Newsletter

September 29, 2026

The City of Florence is proud to join the Food Bank of North Alabama in recognizing Hunger Action Day. Forgot to wear orange today? No worries — you can still take action! Donate to the Food Bank of North Alabama and help provide food for neighbors right here in your community. Wear orange. Donate. Volunteer. Share. However you choose to participate, your action can make a difference.

TVA has announced that Wilson Dam Road will close beginning October 5, 2026, for a major dam safety improvement project. The closure is expected to last approximately six months, depending on weather and project progress. During the project, TVA will:

• Replace the chains on all 49 spillway gates at Wilson Dam
• Perform maintenance on Units 1 and 2 of the dam’s 21 generating units

Drivers who regularly travel across Wilson Dam should begin planning for alternate routes. TVA will also share closure information with area news media, the Waze traffic navigation app, and on TVA.com.

The City of Florence was proud to join Florence City Schools for a joint public work session bringing together the Mayor, City Council, Board of Education, and school leadership for an important conversation about our community’s future.

The Mars Hill Bible School Lead Team came to meet with Mayor Ron Tyler, Council President Kaytrina Simmons, and Council Pro Tem Josh Bowling. They enjoyed sharing stories and experiences with these 10th–12th graders, who are working to become stronger leaders at school and in our community.

Thanks for spending part of your day with us, Lead Team!

In 1927, the Gardiner-Warring Company, under the direction of its founder, Jewett T. Flagg, began its operations in east Florence with 72 employees. (See accompanying photograph.) By the end of that year, 1,200 workers were employed at the new plant. In 1947, the name of the plant was changed to J.T. Flagg Knitting Company, which later merged with Utica Knitting Company of Utica, New York, to become Flagg-Utica, a division of Genesco. Over time, this important textile mill had employed literally thousands of people. Consequently, the lives of countless mothers, fathers and their families were greatly improved because of this huge operation. But Mr. Flagg’s support of the community did not stop there. He also donated significant sums of money to various charities each year and was a leader in efforts to improve the quality of lives in the community. For example, in 1952 he and his wife, Charlotte, celebrated the 25th year of J.T. Flagg Knitting Company by donating $25,000 ($1,000 for each year that the company had existed) toward the establishment of Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing Home as an annex to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, the first nursing home in Alabama to be owned and operated by a public hospital. In honor of that significant monetary gift, the street on which Mitchell-Hollingsworth is located today is known as Flagg Circle.

--Billy Warren, City Historian (brwarren@florenceal.org)

Join us for a night of poetry at Florence Art & Museums’ Open Mic Night, happening on Tuesday, September 29th, 6:30 pm at Southall House, 209 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence. The event will feature original poetry by Alan Burkett. Afterwards, the floor will be opened to other poets to recite their poems. The optional writing prompt for August is: A Childhood Fear.

Thursday Night Mahjong

Royal Recreation Center is open to any group or individual wanting to play Mahjong on Thursday nights this fall.

• October 1 – November 19, every Thursday
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Royal Recreation Center, 420 N. Royal Ave., Florence, AL 35630
• $5 per person

Bring your group and your game, or use one of ours — Mahjong sets available while supplies last. Registration required by 5:00 PM the day before each session. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register, or call 256-760-6425.

First Fridays is back in Downtown Florence on October 2!

Come downtown from 5:30–8:30 p.m. for an evening of shopping, dining and fall fun.

This month:

• Pumpkin Drop featuring a 400-lb. pumpkin, sponsored by Walker Ranch
• Petting Zoo
• Local shops, restaurants and downtown favorites

Bring the family, enjoy the cooler weather and spend your Friday night in Downtown Florence!

ShoalsFest returns to Florence, AL this October. Featuring Jason Isbell + Drive-By Truckers performing Decoration Day in its entirety, two nights with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, a rare solo set from Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 AM CST. Set your reminder and make plans to meet us in The Shoals this fall.

Florence Parks & Recreation is wrapping up the 2026 fishing season at Deibert Park this Saturday, October 3! Come out anytime from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and enjoy a day of fishing with family and friends. No fishing license is required, and anglers should bring their own tackle. You can catch and keep, catch and release, or catch and share. And when lunchtime rolls around, the Nashville Hot food truck will be onsite! Come enjoy the last fishing day of the year!

• Saturday, October 3
• 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Deibert Park

The Natchez Trace Genealogical Society will host “From Brick Walls to Breakthroughs: A Complete Guide to Family History Research” on Saturday, October 3 at First United Methodist Church in Florence.

The day-long seminar will feature nationally recognized genealogy lecturer Jeffrey A. Bockman and will cover topics including preserving family history, finding alternative birth records, overcoming research roadblocks, combining DNA with traditional research and tracing immigrant ancestors. The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is $30 for NTGS members and $40 for non-members, with a boxed lunch included. Those interested in learning more or reserving a spot can visit thentgs.org.

Grab your boots and get ready to dance!

Florence Parks & Recreation is offering a four-week Country Line Dance Class this October at Broadway Recreation Center. Whether you’re brand new or just want to brush up on your steps, come join the fun with instructor Jan Ownby.

Classes are October 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per person.

Space is limited, so call 256-760-6418 to register.

Broadway Recreation Center

300 North Broadway Street, Florence

Pink Alabama will host a Cancer Survivor Walk on Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at River Heritage Park, 17 Hightower Place. Participants are encouraged to wear a ribbon in honor, or memory of someone affected by cancer. Snacks and water will be provided.

Pink Alabama and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Nu Lambda Chapter, will host the Annual Pink 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 10 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at 17 Hightower Place in Florence.

The event promotes community, awareness, fitness and hope, with proceeds benefiting Pink Alabama. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile fun run.

The Shoals Community Clinic will host a free Health Fair on Monday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 309A W.C. Handy Place in Florence.

The event is free and open to the public and will include blood pressure checks, hearing and vision tests, respiratory wellness checks, cholesterol and diabetes screenings, women’s health information, mental health resources and more.

Free flu shots will also be available.

The Health Fair is sponsored by the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, ANDI and Shoals Community Clinic. UNA Nursing students will also be collecting non-perishable food items during the event.

For more information, call 256-760-4713

Alabama Tennis Social Club is coming to Florence! If you’re new to tennis or just looking for a fun, relaxed way to get on the court, this beginner-only social league is a great place to start.

• Thursdays | 6:00–8:00 PM
• October 15, 22 & 29 and November 5
• Veterans Memorial Park – Florence, Alabama

No pressure. No experience needed. Just show up ready to play, meet new people, and have some fun on the court. Use the QR code on the flyer to register for the local social league.

Downtown Florence will stay lively after UNA home football games this fall with Shoals After Dark, a free concert series at Mobile Plaza. Designed to keep the celebration going after the final whistle, each event is free and open to the public and will feature live music in the heart of downtown Florence.

The 2026 lineup includes:

• October 17 – Dalton Bush
• October 24 – Bluewire, Lightwatch and THEM DIRTY ROSES
• November 7 – The Brooklines
• November 21 – Get Sideways

Whether coming from the game or simply looking for a great night downtown, the community is invited to enjoy live music, support local businesses, and keep the game-day energy going in Downtown Florence. All shows are free and begin immediately following UNA home football games.

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts will host a free Tai Chi sword workshop led by Gary Padgett on Saturday, October 17th, from 10–11am. This workshop is designed for individuals and families interested in exploring one of the oldest and most direct traditional Chinese martial arts. Participants will be introduced to training practices that develop mindfulness, mobility, and practical martial arts skills in a supportive and accessible environment.

The Alabama Renaissance Feast is returning to Florence for an evening of food, entertainment and Renaissance fun! The feast will be held Saturday, October 17 from 7:00–10:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 and will be available online beginning October 1 at www.thealrenfaire.org.

Rock the Block is bringing an afternoon of music, food, community resources, and family fun to West Tennessee Street on Sunday, October 18.

The free community event will take place from 2:00–9:00 pm on the 400 block of West Tennessee Street. It will feature live entertainment, a Kid Zone, community resources, and activities focused on breast cancer and all-cancer awareness.

Entertainment will include The Midnighters, Shoals Southern Steppaz, DJ Joel Hogans, and Moving With Time.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the day with friends, family, and neighbors. The event is hosted by Councilwoman Kaytrina P. Simmons and the Dwelling Place.

Helping Hands Half is back with a new starting location!

The Half Marathon & 5K will take place Saturday, October 24 at the Bank Independent Team Campus in Muscle Shoals. Racing begins at 7:00 a.m., with packet pickup available Friday afternoon and race morning. Registration includes race entry, a T-shirt and awards, all while supporting a great cause. Register today at runsignup.com/BIHelpingHands.

UNA Homecoming - Saturday, October 24, 2026

• North Alabama Football vs. Austin Peay (H)
• Kickoff: 6 p.m. (CST)
• Location: Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium
• For more information: https://unabankindependentstadium.com/

Get the costumes ready for a fun, spooky night on Court Street! The Florence AL Police Foundation presents Frights & Lights, a first responder and community Trunk-or-Treat featuring the Florence Police Department, Shoals-area first responders and local businesses.

• Tuesday, October 27
• 5–8 p.m.
• Downtown Florence on Court Street

Admission is FREE, and there will be plenty of FREE candy for the kids. Bring the family, wear your favorite costume and come enjoy a spook-tacular evening in Downtown Florence!

The Chadwick Foundation will host its Exceptional Fall Festival on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Christ Chapel Church parking lot. The community is invited to enjoy food trucks, vendors, trunk-or-treating and prizes!

Christ Chapel Church

3051 Cloverdale Road, Florence

One Community Trunk or Treat is bringing a little fall fun to Handy Recreation Center on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy decorated trunks, tables and community booths for an evening of treats, fun and community. The event will be held at Handy Recreation Center in Florence and is open to the community.

Looking for some Halloween fun? Workout Anytime Florence is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 30, from 4–7 p.m. Families are invited to stop by for some “freaky fit fun,” costumes and Halloween treats.

• Workout Anytime Florence 992 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL 35630

Interested in setting up a trunk? Participants are asked to sign up at the front desk or call 256-349-5745 to reserve a parking space. A fun way to get out, dress up and enjoy an afternoon with the community!

1Table Florence is bringing the community together for lunch, music and connection on Thursday, November 5, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Mobile Plaza.

There’s no cost, no catch and no agenda—just a chance to pull up a seat and enjoy time together in downtown Florence.

Shoals Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for its 2nd Annual Skeet and Trap Shoot on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Muscle Shoals Skeet Club.

This fun community event will benefit Shoals Habitat for Humanity and support their continued work of helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable housing.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details!

The annual Trax4MAX Turkey Trot returns Thanksgiving morning, November 26, with a 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk in memory of Max Barnett.

The race begins at 8:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Florence, with proceeds benefiting the YMCA of the Shoals. Participants are also encouraged to have a little fun with the Best Costume Award!

Registration and additional details are available at TRAX4MAX.com.

There are no current open appointments, but applications are kept on file for future openings.

The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

4:00 pm Work Session

5:00 pm Council Meeting

The council meetings are held at

109 South Pine Street, Florence, AL 35630.

• 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.