Newsletter
Mayor Betterton's Weekly Update
August 5, 2021
"Make an informed decision by talking to your doctor, pediatrician, or expert about protecting yourself and neighbors from COVID" - Dr. Karen Landers, Alabama Public Health Department.
Mayor Betterton Shared the Recent State Update on COVID-19 at the Florence Council Meeting.
With Covid-19 numbers on the rise, we still need to be vigilant as we interact with others. Your city government stands ready to help in any way possible from bringing information about upcoming vaccine clinics to sharing the latest updates from the governor. We're working with you to stay safe and stay healthy!
River Heritage Trail Ground Breaking
In 2022, Florence residents and visitors will have one more way to enjoy our majestic Tennessee River. The project will develop the first link of the Florence River Heritage Trail, approximately one mile, along the Tennessee River connecting the River Heritage Park trailhead to the Patton Island Overlook trailhead. Interpretative displays of Tennessee River history and its significance to Florence and The Shoals will be featured along the trail, along with several overlook points, and eco-friendly pathways.
First Friday, August 6, Downtown Florence!
NOW HIRING PUBLIC SERVICE HEROES!
The City of Florence offers generous defined benefit plan (pension plan), BCBS insurance plan, employee & family health clinic, paid annual & sick leave, and so much more.
Apply Now: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/florenceal/
Salary $34,506.72 - $45,930.83 Annually
Location Fire Department Station #3 1301 North Wood Avenue Florence
Closing 8/31/2021 4:59 PM Central
Salary $34,506.72 - $45,930.83 Annually
Location Police Department 702 South Court Street Florence
Closing 8/31/2021 4:59 PM Central
Congratulations, Music Preservations Society, on a Spectacular 2021 Handy Festival!
THE ERA OF THE FIVE-AND-DIME STORES
Mr. F.W. Woolworth originated the idea of five-and-dime stores (also known as ten-cent stores) in Utica, New York, in 1879. The concept caught on because of the low-cost merchandise offered in his stores and spread throughout the country, including Florence, Alabama. For decades there were three such stores chock-a-block on the west side of the 200 block of North Court Street: Woolworth’s, McClellan’s and Scott’s. In the 1950’s, Woolworth’s moved down the same block to the new building owned by the Florence Masonic Lodge on the southwest corner of Court and Tombigbee Streets. Shoppers flocked to these stores, especially on Saturdays, to purchase school supplies, Christmas decorations, jewelry, sewing supplies (called “sewing notions” at the time), toiletries, etc. There was even a food counter for the hungry shoppers’ convenience. Children loved these stores because of the huge selection of inexpensive toys. Both children and adults enjoyed the novelty of the photography booth, into which a person (or persons) stepped and, for 25 cents, had a photograph in hand in just a few minutes. By the 1980’s, these emporiums had faded out of existence, replaced by the much bigger chain stories that dominate the landscape today.
Billy Warren, City Historian
Vinyl Junkie Record Lounge
1815 N. Wood Ave
256-712-5174
https://www.facebook.com/vinyljunkierecordlounge
Mark Sandlin recently opened Vinyl Junkie Record Lounge (VJRL) in 7 Points, and the new hang out has exceeded his expectations. You can find a great selection of quality record albums, CD’s, cassettes, and more at his retro record lounge. Stop by and support your local record store the next time you find yourself in this growing 7 Points spot.
Check out the list of upcoming events...
A little laugh...
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
4:00 p.m. Work Session
5:00 p.m. Council Meeting
City Auditorium
103 South Pine Street
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.
Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400