Newsletter

October 23, 2026

Pine Street will close between Irvine Avenue and West Lelia Street beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday for game-day activities.

Hear ye, hear ye! The Alabama Renaissance Faire returns to Wilson Park this weekend, October 24–25, 2026, celebrating its 40th anniversary!

One of Florence's most beloved traditions, the annual event transforms Wilson Park into the medieval village of Fountaine-on-the-Green, bringing history to life with costumed characters, live entertainment, music, demonstrations, and more than 80 artisans offering unique handmade goods.

Visitors can enjoy sword fighting, medieval-themed activities, delicious festival food, and entertainment for the entire family. The celebration also includes the traditional crowning of the new King or Queen on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Faire Hours:

• Saturday, October 24 from 10 am to 6 pm
• Sunday, October 25 from noon to 6 pm

The City of Florence welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy this special 40th anniversary celebration in the heart of downtown!

For more information, visit www.thealrenfaire.org.

The University of North Alabama is celebrating Homecoming Week, October 19–24 with a special milestone as the university begins its journey toward its 200th anniversary in 2030!

This year's Homecoming theme, “1830: First and Always,” honors UNA's history and traditions. The festivities continue Saturday, October 24, with the annual Homecoming Parade through downtown Florence at 11:30 a.m.

A special Bicentennial Launch Celebration will also take place Saturday, beginning with the unveiling of the Bicentennial Way sign at 1 p.m. on the Norton Auditorium lawn. At 2 p.m., the celebration continues with a launch party featuring free T-shirts, giveaways, and live entertainment by The Kirkman Combo. The excitement continues as the UNA Lions take on Austin Peay at 6 p.m. in the university's first Homecoming football game at the new Bank Independent Stadium.

The City of Florence is proud to celebrate alongside UNA as the university honors nearly two centuries of education, tradition, and community pride.

Happy Homecoming, UNA! Roar Lions!

Mayor Ron Tyler and members of the Florence City Council recently visited the Food Bank of North Alabama’s Shoals Branch to learn more about its efforts to fight hunger and support local families.

The impact of this organization is significant. According to its latest Florence Impact Report, more than 1.5 million pounds of food have been distributed in Florence. Each month, its local partner network provides food assistance to an average of 2,722 households, helping children, families, and seniors throughout the community.

Through partnerships with local churches, nonprofits, and Florence City Schools, the Food Bank plays an important role in making sure neighbors have access to nutritious food.

The City of Florence appreciates the Food Bank's staff, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication to serving those in need.

To learn more about the Shoals Branch, located at 4331 Parkway Drive in Florence, visit fbofna.org.

The City of Florence extends a special thank you to the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, the Shoals Economic Development Authority, and all the employers who participated in yesterday’s job fair at the Florence Coliseum.

Organized to support former DALTILE employees, the event provided an opportunity for individuals to connect with local employers, explore new career opportunities, and take their next steps toward employment.

We appreciate the organizations and businesses that came together to support our local workforce and demonstrate what makes the Shoals such a strong, caring community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country!

The Florence-Lauderdale Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
All veterans, their families, and community members are encouraged to attend as we come together to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of our nation's veterans.

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 301 Veterans Park Drive, Florence
We hope to see you there!

In conjunction with KD's 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is pleased to present "The Historic Florence Project" beginning November 8, 2026, and continuing through January 7, 2027. This exhibition is a historic photographic exhibition by UNA Professor Robert Rausch's photography students. A reception will be held on Thursday, November 12th, from 5-7 pm. All are invited to join us for this community event!

The Historic Florence Project is a photographic project from the University of North Alabama art/photography students. Architecture profoundly impacts daily life by shaping human behavior, emotions, and productivity through the design of our environments. Thoughtful, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing spaces enhance well-being and social interaction. Architecture, from the layout of a single room to the planning of an entire city, dictates how we move, work, and feel, creating either a supportive or draining environment for daily life.

It influences mood, comfort, and safety in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Along with the river, the music, and the arts, architecture has a historic impact on the lives we live today. These photos explore the beauty of the details, spaces, and layout of historic architecture in the Shoals.

Congratulations to Alan Phillips of Sheffield, winner of the 2026 Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Photo Contest! His winning photograph features a Tennessee River bluff house decorated for the Fourth of July, beautifully capturing this year’s theme, “Landmarks & Legacies.” The City of Florence is also proud to recognize Brian Murphy, Director of Florence Arts and Museums, who served as a contest judge. Florence Arts and Museums helped sponsor the contest.

All contest entries are framed and on display at the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area office, located at 541 W. College Street in Florence. The public is invited to visit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through December. Learn more at https://msnha.una.edu/.

Photo: Winner Alan Phillips, second from left, with judges Dr. Brien Smith, Dr. John Gurley, and Brian Murphy. (Photo courtesy MSNHA)

Walmart Store 766, located at 3100 Hough Road, celebrated its Re-Grand Opening on Friday, October 16, 2026, marking an exciting milestone for the store, its associates, and the community it proudly serves. The City of Florence was pleased to join Walmart in celebrating this special occasion. City Council President Kaytrina Simmons reaffirmed the importance of strong community partnerships and continued economic growth in our city. We appreciate Walmart’s continued presence in Florence and its role in serving our residents. Congratulations to the entire Walmart Store 766 team on this exciting new chapter!

In 1925, when the City of Florence was 107 years old and the construction of Wilson Dam was officially completed, an oversize book (11”x14”) consisting of eighty (80) pages was published as an impressive promotional effort by a group of leaders of the City. It has this interesting title: Florence, Alabama: The Power City at Wilson Dam, Muscle Shoals. Filled with a variety of well-written articles about the City’s history, its schools – including Florence Normal School (now the University of North Alabama) – its many wholesale and retail shops, and its employment opportunities for jobs at all skills and professional levels. It is so well written and illustrated with local photographs that it avoids the temptation for hyperbole. That is somewhat unusual since the overall purpose was to attract industrial and professional leaders from all parts of the country. Here is one of many straightforward descriptions that appear in various pages within the book: “The founders [of Florence] considered the town as a place in which to build happy and prosperous homes; planned its beauty years in advance; selected the sites for its schools, churches and public buildings; planned wide streets and beautiful drives and parks. The City is not a haphazard, scattered and unlovely place. It is orderly, clean, roomy and beautiful.” Obviously, City officials saw the completion of Wilson Dam, with its capability of generating abundant, inexpensive power, as a game-changer. And they were correct!

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

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 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.

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.

Join the on Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m., for a free program exploring the rich history and family connections of the Shoals.

Local historians and genealogists Milly Wright and Mindy Bates will present “Of the Family: The Armistead-Winston Family Network,” examining the complex relationships between Black and White branches of the Armistead and Winston families in Lauderdale and Colbert counties during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The program is free, lasts approximately one hour, and is open to the public.

Location: Helen Keller Public Library Annex, 511 N. Main Street, Tuscumbia

Support Lauderdale County SPAN while enjoying a delicious lunch on Tuesday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Pop’s BBQ Food Truck will be serving freshly prepared fish and/or shrimp plates with hushpuppies, fries, and coleslaw for just $15 per plate. Location: Burrell Slater Learning Center, 610 W. College Street, Florence

Dine in or carry out! Preorders are preferred, but purchases can also be made the day of the event. Scan the QR code on the flyer to preorder. All proceeds support SPAN’s counseling and educational services for local youth. Come hungry and support a great cause!

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 pm.
• 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 enjoy a spook-tacular evening in Downtown Florence!

Florence Arts & Museums invites you to a special Open Mic Night on October 27 featuring poetry and photography by Jake Berry and Wayne Sides! This month's writing prompt is Superstitions, so bring your creativity, your words, and maybe even a little good luck!

The evening will also highlight The Burden of Broken Light, a creative collaboration featuring Wayne Sides' photography and Jake Berry's poetry. What began as photographs inspiring poems grew into a collection of 53 poems and images. Whether you love to write, enjoy the arts, or just want to experience something different, come spend an evening celebrating the creative talent that makes Florence special!

October 27 | 6:30 p.m.

Southall at KD | 209 E. Tuscaloosa Street, 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.

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

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!

Get ready for some sweet treats for a great cause! Chloe’s Fund is hosting its annual HOWL-O-WEEN Bake Sale, featuring homemade breads, decorated goodies, and plenty of delicious treats.

• Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to noon
• First United Methodist Church – Downtown Florence

Preorders are available through Tuesday, October 27, at 3 p.m. View the menu on the Chloe’s Fund or Florence Lauderdale Animal Services Facebook pages. To order, call or text Susan Simmons at 978-335-6294.

Didn't preorder? Stop by and shop the Goodies Table filled with homemade treats!

All proceeds benefit Chloe’s Fund, which helps provide medical care for sick and injured animals at Florence Lauderdale Animal Services. Since 2017, the fund has helped save more than 600 animals!

Pick up something sweet and help give shelter animals a second chance!

During the month of October, Armstead Chapel CME Church, 121 Simpson St., Florence, AL, will sponsor “Pack a Bag.” It can be a purse, bag, tote, or backpack. These items will be presented to local cancer centers in Lauderdale and Colbert counties.

Items that can be donated include:

Items that can be donated include lotion, deodorant, tissue, mouthwash, gum, mints, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and men’s and women’s Depends or Poise products.

Items may be dropped off at Armstead Chapel CME Church no later than October 31. For additional information, contact Sister Glenda Beckwith at 256-648-0603.

Join the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama for a special community walk celebrating 50 years of Meals on Wheels of the Shoals!

• Monday, November 2 at 2 p.m.
• Bank Independent Stadium – University of North Alabama

For five decades, Meals on Wheels has helped provide nutritious meals and support to individuals throughout our community. Come out, walk a mile, and help celebrate this incredible milestone!

The event is FREE and open to everyone. Donations will be accepted to support the continued work of Meals on Wheels.

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!

Join us each month this fall for more Storytime Atop the Mound! Stories read will be from Indigenous and Native American authors. The Museum Educator, Ana Peeples, will read the story aloud atop the mound. Students will have a chance to walk atop of the mound, listen to a story, and stay for an activity in the museum afterwards.

November 14th, 3-3:45pm- Keepunumuk, Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Buten and Gratitude Quilt Making

December 12th, 3-3:45pm- Being Home by Traci Sorell and Michaela Goade and Shapes in Place drawing activity

The Florence Beautification Board invites everyone to kick off the holiday season with the annual North Court Street Tree Lighting! Join us for an evening of holiday cheer featuring Christmas carols and UNA Culinary.

• Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• North Court Street, Downtown Florence

Bring your family and friends and help us light up Florence for the holidays!

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.

John Paul White & Friends are coming home for the holidays! Join them at Norton Auditorium for an evening of music and holiday cheer. Tickets go on sale soon. Mark your calendar and make plans to enjoy a festive night with family and friends!

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of enhancing, enriching, and preserving our environment! Mark your calendars for two days of learning and inspiration in Florence!

• February 22, 2027 – Pesticide Recertification Class
• February 23, 2027 – Urban Forestry & Horticulture Conference featuring keynote speaker John Thomas of Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas.

More details and registration information coming in early 2027!

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, November 2, 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.