Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commissioner Connie Hudson
July 3, 2014 
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER
CONNIE HUDSON

Last month I had the opportunity to join Mobile area business leaders and public officials to participate in the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Leaders' Exchange in St. Louis, Missouri to get a first hand perspective of the projects and planning initiatives that have been successfully implemented in the "Gateway City". We focused particularly on public/private sector collaborations that have produced initiatives such as the renovation and improvements to Forest Park, the 7th largest urban park in the U.S. and the City Arch River 2015 Project, an effort to redesign the Gateway Arch grounds. Breakout groups also toured the Cortex Research Park, participated in a riverboat tour of the new Mississippi River Bridge with the bridge's project engineer, and visited Ranker Technical College, a skilled workforce training facility with 98% job placement. Participants also toured T-REX, St. Louis' top co-working business incubator and accelerator and home to 80+ start up businesses. The visit offered valuable opportunities to network and share innovative ideas for opportunities to apply 
some of the same initiatives to improve our own community. My imagination for new possibilities in the Mobile area was certainly sparked by the St. Louis Leaders' Exchange experience!
  
May you and your family have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday weekend! Click Here for details on 4th of July events in Mobile County.

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERS' EXCHANGE 

Commissioner Hudson pictured with members of the Quality of Place breakout group who visited Forest Park in St. Louis, MO during the Mobile Chamber of Commerce Leaders' Exchange June 23-24.

2014 DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN FINALS  

Commissioner Hudson answered questions from hosts (L to R) Amy Goodman and David Weincek about the impact the Distinguished Young Women program has on our community and young women across our nation during the preliminary competition on Friday, June 27.
Commissioner Hudson presented the 2nd Runner Up award to Alysse Blight, Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan during the 57th Distinguished Young Women finals on Saturday, June 28.
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IN THIS ISSUE
 
voterMOBILE COUNTY VOTER INFORMATION 
VOTE Tuesday, July 15 ! 
 
When: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15
Where: Click Here or call 574-6080 to find your voting precinct location.

Click Here to view a sample ballot for the July 15 primary runoff and Constitutional Amendment election.

For more information including how to register to vote, voting precincts and election information Click Here or contact the Mobile County Board of Registrars at 574-8586.  
  recycleMOBILE COUNTY RESIDENTIAL
RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER UPDATE:
GREAT PROGRESS! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Mobile County Residential Recycling Drop-Off Center in west Mobile is closer to completion. Ben Radcliff Construction is making great progress with the $2.3 million project and construction should be completed by October 1, 2014. Funds for the project were provided through a federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) grant. Once construction is completed, the county will contract with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast to manage and operate the facility which will be located on the southeast corner of the old Brewer Center property off of Hitt Road. Recyclables accepted will include plastic beverage containers, aluminum beverage cans, steel/tin cans, glass, cardboard, paper, and electronic items.
semmescompCITY OF SEMMES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The City of Semmes has developed a draft comprehensive plan, which includes future goals and objectives for improving the city's infrastructure and quality of life. The plan was developed over the last year with assistance from the Comprehensive Plan "Working Group" and Thompson Engineering and also from input received from the Semmes Community at local Town Hall meetings. The work for the plan was funded by a 50% match grant from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The City of Semmes Planning Commission and "Comprehensive Plan Working Group" are soliciting final input and comments.

 

Click Here to view the draft comprehensive plan for the City of Mobile.  

 

For more information or to comment on the plan call Semmes City Hall at 640-8811 or Click Here to email the working group. 

dogFEATURED MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PET OF THE WEEK, "BOOTSIE"

Bootsie is a 1-year-old female, 7 pound Jack Russell Terrier Mix that was brought into the facility on June 20 after being seen roaming at large in the Grand Bay area. Bootsie is a very friendly dog who is energetic, loves to play, and gets along well with other dogs. The current cost of her adoption is $80, which includes one set of shots, spaying and a rabies vaccination. If you are interested in adopting Bootsie, please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647(DOGS).  

      

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.    


AIDS Alabama South is the lead AIDS Service Organization in Southwest Alabama. AIDS Alabama South is governed by a Board of Directors and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Functioning as a regional access point for support services and information, AIDS Alabama South is recognized as a vital community resource to meet this demand. It's mission is to provide support, assistance, education, and advocacy for people affected by HIV and AIDS and to provide HIV prevention education and awareness to the community of Southwest Alabama.   

 

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS.  

HIV is different from most other viruses because it attacks the immune system. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and is the final stage of HIV infection.

 

At least 12 new cases of HIV were reported to the Mobile County Health Department in May 2014. Thus far in June, at least nine new cases have been reported to the local health agency. There were 83 new HIV cases in 2013 reported in Mobile County.

 

In Mobile, there are an estimated 3,400 people living with HIV/AIDS, health records indicate, which is more than a 10 percent increase from 2010. 

 

 

For more information on AIDS Alabama Click Here or call 545-5277.

 

summercalendarMOBILE COUNTY SUMMER CALENDAR       

MARKET ON THE SQUARE

 

When: 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Now through July 26

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

 

The market features locally grown produce, seafood, beef, honey, breads, pastas, cheeses, plants, handcrafted goods for kitchen and home, live music and other activities. Arts and crafts vendors are featured on alternate Saturdays.

 

NEW! MARKET ON THE HILL

   

When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, Now through July 31 

Where: Lavretta Park, Old Shell Road, Mobile

 

For more information Click Here or call the City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1550.



WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME

   

When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Now through July 30

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore 

 

Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature among 65 acres of blooms!

 

Cost: Adults, $12; children 5-12, $6.50; and children 4 and under are free. Additional charges for Home Tour and/or Riverboat Cruise. Reservations are requested. 

 

For more information or to make reservations Click Here or contact BGH at 973-2217.

 

idpday       

CELEBRATE FREEDOM EVENT
 
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday,
July 3
Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road, Semmes

Celebrate Freedom is a one-day event for the whole family featuring a car show, a kid-zone, hot air balloon rides, a craft show, live music by Mark Harris and fireworks sponsored by the City of Semmes.

For more information Click Here to view the event's website.


PENGUIN PLANET AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM
When: July 4 through January 2015
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile

This latest exhibit at the Exploreum features four African black-footed penguins. The endangered penguins will remain through early January 2015.

Sponsored by PNC Bank, Penguin Planet will feature a unique tank created to emulate the penguins' natural habitat. The exhibit will also include educational displays with facts about the Exploreum's new guests, as well as other penguins from around the world. It will also shed light on how human actions impact the success of the species. In addition, special trainers will deliver hourly talks about the penguins, which will teach visitors about the penguins' markings, eating habits and more.  

 

For more information call 208-6873 or Click Here.


MOBILE POPS INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT
 
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, Causeway, Mobile

Come and enjoy live music by the Mobile Pops under the direction of David Dueitt. Following the concert, a fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.

For more information Click Here to visit the Mobile Pops website.

 

MOBILE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS' LUNCH AND LEARN 

 

When: Noon Monday, July 7

Where: Jon Archer Agriculture Center, 1070 Schillinger Road North, Mobile 

 

This program will feature "Canning and Preserving" presented by Amelia McGrew, Regional Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She has been active in the program area of Food Safety, Food Preparation and Food Preservation for 9 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Education degree from Auburn University. This program is free and open to the public. Beverages are provided. Bring a lunch and bring a friend to learn about canning and preserving.

 

For more information call 574-8445 or Click Here.

 

   

 

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11 

Where: Lower Dauphin Art District, Downtown Mobile 

 

Second Fridays in downtown Mobile is the place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.   

 

 

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JEREMIAH DENTON

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15

Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

 

Join the South Alabama Veterans Council to pay memorial tribute to Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton, former Vietnam POW, 2-Star Flag Officer, Former United States Senator, and Navy Aviator. The public is invited. This event will feature Admiral Denton's former airplane and mementos on display. Free parking for entries prior to 10:30 AM.

 

For more information on this event Click Here. 

 

 

81ST ANNUAL MOBILE JAYCEES ALABAMA DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO

   

When: 5 a.m. Friday, July 18 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Dauphin Island

 

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the oldest and largest mulch-species saltwater tournament in the country. The Rodeo is a 3-day Captain's Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued at over $1 million in cash and prizes and is anchored by two boat, motor, and trailer packages. The 3-day event features 30 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all categories. One Master Angler is also awarded along with cash prizes for King Mackerel, Speckled Trout and Big Game Jackpots. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama 

Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships.

 

For more information or to register for this event Click Here or call 471-0025.

 

 

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "ANNIE: THE MUSICAL"

   

When: Friday, July 25 through Sunday, August 17 (7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays) 

Where: Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile

 

"Annie!" is a captivating show for all ages based on the famous comic strip "Little Orphan Annie." You will delight in the adventurous life of the fiery young orphan girl who goes from rags to riches with her dog Sandy and her wealthy benefactor "Daddy" Warbucks.


Cost: Adults $15; Students and Seniors $12 

 

For more information or to purchase tickets call 602-0630 or Click Here. 

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY

   

When: 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1 through midnight Sunday, August 3 

Where: Mobile County or Click Here to view a listing of all participating municipalities and counties in Alabama. 

 

Alabama will hold its eighth annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales or use tax August 1 through August 3. Local sales and use tax may apply. Retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday. 

 

Click Here to view a list of exempt items. 

 

 

For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

diMOBILE COUNTY COMMUNITIES' NEWSLETTER LINKS   

Click Here to view the Town Crier, the official news of Dauphin Island from Mayor Jeff Collier and the Town Council. 
 


Click Here to view the official newsletter of the Tillman's Corner Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

 

Click Here to view the latest news from the Downtown Mobile Alliance on their Facebook page. 

 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATEroad 

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2.

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  

Click Here for the latest edition.
 Click Here for the July activities calendar.
Semmes Senior Center
9635 Moffett Road, Semmes, Alabama
financeMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Through May we have completed 67% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through May 2014 is $93,239,341.19. This represents 73.67% of budgeted FY2014 revenue. Receipt for many of our major revenues lags by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The positive variance in Miscellaneous Revenue is due to the sale of property. The year-to-date expenditures through May are $78,422,743.38. This is 61.51% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 67% on this report. The Health, Welfare and Education categories are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through May both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the latest financial update.
kudosKUDOS & CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Mrs. Terri Grodsky, who is retiring from her position as Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) after 34 years. Mrs. Grodsky was honored at the 40th Birthday Celebration of the RSVP program along with Ms. Carolyn Huddleston, RSVP Bookkeeper, who is also retiring after 33 years with the program.


Congratulations to recently retired USCG Captain Tom Maine, who was honored by resolution at the June 19 Mobile County Commission meeting for over 30 years of dedicated service to the US Coast Guard. Captain Maine was accompanied by his wife Annette.

Congratulations to Terry Dixon, the new Program Director of the Semmes Senior Center. Mr. Dixon recently retired from Mobile County Public School System as a teacher and coach at Mary G. Montgomery (M.G.M.) High School after 32 years of service. He taught Mechanical Drawing and Woodworking, Career Technologies as well as Driver's Education during his tenure. Mr. Dixon also coached baseball and football and spent the last ten years as Mary G. Montgomery's head baseball coach. He has lived in the Semmes Community for 43 years and graduated from M.G.M. in 1978.  

 meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS 
Combined Commission Conference and Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium  

Combined Commission Conference and Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Monday, July 28
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium
(contingent on Commission approval July 10 to cancel the pre-conference July 24 and hold a combined meeting on July 28) 

Commission Conference 
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, August 7
Where: Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Monday, August 11
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium

Click Here for more information and to view the agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.  
CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
   Commissioner Connie Hudson
   Mobile County Commission
   P.O. Box 1443
   Mobile, Alabama 36633
   Office: (251) 574-2000
   Office Fax: (251) 574-2001
   Mailing Address: 205 Government Street, 10th Floor
   Mobile, Alabama 36602