Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2020

What better way to help our community during the holidays than to join forces with the Salvation Army? Donations stay local to help provide the essential gifts of food, shelter, and hope to those hurting right here in our community.

Did you know?

The Salvation Army provides food to anyone regardless of income. They provide 65 beds for temporary housing while providing social services. If the need arises, tents and sleeping bags are provided. Their goal is self-sufficiency. The Florence Salvation Army is open to ALL.

How do I volunteer?

Partnerships and support across many organizations and caring individuals are needed to providing three meals a day to residents and support the community. Volunteering is even more important this year as we see more needs resulting from Covid. Sign up to prepare food, ring bells, make deliveries, or volunteer. Learn more...

Check out our City Officials and City Employees that were caught ringing the bell this year! Thank you to all of the generous volunteers and donors for making a difference in our community!

Don't miss the COVID-19 update from Mayor Betterton, EMA Director George Grabryan, and Dr. Karen Landers. Please stay safe during this holiday season.

As noted in this column last week, Florence has ten (10) Historic Districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of which is commercial and nine are residential. What does that mean? Why does Florence, or any city, pursue the establishment of Historic Districts? There are many reasons, but here are just a few of the most obvious. Historic Districts:

1. Stabilize properties, both physically and financially;

2. Serve as an appealing, effective tourist draw;

3. Enhance the economics and aesthetics of all properties within a District;

4. Keep properties, both commercial and residential, active on tax rolls; and

5. Enhance the overall attractiveness of the city for both residents and visitors.

So, the evidence is overwhelmingly positive. While Historic Districts visually connect the past with the present in the City of Florence, they contribute significantly to that important, elusive concept known as "quality of life."

--Billy Warren, City Historian

The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

4:00 p.m. Work Session

5:00 p.m. Council Meeting

City Auditorium

103 South Pine Street

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