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🌱 Why Florence just made a top-10 list of Southern hometowns

Florence, Alabama Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning to you Florence! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Florence just made a top-10 list of Southern hometowns
  • What to expect when Wilson Park transforms for the Renaissance Faire
  • How UNA students can plug into hands-on service across the Shoals

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Florence Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, according to Ookla Speedtest. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Florence Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 70 degrees.
  • Sunday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 79, low: 62.
  • Monday: Less humid with sunshine, with a high of 83 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WorldAtlas names Florence among best places to live in the South (thebamabuzz.com) — Florence just earned a spot on WorldAtlas’s 2026 list of the 10 best places to live in the South, thanks to its riverfront scenery, trails, and lively downtown. The write-up praises the Tennessee River, River Heritage Trail, Shoal Creek Preserve, and the city’s buzzing music scene at spots like Lava Room and Swampers, reinforcing Florence’s growing reputation as a standout North Alabama community.
   

2. Renaissance Faires Near Madison, Alabama: Where to Go in 2026 (themadisonmemo.com) — Florence’s Alabama Renaissance Faire returns to Wilson Park on October 24–25, turning downtown into a free, family-friendly world of knights, artisans, games, and costumed characters. With no admission or parking fees, it offers an easy way for locals and nearby Madison families to sample live entertainment, crafts, and playful fantasy without leaving the city.
   

3. Volunteer Day offers students a chance to give back to the community (theflorala.com) — University of North Alabama students just met dozens of local nonprofits in the GUC Atrium, connecting them with volunteer roles that directly serve the Shoals. From trail work at Cane Creek Canyon and hospice support to mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters and youth programs in West Florence, the event highlighted many ways students can strengthen nearby schools, neighborhoods, and natural spaces year-round.
   

4. APSU Cross Country Competitive at Terre Haute XC Challenge (clarksvilleonline.com) — Florence will host Austin Peay State University’s cross country teams on October 16 for North Alabama’s Kennemer Classic, bringing collegiate runners and visitors into town. The Govs are coming off a competitive meet in Indiana and now turn their attention to this regular-season finale in Florence, giving local fans a chance to see strong regional competition up close.
   

5. Governor Ivey Announces Additional Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program Grants Totaling Nearly $55 Million (alabama.gov) — Florence-area residents stand to benefit from a $683,500 grant to North Alabama Shoals Hospital, aimed at expanding early lung cancer detection across Lauderdale and nearby counties. Governor Ivey’s broader $55 million rural health package will also boost maternal care, EMS treat-in-place programs, cancer screening, and healthcare workforce training in small communities throughout Alabama.
   

📸 Around Florence

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Florence

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Florence Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Saturday October 3
  • Geo Hike →
    Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia
    10:00 am
    • Tuesday October 6
  • Flue Clinic
    Webster Elementary School Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
    8:30 am
    • Thursday October 8
  • Tribute to Muscle Shoals Music →
    The Ritz Theatre, 111 Third Street, Sheffield
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I finally landed a job!..
    oof that was stressful. Now I just have to get caught back up. Thank you to everyone that helped! (Nextdoor Downtown Florence)
  • Whether you’re trick-or-treating, driving, or celebrating at home, follow these simple tips to keep the fun spooky—not scary.
    Reflective costumes, flashlights, slower speeds, and careful candy checks can make all the difference. Have a happy and safe Halloween! Read our… (Nextdoor )
  • Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: 4am Inbound (Stocking) (T1322) in Florence. Apply here.
  • Gap posted a job opening for Assistant Manager - Cox Creek in Florence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Florence here.

Ok Florence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Florence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Florence

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.