Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
August 8, 2014 
 messagech
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER

CONNIE HUDSON

The long-awaited environmental impact draft study for the I-10 Bridge/Bayway project was released on July 22 and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has scheduled two public hearing dates to obtain citizen input on the proposed bridge location; on Tuesday, September 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Alabama Cruise Terminal and Monday, September 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. Click Here to visit the ALDOT website for the proposed project. The website features details on public hearings, the approved Draft Environmental Impact Statement, renderings, maps, and other information. 

 

Submission of an official comment for review in the Final Environmental Impact Statement can be done in person at the hearings, online, or by mailing an official comment form to ALDOT's Mobile Area Office. Comments must be received by Friday, November 7, 2014. The comment forms will be available online on September 23.   

 

Hard copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement can also be found at the following locations in Mobile County:

 

* ALDOT Mobile Office

* Ben May Main Library

* Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization

* Offices of the City of Mobile

* Offices of Mobile County

* Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

* Texas Street Community Center

 

For more information contact Kathryn D. Hamlett, ALDOT Southwest Region Media and Community Relations Officer at 470-8375.   

 

Please mark your calendar and make every effort to attend at least one of these important hearings as public sentiment and support is paramount in moving this project forward and pursuing the necessary funding for construction.

 

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

 

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie

 

2014 FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW  

In July, Commissioner Hudson represented the Mobile County Commission at the 2014 Farnborough International Air Show. She is pictured here (L to R) with Alan McArtor, CEO of Airbus Americas and Baldwin County Commissioner, Tucker Dorsey attending the Aerospace Alliance Reception with nearly 500 aerospace industry leaders, tier one and tier two aerospace industry suppliers, and government officials.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTH ALABAMA AFTER SCHOOL KICK-OFF 

Commissioner Hudson is pictured (L to R) with Sonny Callahan Branch BGC Game Room Director Tadares Davis, BGCSA Board Chair Sharon Wright, Commissioner Jerry Carl, Board Members Mike Thompson and Barry Steiner, BGCSA Director of Operations Inger Anderson, City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, BGCSA Executive Director Mary Zogbhy and boys and girls from the Sonny Callahan Branch.
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IN THIS ISSUE
 
 firerescueacadCITY OF MOBILE FIRE-RESCUE'S CITIZENS ACADEMY

 

Applications for the City of Mobile Fire-Rescue's Citizens' Academy class, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 25, are now being accepted. The program will provide participants with an overview of the major divisions within the department as well as a general overview of fire fighting and emergency medical services and provide hands-on experiences.

 

The class is free and open to anyone 21 years and older. Participants will meet Monday evenings for ten weeks 

from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fire Training Academy at 860 Owens Street across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter or other designated area.

 

Experienced fire and emergency medical personnel, all within the ranks of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, will teach the Citizens Academy curriculum. Participants will also experience first hand what firefighters and firemedics do during a tour of duty.

 

Activities will include a ride-along with firefighters/firemedics, 

instruction and certification in C.P.R., a visit to the 911 Communications Center, a tour of the harbor on board the fireboat, Phoenix, rappelling from the 4-story drill tower, hands on vehicle extrication and firefighting demonstration.

 

To apply Click Here and click on the Citizens Academy link. Once completed it can be mailed, e-mailed or faxed (208-2861). Applicants may also come by the Training Academy at 860 Owens Street (across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter) to obtain an application. Early application is encouraged since class size is limited.  

 

For more information call the City of Mobile Fire Department Media Relations Office at 208-2857.

 

bayfest BAYFEST 2014  LINE-UP ANNOUNCEMENT

 

BayFest will celebrate its 20th anniversary October 3 through 5, 2014 with an expected crowd of more than 200,000 guests in Downtown Mobile to experience great live music acts throughout the festival weekend.

  

For more information or to order your tickets Click Here.

dogFEATURED MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PETS OF THE WEEK, "JOSEPHINE AND ANTOINETTE"

 

Josephine and Antoinette are sisters that were brought into the shelter after roaming the streets with their stray mother in the Chunchula area. They are a Black Mouth Cur mix and are approximately 3 months old.  Black Mouth Curs are hunters but can also work with cattle. They are kind and protective of their families, have a strong desire to please their owners, are good with children, loyal, fearless and love exercise. The adoption cost of these two precious babies is $80 each, which includes a set of shots, spaying and a rabies vaccination. If you are interested in adopting Josephine and/or Antoinette, 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.    


Barton Academy is more than an architectural treasure. It is a symbol of bold moves that has made Mobile an innovator in education for almost two centuries. Mobile built Barton Academy in 1836 as Alabama's first public school. Constructing such a monumental building for a city of only 13,000 people showed bold confidence and vision for growth. Now the Mobile County Public School System has made another bold move by establishing Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies (BAAWS). This innovative project will create a specialty school for grades 6-12 where students will learn more than just foreign languages and world cultures - they'll learn to succeed in an interconnected world. With this bold move, Mobile gains a homegrown workforce prepared to lead in a global economy, and students gain a competitive edge in college admissions, scholarships and careers.

BAAWS will emphasize comparative studies (the United States and other countries) in all areas of the curriculum and will take advantage of Mobile's thriving international community by establishing partnerships with community and arts organizations, corporations, business leaders and individuals. Guest lecturers from around the globe will enrich courses with real-world experiences, and business professionals and leaders will help develop objectives necessary for college and career readiness.

 

World studies schools throughout the U.S. have a proven record of paving the way toward scholarships and admission to some of the best and most competitive universities in the world. BAAWS will provide a rigorous college preparatory course of study aligned to state, international and College Board standards. Research shows critical thinking skills, creativity and academic achievement are significantly higher for students learning and using a second or third language. Students with foreign language skills and global knowledge generally score better on college entrance exams, and top universities place a high value on foreign language skills and world culture studies. Students who know other languages and foreign cultures have access to a greater number of careers in the U.S. and abroad.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The system will offer equitable access for students with qualifying GPAs including under-served populations. Because of its accelerated curriculum, BAAWS will have rigorous entrance requirements: 3.4 GPA or 85% yearly average in all core classes will be required for admission and continuation.

 

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS  

 

The Barton Academy Foundation, incorporated in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The foundation's mission is to assist the school system in raising awareness and funds to create Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies as an innovative educational institution and an engine for growing the area's economy.

 

The Foundation is actively seeking major contributions from local businesses, corporations, foundations and individuals who wish to join the school's goal of preparing local students to succeed in a global economy. A variety of naming opportunities are available for major  

donors. All donors of $1,000 or more will be listed on a permanent donor wall in Barton. 

 

For more information, to get involved or to contribute to this effort call 690-4700 or Click Here

 

summercalendarMOBILE COUNTY SUMMER CALENDAR
PENGUIN PLANET AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM
 
When: Now 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.

 

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "ANNIE: THE MUSICAL"

When: Now 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

 

 

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 8 

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.   

 

 

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT AT THE EXPLOREUM: NATIONAL EYE EXAM MONTH THEME 

   

When: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, August 8 

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 56 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center offers an opportunity for parents of children ages 4 to 12 to spend a grownup night out at LoDa Artwalk, enjoying all that downtown Mobile has to offer, while their kids enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment. Children will be able to explore the Exploreum's hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experience a kid-friendly feature film, make new friends, enjoy dinner, and learn lots of new stuff from the Exploreum's team of informal educators!   

 

Cost: $18 to $27 depending on age, date of purchase and membership status. Discounts given for multiple siblings. 

 

For more information contact Josh Holland, Director of Marketing at 208-6852 or Click Here.

 
TOGETHER ASSISTING PEOPLE: WATCH YOUR MOUTH SYMPOSIUM FOR ATHLETES

When: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 10
Where: Blount High School, 5450 Lott Road, Eight Mile

Together Assisting People (TAP), Inc. is a non-profit foundation established in 2010, by former University of Alabama football standout Chris Rogers. The mission of the organization is to prepare athletes to be successful in life outside of athletics. TAP develops and institutes symposium that focus on building life plans, personal branding, leadership, social media etiquette, interview skills and financial literacy. 

 

For more information or to register Click Here to attend to visit the TAP website. 

 

 

INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

   

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 16 

Where: Byrne Hall, Spring Hill College, East Portier Lane, Mobile 

 

Join IAGM (India Association of Greater Mobile) to celebrate India's Independence Day. The IAGM is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting cultural activities of people of Indian origin. IAGM was formed in 1982 by a group of 30 families of Indian origin. Activities of IAGM are managed by an executive committee of volunteers from the local community.


Cost: This event is free for IAGM members. Non-members (age 10 years or above) will be charged $10 per person.

For more information or if you are interested in participating in the cultural program, email the Cultural Secretary, Sangeetha Bathala at [email protected] by August 12.
 

 

 

 

MOBILE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2014 BUSINESS EXPO

 

When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 27

Where: Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, this premier annual event gives members an opportunity to showcase their products and services at Mobile's largest business-to-business trade show. Attendance exceeded 2,100 people and 200 exhibitors in 2013.

 

For more information on this event Click Here for the Business Expo page where you can find a registration form, event layout, and exhibitor list.

 

 

BAY AREA FOOD BANK'S 16TH ANNUAL CHEF CHALLENGE: A CHALLENGE TO END HUNGER

 

When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 4

Where: Alabama Cruise Terminal, 201 South Water Street, Mobile 

 

In honor of Hunger Action Month, the Bay Area Food Bank is hosting the 16th Annual Chef Challenge featuring favorite dishes of some of our area's most prestigious chefs, live entertainment by Roman Street, a large silent auction and complimentary wine and spirits. Funds raised by the annual Chef Challenge will be used to continue the food bank's efforts to distribute food to those in need throughout the central Gulf Coast.

 

Cost: Admission is $50 per person in advance, $60 day of event.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here or contact the Bay Area Food Bank at 653-1617.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE: CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 5 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 9

Where: Apostolic Church of God, 4050 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile 

 

Join Councilman Joel Daves for a community meeting. Invited guests to be announced at a later date. 

 

For more information contact the City Council office at 208-7441. 


 

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 August activities calendar.
Semmes Senior Center
9635 Moffett Road, Semmes, Alabama
financeMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Through June we have completed 75% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through June 2014 is $101,974,240.33. This represents 83.47% 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 June are $88,660,888.56. This is 69.50% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 75% on this report. The Health, Welfare and Education categories are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through June both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

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

PURPLE HEART DAY IN MOBILE COUNTY

 

The Mobile County Commission presented a Resolution declaring August 7 as Purple Heart Day in Mobile County in honor of our nation's Purple Heart Award recipients. Pete Reihm, a retired Navy Commander, representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart, accepted the resolution  at the conference meeting on August 7. The Purple Heart was our nation's first military decoration, established by George Washington in 1782, as an award for valor.  

REMINDER: COMMISSION MEETINGS TELEVISED

 

Mobile County Commission conferences and regular meetings can be viewed by Comcast and Mediacom subscribers. For Comcast subscribers, the meetings are broadcast on channel 6 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons (directly following broadcast of the Mobile City Council meetings) and also from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Meetings are also broadcast on MediaCom channel 87 on a continuous loop.

 

 meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS 
Commission Regular Meetin
When: 10 a.m. Monday, August 11
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium 

Combined Commission Conference and Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Monday, August 25
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium

Commission Conference  
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, September 4
Where: Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Monday, September 8
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium 


Combined Commission Conference and Regular Meeting
 
When: 10 a.m. Friday, September 19
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