Florence, Italy Bicentennial Trip August 5 -12

FLORENCE-Thursday, August 9, 2018, was a memorable day for representatives of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, the University of North Alabama, and the City of Florence, Alabama. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Florence, Italy, Deputy Mayor Giovanni Bettarini. Mayor Holt presented him with a key to our City of Florence, Alabama, along with Bicentennial memorabilia representing our 200th anniversary. Mayor Holt also presented a key to the City and Bicentennial memorabilia to Florence, Italy, Mayor Dario Nardella, who was out of town at the time. Deputy Mayor Betterini presented Mayor Holt with mementos from Florence, Italy. Chamber Chairwoman Jan Ingle presented Deputy Mayor Betterini with a book on our area. The mayor’s office is located in the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio, a former palace occupied by the Medici family. A tour was provided by Elisabeth Borghi of the Mayor’s office.

Representatives included Mayor Steve Holt and wife Susie, Jan Ingle and husband Brian, UNA President, Dr. Ken Kitts and wife Dena, and Past Chamber Chairman, Jackie Hendrix and wife Debra. Mayor Holt extends his appreciation to the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and the University of North Alabama for coordinating this Bicentennial event with our Sister City Florence, Italy. The week-long trip included 37 people from Florence who toured Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy.

While in Italy Mayor Holt and his wife, Susie, and Dr. Kitts and his wife, Dena, made a special trip to pay their respects to the Lauderdale and Colbert County WWII soldiers buried in the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial.  Located on 70 beautiful and serene acres just seven miles outside of Florence, Italy, the cemetery renders a peaceful resting place for our men and women who fought for freedom. The Cemetery Associate, Mr.Fiorenzo Iacono, led a tour.