Subliminal Advertising in Florence Council Race

 

First, while subliminal advertising isn't illegal, it can be unethical. Not sure what subliminal advertising is? It can range from hidden messages that are flashed on a screen to the more open, and somewhat ethical, use of the color red to create excitement.

If a candidate shows you pictures of humble beginnings and omits a very upper middle class current lifestyle, this can subliminally influence the electorate to think he's a man of the people, someone who will vote to protect the common man from the greedy business interests.

Many didn't understand our reference to the appraised value of candidate Jackie Hendrix's home. No where has he shown the voters how he lives today, but he has certainly shown the public pictures of his family's abode from a generation ago.

Not only that, Hendrix has told the voting public what his ancestors have done. We've always found such tactics reprehensible, even though we've had a cousin who once did so (he didn't win).

Let's look at Hendrix's current conduct in voting to help certain businesses while refusing to assist veterans (which he professes to support). If you live in District 2, you have two great choices - River Zurinsky and Gunner Ford.

We invite you to look at both River and Gunner and compare their ideas, lifestyles, and actions to those of the appointed Hendrix. The upcoming municipal election is an important one - choose wisely. We fought off unelected representation in 1776; let's do it again in 2025.

Males or Females?

 

About 20% of our audience reads the blog directly via Blogspot. The other 80% come to our site via a Facebook link. While we can't label those who read us directly, we can pigeonhole those who come to us from Facebook.

Initially, 25% of our FB readers were male; for the past one or two years, that figure has risen to 26%. 74% female readers are still quite the larger number. Similarly, most FB comments are from women.

When we recently made a post about a male candidate for the Florence City Council, we were surprised that those who questioned its purpose were male. Were these comrades from civic organizations? Obviously some were. It was still surprising to have that large number of males chiming in.

While only voters from District 2 in Florence matter in this particular case, we ask that all choose wisely. You want someone who will support your interests - not the interests of the business moguls.

Jennifer Underwood Announces Muscle Shoals Candidacy

 

Jennifer Underwood Announces Candidacy for 

Muscle Shoals City Council Place 4

Jennifer Underwood, a lifelong resident of the city and proud graduate of the Muscle Shoals school system, has officially announced her candidacy for Place 4 on the Muscle Shoals City Council in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Underwood is a Registered Nurse at Florence Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and a Licensed Medical Esthetician at Bare Beauty Spa in Florence. She says her deep roots in the community, combined with her professional experience in healthcare and small business, make her uniquely equipped to serve the residents of Muscle Shoals.

A mother of two—Stella, a fourth grader at McBride Middle School, and Colin, a Muscle Shoals High School graduate and member of IBEW 558—Underwood is focused on preserving the city’s strong educational reputation. “I want to help push the Muscle Shoals school system to be the number one school in Alabama,” said Underwood. Jennifer is married to Billy Underwood, a retired attorney. 

She said her campaign is driven by a passion to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Muscle Shoals. Her campaign platform emphasizes responsible spending, infrastructure improvements, and economic development that fits the city’s long-term vision. She is calling for better-paved roads, support for public safety workers, and incentives to attract industries that bring meaningful employment to the area.

Underwood voiced concerns over recent decisions by the current administration, including a controversial vote allowing a corporation to utilize four acres of the city’s Industrial Park for a solar panel installation. She posits that the project creates minimal jobs, contributes to local flooding, and strays from the Industrial Park’s original intent of job creation for local residents.

In addition, Underwood is highly critical of the city’s proposed $95 million Sportsplex project, citing the lack of such supporting infrastructure as hotels and restaurants and the potential for heavy financial burden on taxpayers. “That’s nearly $6,000 per person in Muscle Shoals,” she stated. “We need recreation options, but not at the cost of financial instability. This project could bankrupt the city.”

She also raised red flags over recent city spending, pointing to inflated personnel costs within the Recreation Department and questioning the city’s trend of purchasing expensive vehicles for staff. “Unlike the mayor and city clerk of Muscle Shoals, the mayor and city clerk of Huntsville do not drive $70,000 cars. Every city employee doesn’t need a $70,000 vehicle. We have to learn to spend wisely.”

Jennifer Underwood is committed to working collaboratively with city leaders and departments, while remaining focused on fiscal responsibility and community input. “I may not have all the answers,” she said, “but I will listen—especially to those who may not agree with me. Our community deserves thoughtful leadership, not reckless spending."

Muscle Shoals municipal elections will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

What the Voter Said About "Those Poor"

 

Sometimes you don't know whether to laugh or cry. We recently commented on a Florence City Council candidate who had posted a photo of a run down home in a bad section of town (more on that later). His own home is valued at $312K (credit report) to $328K (Zillow).

A man commented (more on that later also) that while the average house in Florence is valued at $216K, it would be a much higher value if there weren't all those ramshackle homes bringing the average down; therefore, the candidate's home wouldn't be valued at 44% above the average. Brilliant.

Let's get rid of all those who live in cheap homes. Sound good? Florence has a 20% poverty rate. One in five you pass on the street as you walk from your car to Odette lives in poverty.

No, we can't force high-paying jobs to come here, but we can do a much better job of recruiting them.

Two Florence Districts Have No Incumbent

 

If you live in Districts 3 or 5 in Florence, you won't have the chance to vote for the incumbent. In District 3, Bill Griffin is running for mayor.

In District 5, long-time member Blake Edwards, who made his initial mark on City politics supporting a new Walmart, has chosen not to run. We always felt Blake was too status quo about most situations in Florence, but he will be missed.

*****

We regularly have readers ask us what district they live in. Many are not newcomers, but apparently have never taken an interest in City politics before. 

Simply go to this site and enter address. Good luck and keep informed:

Where Do I Vote?

Is Someone Missing in Sheffield's Mayoral Race?

 

We had assumed our friend Bennett Pugh would be in the race for Sheffield mayor. It looks as if only four qualified, and Ben was not one seeking the office at this time.

We now have two women running against two men. A runoff seems in the works, and it should be a hard fought race.

Central's Softball Coach Arrested

 

Carmen Gail Whitfield has been the softball coach at Central High School since 2021. At 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, she was arrested by the Florence Police and charged with DUI - Alcohol and Obstruction of Government Operations (a charge that could involve anything from giving a false name to hiding such evidence as illicit substances).

The 31 year-old Whitfield posted a 3K bond and was released. Before assuming her current position at Central, she coached at Tharptown and Shoals Christian. Whitfield's charges will be adjudicated in Municipal Court.

Steve Holt Just Blew the Mayoral Election Wide Open

 

Can former Mayor Steve Holt pull off a win in a field of six? Seven if we count virtual candidate Rock Pocket?

Now Bill Griffin and Ron Tyler will have to up their game, and a runoff is 99% assured. If you're like us, you're rethinking Florence's future with two candidates who can move the city forward in a positive way.

Jimmy Oliver Called Out on Jack's Bistro Stance

 

Current Distric 6 representative Jimmy Oliver has told business owner Jack White to just hold out until City construction is over. Oliver's critics have plenty to say on that strategy. Here's one of the best critiques:

Jimmy Oliver, you sat on that throne of yours and looked down at that man while he stood there—begging.
Begging the council for help.
You didn’t want to help him. But what you did do—when the cameras weren’t rolling—was attack anyone who did want to help, or anyone who dared show that man an ounce of compassion.
You talk about “political games,” sir?
That’s all you’re about.
Your carefully curated photo ops.
Your polished Facebook posts.
All for show.
What this community doesn’t see is how you act when people challenge you—when they don’t fit your narrative or dare to disagree.
That’s when the real Jimmy Oliver shows up.
And that’s when the cameras should be rolling.
So the people can see exactly who they’ve put in that seat.

Brent Woodall Seeks Seat on Public Service Commission

 

Our friend Brent Woodall has announced he's running for Place 2 on the Public Service Commission next year. We'll have more on the election in weeks to come, but for right now, you can get to know a little more about Brent here:

Brent Woodall

Campaign to Support Jack's Place Bistro

 

Margaret Thatcher said if you want something done, get a woman to do it. That certainly applies to the fate of Jack's Place Bistro on West Mobile just off Court Street.

We admire Jimmy Oliver of District 6, but he told Jack White to wait for better times when the new city hall was constructed. What did Jimmy's opponent Chapel King do? She began a campaign to increase awareness of the small eatery.

Will Jack's still close on July 1st? We can't predict how it will turn out, but we hope awareness of the current situation downtown will bring some changes...pronto!

Two Franklin County Men Sue High 5 Games

 

On June 9th, two Franklin County residents filed suit in circuit court against the online casino High 5 Games LLC. According to court records, Michael Sumerel is seeking $75,000.00 in compensation, while Jacob Seal is asking for $15,000.00. 

The suit is based on this code:

The moral of this is: Don't gamble to start with...

Know a Veteran? Contact Him

 

There's been quite a bit of online chatter recently about veterans in need, and we've learned something. Many senior centers deliver meals several times a week at very low or even no cost.

Check with the senior center closest to you to find out their policy. You may be a God sent angel to that veteran.

Then there's something we do know a little about and have helped one or two veterans over the years. So many think one has to serve 20 years to get a pension. Not true.

You may not get the largest pension in the world, but if you're a certain age and your income falls within a certain range, you should be entitled to a military pension.

Back to that veteran you're checking on, make sure you take him to the Veterans Affairs Office in your county, along with any paperwork he or she may have. If a veteran is entitled to a pension, he should have it.

Good luck and tell us how it works out!

Meal Barrel to Leave Vina

 

The Vina location of the Meal Barrel will be closing. Due to the lack of a forklift, decreased funding, and the current location being in doubt for the future, there was no other option.

Why do local governments stand back and merely tut-tut when such programs are in need? That wasn't a rhetorical question; we would really like to know.

Bill Griffin's Campaign Calls Out Ron Tyler etal.

 

This video on behalf of Bill Griffin carries a wallop. We found it interesting that Mr. Dale didn't mention Billy Ray Simpson or Ricky Pickett (Yes, Pickett is back...again).

Trevor Dale Video

Every voting citizen of Florence should listen to Mr. Dale's words. Our city can do better. It's time someone stood up and did the right thing.

Update on Florence IT Manager

 

After several tumultuous years of IT management by Jack Dressler, the City of Florence IT Department has a new leader. Jeff Whitten has been a presence on the local IT scene for several years, having designed the web sites for Lauderdale Revenue and License Commissioners, and is now in charge of the sensitive work.

Whitten, of ShoalsWEB, also designed the Lauderdale County Commission site. Now, as Florence IT manager, he's created a much-needed system of cameras for the downtown area.

We wish Mr. Whitten a longer tenure than previous IT managers Dressler and Steve Price, the latter an unfortunate victim in the expensive hacking incident of 2020.

The Colors of Florence

 

Maybe you've noticed how state road signs are always green. Until a few years ago, all Florence street signs were also green. There's a reason for this:

Green is often chosen for directional and informational street signs (like highway signs and street names) for a few key reasons: 

1. Provides Direction and Guidance:

• Green signs are primarily used for navigation, indicating upcoming exits, destinations, mile markers, and other directional information.
• They provide information without being overly demanding of a driver's attention, allowing them to focus on the road. 

2. Enhances Readability:

• The combination of green and white lettering offers excellent contrast, making the signs easy to read, especially at night.
• This color scheme can also make the letters appear larger and more readable. 

3. Psychological Effects:

• Green is generally considered a calming and non-distracting color.
• Research suggests that being in a green environment can reduce heart rate, which can contribute to a less stressful driving experience, especially in high-speed situations. 

4. Blends with the Environment:

• Green is a cool color and blends well with natural surroundings, minimizing visual distraction for drivers. 

5. Historical Context:

• The use of green for highway signs has been a national standard in the U.S. for a considerable time, contributing to its current use for general travel and directional information. 

Then a few years ago, a UNA student, someone who doesn't even live here anymore, convinced Mayor Steve Holt to replace the standard green signs with purple in select areas on campus and downtown. No matter how "cute" they may be, they're still not as safe. 

But the coordinated color disruption didn't stop there. Enter Andy Betterton who replaced the largely green City seal with a gray emblem more suitable to a museum or funeral home. 

Did Handy Dandy Andy stop there? No, he recruited a friend to redo the City website. All green backgrounds suddenly changed to blue.

Now Florence has no theme. No continuity. It's as if some addled DEI officer wanted purple, gray, and blue to have an equal chance along side the green. 

It's enough to make you move to Sheffield.

Andy's Friend Fails Again

 

We've commented before about the new City of Florence website designed by Andy Betterton's friend. We don't know of anyone who thinks the new site is improved over the previous, but we guess the friend needed money.

Blame a Department or a Board

While looking for something today, the above grammatical faux pas jumped out at us. If Andy will send us his friend's email address, we'll be happy to send the designer a few words about his less than stellar grammar skills.

Andy, please have this corrected pronto. You and your family have been nothing but an embarrassment to this city for too long.

"Link to Other Open Investigations"

 

"This remains an open investigation. Due to the complexity of this case, and the link to other open investigations, we will not be releasing any other information at this time." - Sheriff Joe Hamilton

In the following, we'll give answers to questions if available:

1. Did Antoine Akl use a different name? Some friends called Antoine by the name Anthony, but it's unknown if he personally used that name.

2. Where did Akl live? His identification stated Toney where his parents had a home, but he had recently been living in Florence.

3. Where did he work? Friends report that Akl was a manager at Blue Coast Burrito. When we called to inquire, a young woman first placed our call on hold, then returned to say she couldn't answer that question.

4. Was Akl a U.S. citizen? Yes, he apparently held dual citizenship. His mother is American, and he may have been born in the U.S. himself. He is Lebanese through his father.

5. Who actually shot Akl? The younger brother of the juvenile in Antoine's vehicle on Friday morning.

6. How old was Akl's victim? Older than first reported, but still classified as a juvenile. The age of sexual consent in Alabama is 16. Whether the young woman has reached that age, we don't know.

7. Why has there not been an arrest in the shooting? Sheriff Hamilton has stated there are other ongoing investigations concerning Akl. An arrest may not come before an indictment.

8. Did Antoine have family? The 33 year-old is survived by his parents and a younger brother who reside in Madison County. It's unknown if Akl had ever been married.

If more information comes to light, we will publish it at a later date.

Rally at the River

 

It's hard to find a more worthy cause than St. Jude's. See you there this weekend!

That Sinkhole Cost How Much?

 

It took 60 days, but the famous John R. sinkhole in Muscle Shoals has been repaired. How much were taxpayers out?

The final bill was over $150K, including landscape repair in the amount of $4.8K for residential grass that was "disturbed" during the repair. There's a joke there, but you'll let you fill in the punch line.