Mayor Robert Williamson said Monday the key to getting people to Florala is “getting the word out.”

It was a topic of much discussion at the night’s regular city council meeting as members were informed the city’s new Web site – www.thecityofflorala.com – is “up and running.”

“It’s a new platform and a totally new look for the Web site,” Williamson said. “On it, you’ll find up-to-date city happenings and minutes from the last six months of council meetings.”

He said plans are to expand the meeting records’ archives.

“If there’s anything that needs to go on there, just let us know,” he told council members. “We need to begin thinking of new ways to market Florala, to get the word out about our community and get people to visit.”

To do just that, the council voted to contribute monetarily to cover the expense of the I-65 billboard “U.S. Hwy. 331 – the quickest route to the beaches,” Williamson said other local municipalities, the county and local civic groups have pledged to help cover the cost of the billboard used to drive traffic from U.S. Hwy 231 to U.S. Hwy. 331 – which leads straight through Covington County.

Councilman Jimmy Waldrop stated he plans to address the chamber of commerce with the same request.

Councilwoman Hazel Lee applauded the effort, but stated a concerted effort needs to be placed on establishing a “draw” in Florala to “make the people stop and spend.”

In other business, the council:

• held the second reading of the city’s new employee handbook ordinance.

• signed a two-year, $400-per month lease agreement with Lola-K’s LLC for the old pawn shop building.