Newsletter

February 21, 2025

As the Mayor, I have a duty to follow City policies and to protect the City from liability. For safety and liability reasons, the City of Florence and Lauderdale County only allow employees to drive City and County vehicles, so volunteers at Animal Services simply cannot drive City vans to transport animals. I believe, however, for the benefit of the shelter and the community, that the current practice of sending as many shelter animals as possible to rescue organizations must continue. Way too many unwanted dogs and cats end up in the shelter largely because way too many people in Florence and the rest of Lauderdale County fail to have their pets spayed and neutered. Until this changes, we should do everything we can to find loving homes for these animals.

In 2013, just like today, Animal Services and volunteers wanted to deliver shelter dogs and cats to various rescues around the country, and volunteers needed to be able to drive the transport vehicle. To solve this problem, the City acquired a van through a Petco grant and donated it to a local non-profit group so volunteers could drive it. I was on the City Council at the time and voted to approve this. Therefore, in an effort to continue the transportation of shelter animals while also protecting the City, I want to donate one of the Animal Services vans to a local non-profit group as a solution. I will be sending this to the City Council for approval when the details are finalized and certainly expect their support.

Andrew “Andy” Betterton

Mayor Andy Betterton proudly presented a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in the City of Florence! Florence Launch students showcased their sharp public speaking skills, addressing the council and audience with confidence as they highlighted the importance of CTE programs. These programs are shaping the future by equipping students with real-world skills, leadership experience, and career opportunities that drive economic growth in Alabama.

We encourage our community, schools, businesses, and organizations to join in celebrating CTE Month and support the students who are preparing for a lifetime of success!

“A Bubble of Life” Creating Sustainable Ecosystems

CEU’s Available To All Attendees

Special Hotel Rate:

Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa for 179.00 USD per night

(Last Day to Book: Thursday, March 6, 2025)

https://www.marriott.com/event.../reservation-link.mi...

Join us for the 28th Annual Urban Forestry & Horticulture Conference! This annual event will be held at the Cross Point Church of Christ in Florence, AL.

You can choose between Pesticide Recertification Classes on Thursday or the Horticulture Conference on Friday, or you can always register for BOTH at a discount!

Come discover something new, network with like-minded enthusiasts, and gain valuable knowledge to enhance your green thumb.

Congratulations to the boys! We are so excited to support them as they go to state for the first time in the school's history.

Next Game: Final Four at BJCC Arena

Date: February 27, 2025

Time: 10:30 AM

2025 Spring Registrations are coming down to the last weekend. Please get registered as we will begin evaluations of our leagues starting sometime next week. Click on the link below to register.

First, note the photograph of the smaller house accompanying this week’s column. It portrays “Ardoyne,” the fine country home that sat on the plantation, also known as Ardoyne, located on Gunwaleford Road in west Lauderdale County. It was the home of Alexander Donelson Coffee (known by family and friends as “Alex”), his wife, Camilla Madding Coffee, and their family – which included daughter Eliza Croom Coffee, for whom the former Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital was named. Alex was the son of General John Coffee, one of the founders of the City of Florence. Following the death of Alex, Camilla and Eliza moved to the beautiful Victorian-style house at 618 North Wood Avenue in downtown Florence. (See the accompanying photograph.) It is sad to note that Eliza died not long afterward at the young age of 25. Camilla became a well-known benefactress for the City of Florence. Among her gifts was the property at the rear of her Wood Avenue house so that the first Coffee High School was made possible. Though Mrs. Coffee asked that the school be named for her late husband, records of the Florence City Board of Education reveal that the Board said, “No, Mrs. Coffee, we will name the school for both of you.” (The UNA tennis courts and two multi-storied sorority dormitories are located there today.)

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

Councilwoman Kaytrina Simmons, American Red Cross, and Florence Fire and Rescue are teaming up again this year to install FREE smoke alarms for Florence residents. Call today to schedule a FREE installation, 256-349-3879 or 256-760-6475. Working smoke alarms can drastically reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities. Let’s keep our community safe!

We're excited to offer $500 grants to local contractors for obtaining a Lead-Based Paint Renovator certification from the University of Alabama! Spots are limited to 20 participants, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis! To apply, email cdbg@florenceal.org with your W-9, contact info, and certified participant details. For questions, call 256-740-8808. Let’s work together for a lead-free Florence!

Requirements:

• Current City of Florence business license
• Provide residential services (roofing, HVAC, remodeling, etc.)
• Maintain certification for at least 5 years
• Registered in SAM.gov
• Actively participate in the Florence Lead Alleviation Program

Animal Services
Full Time - $36,144.47 Annually

Building Maintenance Superintendent

Street Department
Full Time - $62,657.82 Annually

Concession Stand Worker Part Time

Park and Recreation
Part Time - $13.66 Hourly

Helper

Gas Department
Full Time - $52,672.29 Annually

Kennel Attendant

Animal Services
Full Time - $33,020.54 Annually

Maintenance Worker Park and Recreation

Park and Recreation

Full Time - $33,020.54 Annually

Officer

Police Department
Full Time - $44,330.46 - $70,840.71 Annually

Pool Manager Part Time

Park and Recreation

Part Time - $16.07 Hourly

FLORENCE EXCHANGE CLUB

CITY OF FLORENCE YOUTH-IN-GOVERNMENT DAY

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Work Session

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. City Council Meeting

Youth-In-Government Day will be held at the

Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum (702 Veterans Drive)

Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400

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• Send your information to rmansell@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.