Judy Sells The Shoals

When families are moving to a new area, one of the first things they ask is if the Shoals is safe? How are the school systems? Where are the best neighborhoods to raise my children? They are questions that go hand-in-hand with moving to an unknown place—and during a time where safety is a concern in our country and newsfeeds are flooded with tragedy; newcomers are taking even more consideration and pause before they make a big move. However, in Florence these questions have always been easy to answer. It’s with a sense of pride and confidence that I can respond by informing home buyers that crime in Florence is at a 20 year low, with a historic low in 2015, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and community policing of the Florence Police Department. This 20-year tradition of safety is due to their Community Policing policy, which began in 1997. The method involves the police department partnering with the community, neighborhoods, and civic groups to addres...

In the midst of Cox Creek Parkway lined with generic, chain department stores, there sits a shop that has remained a steadfast clothing boutique for the last 20 years, providing high-end, sophisticated fashion for Shoals women who like to make a statement. Melissa Coldiron opened Lilly’s Sportswear two decades ago simply because she loves fashion and helping women find something that they can feel fabulous in every day. Melissa can be found at the store each day ready to greet customers with a sweet smile and warm hello as they browse the on trend, high-fashion clothing and accessories that includes everything from jeans and formal dresses, to shoes and jewelry for women in their 20’s and up. A Sheffield native, Melissa began working in boutiques at the age of 15 and never looked back, originally opening Lily’s Sportswear in Sheffield, but moving to W. Tennessee Street for 16 years, and just recently settling into their newest location next to the Florence Mall. The tall, indu...