Those who regularly travel Stanley Avenue, should have a smoother ride by the end of the year.
The Andalusia City Council Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the resurfacing of the street, which is actually Ala. Hwy. 55. The project will be done by the state, but had to be approved by the council because it is in the city limits.
The Department of Transportation plans to let bids on the project in June.
The paving project will extend from East Three Notch Street to the city limits.
- Andalusia Star News
Those wondering how the City of Andalusia creates such beautifully-planted pots can find out Thursday and Friday at the city’s Relay for Life team’s annual plant sale.
Vanessa Nelson, city horticulturist, said the sale will feature large trees, perennials, ferns, annuals, herbs, tropicals and a host of other delightful greenery. Prices range from under $10 and up.
“If you’ve ever wanted to know what we put in our plants, this is the time,” Nelson said. “Because whatever we don’t sell, you’ll see them in pots around town.”
All proceeds will benefit the Covington County Relay for Life.
The sale will be held Thursday at the city’s old skills building on South Three Notch, located between Greathouse Floors and Touch of Country, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Friday on the Court Square from 8 a.m. until.
The city will also host a hamburger and hotdog sale as part of their Relay fundraiser.
- Andalusia Star News
The first week of business for Andalusia’s Tropical Smoothie wasn’t smooth, it was smashing, said co-owner Skip Enzor.
Enzor said sales reports showed the location ranked fifth in the world in retail sales for the week ending March 22.
“Out of the 350 stores total, we beat out four of the five Las Vegas locations but lost to a New York City store,” Enzor said. “It was the biggest opening ever for a store in our size market, corporate said. I thought we’d do about half the business we did. I’m just in awe and can’t say thanks enough to the people who came in.”
Enzor said business continues to boom – a trend he hopes holds in the future.
The Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross is hoping to raise some $20,000 with its annual “Taste of Covington County” event.
Chapter Executive Director Don Johnson said Monday this year’s event is “all about the food” and will be held on April 29.
“We’re focusing our efforts on the food,” Johnson said. “That’s what the event began as, and we’re making sure the event is all about the food. At the same time, we hope to raise $20,000 for our chapter’s local operations and disaster operations.”
The event works by allowing ticket holders to sample some of the county’s best food. Tickets are $15 each and are available through the chapter office on Hillcrest Drive, any board members and at the Andalusia Winn Dixie.
And as usual, vendors are needed to make the event a success, Johnson said.
“We want every restaurant, caterer, food wholesaler to the public– anything that has to do with food involved in this year’s event,” Johnson said. “We have some great new restaurants in the area, and we have some really exceptional caterers and bakers. We want them to get involved with this year’s event.
“What better place and time to promote your business than with a captive audience with the appetite ready to sample?” he said.
There is no cost for restaurants or other food vendors to participate – and in fact, they receive a donation receipt that can be used for tax purposes.
“The food vendors donate the food to sample, and in return, we issue them a tax-receipt so they can receive credit for their expenses,” Johnson said. “It’s a win-win for them. They get to promote their business and receive the credit for donating to a charity.”
Doors to the Kiwanis Center will open at 6 p.m.
Let’s play some ball!
Covington County Miracle League Board hammered out the season’s particulars Wednesday and announced the season is set to kick-off April 23, said Chairwoman Jill Metcalf.
The season will begin with an organizational practice that Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Johnson Park; however, those interested can get a sneak peak the Friday before, she said.
“We want to invite anyone who is curious about the League, about how the game is played, or if they have a child or know someone who might would enjoy playing to come out to Johnson Park on April 19,” Metcalf said
That day, the county’s three school systems and its special-needs students will participate in the second annual “Special Adventures” outing. CCML board members will be on hand to distribute league information to parents and care givers – and students can participate in a ball game on the specially-designed field.
Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience America’s favorite pastime. Children play on custom-designed, rubberized turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and other assertive devices. The league uses a “buddy” system, pairing each player with an able-bodied peer. More than 500 potential Miracle League players have been identified in Covington County, and Metcalf and other board members hope a good portion of those are seen playing on the field next month.
The league is free of charge and for all ages.
A T-shirt and hat will be provided at no cost, and no equipment – other than tennis shoes – is required. Gloves are optional. Play will be held on Tuesday nights for six weeks, with the first game set for April 30.
“And please remember that this league is countywide – not just for the people in Andalusia or Opp or Florala; it’s for everyone,” Metcalf said.
For more information about play, contact, Caitlin Shipman, City of Andalusia’s program coordinator of athletics, by phone at 334.428.2106 or 334.818.1057, or by email at .