National Weather Service now labeling severity of Thunderstorms with tags
Beginning Monday, August 2, the NWS will have the capability to issue Severe Thunderstorm Warnings with tags tied to the severity of the thunderstorm event. NWS radar operators will have the option (based on radar data and/or storm reports) to add considerable and destructive tags to the warnings, depending on the potential (magnitude) threat for winds and/or hail. In addition, the "destructive" tag in a Severe Thunderstorm Warning will trigger a Weather Emergency Alert (WEA) on participating carrier cell phones. More details on what the new "tags" mean can be found in the following web page: https://www.weather.gov/news/072221-svr-wea
City of Foley refinances a portion of bonds
The Foley council authorized the payment of general obligation warrants series 2021-B during the July 19 meeting. During November 2020, the council voted to begin the program and to have the bonds prepared and validated through the court. Then, the city waited before making the next move. “A few months ago, the council gave the approval to go to market to refinance a portion of our bonds, and we were kind of waiting for a time period when the market looked good for that,” said City Administrator Mike Thompson. “About a week ago [...]
ROAD CLOSURE: E. Michigan Ave. between S. Juniper St. and Pecan St.
E. Michigan Ave. between S. Juniper St. and S. Pecan St. will be closed (weather permitting) beginning Monday, July 26th at 6:30 AM and remain closed until 6:00 PM Monday, August 2nd. This portion of W. Michigan Ave. will be closed to through traffic and the area in red will be impassable.
New Wake Park Opens at OWA Welcoming First-Timers and Hobbyists Alike
Ready to welcome you for your next outdoor adventure are two water attractions from Gravity Island Watersports. Located on a 14-acre lake in OWA’s Downtown entertainment district, the brand-new Wake Park is making a huge splash as the next development in watersports. Designed by Pat Panakos and the Wake Park Project, this Wake Park is the first of its kind in Coastal Alabama. The UNIT ParkTech features set it apart from the rest. Grab a board or a tube and get ready to #ShareTheStoke at Gravity Island Watersports. The Sesitec 2.0 two-tower cable [...]
Programmable lights enhance performances at Foley’s Civic Center
Stage performances at Foley's Civic Center may outshine previous shows thanks to a major stage lighting upgrade. The stage lights were changed from high-wattage incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient, multi-colored LED fixtures that can be programmed, according to Pam Harris, Foley’s municipal complex director. When programmed, the new light fixtures can create special effects that completely change the mood for a stage presentation. Much appreciation goes to Keith Nelson for an outstanding job working with groups to enhance individual events using the new lighting. The project was completed thanks to a $40,000 grant received [...]
Foley staff working to receive FEMA reimbursements, contesting denied project
The city of Foley has 15 projects that were sent to FEMA for reimbursement consideration, which together total $15.8 million. Of those projects, four have been denied for reimbursement, and the most recent denial has city staff asking mayor and council to contest. “The first two that were rejected were with regard to private property, with debris removal that was in private communities where it’s not city-owned streets. That amount was about $200,000,” said City Administrator Mike Thompson. “FEMA has also indicated that they’re not going to help fund any of our waterway [...]
City of Foley officially adopts impact fees for new developments
After two months of discussions and draft revisions, Foley council approved to implement an impact fee on new developments within city limits. Funds collected from the fee will be put towards improvements within city parks and recreation and streets. The impact fee is based off findings of a study performed by TischlerBise for the city. Impact fees are designed to offset the financial impact a new development may have on public infrastructure. With the impact fee, a municipality has a set amount of time to use the funds to create or improve new [...]
Road closure (E. Michigan Ave.) set for July 14
E. Michigan Ave. between S. Pecan St. and just west of S. Juniper St. will be closed (weather permitting) beginning Wednesday, July 14th at 6:30 AM and remain closed until 5:00 PM Thursday, July 15th. R & S Paving will be attaching a new storm drain to the storm drain box in the road. A map of the area is attached.
Exciting Programs on July 31 at Foley Public Library
Saturday, July 31, is filled with exciting programs for both Harry Potter Day and Family Book Reads at the Foley Public Library. July 31 is Harry Potter’s birthday (as well as J. K. Rowling’s birthday) and the library will celebrate all things Harry Potter from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. with photo opportunities as well as free coloring/puzzles pages, bookmarks and stickers. The first ten to show up in costume/cosplay will win a small prize bag. A permission form must be signed for all photos taken so they can be posted on our [...]
Advice from Smarthome America
Hurricane Season is here again. This is your annual reminder to check on your insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage. With construction material prices surging, make sure your homeowners insurance policy covers the cost to rebuild your home at today's prices, plus a little extra. Remember, it's not the market value of your home you are insuring; it is the cost to rebuild your home from the ground up, including all of your contents and possessions. Buy Flood insurance. If you are in or near a special flood hazard area, [...]