MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION

COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON


August 2023


DISTRICT 2 NEWS & EVENTS

CONTACT MOBILE COUNTY DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

Address:

205 Government Street

Mobile, Alabama 36644


Office Phone:

(251) 574-2000


Office Fax:

(251) 574-2001


Email:

[email protected]

Join the District 2 Mailing List
Visit District 2 on Facebook
Visit the District 2 Webpage

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER HUDSON

Escatawpa Hollow Park & Campground Update


Great news everyone! The multi-phased progress continues at Escatawpa Park and Campground, located at 15551 Moffett Road in Wilmer, Alabama! The reservation portal for booking the RV Park and campground facilities will accept reservations for bookings beginning August 14, 2023. Reservations can be scheduled up to one year in advance. Information, including the reservation portal link, can be found at: Escatawpa Campground : Mobile County (mobilecountyal.gov)


Visitors will enjoy amenities that include access to the Escatawpa River for swimming, canoeing and kayaking, picnic tables with grills, and walking trails. The 32 RV campsites include water and power connections, and campers will have access to a new restroom, shower, and laundry facility. The next phase of work (IB), which includes the remodeling of the existing entry log cabin structure into a café, general store, and interpretive center is currently out for bid and construction is expected to begin in October 2023.


Last month, the County also approved the purchase of an additional 28.64 acres of contiguous property at the Campground which is expected to be used for recreational amenities that may include mountain biking, disk golf and hiking. Day use areas, which re-opened to the public in the fall of 2022, are accessible from 8:00 a.m. to dusk daily and allow access to the Escatawpa River waterfront, picnic areas, pavilions, and new restrooms.


Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

 

Best Regards, 


Connie 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Commissioner Hudson and her husband, Dennis, enjoyed the City of Semmes’ Independence Day Celebration on July 2 at Mary G. Montgomery High School. Mobile County Commission District 2 was a concert stage sponsor for the event.

On Friday, July 7, 2023 Commissioner Hudson gave remarks on behalf of the Mobile County Commission during the Africatown Heritage House Building Dedication celebration. The Africatown Heritage House, located at 2475 Winbush Street, is now open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 8.


The facility features "Clotilda: The Exhibition," a combination of multimedia displays, informational panels and artifacts presenting the history of the 110 individuals kidnapped from their West African village in 1860, to the settlement of Africatown, through the discovery of the sunken remains of the Clotilda vessel in 2019.


The exhibition has limited capacity, so tickets should be purchased in advance. Click here for ticket information.

On Thursday, July 20, Commissioner Hudson spoke to a group of Mobile County high school students participating in the 2023 Youth Leadership Mobile program sponsored by Mobile United. The goal of Youth Leadership Mobile, a nine-month program, is to identify and empower rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds and schools in Mobile County who demonstrate interest and potential towards becoming trustees of their community. To learn more about Youth Leadership Mobile visit:

https://mobileunited.org/programs/youth-leadership-mobile/

On July 21, 2023, Commissioner Hudson welcomed athletes, coaches, family members, volunteers, and spectators to the City of Mobile Swim Association's Mobile County Aquatic League Championships at the Fredericka G. Evans Cultural Center on the campus of Bishop State Community College. Athletes aged 5-18 representing teams from around the region will compete through Saturday, July 22. Commissioner Hudson provided the group with information regarding the status of the proposed Mobile County Aquatics Center which will provide a larger facility to host state-wide meets, community water aerobics classes, swimming lessons, and more. Commissioner Hudson pictured with Daryl Gomien, Vice President, City of Mobile Swim Association.

MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PET OF THE WEEK

Our loveable and adoptable Pet-of-the-Month is “Carla!”


Carla is a 1-year-old Bulldog Mix who has been at the shelter for 101 days. Carla loves people, she is animal friendly, and ready to find her fur-ever home! She loves walks and enjoys chew toys. Carla is heartworm positive and her HW treatments, as well as her adoption fees, have been sponsored in full! Carla will be spayed, she is up to date on all vaccines, and will be microchipped once adopted. 

 

Please stop by the Mobile County Animal Shelter to visit all of our adoptable pets at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. With the exception of holidays, the shelter is open Monday – Friday; 10 am – 4pm, and Saturdays; 10am – 2pm.


You can also click here to learn more and find links to view available dogs and cats.

Click here: Dogs For Adoption : Mobile County (mobilecountyal.gov)

COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFORMATION

*** DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE ***

Saturday, September 9

4:00 PM

Jaguars vs. Southeastern Louisiana


Hancock Whitney Stadium

6450 John Counts Dr, Mobile, AL 36608



The University of South Alabama is proud to provide discounted Jaguar Football tickets to residents of Mobile County through the Mobile County Commission for this event:

 

Please join us on Saturday, September 9th at 4:00 p.m. when the Jaguars host Southeastern Louisiana at Hancock Whitney Stadium. 

 

Tickets:


·  Follow this link to create an account and secure your tickets

·  Use the promotional code “DISTCOUNTY”. 


Parking:

·  Follow this link to a campus parking map.

·  Gold parking is complimentary and is a 10-20 minute walk to Hancock Whitney Stadium (Entry 8 & 9 off University Boulevard).

·  Blue parking can be purchased for $20 here (Entry 6 off University Boulevard), there is shuttle access for Blue Parking.

·  Red Parking is sold out. 

·  There is a paid handicap parking lot with shuttle at Red Lot 201 (Entry 2 off Stadium Drive and Old Shell Road).

·  Rideshare, Lyft/Uber and Taxi drop off/pick-up at Bebo's Car Wash (6377 Old Shell Road).

Gameday Information:

·  Follow this link for gameday information.


If you have any questions, please call 251-461-1USA (1872) or email [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

 

Go Jags!


Joel Erdmann, Ph.D.

Director of Athletics 

University of South Alabama

@SouthAlabamaAD

www.usajaguars.com

This nationally recognized event aims to connect the community and their first responders. The event is free and packed with fun!

Information: Contact the Tanner Williams Civic & Historical Society

August 1 - 5, 2023


Summer Science!


Exploreum Science Center

65 Government St.

Mobile, AL 36602


Summer Science Interns will be performing a variety of science demonstrations Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30am - 3:30pm. Demos and schedules will change each week and are free for Exploreum members and included with general admission for non-members. Check with the Box Office upon arrival for each day's schedule.

AUGUST 2, 2023

3:30 PM – 6 PM

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

Theodore, AL 36582

251.973.2217

[email protected]

https://bellingrath.org/


Wonderful Wednesdays: Popsicles on the Plaza. Join us for an end of summer celebration with Frios Gourmet Pops, yard games, and other family friendly activities around the Gardens. Click here for information.

August 3

“Focus & Adapt” Monthly Workshop Seminar


PRO HEALTH FITNESS CENTER

166 Mobile Infirmary Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36607


"AdaptFocus," in partnership with ProHealth Fitness Center, will host a series of workshops entitled "Focus & Adapt" that will engage those with ambulatory disabilities - including amputees & those with spinal cord injuries - by creating a social space to develop friendships, network, discuss mental health, and learn how to maintain an independent lifestyle.


Workshops will be held at ProHealth Fitness Center on the first Thursday of every from month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to participate. For more information email: [email protected].

TRAINING PROGRAM


INNOVATION PORTAL

358 St. Louis Street

Mobile, AL 36602


Vets Recover is offering a "Mental Health First Aid" (MHFA) training program to the community on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Innovation Portal. Through this course, they aim to elevate the community’s response to the mental health crisis in the area and educate community members on the value of building resiliency.


During this eight-hour training session, you will learn to identify and provide an initial, effective response for someone facing mental health challenges. You will also receive MHFA certification which can often be applied to continuing education requirements. The cost is $30, and you can register for the training here.

August 4, 11, 18, 25

10 AM – 7 PM

One Main Street Semmes AL 36575



Plan to eat out on Fridays Semmes! There will be a variety of food trucks each Friday for lunch and dinner right off of Main Street. This is the new roadway off Wulff Road behind Walgreens that leads to City Hall. To see who's coming each week, follow each event here on Facebook. Menus will be posted under the discussion.

THE HAUNTED BOOK SHOP

9 S Joachim St.

Mobile, AL 36602


Have a wild time celebrating the completion of the Where's Waldo scavenger hunt! Come dressed as your version of Waldo and enjoy Waldo-themed games and refreshments. Your completed Waldo passport (at least 20 stamps from local businesses, passport available at The Haunted Book Shop) is your ticket to the party and prize drawing. You must be present to win. This event is free, but you must register here.

THE MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER

1 S Water St.

Mobile, AL 36602


Join Alabama Farmers Federation for the Farm and Land Expo from Thursday, August 10, 2023, until Sunday, August 13, 2023, at The Mobile Convention Center, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily. They are excited to host farm tours, educational sessions, young farmer’s contests, women's leadership division contests, and more. This event is free, but you must register here.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023

6 PM – 9 PM

August LODA ArtWalk

Downtown Mobile


LODA ArtWalk Celebrates FASHION! Highlighting visual artists, musical performers, local restaurants, art galleries, small businesses, and more, this is the perfect opportunity to show us your favorite fashion trend during August ArtWalk.


6-6:30pm: Check-in and Onsite Registration

6:30-7pm: 0-5-year-olds

7:30-8pm: 6-12-year-olds

8-8:30pm: 13-17-year-olds

8:30-9pm: 18+ year olds


Kids Zone (N. Claiborne St. between St. Francis St. & Dauphin St.):

Create your own DIY canvas bag and hat craft, music, fashion, and more!


Visit us online for more information at www.MobileParksandRec.org

August 11


Once again, The City of Mobile is closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink. They will have lights, a live DJ, and Roll Mobile merch for sale. Dust off those old skates or grab a new pair for Skate Night at Bienville Square. This event is sure to be fun for all ages! Bring your skates or bring a chair to watch. The entrance is at the corner of Conception and Dauphin Streets.

*Roller skates and roller blades only. No skateboards, bicycles, scooters, or hoverboards are permitted for the safety of other skaters. For more information visit: cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

ART TALK: Dr. Elliot Knight


Thursday, August 24 @ 6:30 pm


MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

4850 Museum Drive

Mobile, AL 36608


Tour "Contemporary Alabama," one of MMofA’s newest collection installations, and discuss the arts scene in the Deep South through an informative talk with Alabama State Council on the Arts Executive Director Dr. Elliot Knight.

For a full list of Mobile Sports Authority events click here.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART

4850 Museum Drive

Mobile, AL 36608

Fear: An Immersive Exhibit


EXPLOREUM SCIENCE CENTER

65 Government St.

Mobile, AL 36602


"Why do we feel fear? Where does it come from? And why do some people enjoy being scared?" The Exploreum presents Fear: An Immersive Exhibit, now open! Click here for more information about the science behind this new adventure. Click here for more information about the Exploreum Science Center including hours and tickets.

You are invited to see the newest exhibition of art at the Government Plaza Gallery featuring selections from The Mobile Museum of Art's Collection of Elice Haverty and Dr. Rhodes Haverty. In partnership with the Mobile County Commission, the exhibition is open for viewing free of charge Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays.


A new component of the exhibit includes a “Call to Artists,” inviting Mobile-area visual artists to submit photos of their work for consideration towards being included in a future display. Deadline for submissions is September 3, 2023. For more information, contact the Mobile Museum of Art at 251-208-5200 or click here for submission information.

12855 Old Tanner Williams Road

Wilmer, AL



Join us at Tanner Williams Community Park to watch several of our local church softball teams play! We will have the concession stand open to the public. It's a great way to come and enjoy an evening at the park.

For Movie Series Information, click here for the Saenger Theatre's Facebook page.


For Saenger Theatre Concert Information, click here.

65 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602


Join the Exploreum Science Center for Saturday Science! Demonstrations will be shown in our various Lab and Headquarters throughout the day. Included with general admission.

Free for Exploreum Members.

STAY CONNECTED

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Instagram 

Text "MOBILEALERT"

to 226787


To receive Text Alerts

Mobile County Commission Meetings on YouTube @ mobilecountyal

National Suicide

Prevention Hotline

Call, Text or Chat:

988


Free Smoke Alarms

cityofmobile.org/fire

251-208-7484

   Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Flag Retirement Box:

205 Government Street

Government Plaza


Click here for the

Mobile County

Community Events Calendar

Click here for more information.

MOBILE COUNTY FINANCE REPORT

Mobile County Commission

General Fund Budget Report Narrative

As of May 31, 2023


Revenue

May 31, 2023 marked the end of the eighth month of fiscal year 2023. The County should be operating at 66% of budgeted revenue. For the period ending May 31, 2023, General Fund revenue totaled $125,017,110. Revenue recorded (including carryover) are at 61.12% of the amounts projected for the year. Fifty-seven percent of the County's 2023 budget is supported by taxes. As of May 31, 2023, taxes comprise 66% of revenue collections.

 

Expenditures

Including transfers, the County expended $122,859,552 in its General Fund during the first eight months of the fiscal year. Expenditures and other sources/uses are on target with expenditures totaling 67.33%. This resulted in a fund balance increase of $2.15 million. The results of operations through the month of May 2023 improved by $6,989,433.00 over April 2023.

 

Public safety expenditures comprised 48% of total expenditures, while 40% of expenditures went toward general government activities. All other expenditures encompassed the following functional areas:

 

·        Environmental compliance

·        Social services

·        Education initiatives

·        Cultural and recreational activities

·        Debt service

·        Capital outlay

·        Transfers to other funds

 

Summary

Revenue and expenditures are monitored monthly and compared to estimates, statewide trends, and regional economic conditions. In the event a trend emerges in which revenue does not meet expectations, we will implement cost-saving measures to reduce spending.


Click here to read the report in full.

DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. To view the list of ongoing projects in Mobile County Commission District 2, click here or see below:

UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS

To watch the live steam,

CLICK HERE.


Commission Conference

Thursday, August 10, 10:00 a.m.

Mobile Government Plaza Assembly Room


Commission Meeting

Monday, August 14, 10:00 a.m.

Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium


Combined Commission Conference & Meeting

Thursday, August 28, 10:00 a.m.

Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium


Click here for more information and to view the

agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.

COMMUNITY LINKS


Click here for Mobile Chamber Events