is performed by The Browns.   For more information please call The CLUB at 256-760-6420, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 
Alabama's state dance is Folk and Square Dancing.  It's a healthy challenge that will have you stepping to the music and enjoying your new dance family.  The Singing River Squares will happily be your square dance angels during your BEGINNING SQUARE DANCE CLASSES that begins approximately every 12 weeks. The Singing River Squares WELCOMES you to give it a try.  Singles, couples, families...anyone with the desire to learn is welcomed.  For more information call Fran at The CLUB , 256-760-6642.  The seasoned dancers will dance PLUS TIPS in between the beginners tips.
 
BINGO is offered at 9:30 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  No fee for BINGO.  Expendable type prizes are appreciated such as paper products, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, soap, puzzle books, unopened snack foods. If you'd like to make a donation our guys & gals they would greatly appreciate it.
 
BOARD GAMES, ROOK, CARD GAMES, DOMINOES and fun with friends each morning & afternoon at The CLUB .  9 am to 4 pm.  No fee.
 


 
We attend
Senior Citizens Appreciation Day (SCAD)
each spring!

We have picnics at The Club throughout the year. Feel free to give us a call for the schedule. Due to thunderstorms that roll through our area we have to postpone our outdoor events occasionally.
 
The DULCIMERS play each fourth Thursday at The CLUB , from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Come and enjoy their music!
 
We enjoy MYSTERY TRIPS and overnight trips with our friends from The CLUB .  The Dam Fall Color Tour and Touring for Christmas Lights are two of our favorite annual tours along with Reelfoot Lake, the Earthquake Lake, Tiptonville, TN during bald eagle season.
 

Our vegetable garden at The Club

Have a great weekend!

Mayor Steve Holt

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 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: smorgan@florenceal.org or call Sandra Morgan with questions at 256-760-6408.

 

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