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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Florence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

🌱 How many emergency calls did Florence dispatchers handle last year?

Hello Florence! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How many emergency calls did Florence dispatchers handle last year?
  • How a UNA tuba player just made Navy music history
  • Why Decatur skaters keep driving to Florence—and what may change soon

Also on today's calendar: The Grown-Ups and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Very warm, with a high of 89 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A gusty t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 83, low: 47.
  • Sunday: Turning sunny and cooler, with a high of 69 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Longtime police dispatcher shares passion for the job during national public safety telecommunicators week (whnt.com) — Florence residents are hearing from one of their own 911 voices as longtime dispatcher Stacy Shipman reflects on 27 years helping officers and neighbors through emergencies. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Florence Police Department is recognizing dispatchers who handled more than 48,000 calls in 2025, highlighting how their calm under pressure keeps both callers and officers safe.
   

• UNA sophomore Gannon McNees makes history with U.S. Navy Fleet Band selection (whnt.com) — A University of North Alabama sophomore in Florence has become the first UNA student ever selected for the elite U.S. Navy Fleet Bands, earning his spot after a highly competitive tuba audition. His achievement showcases the growing strength of UNA’s music program and puts both the student and Florence’s hometown university on a larger national stage.
   

• Decatur could soon have a skate park again after nearly two decades (waff.com) — Skaters from Decatur are currently driving to cities like Florence and Cullman just to find skate parks, but a community group is close to changing that. Let’s Skate Decatur and city leaders are working on a new volunteer-built skate park, aiming to give kids a safer, dedicated place to ride and build community.
   

📸 Around Florence

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Florence

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Florence Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Getting the full series of MMR vaccines protects you!
    If you have all your MMR shots, you have a 97% chance of not getting measles. If you're not sure about your MMR vaccination status, talk to your… (Nextdoor )
  • The DEA holds two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days each year.
    Find out how to properly dispose of your old or unused prescription medicines and why it is important to do this by checking out our blog post:… (Nextdoor )
  • The University of North Alabama posted a job opening for Part Time, Temporary Auxiliary Coordinator; University Bands - Music in Florence. Apply here.
  • Lowe's posted a job opening for Seasonal Cashier in Florence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Florence here.

🗞 Nearby News

Sheffield

  • ‘Your circumstances don't have to define you': State Teacher of the Year finalist shares passion behind profession (whnt.com)

Muscle Shoals

  • Surgeon accused of removing wrong organ from patient previously worked at Dothan hospital (wdhn.com)
  • Widow of Muscle Shoals man who died during botched surgery reacts to doctor's criminal charges (wkrg.com)
  • Drought conditions worsen ahead of beneficial rainfall (whnt.com)

Tuscumbia

Ok Florence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Florence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Florence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.