Latest news with #2024SafeSchoolInitiativeAward
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over $17 million to be invested in downtown Foley improvements
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — The City of Foley along with private investors have put in over $17 million to help improve the downtown area of the city. According to a city news release, Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore recently presented the downtown improvements annual report to the Foley City Council. Baldwin County housing market: What to expect in 2025, summary of 2024 trends The Foley Main Street program began in 2018 and since then, private investors have provided funds to help renovate downtown buildings and bring new businesses to the city. 'Right now, there's $3,267,000 that has been input by the city for investment into the downtown just since Main Street began,' Dunmore said. 'We know you did a lot of work before that. In this time period, the private investment is now at $14,687,000.' Projects completed in the downtown area over the past year include: Opening Cat Alley extension Creation of the downtown Arts and Entertainment District LED lights were strung on buildings at Christmas Renovations on Foley Bakery Colt Grill opened in a historic building 'Y'all are really getting things done,' Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich told Dunmore. 'There is just so much happening downtown with the opening of various new restaurants and other things. It's all just really impressive.' FMS is a national program that works to increase the 'economic vibrancy of Downtown Foley,' according to its website. Orange Beach Middle and High School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School earn 2024 Safe School Initiative Award The website said FMS had to go through an in-depth application process to be accepted into the Main Street Alabama program. Members of the state Main Street organization will come to Foley in March to tour the downtown area. They will also hold a training session in the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Alabama Attorney General present safe school award to Russellville Elementary
RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall gave a school in Russellville a special honor. On Thursday. Marshall presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to Russellville Elementary School in Franklin County. Huntsville Police investigate bank robbery at Regions downtown, suspect still on run The school is one of six schools that received the award from Marshall as part of his office's Safe School Initiative. The program evaluated schools on their ability to enhance safe school protocols through things like training and collaborating with local emergency response agencies. Marshall said that Russellville Elementary stood out due to its extensive efforts to exceed safety plan standards, good collaborations with first responders and thorough preparation. 'Russellville Elementary School's dedication to safety is exceptional. Through the implementation of advanced security measures, building strong partnerships with law enforcement, and focusing on student well-being, they have set a benchmark for safe and effective learning environments,' Marshall said. 'This award acknowledges their commitment to not only meeting but surpassing the highest standards of school safety.' Russellville Elementary School Principal Tiffany Warhurst said the school is incredibly honored to be recognized. 'This achievement reflects the dedication of our teachers, students, and community to creating a safe and supportive environment for learning,' she said. 'Together, we are committed to ensuring the safety and success of every student and will continue to provide a safe place for them to learn.' The other schools honored with the award are Orange Beach Middle & High School in Orange Beach, UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, Ladonia Elementary School in Phenix City, Cullman City Primary School in Cullman and Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
North Mobile Christian School introducing new educational options for 2025-2026
SARALAND, Ala. (WKRG) — North Mobile Christian School is introducing three new educational options for students in the 2025-2026 school year. According to a news release, the school is hoping to provide flexibility and creativity in its education with three new options: a four day school week, an optional fifth day and hybrid learning. Orange Beach Middle and High School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School earn 2024 Safe School Initiative Award 'We feel confident these options will allow us to increase enrollment, keep tuition costs affordable for families, and help attract and retain high-caliber, qualified teachers,' North Mobile Christian School principal Heather Cubitt said. The first option is the four day school week where all core classes are completed in four days. Students will attend school Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day. School officials said this will allow families to pursue personal interests, family time and relaxation on Fridays. The second option is the optional fifth day, which will be held on Fridays from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Students will be able to engage in activities such as STEM, robotics, performing arts, foreign languages, music, art, tutoring and study units including cooking, gardening and technology. Local student-athletes make it official on National Signing Day 2025 The school release said this option allows students to explore their passions and discover new interests. The third option is the hybrid option where students will be able to attend classes on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and learn from home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a certified teacher. Hybrid students can still participate in all extracurricular activities such as athletics and can opt in for Friday sessions, according to the school release. Those interested in learning more about the school's new options can contact the school to schedule a campus tour. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pensacola Beach tourism vital to local economy: 2024 Visitor Survey
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Pensacola Beach is known for attracting visitors, and officials say those visitors have significantly helped the economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating millions of dollars to help sustain local businesses. Mobile police investigating after woman finds camera in store bathroom The impact of Pensacola Beach tourism was highlighted in the 2024 Visitor Survey. According to the survey conducted by the University of West Florida's Haas Center, Pensacola Beach tourism had an 'immense economic contribution to Escambia County.' Here are some reported findings: Tourism supports 8,242 jobs on Pensacola Beach, from hospitality and retail to entertainment and transportation. Visitors generate $287.6 million in personal income, helping sustain local workers and businesses. The total economic impact of tourism is $966.4 million, fueling multiple industries beyond just hospitality. Tourism contributes $493.5 million to the gross regional product, reinforcing its role as a key driver of the local economy. Tax revenue from tourism reaches $131.8 million, directly funding public services such as road maintenance, traffic management, public safety, local schools, parks, beach conservation, and community projects. Officials said the numbers show Pensacola Beach's value to the area. 'Pensacola Beach is more than just a premier destination — it's an economic powerhouse for Escambia County,' said Mike Burns, executive director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. 'These survey results reaffirm the tremendous value that visitors bring to our local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving revenue that benefits everyone in our community.' Orange Beach Middle and High School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School earn 2024 Safe School Initiative Award The survey also showed high visitor satisfaction, and Santa Rosa Island Authority said they look forward to welcoming those returning and new visitors back to the Emerald Coast. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Justice Center coming to Gulf Shores
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — An already existing office building will be transformed into a $20 million Justice Center in Gulf Shores, according to a city news release. Orange Beach Middle and High School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School earn 2024 Safe School Initiative Award The Gulf Shores City Council awarded Persons Service Corporation a $20,987,223 contract to complete the project. According to the release, PSC is transforming the former Sacred Heart Medical Office Building into the new Justice Center. Gulf Shores officials said this will help unite the police department, municipal courts, and the jail since they will all be in one complex. A new incident command center will also be part of the Justice Center and will 'enhance the continuity of operations during natural disasters and other emergencies,' read the release. Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said the current police station is outdated and doesn't provide the resources that the police officers deserve. 'This new Justice Center demonstrates our commitment to supporting the brave men and women who keep our community safe,' said Mayor Craft. A city-wide Staffing and Facility Needs Assessment was conducted in 2019-2020, which resulted in the identification of the current police station and jail property 'most urgently requiring replacement.' New Silverhill Elementary School opens, old school to be transformed Construction is expected to take 18 months and completion is targeted for summer 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
