City of Andalusia

08/14/2026

Reminder: This job closes on August 18.

08/14/2026

We're looking forward to having this interesting piece of Andalusia-area history installed in Heritage Park, thanks to the generosity of two local organizations.

Sublimity engineer Luke Zollinger built a replica of Jess Dixon's flying machine — part helicopter, part automobile — for a park in Andalusia, Alabama.

08/14/2026

THORNE NAMED PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR

Rick Thorne has been named director of parks and recreation for the City of Andalusia, Mayor Earl Johnson announced Friday.

Thorne currently serves as programs coordinator for the City of Eufaula’s parks and recreation program.

During his five years with that program, he created Kayak Eufaula, a program managed by the recreation department which offers guided and solo kayak tours of Lake Eufaula.

Just this week, Guide to Alabama named Kayak Eufaula one of four “Best of Alabama” recreation places for 2026. Earlier this year, the City of Eufaula was honored with an Innovate Alabama Award for Leadership, recognizing the vision and dedication made through the Kayak Eufaula project. The Alabama Recreation and Parks Association named Kayak Eufaula innovative program of the year in 2025, its inaugural season.

“I was impressed with Rick’s enthusiasm for his work, his experience, and the creativity he showed in creating Kayak Eufaula,” Johnson said. “The experience he brings to our department will make him a valued part of our team. I look forward to hearing his ideas as he moves to Andalusia and helps us move recreation forward in our city.”

Prior to joining Eufaula’s department, Thorne worked as parks supervisor for the City of Phenix City, where he managed more than 600 acres of recreational property, including five parks, seven lakes, four recreation centers, and a river walk. He also has worked as regional director of the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Columbus, Ga., and also has served as a Baptist minister for more than 30 years, most recently as senior pastor of Cedar Hill Baptist Church. He also is a former United States Marine. He is a graduate of John Carroll High School, Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he was degreed in pastoral counseling.

“What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to build upon Andalusia’s commitment to providing outstanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” Thorne said. “I am passionate about developing programs and facilities that strengthen communities, promote healthy lifestyles and create memorable experiences for people of all ages.”

Thorne’s wife, Sarah, is a native of Andalusia and a graduate of Andalusia High School. They are the parents of three children and have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Thornes plan to make their home in Andalusia when he begins work on Sept. 14.

08/06/2026

The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday recognized the Andalusia Stingrays' Harrison Vinson, who won three first-place medals at the state swim meet in Opelika in July. His medals included:
1st - 50 freestyle
1st - 100 freestyle
1st - 50 backstroke
Congratulations to Harrison and his coaches.

08/05/2026

07/31/2026

July Jamz was rain delayed earlier tonight, but not for long. The rain cooled things down, and there was plenty of music, a kids' dance contest, foam frenzy and fireworks. Powersouth was tonight's title sponsor, along with Covington Electric Cooperative. Austin Kerchner opened for tonight's headliner, Otha Allen. Thanks to the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this excellent concert series, and for all of the sponsors who make it happen. Another reason to

07/31/2026

And that's a wrap on July Jamz 2026. It was a great season.

07/31/2026

July Jamz was delayed by rain, and is running about 30 minites off schedule. Tonight’s kids’ competition is about to start, and headliner Otha Allen will take the stage at 7:30. Join us.

07/29/2026

🎶✨ THE FINAL JULY JAMZ OF THE YEAR IS HERE! ✨🎶

We can’t believe the summer has flown by, but we’re ready to close out an incredible season of July Jamz with one final night of music, memories, and fun at Springdale Estate!

Join us this Thursday for our Final July Jamz of the Year featuring an amazing lineup:

🎤 Opening Act: Austin Kerchner
⭐ Headliner: Otha Allen

Get ready for a night full of incredible music, great company, and all the July Jamz favorites you’ve come to love!

A huge thank you to our sponsors who are making this final night possible:

⭐ Title Sponsors: Covington Electric Cooperative & PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
🎤 Opening Acts Sponsor: Shaw Industries, Inc.
🎆 Fireworks Sponsor: Southeast Gas
🫧 Foam Frenzy Sponsor: All In Credit Union
🤠 Kids Showdown Sponsor: Andalusia Therapy Group

Bring your lawn chairs, your friends, and your family as we celebrate the final July Jamz of the season! Enjoy live music, food vendors, Foam Frenzy, Kids Showdown, and a fireworks finale to close out an amazing summer.

Thank you to everyone who has supported July Jamz this summer. From our sponsors and performers to our volunteers, vendors, and the incredible community that showed up week after week, you helped make this series such a special tradition.

Let’s end July Jamz 2026 with a night to remember! 🎶✨

📍 Springdale Estate
🕠 Gates Open: 5:30 PM
🎵 Music Begins: 6:00 PM
🎟 FREE Admission

We’ll see you Thursday night for the FINAL July Jamz of the year! ❤️

07/25/2026