A Message from Mayor Stimpson - December 18
Dec 18th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 18, and I am writing to give you an update from the City of Mobile.
Today, the Mobile County Health Department reports 23,193 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 252 cases. To review MCHD's detailed report, click here.
Next week, our Public Works Department will be adjusting the hours for trash and garbage collection due to the Christmas Holidays. Trash and garbage will be collected as normal on Thursday, December 24 but recycling drop-off locations will be closing at 3 p.m. and will remain closed Christmas Day. There will be no trash collection on Friday, December 25. The makeup day will be on Saturday, December 26.
Ove the past several weeks, you’ve heard us talk about finalizing the purchase of the Brookley by the Bay Property from the University of South Alabama Foundation. Well, today we put pen to paper as I signed the purchasing documents along with my Chief of Staff and Finance Director Paul Wesch.
After years of discussion and negotiations, it was truly something to see it in black and white. This is a BIG win for the City of Mobile that will allow our citizens easier access to the waterfront, protect environmentally sensitive areas and help expand the footprint of the Brookley Aerospace Complex.
A few days ago, I received a text from Frank Harkins, President and CEO of Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, informing me of some great news for our community. Goodwill Gulf Coast recently received a $5 million contribution — the largest in its 64-year history — from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
This generous donation will enhance Goodwill’s ability to provide services to the most vulnerable in our community at a time when the need has never been greater. This is a testament to all of the hard work Frank and his staff have put into meeting our community’s needs for years. Mobile is truly blessed, and I know this incredible donation will have a positive impact on our area for years to come.
Earlier today there were lines of cars as far as the eye could see outside the Seals Community Center for this year’s Holiday Extravaganza and Toy Giveaway. Designer and Mobile native Tyler Bailey organized this event with assistance from the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department.
This event was also supported by Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, the United Way of Southwest Alabama, Servitude Community Coalition, Lifelines Counseling Services, Penelope House, and ACCEL Academy. At a time when too many families are struggling, it was heartwarming to see Mobilians coming together to put a smile on children’s faces and spread Christmas cheer.
1 John 3:17 asks the question: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” In 2020, we have seen many of our brothers and sisters in need, but we have also seen so many people step up to meet those needs.
There will always be more to do, but I take comfort knowing that God’s love abides in Mobile.
Sleep tight,