MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION

COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

June 2023

DISTRICT 2 NEWS & EVENTS

CONTACT MOBILE COUNTY DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

Address:

205 Government Street

Mobile, Alabama 36644

Office Phone:

(251) 574-2000

Office Fax:

(251) 574-2001

Email:

[email protected]

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Visit the District 2 Webpage

IN THE COMMUNITY

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Commissioner Hudson attended the 12th Annual Victory Health Partners Hope for Healing event at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. Under the direction of Dr. Robert D. Lightfoot, Victory Health Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit healthcare organization that has worked to provide affordable quality care for low-income uninsured residents of the greater Mobile area since 2003. Commissioner Hudson is pictured with Dr. Lightfoot and Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County District 1.

Commissioner Hudson delivered the invocation and lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Mobile Chamber's 36th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Held at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, the program recognized and honored local active and retired military, veterans, ROTC & JROTC Cadets, educators and military families. Commissioner Hudson pictured with (L-R) Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year, Cadet Anna Lane, and Alabama District 1 Congressman Jerry Carl.

"Heritage Day 2023" was celebrated in Semmes, Alabama on May 6 with lots of great old-fashioned food, demonstrations, festive open-house events, a petting zoo and numerous local vendors. Commissioner Hudson, pictured with Semmes Mayor Brandon Van Hook, enjoyed the entertainment including music by the Back Porch Boys and dancing by the Port City Square Dancers. The Melinda Leigh Performing Arts Center held a Maypole Dance, and a mock schoolhouse performance was provided by Creative Collective of Talents and Time.

Airbus delivered its 100th plane to Delta Airlines on May 8, 2023! Commissioner Hudson participated in the event along with Airbus Americas Chairman & CEO Jeff Knittel, VP & General Manager Daryl Taylor, Senator Katie Britt, State Representative Jerry Carl, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and City Council President CJ Small. In addition to Mobile County Commissioners District 1, Merceria Ludgood, and District 3, Randall Dueitt, also in attendance were Baldwin County Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood, Mobile Chamber CEO Bradley Byrne, and Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance CEO Lee Lawson. As part of Team Mobile, Mobile County Commission was instrumental in bringing Airbus to Mobile, in helping it grow and in establishing Flight Works Alabama, which helps train local workers for careers in the industry. Airbus now employs 1,600 people in Mobile with that number expected to rise to 2,000 soon.

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Commissioner Hudson presented a summary of sports and recreational projects currently underway in Mobile County during the monthly meeting of the Mobile Area Lodging Association at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. Commissioner Hudson’s highlights included County-wide developments and an overview of the growing Mobile County Sportsplex including an aerial map of the current Mobile County Soccer Complex, concept renderings of a future aquatic center, and footprint for an outdoor water park.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Commissioner Hudson participated in the re-opening ribbon cutting event at Goldstein's Jewelers located at 887 Hillcrest Drive in Mobile. In business for 144 years and counting, Goldstein’s was founded in 1879 by Julius Goldstein and was originally located on Dauphin Street in Downtown Mobile. The ribbon-cutting celebrated a new era of business under the new ownership of Toddy and Amanda Pitard who own and operate other jewelry stores in Hot Springs and El Dorado, Arkansas.

On Monday, May 22, 2023, Commissioner Hudson gave remarks and participated in the ribbon-cutting event at SSAB Special Steels in Axis, Alabama, marking the official opening of the new QL6 Blast & Paint Line. SSAB’s Mobile County plant is one of the largest steel mills in the United States, producing a variety of high-strength steel products for customers across the country as well as locally. The new QL6 blast chamber represents infrastructure and technology investments of about $100 million and approximately 50 additional jobs.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023, in honor of all men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives serving our country, Commissioner Hudson participated in the annual South Alabama Veterans Council Memorial Day Ceremony by welcoming attendees to the ceremony service at the Mobile National Cemetery.

MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

PET OF THE WEEK

Our loveable and adoptable ‘Pet of the Month’ is “Peggy!”

Peggy is a 2-year-old Pit Bull Mix weighing 45 lbs. Peggy is a social butterfly who loves toys and is very motivated when "Beggin Bacon" treats are given! She is heartworm positive and her HW treatments, as well as her adoption fees, have been sponsored in full for her "fur-ever" new owner. Peggy is spayed, up to date on all vaccines, has been microchipped, and can go home the same day.

Please stop by the Mobile County Animal Shelter to visit all of our adoptable pets at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. With the exception of holidays, the shelter is open Monday – Friday; 10 am – 4pm, and Saturdays; 10am – 2pm.

You can also click here to learn more and find links to view available dogs and cats.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION

You are invited to see the newest exhibition of art at the Government Plaza Gallery featuring selections from The Mobile Museum of Art's Collection of Elice Haverty and Dr. Rhodes Haverty. In partnership with the Mobile County Commission, the exhibition is open for viewing free of charge Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.

A new component of the exhibit includes a “Call to Artists,” inviting Mobile-area visual artists to submit photos of their work for consideration towards being included in a future display. Deadline for submissions is September 3, 2023. For more information, contact the Mobile Museum of Art at 251-208-5200 or click here for submission information.

June 2 - 3

USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK

2703 Battleship Pkwy

Mobile, AL 36603

The Deep South Amateur Radio Club will broadcast from Radio Central aboard the USS Alabama and from the USS Drum beginning Friday, June 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, June 3, 2023 at 6 p.m. They will be using Morse Code, too! Stop by to watch and listen. Tune in to the continuous broadcast: Call letters are K4DSR - USS ALABAMA and K5LDA - USS DRUM. Transmitting between 20 and 40 meters. For more information call 251- 433-2703 or email [email protected].

Activities, Crafts, Music, and More! Guests include Mobile Parks and Recreation, History Museum of Mobile, Mobile Carnival Museum, U.S.S. Alabama Battleship, Mobile Medical Museum, Azalea Trail Maids, Love Your Community, Mobile International Festival, Mobile Botanical Gardens and more.

Volunteers Needed!

June 6–8

Join "Love Your Community" as they partner with "Today's Homeowner," to make improvements and upgrades at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park!

Danny Lipford, home improvement expert, TV host, and Mobile resident, is gearing up for a special community service episode for his national TV show, “Today’s Homeowner.” He’s taking the crew to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL, June 6–8, 2023!

To honor the brave veterans who served aboard, and to help the Battleship host thousands of visitors from around the world each year, an ambitious list of projects for the special 25th-season episode includes:

Cleaning and beautifying the grounds
Refreshing and repairing memorials
Upgrading landscaping
Repainting the bow of the famous USS Alabama

Volunteers are needed, and every hour counts towards earning $$$ towards the Battleship's beautification and sustainability projects!

Learn more and register here:

https://todayshomeowner.com/battleship/

Opens June 6!

Fear: An Immersive Exhibit

EXPLOREUM SCIENCE CENTER

65 Government St.

Mobile, AL 36602

"Why do we feel fear? Where does it come from? And why do some people enjoy being scared?" The Exploreum will be closed May 28 - June 5 in preparation for their newest exhibition, Fear: An Immersive Exhibit, opening June 6. Click here for more information about the science behind this new adventure. Click here for more information about the Exploreum Science Center including hours and tickets.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

Theodore, AL 36582

251.973.2217

[email protected]

https://bellingrath.org/

Dive into the world of gardening, uncover fascinating history, and expand your knowledge. Visit the website for all the exciting details!

June 7

COOPER RIVERSIDE PARK

101 S Water St.

Mobile, AL 36602

Help paint Mobile purple! Come celebrate what would have been Prince's 65th birthday. Must be 18 years of age or older to attend this ticketed event. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $125, both can be purchased here.

Friday, June 9 - 9 AM - 4 PM

Saturday, June 10 - 8 AM - 6 PM

Admission is free for spectators.

One hundred of the country's top turkey callers are eagerly awaiting the chance to show off their talents at the Mobile Convention Center June 9 -10! Former world champions will judge the competition. Male and female competitors will be given a turkey-calling situation to replicate using air and friction calls. The contest will feature various age groups (from 10 and under to Senior and Open) competing for the world title in their respective divisions. More information here.

5th Annual PJ's for Penelope Fundraising Fashion Show

The Courtyard on Dauphin

751 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602

Silent Auction, Photo Booth, Fashion Show and Fun! $25 donation per person. The mission of Penelope House is to provide safety, protection, and support to the victims of Domestic Violence and their children through the provision shelter, advocacy, and individual and community education. For more event information, click here.

Semmes Municipal Park

8165 Morris Hill Road, Semmes, AL 36575

"Company"

June 9 - 25, 2023

Joe Jefferson Players

11 S Carlen St Mobile, AL 36606, Mobile , AL

For story summary and ticket information, click here.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

4850 Museum Drive

Mobile, AL 36608

Mark your calendars for MMofA's annual Makers Market & Open House on June 10, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. You don't want to miss an afternoon of local shopping, live music, food trucks, art activities, and free admission to the Museum!

June 14 @ 10 am

Ben May Main Library

701 Government St.

Mobile, AL 36602

Come hear the Excelsior Band and learn about jazz history! Free. For more information, click here.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

4850 Museum Drive

Mobile, AL 36608

June 17

9 AM - 1 PM

June 19 @ 7:30 PM

Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade:

Summer Of Green Tour

SAENGER THEATER

6 S Joachim St.

Mobile, AL 36602

Tickets range from $55 to $264 and can be purchased here.

Ends June 21, 2023

GulfQuest Maritime Museum

155 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602

Sponsored in part by the Mobile County Commission, Spirits of the Passage: The Story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade exhibition examines the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade from the 16th through the19th centuries including up-to-date marine archaeological discoveries, cultural research, and exploration of the slave trade’s modern-day legacies.

For more information call 251-436-8901 or visit www.gulfquestmuseum.com

June 29

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

Meet-the-Artists Fundraiser Dinner Tickets: Here.

Click here for May 2023 Mobile Chamber Events

For a full list of Mobile Sports Authority events click here.

SAVE-THE-DATE

Mobile Pops Independence Day Celebration Concerts

Sunday, July 2 @ 7 pm

Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street

Tuesday, July 4 @ 7 pm

USS Alabama, 2703 Battleship Parkway

Saturday, July 8

9 am - 5 pm

5v5 Soccer Tournament

Mobile County Soccer Complex

3701 Halls Mill Rd 36693

Tournament (1-Day Play™)
All teams
Boys & Girls
Adult: Men & Women
Ability: Elite/Competitive/Developmental
$300.00-$400.00 entry fee
4 game guarantee
The top 3 teams earn medals

To register, click here.

ON-GOING

CATHEDRAL SQUARE

300 Conti St., Mobile, AL 36602

Enjoy music by local artists while you shop for seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked goods, jams, preserves, honey, original art, décor, and more. Free to the public.

Once again, The City of Mobile is closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink. They will have lights, a live DJ, and Roll Mobile merch for sale. Dust off those old skates or grab a new pair for Skate Night at Bienville Square. This event is sure to be fun for all ages! Bring your skates or bring a chair to watch. The entrance is at the corner of Conception and Dauphin Streets.

*Roller skates and roller blades only. No skateboards, bicycles, scooters, or hoverboards are permitted for the safety of other skaters. For more information visit: cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

12855 Old Tanner Williams Road

Wilmer, AL

Join us at Tanner Williams Community Park to watch several of our local church softball teams play! We will have the concession stand open to the public. It's a great way to come and enjoy an evening at the park.

Note: June 1 - 5 The Exploreum Science Center is closed in preparation for opening their newest exhibit, re-opening JUNE 6!

65 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602

Join the Exploreum Science Center for Saturday Science! Demonstrations will be shown in our various Lab and Headquarters throughout the day. Included with general admission. Free for Exploreum Members.

STAY CONNECTED

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Text "MOBILEALERT"

to 226787

To receive Text Alerts

Mobile County Commission Meetings on YouTube @ mobilecountyal

National Suicide

Prevention Hotline

Call, Text or Chat:

988

Free Smoke Alarms

cityofmobile.org/fire

251-208-7484

Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Flag Retirement Box:

205 Government Street

Government Plaza

Click here for more information.

Every 2nd Wednesday

7450 Hitt Road

251-459-8426

MOBILE COUNTY FINANCE REPORT

Mobile County Commission

General Fund Budget Report Narrative

As of March 31, 2023

Revenue

March 31 marks the end of the sixth month of Fiscal Year 2023. The County should be operating at 50% of budgeted revenue. For the period ending March 31, 2023, General Fund revenue totaled $104,581,664. Revenue recorded (including carryover) represents 51.13% of budgeted projections. Taxes comprised 68% of the revenue generated through the month of March.

Expenditures

Including transfers, the County expended $113,714,202 in its General Fund during the first six months of the fiscal year. Expenditures and other sources/uses are 55.60% of budget estimates. This resulted in a fund balance decrease. The County utilized $9,132,538 (20%) of its budgeted reserves through the first six months of fiscal year 2023.

Public safety expenditures comprised 43% of total expenditures, while 39% of expenditures went toward general government activities. All other expenditures encompassed the following functional areas:

· Environmental compliance

· Social services

· Education initiatives

· Cultural and recreational activities

· Debt service

· Capital outlay

· Transfers to other funds

Summary

Revenue and expenditures are monitored monthly and compared to estimates. In the event a trend emerges in which revenue does not meet expectations, we will implement cost-saving measures to reduce spending.

Click here to read the report in full.

DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. To view the list of ongoing projects in Mobile County Commission District 2, click here or see below: