Florala is about to get another new business that the town council hopes will make Lake Jackson even more attractive.

The council has entered into an agreement with Neal Patel to allow him to operate a boat rental business on Lake Jackson. Patel already owns Harris Grocery, Pizza Express, and a motel in Florala.

Mayor Terry Holley said Patel plans to rent paddleboards, kayaks and canoes on weekends. The agreement stipulates that the business can unload their equipment on the weekends and set up a tent for rentals. Their location will be to the left of the pavilion, Holley said.

“We think this will offer other activities for Lake Jackson and be a good thing,” Holley said.

The venture will open on July 1, and if business is good, will add additional equipment like jet skis in the future.

“All of the contracts are with our attorneys, and all they have left to do is get a business license,” Holley said.

The city, which owns the lake property, will receive a per-watercraft fee for the concession.

Holley said the RV park on Lake Jackson has been full several weekends, and people seem to be pleased with the city’s management of the park.

In other business, the council:

• agreed to contract with Pat Strickland from the Chamber of Commerce to manage books for the Evans Center on the lake.
• granted permission for Nathaniel Belcher to hold a tent revival on city-owned Lake Jackson property, June 26 – 30.