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Florala lake project delayed
Weather pushes completion date beyond July 31
Published Friday, June 5, 2009
“Rain, rain, go away. Come back another day,” is quickly becoming the mantra of members of the U.S. Air Force’s Innovative Readiness Team (IRT) working on the Florala State Park Lake Jackson Project.
In April, more than 10 inches of rain fell on the construction site of the $2 million amphitheater and community center and was not thought to have impacted the project’s finish timeline. However, as the weeks passed and rainfall totals grew, project officials say they are now unsure how far past the original July 31 completion date it will take.
“It really just depends on the weather, and we don’t know how much of a delay it will be because of the weather,” said Bonnie Brown, Florala Utilities’ public relations and economic development specialist. “Right now, there are state licensed subcontractors putting the roof on and installing the air conditioning. IRT members are busy working on other aspects of the project.
“As soon as the roof is on, IRT members, who are from all over the United States and specialists in the their field, can start hanging drywall and doing other interior work,” she said.
No matter what the finish date is, visitors and residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of the new 11,500 square-foot park facilities.
“At present count, there’s 56 weddings scheduled for the new building and amphitheater,” Brown said. “Can you believe it? That’s 56 families who want to have their event in Florala.”
Comments
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on June 6, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The article states that there are 56 weddings scheduled for the new building and amphitheater.I was told that once its completed,it would cost anywhere from 500 to a 1000 dollars a day to rent the amphitheater.
Posted by swswilliam (anonymous) on June 6, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't believe your figures are correct, but even if they *are*, try renting the same size space in Destin or Montgomery. Eden Gardens State Park charges $2,000 for use of their grounds and pavilion for a wedding - without a beach view.
Lake Jackson offers a beautiful setting, new state-of-the-art facilities, heat/AC, on-site kitchen and clean restroom facilities...I think it will be worth the money to a lot of people.
The building may also be cordoned off to provide three usable spaces...
This building and ampitheatre will be a great asset to Florala!!!
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on June 6, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
swswilliam... Yes I do agree Lake Jackson is a beautiful lake. I don't know the guys name but he works at the lake,according to him they don't know what there going to charge to rent the amphitheater,but it will probably be between 500 to a 1000 dollars a day.
Posted by whitey (anonymous) on June 6, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Before we start planning those weddings how about finding some cash to fix the roads in Florala. The mayor and city geezers like to talk this project up but the citizens consider a waste of money given the great state our transportation arteries are in. The next great tourist attraction in Florala can be "The Great Potholes of the South: Florala Contribution to Southern Redneck Culture." Maybe they can turn Lakeshore Drive into a mudding pit.
Posted by SouthBama (anonymous) on June 7, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So again, Florala takes out a building that any FAMILY could use for get togethers and will now be charging 500 - 1000 dollars for the new one. Not only is this plain out stupid but will make this building like the rest of Florala...EMPTY. Top that of with the removal of the basketball courts for this project ( the one thing kids enjoyed) and you have your answer. Just a bunch of greedy old folks that hate kids anyway looking for a dollar.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on June 8, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sort of reminds me how Covington County wound up with a Coliseum that is a White Elephant while our county roads are full of pot holes. There is a simularity in these 2 program's.
Posted by swswilliam (anonymous) on June 9, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again...this money cannot be used by the City of Florala to pave streets! It was give to the City for this purpose and this purpose only! Lakeshore Drive will be repaired and possibly completely repaved with the sidewalk/street grant.
Posted by blbpr (anonymous) on June 9, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thankx swswilliam, some folks seem to be thick in the head. I know for the past 2 1/2 years the press has stated that the money for lake Jackson was for LAKE JACKSON. Not to fix sidewalks or streets. The money came from the state park and recreation commission and has to be used for such. I think it's great that Florala has a state park right in the middle of their town and the state park may enable Florala to attract somemore eating places and maybe even a motel
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