Newsletter
Mayor Andy Betterton
March 30, 2023
Since Friday, our employees have been working to clean up the aftermath of the EF2 tornado in Lauderdale County. Electrical crews have been working around the clock to correct the extensive damage to our electric system and restore power to approximately 23,000 customers. Crews began working to restore service as soon as it was safe to do so, and they are continuing to work until all customers have been reconnected.
The Street Department Crews began working to clear trees from our roads to make it possible for emergency and utility workers to pass and reopen roads. They continue working overtime to remove the unprecedented volume of storm debris. Homeowners can help by making sure the brush is no longer than 8 feet. The size enables Street crews to put more on trailers before emptying. Trees removed by contractor services are responsible for the removal of the debris.
Thank you to all of the mutual aid crews that have joined forces with the Florence Electricity Department, Athens Utilities, Huntsville Utilities, Muscle Shoals Electric Board, Russellville Electric Board, Scottsboro Electric Power Board, Tishomingo County Electric Power Association, Sheffield Utilities, Tuscumbia Utilities, and Tree Pro, to assist restoration efforts.
If you do not have power, call 256-764-4456 to confirm your outage.
If repairs have been made and reconnection is needed, call 256-764-4456.
Message From The Salvation Army
Shoals area, the Salvation Army is here to help after last week's storm! They have hot food plates and grocery bags and can help with clothing. Call 256-764-4432 if you have any questions, and they will try their best to assist you or find one of our community partners that can!
Also, if you would like to donate for us to assist the Shoals further, you can do so online or drop off your donation at the office. https://salvationarmyalm.org/florence/
Thank you to the Shoals Area Special Olympics for hosting a spectacular 2023 event and to all volunteers!
Diebert Fishing Day
Congratulations To Council Member Kaytrina P. Simmons On The Black Excellence Award for Leadership!
Award accepted by her daughter, Alexis Malone
Musical Performance at Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House
Woodwind ensemble Elicio Winds from Auburn University will perform at the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House on Sunday, April 2, at 1:00 pm. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, or take a tour as these talented musicians fill the space with their music. This performance will last from 1:00-2:00 pm and is free to the public.
The Rosenbaum House is located at 601 Riverview Dr. in Florence, 35630. The museum is open for tours Tuesday – Saturday from 10 to 4 and Sunday from 1 to 4. Parking is across the street from the house.
27 Best Weekend Getaways From Nashville
By: Elizabeth Demolat: Updated on March 23, 2023
Florence, Alabama
"For laid-back Southern charm, make your way from Nashville down to Florence, Alabama. Florence was named for the city in Italy, and while it’s very different from its namesake, this Florence does have a cool, artsy atmosphere.
One of the most famous attractions in the city is the Rosenbaum House by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. There’s also a fun downtown area filled with fun eateries and exciting local spots. The college town makes a good romantic weekend trip for couples."
Placemaking Through Textiles
On Friday, April 21, Project Threadways will host Placemaking Through Textiles—a presentation, exhibition, and meal that is free and open to the public—in partnership with Florence Arts & Museums and the Alabama Humanities Alliance. We invite the community around Florence and beyond to explore the Shoals’ history of cotton production and manufacturing and tell a collective story of the region.
The program will begin with a presentation by Dr. Katie Knowles, a scholar of textiles, clothing, U.S. slavery, and African American history, at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts (217 East Tuscaloosa Street). Following the presentation is a specially curated, limited-time exhibition at Pope’s Tavern Museum (203 Hermitage Drive). From there, we invite attendees to enjoy a casual dinner across the street at Pickett Place, catered by Soul Wingery.
We hope you will join us and help spread the word among the Florence community. Limited seats are available; reserve yours by registering for free here. This program is part of the 2023 Project Threadways Symposium, which takes place April 20-22. Visit our website or email think@projectthreadways.org for more information.
THE SWEETWATER MANSION IN THE 1930’S
As most locals probably know, the Sweetwater mansion, like its counterpart, the Forks of Cypress mansion, has been part of the very fabric of Florence and Lauderdale County since it was first conceived by its owners in the 1820’s. Actual construction of Sweetwater, which is located at the intersection of Sweetwater Avenue and Florence Boulevard, was begun by owner John Brahan and later completed by his daughter, Jane Locke Brahan and her husband, Robert M. Patton. Mr. Patton was beloved in Florence as evidenced by Florence’s first public school, a street and an island in the Tennessee River being named in his honor. (Before its present name was chosen, Singing River Bridge was first named Patton Island Bridge.) Mr. Patton would eventually be elected Governor of Alabama. Ownership of the Sweetwater mansion and the approximate 4,000 acres attached to it remained in the same family well into the twentieth century through John D. Weeden, grandson of Governor Patton, and his wife, Mattie. In the 1930’s, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” which was designed to overcome the pervasive unemployment during the Great Depression, certain out-of-work architects were sent to the Sweetwater mansion (see the accompanying photograph). This very talented team made multiple pictures of the house – both interior and exterior – and of all of the outbuildings. Additionally, they made extensive measurements to go along with the photographs. Their historically important work may be accessed on-line at the Historic American Buildings (HABS) website.
--Billy Warren, City Historian (brwarren@florenceal.org)
Full Time - $43,945.09 Annually
Fire Department Station #1 402 South Wood Ave Florence
Full Time - $42,195.38 Annually
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $13.78 Hourly
Laborer Electricity Part Time New
Electricity Department
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
Laborer Recycling Part Time New
Recycle 1200 Terrace Street Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
Maintenance Worker Park and Recreation Part Time New
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
Passenger Vehicle Driver Part Time New
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $15.30 Hourly
Support Staff Animal Control Part Time New
Animal Services 3240 Roberson Rd. Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
PUBLIC NOTICE: Annual Fire Hydrant Testing
The Florence Fire Department will begin the annual flow testing on fire hydrants on April 3. Testing will be completed by April 30. All hydrants in Florence will be tested. During this time, you may experience discolored water. The water is harmless and will clear after you flush your lines.
However, when the water is discolored, do not wash clothing as the colored water could stain fabric. If your clothes are in a wash cycle, do not dry them. Allow clothes washed in stained water to remain wet until the water is clear. When your water runs clear, rewash your clothes.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and if you experience any problems, please call our Florence Gas & Water 24/7 dispatch number at 256-760-6490 for assistance or concerns. You can also contact Florence Fire & Rescue at 256-760-6475.
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on
April 4, 2023
4:00 pm Work Session
5:00 pm Council Meeting
A little funny..
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Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400