Florence Mayor Steve Holt
FLORENCE-City of Florence Municipal Services including, Police, Fire, Electricity, Gas, Water, Customer Services, Solid Waste, Street, and Recycle, will continue operations. If you have business at City Hall, please call for first for information or to make an appointment 256-760-6300. We ask that business proceeds by email or phone when possible. The City of Florence directory can be found at https://florenceal.org/contact/contact.php Mayor Steve Holt expresses,“I am thankful to our residents and businesses for their hard work and support during this time, especially for their effort to self-manage and self-police. It means a great deal to the City in our efforts to manage this situation. So much of our operations are essential public services, and I sincerely commend our City Employees for their commitment and dedication.” Please continue to follow the recommendation to avoid crowds of 10 or more, adhere to social distancing of 6 feet apart, and wash hands regularly.
Florence Utility Accountants
During this unusual time, Florence Department Leaders met and are aware that some of our customers will be and are currently impacted by the COVID-19. As of today, Florence Utilities will be suspending disconnections for non-payment of utility services and not applying late payment fees to accounts through March 31st. However, we will continue to bill normally and process payments. Customers can contact our Collections Department at 256-760-6525 to get specific information on individual circumstances and can arrange for extensions and payment options. The Florence Utilities will continue to accept payments through the drive-through, dropbox (Short Court St./Side entrance), or online at https://ebiz.florenceutilities.com/. The situation is very fluid and will be re-evaluated continuously. Please check the City of Florence Facebook and florenceal.org for updates.
The Florence Police Department
The Florence Police Department will be temporarily restricting access to the front lobby, Records Division, administrative offices, and police desk. People are encouraged to call 256-768-2728 for assistance. Phones will be monitored 24 hours a day. Reports will be made available via email. FPD officers remain available to respond to all calls for assistance. We appreciate everyone’s patience with us during this temporary, yet very fluid and unprecedented season of time.
Parks and Playgrounds
All playgrounds are now closed. The outdoor parks will remain open with the advisement to follow the recommendation of social distancing (6 feet).
Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services
The Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services Department will remain open for adoptions during limited hours. If you have any flu-like symptoms, please do not enter the building.
Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services is asking people to avoid surrendering healthy pets at this time. “We’re asking owners who want to surrender their pets but aren’t facing an immediate crisis to hold off for four weeks and surrender at a later date,” said Cheryl Jones, Director at FLAS. “For pet owners who need to surrender immediately, they must contact the shelter to make an appointment.” Animal Services will remain open for business but is limiting its hours of operation to the public. FLAS is also searching for emergency fosters who can take home a pet to reduce the number of animals at the shelter. FLAS has food, supplies and crates they can provide to owners who need them to keep their pet and those who can foster. Reducing intake and maintaining outcomes is essential to avoid overcrowding in the shelter. The World Health Organization has released a statement saying there is no evidence that dogs or cats can be infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19. (256) 760-6676. #Don’tSocialDistanceAlone #Foster
Employees
The Human Resources Department at the City of Florence is constantly evaluating the COVID-19 situation as it evolves and is following CDC guidelines relating to reducing risk to our greatest asset, our employees. While not all possible issues can be foreseen, the Department is committed to making necessary decisions that comply with City policy and keep the best interests of our employees and the City in mind.
Previously listed closures and other information:
Florence Municipal Magistrate Office will REMAIN OPEN and accepting payments, bonds, and court filings. However, we will not have court on Tuesday and Thursday effective immediately through April 21. All cases currently set will BE RESET and the notice will be received via mail. Any questions, contact our office at 256-760-6625
All “The Club” Florence Senior Center dances, exercise classes, and facility activities are canceled. The NACOLG Senior Homebound program will continue to deliver meals and also deliver to members that generally ride the NACOLG bus. Other seniors may pick up lunches by drive though at “The Club” (450 Country Club Drive) Meals will still be provided by pick up for those that normally drive themselves to the Club. Seniors will need to notify the Club if they plan to pick up their meals.
Arts & Museum Facilities will be temporarily closed to visitors as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The staff will continue to be available during regular hours. The outdoor space at the Indian mound will be open; however, the museum will be closed.
Florence Athletics programs, events, and activities (including practices and games) through the Florence Recreation are currently suspended, and will follow the City of Florence school schedule. All Youth and Adult Athletic programs to include, soccer, baseball, and softball are postponed. All athletic fields will also be closed during this time.
Recreation Centers and programs including Broadway Recreation Center, The Club “Senior Center,” Handy Recreation Center, and Royal Ave Recreation Center are closed. Rentals may be re-scheduled for a later date.
Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum is temporarily closed. Rentals may be re-scheduled for a later date.
Florence- Lauderdale Public Library is temporarily closed.
Facilities that will remain open include:
· All outdoor parks are open
· Blackberry Trail Golf Course is open
· Tennis Courts are open.
· Parks and Shelters are open.
· McFarland Campground is open.
News Conference Link: https://www.facebook.com/CityofFlorenceAlabama/videos/2597049273901322/
Media Release/Rachel Mansell Koonce/City of Florence Media & Sustainability
