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Commends the City of Florence and its Office of Planning and Community Development for receiving the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award from the National Community Development Association

Recognizes the Literacy Gardens project at the Florence–Lauderdale Public Library, which created the Shoals region's only public outdoor classrooms with a Children's Garden for ages birth through 10 and a Reading Garden for teens, adults, and seniors

Project funded through $120,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds plus more than $250,000 in private donations from the library foundation, Friends of the Library, and local businesses

Extends special commendation to Melissa Bailey, Director of Planning and Community Development, for her role in obtaining the award

Gardens provide technology-enabled outdoor spaces with Wi-Fi and electrical access to address barriers faced by low- to moderate-income residents, including limited broadband access and lack of suitable study spaces