Bill Jordan Says "Let's Stick It to the Families!"

 

Yeah, this is a great idea to take in some extra cash. From a family member whose future major league player recently competed at the O'Neil sportsplex:

My great Granddaughter played today at the Florence Sports complex. It is located at Hwy 20 and CR 2. Only park we played in this year that charged for parking ($5). Only problem, there are no other options available any where near the park. Teams from north half of state, about 40 teams and fans had to park. Traffic backed up on CR 20 and no one directing traffic. To charge parking when you have a captive audience was not fair nor did it get a good reception from the teams visiting the area. No one else charges. 

Second complaint no power on the field so no scoreboard on any field. Generators were used at concessions. Not sure what the park cost, but to have no power when putting on huge tournament appears to be lack of planning on Florence leaders. Positive side, field were great, concessions were reasonable staff were professional. Leaders let them down as grumbling among the visitors about parking was paramount.

Florence Sportsplex Unfair?

 

Over the years we've had various complaints about the Florence Sportsplex. One concerned, believe it or not, placing local kids above money making ventures. We sided with putting local kids first. That should be the city's priority.

Another criticized Andy Betterton's decision to eliminate golf cart shuttle rides from the parking area to the playing fields. This was actually reported to the the ADA, but before that organization acted, Betterton reinstated the service.

Now we've received a complaint about Randy Burns, Athletic Director of Florence Parks & Recreation. The communication actually contains two separate complaints; one we feel is much more valid than the other. We're publishing the criticisms here without further comment:

Would like to see a story on how Randy Burns of Florence Park and Rec, keeps the multi million dollar sportsplex from the citizens of Florence area. Gave the Boys baseball team $7000 to go to the world series but only gave the girls softball team $2000. Maybe because the boys team was coached by Josh Willingham and the girls team wasn't or is it sexism, can we not get gender equality for our little girls? 

That our tax dollars paid for this facility but the tax payers can't us it. They keep it on lock and chain. That Randy Burns said, that's the way it has been and they way its always going to be if I'm here.

Comments or advice from our readers?

Disgruntled Sportsplex Employees Ask Betterton for Help

 

Florence has a sportsplex that would be the envy of many larger towns. In the past, there has been minor controversy over killing feral hogs who see the fields as giant bowls of truffles and hometown kids v. money-throwing outsiders. Yes, real problems, but not earth shattering ones.

This week, a group of sportsplex employees contacted Mayor Andy Betterton and several Shoals news outlets concerning what they see as hostile working conditions. The workers' list of complaints enumerates COVID working conditions and shoddy management, among other things. We're not going to publish the employees' list since some could be considered libelous.

Nevertheless, the letter made us aware of just how widespread the employee discontent is. How will Handy Dandy Andy handle it?

*****

Here's a song that's usually considered words from an abused lover. Interesting that it could also apply to a mayor serenading the town council president: