The Benches Went Walkabout and Never Returned

 

Gemini

Most benches installed in public areas today have an armrest in the middle to deter stray citizens from making like a cat. That apparently wasn't a problem when the last Court Street renovation was planned since none of the benches featured that hardware. By June 2021, when the alley behind Ricatoni's filled up, many of the city's unhoused were appropriating these older benches on South Court where foot traffic was not a major problem. Then police chief Ron Tyler decided to put a stop to it.

Tyler had six of these benches removed from their pavilions for "three to four weeks," stating the confiscation was purely temporary. Now four years later, the benches are still missing. 

A concerned citizen has asked where they are. Why have they not been returned after all this time? The area is home to both a popular pharmacy and veterans' affairs office. It would seem both endeavors would need this seating from time to time.

The homeless...there but for the absolute beneficence of God.

When Ron Tyler Ran the Shelter

 

From a reader:

Many don’t know years ago when Ron Tyler police chief was over Florence Animal Shelter he let it run into the ground, and Steve Holt had to take it back under his direction. The dog pound director at the time was let go due to horrible conditions and bad management. He ran off volunteers and told them to never come back. 

They say history repeats itself!?! Steve Holt saved the shelter and worked hard to make it what it is today. Do we want Ron running our city or Steve Holt? There is a big difference and some how, some way that animal shelter has affected your life. Animal Army, it’s time to get to work and get behind who you know will never let those days return.

Do we want an animal shelter like it is or one that has a HIGH EUTHANASIA RATE?

Yes, Ron Tyler is a Democrat

 

Municipal elections are non-partisan, meaning there's no Republican or Democrat columns to check. Yet, it does make a difference.

In 2020, we published this blog; we feel it's still pertinent: Mayoral Candidates

Now in 2025, we have the same conundrum. In January of 2021, Ron Tyler did a videoed interview with Trinity Baptist Church:

In this interview, Tyler specifically mentioned that he is a Democrat. Does it matter in a municipal election? You read our view in the blog referenced above. If you don't want a Democrat for mayor, don't vote for Ron Tyler.

Shoals Chamber of Commerce Really "Screwed the Pooch"

 

We've had several Florence citizens contact us concerning the above advertisement for a Chamber of Commerce event. Does it say Ron Tyler is the mayor of Florence?

Whether intended or not, the message that Tyler is mayor is what most casual observers of Florence would assume. It appears that someone who designed the above artwork simply used part of a Tyler campaign ad, omitting the disclaimer legally required in campaign material.

As of now we have six candidates for the mayoral position. It's still a little early, but we certainly believe this will change. We believe Tyler will be in the upper tier; he's certainly spending a great deal of money. 

However, Tyler should be concerned about this poorly designed ad also. It does violate the Alabama Disclaimer law. The Alabama Secretary of State is watching...

Ron Tyler has Coffee with Carson

 

David Carson gained some celebrity during the 2020 protest locally against the confederate statue located at the Lauderdale County courthouse. He was the leader of a small group counter-protesting the protest to relocate the statue. That almost seems like ancient history today, although every now and then the original protest group; Project Say Something tries to keep the controversy alive with billboards and speeches at Florence city council meetings. But PSS, the protest and the association with David Carson is not why I am writing this. Some would say it would be considered politically risky for a candidate in the city of Florence to talk with either PSS or David Carson. Ron Tyler took the risk.

You can go to the Facebook Page: Florence, AL Open Meeting Project where David Carson posted a video. It is a little over one hour of he and Ron Tyler discussing Mr. Tyler’s mayoral campaign and why he decided to run for office. It is a very laid-back amateur interview. It took place on Thursday, Oct. 17th on a picnic table on a hill at Martin Park. Mr. Carson chose a great spot for the interview with the parking lot of Royal Avenue recreation center and a blue sky serving as the backdrop. His questioning style was very amateurish, and you could tell he was not a polished interviewer but that made the situation more like a talk with a neighbor than anything associated with politics. That is what made it so genuine. And refreshing in this “political” season. Mr. Tyler first gave examples of where he thought he would differ from the current mayor, Andy Betterton. He complimented Mr. Betterton on his friendliness but emphasized that there was more to the mayor's job than shaking hands and public relations. He also assessed his only other declared candidate Bill Griffin the same way. He said although Griffin was a very likable guy, he seemed to be more interested in publicity shots than in solving problems for his district. This is all paraphrasing Mr. Tyler’s conversation and you can watch the video to see his exact wording.

From there a variety of topics were discussed. From the city giving taxpayer money every year in the form of a gift to UNA, the importance of attracting high paying jobs in the city of Florence to what his policy would be on nepotism in hiring for city department heads. Mr. Tyler gave intelligent and well thought out answers. At a picnic table on a crisp fall day. Personally, for me the kind of answers to the questions and demeanor of someone this reporter would be proud to see as mayor of the city of Florence.

*****

A Horse With Many Names Comes to Florence

Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler says smack is back. You know...horse, the Big H, maybe Mexican brown or China white. We’re sure there are plenty of other names, but it’s been a long time since we read a Rolling Stone.

But don’t worry, we live in an enlightened age. The State of Alabama knows how to handle it. If meth is a problem, outlaw Sudafed. Now heroin? Get your Veterans Day poppy now folks; by November, they’ll be illegal. 

*****

Just how does someone get on heroin? Say what you will about pot, but it’s not a gateway drug (and no, Shoalanda does not do it.) Does someone just wake up one morning with back pain and think the Tylenol no longer cuts it, so they’ll give heroin a try? We don’t think so. We often laugh at many misconceptions concerning drugs, but in the case of heroin, we believe the term “pusher” hits the mark. You know: Try it, you’ll like it.

So besides possible death, just what are the drawbacks of heroin use and dealing. For starters, heroin is one of the drugs included in the state trafficking law. There will be no plea offers, there will be no probation, and there will be no parole. Once in prison, there will be no work release. Not a pleasant picture is it?

Do we think anything written here will influence even one possible user? In a word, no. Local authorities are asking parents to talk to their children. Not bad advice in some cases, but certainly not effective with all. How about seeing a young successful man have his name plastered all over the front page and then watching him go south for a long time? For those who say such arrests shouldn’t be publicized, we say yes they should. It may be the only deterrent available, and saving one life is worth it.

John Wesley Akin

Shoalanda

Are Charges Against Florence Detective Valid?

WAFF has reported a citizen has filed charges against a Florence police officer. Anyone can file charges against anyone--that doesn't mean the allegations have merit. A contact at the Florence Police Department could not give us any specifics concerning the recent complaint stemming from a murder investigation, but he did have some non-specific comments.

Assuming it was the Jerry Ivy murder scene, various factors came into play. The shooting took place at the well-traveled intersection of Central Avenue and Connor Street. There was some light remaining at around 8:30 p.m. on July 19th and several neighbors were either on their respective porches or taking a walk. Family members of the victim, including his sister, were also present, and many have stated they feared retribution in some form.

Police arrived approximately five minutes after the initial shooting call. Bystanders were told to vacate the scene immediately. Some traffic was diverted in an attempt to preserve evidence. Our source says this is standard procedure and no one would have been treated any differently if the murder has occurred in any other area of Florence.

Obviously the behavior of the officer in question could have been unprofessional and involved much more than a raised voice. We're hoping it wasn't and didn't. We are sure Florence's new police chief Ron Tyler had hoped he wouldn't face such allegations about his department this early in his tenure.

Shoalanda

A Few Words from David Bronner/Florence Police Accreditation

Has Dr. David Bronner called those who question the National Alabama rail car plant in Barton idiots? We'll let you judge; here's his quote from the August RSA newsletter:

While a few Alabama investments have been criticized by some individuals that have difficulty understanding the bigger picture, our investment horizons are much longer. With the resources that Alabama has to offer, there is no reason not to believe that in the long term we will equal or exceed the returns of anywhere in the world.

Obviously Bronner's take on current finances covers the entire system and not solely the Barton facility. It's a bit like the TimesDaily announcing the entire of city of Muscle Shoals was destroyed in the earthquake, but all other Shoals areas were unscathed. That's great...except for those who lived in Muscle Shoals. So, yes, those who had seen National Alabama as the Shoals' economic savior are somewhat critical of it.

*****

The Florence Police Department is nearing the conclusion of a 2.5 year effort to achieve accreditation with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Part of the accreditation process allows for members of the general public to either call in and speak to an on-site assessor, or to actually come and speak to the assessors in person in reference to the quality of police services being offered by the Florence Police Department. The information concerning the public forums is attached.

In the coming weeks, as we draw closer to August 20^th, I would be glad to discuss the accreditation process with you. This process has included a comprehensive review and revision of our policies and procedures. If we are fortunate enough to achieve this accreditation, it will be one of the greatest achievements in our police department’s history. Accreditation by CALEA, would signify that the Florence Police Department’s policies, procedures, and practices are consistent with the highest standards of policing in the nation. The community will not just be required to take our word for it, but in fact, a team of outside assessors are coming in for four days to conduct an actual in-depth audit of our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure we are meeting these standards. The goal, or end-game of the accreditation process, is for our community to get just what they expect of their local police department: Police service of the highest level, that follows the letter and spirit of the law, assurance that we hold ourselves accountable for our conduct and actions, and, a police department that is accountable to our community to provide the very best in police service.

I look forward to talking with you in the near future.

Capt. Ron Tyler

Florence Police Department

www.florencepd.org

FBINA Session 225

(256)760-6576

*****

As always, we're extremely proud of our Florence Police Department. Congratulations to them on this undertaking.

*****

The happiest of birthdays to Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford!


Shoalanda

Getting VOCAL About Crime

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 18-24. A candlelight vigil will be held in Florence's Wilson Park on April 20th at 7:00 p.m. While VOCAL isn't perfect, it does a great work with helping the families of those who have been the victims of violent crime. Many thanks to Denny Kimbrell, current VOCAL president, for all that he does.

*****

Ben Burt Jr. has been denied parole. He will continue serving the remaining seven years of his sentence in the death of Matthew Williams.

*****

Former Burt associate, Mark Anthony Hurley, aka the Reedtown Rapist, has been arrested again while out on bail--this time on drug charges. He was indicted by a Franklin County Grand Jury last week on the current charges of Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. What does it take to keep this man in prison?

*****

Andrew Daniel Scott, aka Hottie Scottie, will face a preliminary hearing in Judge Carole Coil Medley's courtroom on April 30th. Scott was arrested in early February in downtown Florence and charged with the Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia.

*****

The reward for information leading to an arrest in the brutal attack on Jake is now $125.00. Please call Capt. Ron Tyler with the Florence Police Department at 760-6576 if you have any information.


Which one is illegal: According to the state audit of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame released in January of this year, one board member was appointed illegally. Interesting, but which one...and why? Could David Johnson use this illegal action in a fight against the Board?

Shoalanda

Is Gambling the New "Segregation?"

Memorable pols are known for their distinct war cries; George Wallace won his place of shame in Alabama history by his constant harping on one point--segregation. Fifty years later the political landscape remains eerily similar, with the Democratic nomination possibly hanging on one issue--gambling.

The poor Baptist Boy from a fatherless home, now divorced himself, with only an Associates Degree from a community college, seeks to face off with the happily married Lutheran, the possessor of a Juris Doctorate from Harvard. Only in 2010, the latter is the black candidate, while the former is white.

Why is legalized gambling in Alabama so important to Ron Sparks? Sparks frequently mentions that an education lottery is part of his master plan, yet he even more frequently denounces Davis' education. Could Sparks see gambling as his only ticket to the governor's mansion in Montgomery?

Ron Sparks almost makes Roy Moore look good. Almost...

*****

Lame ducks do some amazing things. We've certainly been surprised by state Sen. Bobby Denton's recent stances on various locally hot issues. It's taken 30 years, but the "Singing Senator" seems to have an itch for a more dramatic legacy, judging by his current take-action positions. More on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame bill tomorrow.

*****

North Florence Apartments, a Hensley-Thompson property, is located at 1414 Chisholm Road, adjacent to a once quiet residential area. Last week, someone standing with a small group of individuals in the parking lot of this complex attacked Jake, a friendly family dog who had managed to escape the safety of its home.

The attack cost Jake his left eye and fueled the animosity of neighbors toward residents of the Hensley-Thompson facility. Currently, Capt. Ron Tyler of the Florence Police Department is heading the investigation into the attack. Capt. Tyler may be reached at 760-6500. Perhaps a call to Hensley-Thompson at 764-3033 would also be in order.

We understand several individuals and organizations are considering a reward for information concerning this crime. If anyone provides info that leads to an arrest and conviction of this God-forsaken piece of filth, we at Shoalanda will add $100.00 to the reward. Someone knows something. It's free money for doing the right thing...think about it.


Shoalanda