A Message from Mayor Stimpson - November 17
Nov 17th, 2020
Good evening,
It is 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 17, and I am writing to give you an update from the City of Mobile.
This morning Mobile City Council President Levon Manzie made the observation that some people "seem to be suffering from COVID fatigue, but COVID hasn't gotten fatigued at all." Councilman Manzie is correct, and with the increasing number of cases we've seen in our area, we all need to remember to be more vigilant in protecting ourselves and others from the spread of this disease
Today, the Mobile County Health Department reports 18,806 COVID-19 cases, which is an increase of 140 cases. To review the most recent detailed reports from MCHD, click here.
We're continuing to make progress on collection of all remaining debris from hurricanes Sally and Zeta. Currently all City resources and a majority of the contractor's resources are working South of Airport Boulevard. Once debris removal is complete in the Southern part of the City, normal trash pickup should resume on Monday, November 23 as posted on the City website. Please continue to place your trash out according to your scheduled day.
Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the contractors will focus on the removal of remaining storm damaged trees and stumps in the public rights-of-way, which we expect to have completed in early December barring any unforeseen delays. In addition, City and other contracted tree crews will be trimming other low-hanging or damaged tree branches. Often our judgment is based on appearance or some ingrained bias.
Today, my office continued our discussions about Mardi Gras after learning the City of New Orleans will not be permitting parades during the 2021 Carnival Season due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. As I told the Mobile City Council this morning, our plan is still to follow the guidelines and public health orders set by the Alabama Department of Public Health and Mobile County Health Department.
After speaking with various parading societies over the past two months, we began taking steps that allow them to plan Mardi Gras events next year in accordance with current public health regulations. We also adjusted some of our policies to help these organizations shoulder the risk of planning for events months in advance that could be canceled at any point due to the changing circumstances of this pandemic.
We will celebrate Mardi Gras in the City of Mobile in 2021, but we also know it will be a different experience than we are used to. As we move closer to our Carnival Season, the City of Mobile will be continuing regular communications with MCHD. Ultimately, this is a public health issue, and we will be looking to their expertise and guidance as we move forward.
I wanted to take some time this evening to highlight a 28-year veteran of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, who was named October 2020's Firefighter of the Month. Fire Service Captain Samuel L. Allen brings years of experience to MFRD's Community Risk Reduction Division every day he's on the job, and he has set a standard of quality customer service that's second-to-none.
Capt. Allen works in fire service, inspections and code enforcement and was recently recognized for his performance - not only for dedication to enforcing the fire code, but also to educating the public about why some of these standards are so important to their businesses and to public safety.
I recently received a personal letter from a local business owner praising Capt. Allen for his knowledge and professionalism, adding that "Sam represents the best of persons within the city's ranks of personnel." I hope you'll join me in thanking Captain Allen for his service to our city and its citizens. 
As we start to focus our attention towards the Thanksgiving Holiday, I encourage you to take some time to think over 2020. Although it has been a year of uncharted waters, it has also been a year where we as Mobilians have come together to assist our fellow neighbors in their time of need.
You have stepped up, showed up and yes "masked up." For your support, kind words and prayers, I am forever grateful.
Sleep tight!