Weekly Update
Mayor Betterton's Weekly Update
February 4, 2021
As a city rich with cultural heritage, we acknowledge February as Black History Month and celebrate the lasting contributions and accomplishments of many African Americans throughout history. Through education and conversation, we will continue to raise awareness of the diversity of our great nation and all the wonderful things we can accomplish when we work together as a community.
Throughout this month, my newsletter will offer resources to its readers in an effort to educate and celebrate African American history.
- Mayor Andy Betterton

Help us count the ways we LOVE Florence, AL.
Leading up to Valentine's Day, help us count the reasons to LOVE Florence by including the hashtag #ILoveFlorenceAL on social media videos and pictures. Not on social media? Just upload a picture or short video clip (up to 15 sec) below. Videos and photos will be featured in the upcoming Valentine's Day newsletter.
Check out these articles for inspiration.
9 Reasons to Fall in Love with Florence Alabama
Link to upload a picture or short video clip (up to 15 sec)

Food Distribution Boxes Are Available, TODAY!
WHEN: Thursday, February 4, 2021
TIME: 9:00 AM - While Supplies Last
WHERE: Galilee Church - 23001 CR 14
Katrina P Simmons will have some boxes available at:
Snelling Staffing
883 Florence Blvd
Florence, Alabama 35630
For Questions Contact Council Member Kaytrina P. Simmons by text: 256-349-3879
A big thank you to Galilee Church for finding an incredible way to meet the needs our our community during the pandemic!

Thank you, St. Joseph Catholic School, for all you do for our community!
February 1 – February 5, 2021, is National Catholic School Week!
St. Joseph Regional Catholic School Athletic Director, Amy Tayes, delivered a delicious basket of goodies in appreciation for Mayor Betterton for his leadership and contributions to our City.
Thank you, St. Joseph School!!

Have you seen the Alabama Family Central Website?
Alabama Family Central is a single platform for families to access available state services and programs. Its purpose is to help families easily navigate and find links to supports they need.
Beginning in 2001 with the Department of Children's Affairs and continuing with priorities from the Governor's Children's Cabinet, the state has long been working toward the goal of grouping all services in one place. Alabama Family Central brings easy access to the services and information offered in our state.


Shoals Chamber Presents: "State of Healthcare in the Shoals"
The Shoals Chamber is immensely proud to present the upcoming "State of Healthcare in the Shoals" event on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Join local and state leaders virtually as we all gather to address and discuss the current state of healthcare in the Shoals and how it has affected multiple aspects of life for all of us!


Police Officer - Florence Police Department
This position requires some knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures, as well as demonstrated technical skills necessary for the performance of general police duties. Specific responsibilities will vary, depending upon the bureau, division, or unit to which an officer is assigned.
Salary - Entry Level Pay/Top Out Pay
$34,506.72 - $45,930.83 PS8 - No experience and/or no education beyond high school.
$37,802.13 - $50,317.25 PS9 - Certified Officer and/or Associate Degree.
$41,427.06 - $55,142.24 PS10- Bachelor Degree.
Concession Stand Worker Part Time
Performs duties including, but not limited to, preparing food, cash handling, cleaning; serving, and other duties that may be necessary to operate a successful concessions operation while working within health department guidelines.


INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL REGISTER LISTINGS
That Florence has ten (10) neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Districts, with each one containing multiple properties, is quite well known. It is probably less well-known that there are eight (8) individual listings, as well. In alphabetical order, they are:
1. Florence Wagon Works Site
2. Karsner-Kennedy House
3. Lustron Houses
4. Seven-Mile Island
5. Sweetwater Mansion
6. Water Tower (Seymore Street)
7. Wesleyan Hall
8. Wilson Dam
Taken together, these listings create an interesting narrative in the 200 years of Florence's existence: from the Native American connection with Seven-Mile Island to the early history of Florence itself as reflected in the Karsner-Kennedy House (1828) to the beginning of the University of North Alabama in Wesleyan Hall (1855) to life in post-World War II as seen in the Lustron houses. So, the eight listings comprise yet another way to interpret the fascinating history of this great town. Look for close-ups on some of these eight in future postings in this column.


A little laugh...

How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:
- 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.
